Do I want a new car or a new motorbike?

Do I want a new car or a new motorbike?

Author
Discussion

A500leroy

Original Poster:

5,204 posts

120 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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Im bored.

Some of you will know im less than the full shilling up top and depressed as a result,Ive always been nutty about cars and bikes but found myself with very tame ordinary versions of both.

Now its not going to happen immediately as I may have some chunky bills from my late fathers estate to sort out, but for my own mental health I think I deserve a distraction to try and make me feel better even if it is materialistic.

The car.

Basic Fiat panda, Perfect car as I dont travel far,its only used for the commute, shopping and keeping my dry. Dont see the point of driving to drive fast anymore but like to make progress within the limits, gets the most use

The Bike

125cc Scooter (I have a full licence)

Because of weakness in my shoulders and arthritis I dont like 'heavy' bikes (even though id like a tourer. Its only use is as a toy and its a great bike, but in roads over 40mph it feels out of its depth and not fun so it doesnt really get used even though i really enjoy riding when im out. Also im a fair weather rider too, dont mind getting wet if im out but wouldnt set off in the rain.

So do I change the car to something more fun (cooper s etc) as id get the most use out of it , or change the bike (scooter) for a more fun bike to try and force me out of the house and get rid of some depression?

Soloman Dodd

273 posts

44 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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It sounds like you are happy with the Panda, but I agree a 125 scooter makes you as vulnerable as a bicycle on the open road.

A 500/600cc Japanese bike should keep you happy.

voram

4,277 posts

36 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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One of my mates has just bought himself one of those Abarth versions of the Fiat 500. Might be an interesting alternative to Panda and with a bit more oomph. I'm told the Abarth gets up the road quite nicely.

anonymous-user

56 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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For helping with depression I would go motorbike everytime. Cars are great but bikes make traffic fun, twisty roads fun, motorways fun etc.

Krikkit

26,683 posts

183 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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Get a KTM 390 something and a Panda 100hp.

Chainsaw Rebuild

2,023 posts

104 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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New motorbike for sure - maybe something a bit wild and light, like a supermoto.

A500leroy

Original Poster:

5,204 posts

120 months

Monday 28th June 2021
quotequote all
390 duke/z400 seems like a good shout and at 3k is in budget, hopefully I will want to go out for ride when I get round to it, (waiting on bloody solicitors..)

Lil_Red_GTV

705 posts

145 months

Monday 28th June 2021
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If you are struggling with mental health issues (and I'm sorry I don't know your backstory, OP), a better bike is likely to be the better option, I would suggest.

They are good at clearing the head as you have to focus 100% on what you are doing and so get lost in the activity. The element of danger can also make you appreciate being alive (until you're not!). They will also take up less of your money than an equivalent car, allowing you top spend the rest on other things that might also increase your well-being. Plus being a biker can give you a sense of identity and even brotherhood if you can join an owner's club or similar.

Hard to recommend a bike as everyone's tastes are different, but just something that can keep up with traffic would be a good step up over your 125cc. Maybe a Royal Enfield Himalayan if you like adventure bikes but aren't bothered about going fast, or a Kawasaki Ninja 400 if you like sports bikes. Of course there are faster options but you sound like you don't necessarily want to go crazy. I love my Triumph Street Twin which isn't particularly light but has a low seat height and is very easy going in nature.