KTM X Bow to R500

[sone]

I presently have a XBow which is a great little car, fairly swift at nearly 300BHP but with one distinct disadvantage over the Caterham range and that's the lack of weather gear. I wondered has anyone gone from Ktm to Caterham.
I love everything about the Ktm its rarity the engineering etc but I can't help but think the Caterham could be of all things be a little more practical!
Opinions please.

Sone.

[downsman]

I haven't driven an R500 and my Caterham only has 125 bhp, but I have been on long trips in appalling weather including 1400 miles to John O Groats and back in 3 days. A Caterham with screen, side screens and hood (or half hood) will keep you pretty dry and has room enough for a few bags of luggage which will stay dry with a full hood (but may get wet with a half hood). Hood down there isn't much buffeting at road speeds, but I still tend to wear ear plugs.

Of course the terrible noise and heat with a full hood up added to the difficulty getting in and out does mean that it isn't like driving an Elise, but on a very wet Welsh trip, I did feel quite snug in my Seven while others were suffering in Sevens with aeroscreens.

[coppice]

I have sat in but not driven an XBow - and own a Seven. The Seven feels far smaller but far easier to get in and out of .The XBow feels hewn from solid; teh Seven doesn't - perceived build quality is not high. And you can stay warm and dry in a Seven - with heater and either full or half hood. I use the SBFS (other good makes are available before we get the usual litany)with a draught excluder and I am snug as a bug in a..err..rug , even in downpours.

[huwp]

I'm aware of some that have gone from 7 to Atom then back again.

How about hiring a 7 for the day or weekend? Might save you making a decision you might regret.

You can't buy an R500 new any more - which I suspect you may already know.

[sone]

I owned a R300 a couple of years ago but tbh I didn't like the K series engine that much, so decided to try the Ktm which has been brill but contemplating a European adventure later again this year I'm wondering if I'm brave enough to do it without a roof. I did a trip down to the Nurburgring in the Ktm last year and can't help but think I was extraordinarily lucky not to see any rain, hence my present dilemma.

[casbar]

Drove all over Europe with my Caterham before I sold it. No roof, Just a roll cage, no windscreen. When it rains, all you need is a motorcycle rain suit, and if really bad a helmet. Driving a Caterham with a hood up, is a nightmare IMHO

[raj_uk]

Helmet, waterproofs, layers, gloves = my Xbow driving gear even in Summer in the UK ... LOL

Going to Lemans Classic was great though in 2014 ... 30C+ and sun