My first Caterham - advice on... everything! (driving hints)
Discussion
Hi everybody!
According to the dealer I'll be receiving my Caterham 7 Sigma 125 in short time
I have tried to keep a "low profile" in this forum and internet generally since I made the order otherwise I would not have nails today. This will be a dream come true and waiting for 3-4 long months with some nice and sunny weekends (remember I live in South France) already coming has been hard.
But I wanted to share with you
Nevertheless, I have already planned some trips after the shakedown: 600-700 km in two steps to French Riviera (300-350 km per day) and back, then a 400 km trip to Spanish F1 GP and back crossing the Pyrenees... I already have my Puma Future Cats, sunscreen, sunglasses, GoPro, I am looking for some nice goggles for GF, I have studied what is the best to minimize noise in the ears (yes, earplugs), heat in the cockpit, etc... Except the garage and a good road map, I have everything needed, I hope. And I still have not made my mind on the need for a "battery life saver", sorry I don't remember the name, this is a device to keep a good level on the battery even if you don't use the car for a long time (and first I have to look for an electricity socket in the garage...).
Some of you gave me some very good hints for the test day, almost 5 months ago. Going through my summary of what I wrote the day after the test has made me smile again.
But, why am I writing today? I know these cars are not driven normally, you have to get used to them, rain is not the best, they are very light, even at 125 bhp they are quite powerful and I have been looking for some hints on what to do and what not to do. But could not find a lot, except maybe what you told me 5 months ago:
HustleRussell - Once the engine is warm, use the revvs. Get used to downshifting under braking before turns.
Mach 7 - Don't brake in the middle of corners. Don't accelerate too harshly out of corners.
sjmmarsh - modulate the throttle more than you may be used to.
So I started looking in the forums looking for more hints and then I found this post by halstock:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=1...
And I was very happy reading his similarities to my case (even the car is same colour!!!) and his excitement until I read he got crashed the first day even if he was being very careful
I haven't seen the pictures (they are private now in Flickr), but reading the comments I guess it was bad. Happily nothing happened to them...
Now even more, I would like to know if you can give some hints on driving a Caterham 7, maybe we can even put together a list for future seveners.
Somewhere I read that it is a good idea going to an airstrip or similar once you get the car, but I am not sure of that possibility here in France, and I don't think I want to put the car on a track when still new... So "testing" possibilities may be very constrained.
Well, hope you may help me improve my driving skills before I get the car (for your info I have no driving experience with non-servoed cars so far at all).
Thanks in advance!
According to the dealer I'll be receiving my Caterham 7 Sigma 125 in short time
I have tried to keep a "low profile" in this forum and internet generally since I made the order otherwise I would not have nails today. This will be a dream come true and waiting for 3-4 long months with some nice and sunny weekends (remember I live in South France) already coming has been hard.
But I wanted to share with you
Nevertheless, I have already planned some trips after the shakedown: 600-700 km in two steps to French Riviera (300-350 km per day) and back, then a 400 km trip to Spanish F1 GP and back crossing the Pyrenees... I already have my Puma Future Cats, sunscreen, sunglasses, GoPro, I am looking for some nice goggles for GF, I have studied what is the best to minimize noise in the ears (yes, earplugs), heat in the cockpit, etc... Except the garage and a good road map, I have everything needed, I hope. And I still have not made my mind on the need for a "battery life saver", sorry I don't remember the name, this is a device to keep a good level on the battery even if you don't use the car for a long time (and first I have to look for an electricity socket in the garage...).
Some of you gave me some very good hints for the test day, almost 5 months ago. Going through my summary of what I wrote the day after the test has made me smile again.
But, why am I writing today? I know these cars are not driven normally, you have to get used to them, rain is not the best, they are very light, even at 125 bhp they are quite powerful and I have been looking for some hints on what to do and what not to do. But could not find a lot, except maybe what you told me 5 months ago:
HustleRussell - Once the engine is warm, use the revvs. Get used to downshifting under braking before turns.
Mach 7 - Don't brake in the middle of corners. Don't accelerate too harshly out of corners.
sjmmarsh - modulate the throttle more than you may be used to.
So I started looking in the forums looking for more hints and then I found this post by halstock:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=1...
And I was very happy reading his similarities to my case (even the car is same colour!!!) and his excitement until I read he got crashed the first day even if he was being very careful
I haven't seen the pictures (they are private now in Flickr), but reading the comments I guess it was bad. Happily nothing happened to them...
Now even more, I would like to know if you can give some hints on driving a Caterham 7, maybe we can even put together a list for future seveners.
Somewhere I read that it is a good idea going to an airstrip or similar once you get the car, but I am not sure of that possibility here in France, and I don't think I want to put the car on a track when still new... So "testing" possibilities may be very constrained.
Well, hope you may help me improve my driving skills before I get the car (for your info I have no driving experience with non-servoed cars so far at all).
Thanks in advance!
Wow!!! So many (good) answers in such a short time!!! 
