What should I get next?

[kerrfunk]

My daughter turns 16 in 2019 and has already claimed my 1999 Honda CRV (which I have owned since 2002. It has 177,777 miles on it. I'll post a picture later)

So in the next 18 months or so I will want to be getting another vehicle.

Two of my first thoughts are a late 80s / early 90s Honda Goldwing, or maybe a pickup truck. I've never had a pickup.

My wife has a 2010 Hyundai Elantra. So I am trying to decide whether our family of three should have three cars and one motorcycle, or two cars and two motorcycles.

What are your thoughts?

 

[dorkburger]

I'm in a similar predicament. Son #1 is 15 now. We currently have one viable car (Honda Pilot). My 02 Hyundai has MAJOR rust in the sub frame and body. If it doesn't pass inspection this month is likely to be sold- pity 'cause it runs decent and I like it- its a loaded XG350. We will be car shopping in the future for something wife / son may share. I have a company van for work so I can get by without a car, though its really convenient when the two kids are on different schedules. (Not allowed to use the van for personal use, gps monitored). I'd hate to say it, but unless you plan to ride year round, another bike may be impractical. There are many times I could have used a pickup truck, and my preference would be a small one thats cheap to run. And while I'm dreaming, a small trailer would be nice too- I do have acces to trailers if needed though. Im sure not looking forward to payments...

 

[GS1150Pilot]

I'm with Glen here. I have an '88 G20 van that has become dear to my heart for its ability to haul or tow anything and everything. I don't use it daily because it has a love for fuel (about 12-14 mpg in town), but as soon as I bought it, it became indispensable.

Get a truck. You'll love it.

 

[alke46]

One can never have too many bikes. Get the bike and a truck.


Seriously, trucks do come in handy. You won't believe how many "new" friends you have once you own a truck.

 

[Guest]

Corvette, definitely get a Corvette. Or at least a Camaro.

 

[storm 64]

I just bit the bullet and dumped $700+ into the 05 Buick. (Why is it so easy to put money into your motorcycle but painful to put money into your car?) Anyway, I was contemplating buying a new car/truck. Maybe in a couple more years. I'm hoping to get another two years out of the Buick.

 

[kerrfunk]

I figure I have a year or so to fantasize about a second bike, one that I can put groceries in or maybe do more all-season riding,

but it's likely a fantasy, and I know that.

But for trucks... what are peoples recommendations?

 

[Steve]

Like alke46 says, when you have a truck, you will also acquire "friends". You need to decide quickly what you want to do with the truck. If you want it to use it for towing, get a cap over the bed, so you won't be asked to carry dressers and refrigerators. If YOU want to carry dressers and refrigerators, stay away from 4-wheel-drive trucks, as they are several inches higher. Not much snow in your area, so 4WD would mainly be for mudding.

Size? Again, what do you want to do with it? Most of the small trucks will easily handle a modest trailer, one that is big enough for a couple of bikes. With the standard cab, you will likely only have room for 2 people. A full-size truck will let you seat 3. Get a cab with a rear seat, you can handle up to 6 in some of them, but your gas mileage will take a nosedive.

.

 

[BigD_83]

If not a truck, get yourself a sweet, multi-surface sidecar rig:

DSCN2928-e1435269350694 by Microsco****ed, on Flickr

 

[Burque73]

I love this site. Doesn't really matter if you have a question on a bike repair, just throw it out there and chances are someone will chime in. Going shopping for a washing machine, find out what others are using. Bar-B-Q grillin, sure start a thread. Maybe inspired to modify some ramen noodles and share the recipe, why not post it. Seriously, you guys are fun to chat with.

Oh, as far as pickup trucks, here's a thread with bunches of info. http://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ecommendations&highlight=truck+recommendation

Still loving our 2005 Tacoma Pre Runner. 115,000 miles and runs like new. The tonneau cover usually stays on unless we haul dressers or refrigerators....

 

[BigD_83]

True enough.

My needs for a truck living in the city are completely different than what I would choose if I was living in the country and/or hunting more than once or twice a season.

Here in urbania, I'd be happy with a small diesel pickup or something like a Tacoma or Frontier. For longer camping/hiking/paddling/surfing/fishing family trips, I'd more likely opt for a larger truck with a crew cab, but I have no place to keep such a large vehicle, unless I was to park it on the street.