I knew I could count on you 
I do not know where to start answering!!!
Well, I think it was Mickrick advising against joining the 7 Club because being out of UK it didn't have a lot of sense (not able to participate in forums?). But thanks anyway!
To summarize:
-Drive slowly at the beginning, easy on the throttle - I guess that the rule of steering wheel cord to gas pedal applies
-Practice hard breaking and grip limits in safe conditions (will look for an empty parking or something)
-Drive with lights on
-If you don't see them they don't see you! (I really appreciate the hint to look "under" them!)
-Very interesting for me and totally unaware of the "loose grip" on the steering and not "fighting it" in bumpy roads/corners, not sure why yet, but interesting
-Beware of the holes and puddles! I am usually very aware of these, trying to avoid drains, side steps... when possible
-Play with accelerator and balance. Yes indeed, with my Audi I am playing with this all the time: before a corner, brake, throw the weight to the outer side with a little bit of steering, accelerate, no need to correct the steering through the corner... but as the Caterham dealer told me, my current car is a train/tank, so a whole new universe opens in front of me...
-Pay attention (including hazard anticipation) to driving - fortunately I try to go 100% concentrated in driving even on a "tank" on a highway
-According to the dealer, the car will arrive set-up to road, will have to make sure of that. I'm thinking also in getting a good and durable tire pressure meter
-Have an escape plan
-Hopefully people in the area I live drive in a quite respectful and soft way (yes! I'm serious!). That does not mean they do drive well at all. And of course there are a$$holes everywhere, but things are easy here
-Relax!
Thank you very much for all these kind advices!
One very detailed question. I have read "Do not break in a corner" and "Do not lift the gas pedal in a corner" (I guess especially in high revs): What do I do if I come too fast in a corner? There may be an obstacle, corner may be "more closed" than expected, I may miscalculate speed...
Again, thanks
I knew I could count on you I do not know where to start answering!!!
Well, I think it was Mickrick advising against joining the 7 Club because being out of UK it didn't have a lot of sense (not able to participate in forums?). But thanks anyway!
To summarize:
-Drive slowly at the beginning, easy on the throttle - I guess that the rule of steering wheel cord to gas pedal applies
-Practice hard breaking and grip limits in safe conditions (will look for an empty parking or something)
-Drive with lights on
-If you don't see them they don't see you! (I really appreciate the hint to look "under" them!)
-Very interesting for me and totally unaware of the "loose grip" on the steering and not "fighting it" in bumpy roads/corners, not sure why yet, but interesting
-Beware of the holes and puddles! I am usually very aware of these, trying to avoid drains, side steps... when possible
-Play with accelerator and balance. Yes indeed, with my Audi I am playing with this all the time: before a corner, brake, throw the weight to the outer side with a little bit of steering, accelerate, no need to correct the steering through the corner... but as the Caterham dealer told me, my current car is a train/tank, so a whole new universe opens in front of me...
-Pay attention (including hazard anticipation) to driving - fortunately I try to go 100% concentrated in driving even on a "tank" on a highway
-According to the dealer, the car will arrive set-up to road, will have to make sure of that. I'm thinking also in getting a good and durable tire pressure meter
-Have an escape plan
-Hopefully people in the area I live drive in a quite respectful and soft way (yes! I'm serious!). That does not mean they do drive well at all. And of course there are a$$holes everywhere, but things are easy here
-Relax!
Thank you very much for all these kind advices!
One very detailed question. I have read "Do not break in a corner" and "Do not lift the gas pedal in a corner" (I guess especially in high revs): What do I do if I come too fast in a corner? There may be an obstacle, corner may be "more closed" than expected, I may miscalculate speed...
Again, thanks
Edited by Benur on Wednesday 6th March 15:06
Good points there ewenm, you are right on everything... I guess if too fast and pushing the steering wheel to the inside will make the rear to drift, and hence easier to control or brake. Am I right?
(As usual, pardon my English, I'm not native speaker)
I'd love to go to a Caterham Experience days, but I'm having trouble finding it in my area... Do you think it would be good to try? When would be the best in the "learning curve"?
Thanks!
(As usual, pardon my English, I'm not native speaker)
I'd love to go to a Caterham Experience days, but I'm having trouble finding it in my area... Do you think it would be good to try? When would be the best in the "learning curve"?
Thanks!
Edited by Benur on Wednesday 6th March 15:16
More good advice!!!
Yes, I remember getting into the highway and in a very short time I was going 20 km/h faster than the speed limit without noticing... And as far as I know the French flashes jump at over 5 or 6 km/h, as opposed to Spain, where they jump over 20 or so (and then you claim the +/-10% tolerance of the radar and if you are a little bit lucky you pay nothing
).
Bumpy roads = take care. And do not fight the vehicle, let it go - I guess this is like on a boat, where you do not want to fight the rudder all the time, but find the best flow.
Overtaking. Do I back a little so I have a better sight so I can even look front "under" the vehicle and then accelerate as suggested before? Or just go near the vehicle in front to make the passing shorter? I guess that I may start with the first and slowly shift to the second and more aggressive way when I grow my confidence and experience on the car.