 

[gbw]

Just got back from a dual-sport / street bike trip to Gilbert WV riding the Hatfield McCoy trail system and some of the fine twisty roads around that area. Definitely motorcycle heaven! So I vote for a bike (or maybe two). Something light and powerful to straighten out all those curvy roads Definitely not a lumbering old-school Goldwing. You'll scrape the floorboards to shreds on the first run!

I hauled my two bikes out there, one a DR350SE, the other a Tiger 1050, on my Harbor Freight trailer behind my 98 F-150 Super Cab with over 180,000 miles on it. The truck don't look like much but it get terrible gas mileage, so I've got that going for me.

If I was only going to take one bike I'd throw it in the back of the truck instead of dragging the trailer. Having a truck is nice. Very versatile. A newer truck would get better gas mileage but I'm gonna run this one till the wheels fall off. "It's always cheaper to keep 'er" they say.

I've driven big trucks and little trucks. Prefer big trucks. Little trucks feel cramped to me and they don't get that much better mileage. By big truck I mean something you can throw a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back and close the tailgate.

On way out of town Saturday a cold/wet front rolled in. Man, it was really like winter up there in those mountains! I was glad I was in the truck's cab instead of on a bike.

If I lived in WV and had to choose one or the other as primary transportation I'd get a nice car, SUV, or truck, any of which that could haul a light trailer. Then save up a few bucks and add a bike or two to the stable. So much good riding out your way...jealous.

 

[dorkburger]

We have a receiver hitch on the Pilot. It increased its usefulness by a whole lot, and though I have nothing to compare with, it seemed a good tow vehicle.
Having to borrow a trailer is a bit of a PITA though.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Something I love about the van: I can haul full size motorcycles in it, multiple mountain bikes, kayaks (in it or on top), and it allows a full size air mattress, so it makes a great touring base for all the outdoor activities I enjoy. I like being able to lock everything inside it when I go riding, kayaking or hiking.

Plus, it'll haul as much as a full size longbed pickup.

 

[dorkburger]

I love this site. Doesn't really matter if you have a question on a bike repair, just throw it out there and chances are someone will chime in. Going shopping for a washing machine, find out what others are using. Bar-B-Q grillin, sure start a thread. Maybe inspired to modify some ramen noodles and share the recipe, why not post it. Seriously, you guys are fun to chat with.

Oh, as far as pickup trucks, here's a thread with bunches of info. http://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ecommendations&highlight=truck+recommendation

Still loving our 2005 Tacoma Pre Runner. 115,000 miles and runs like new. The tonneau cover usually stays on unless we haul dressers or refrigerators....

So true... In my time here I've noticed that we have members from all walks and most phases of life. I think collectively this place could answer darn near anything accurately. Such a cool place.

 

[Wingsconsin]

While a lot of conversation is centered on getting a truck....
My main concern would be your USE intentions.
I dumped my Honda Pilot SUV with 160,000 miles on it ..
It was as great SUV - but delivered really Poor fuel economy (16 MPG)
I realized MOST(85-90%) of my driving was ALONE (just me in the vehicle) -
The SUV was great when I had kids and sporting events and places to haul people and their stuff...
But my needs changed -- so I got a different vehicle...
I emphasized Fuel Economy and reliability long term (I wanted the car to last longer than my payments)
I ended up getting a used (5000 miles) Hyundai Sonata 2012 model -
I love this car - and get 26 to 30+ MPG all the time !
What I did was seriously and carefully assessed my driving needs and habits and bought accordingly.
A truck would be nice - but I didn't need it...

ps: I have 2 bikes - and LOVE the Goldwing and the GS equally-
The problem there is finding time to ride them both.

 

[roeme]

To add another perspective; I no longer own a car. I do rent one whenever the need arises, and whatever style of vehicle is needed (Mini, Bus, Truck, whatever....but not an SUV).

Most people move their sole lazy ass around in two tonnes of steel most of the time - my commute confirms this each day. The vehicles are used to their capabilities once a year on average, if at all.

So I can only reaffirm what wingsconsin said...

While a lot of conversation is centered on getting a truck....
My main concern would be your USE intentions.(...)What I did was seriously and carefully assessed my driving needs and habits and bought accordingly.
A truck would be nice - but I didn't need it..

And since most people debate ecological/societal/etc. aspects of it; the economics are a no-brainer. The figures given in the glossy sales brochure are worthless, as demonstrated with dieselgate etc. At the end of the day, it boils down to weight/size/power and how the vehicle fits your usage pattern.