Water, water, water. And an umbrella, in case it starts to rain and I get caught in a traffic jam, light or similar...
I remember I got muscle stiffness on my upper chest and on the shoulders after driving for half an hour or so on my testing day, so yes, I know it will be tiring. I guess I can start doing 1 hour outings at the beginning. On the trip to French Riviera we don't want to do more than 300 km per day, so that can be a couple hours in the morning and a couple in the afternoon (plus frequent stops).
And I'm not thinking in doing a lot of highways, but nevertheless I guess 100/110 km/h is a comfortable speed, am I wrong?
@pipnjones The flat cap may be with red Scottish squares???
We are being lucky last weekend and today with weather here. Very strong winds and rain Mo-We and I just saw 5ºC tops plus rain next week (that will help with my anxiety and your jealousy, hehe). I am also looking forward to April, for several reasons.
I'll think about it Smollet, but so far I think I can find all the info I need in this forum.
Again, I love this forum
Yes, I remember getting into the highway and in a very short time I was going 20 km/h faster than the speed limit without noticing... And as far as I know the French flashes jump at over 5 or 6 km/h, as opposed to Spain, where they jump over 20 or so (and then you claim the +/-10% tolerance of the radar and if you are a little bit lucky you pay nothing
).Bumpy roads = take care. And do not fight the vehicle, let it go - I guess this is like on a boat, where you do not want to fight the rudder all the time, but find the best flow.
Overtaking. Do I back a little so I have a better sight so I can even look front "under" the vehicle and then accelerate as suggested before? Or just go near the vehicle in front to make the passing shorter? I guess that I may start with the first and slowly shift to the second and more aggressive way when I grow my confidence and experience on the car.
Water, water, water. And an umbrella, in case it starts to rain and I get caught in a traffic jam, light or similar...
I remember I got muscle stiffness on my upper chest and on the shoulders after driving for half an hour or so on my testing day, so yes, I know it will be tiring. I guess I can start doing 1 hour outings at the beginning. On the trip to French Riviera we don't want to do more than 300 km per day, so that can be a couple hours in the morning and a couple in the afternoon (plus frequent stops).
And I'm not thinking in doing a lot of highways, but nevertheless I guess 100/110 km/h is a comfortable speed, am I wrong?
@pipnjones The flat cap may be with red Scottish squares???
We are being lucky last weekend and today with weather here. Very strong winds and rain Mo-We and I just saw 5ºC tops plus rain next week (that will help with my anxiety and your jealousy, hehe). I am also looking forward to April, for several reasons.I'll think about it Smollet, but so far I think I can find all the info I need in this forum.
Again, I love this forum
Hey!!! 
Unfortunately last week I have been travelling extensively and I only arrived yesterday night. The dealer has not confirmed yet ETA (pending on logistics). I will tell you and I will upload some pictures the moment it arrives!
BTW, what a mess to get an insurance here...
Keep you informed!
Unfortunately last week I have been travelling extensively and I only arrived yesterday night. The dealer has not confirmed yet ETA (pending on logistics). I will tell you and I will upload some pictures the moment it arrives!
BTW, what a mess to get an insurance here...
Keep you informed!
Hi and thanks!!!
Yes, the exhaust was the first thing I looked at when I tested a similar one 5 months ago :-)
And there is a metallic "box" just below the fuel tank - it is a kind of silencer and I guess also the catalyzer.
It is strange not to see the exhaust "ending" in front of the rear wheel. Nevertheless, I asked for this option to the dealer and they told me there is a "sport exhaust" for about 850€, but they recommended me to do at least 5000 kms with the current one, as it was better for the engine to make the "engine warm-up".
It was raining on Saturday, I hope it does not fall a single drop today because I want to try it!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, the exhaust was the first thing I looked at when I tested a similar one 5 months ago :-)
And there is a metallic "box" just below the fuel tank - it is a kind of silencer and I guess also the catalyzer.
It is strange not to see the exhaust "ending" in front of the rear wheel. Nevertheless, I asked for this option to the dealer and they told me there is a "sport exhaust" for about 850€, but they recommended me to do at least 5000 kms with the current one, as it was better for the engine to make the "engine warm-up".
It was raining on Saturday, I hope it does not fall a single drop today because I want to try it!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday raining, yesterday all day good until it started raining after lunch
It is like the British car brought the British weather!!!
Well, hopefully I will pick it up this afternoon, ride a little bit with it and go home. Tomorrow we will start our baptism trip
Keep your fingers crossed for me, it's very cloudy and some weather web pages are forecasting rain for this afternoon - some others are not.
It is like the British car brought the British weather!!!
Well, hopefully I will pick it up this afternoon, ride a little bit with it and go home. Tomorrow we will start our baptism trip
Keep your fingers crossed for me, it's very cloudy and some weather web pages are forecasting rain for this afternoon - some others are not.
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