RE: Driven: Radical SR3 SL

RE: Driven: Radical SR3 SL

Author
Discussion

grahamw48

9,944 posts

238 months

Monday 29th August 2011
quotequote all
I'd take the car any day.
.

'Bikes consist of 1% of all road traffic but are unfortunately involved in 20% of all road accidents

1 in five deaths on the road are motorcycle related. (in 2005 that was about 690 fatalities) and considerably more riders were injured

You are 25 times more likely to be killed on the road than a car driver and 5 times more than a pedal cyclist... although a horse rider is something like 20% more likely to sustain an injury than an experienced biker.'

Keep trusting to luck you bikers. frown

splitpin

2,740 posts

198 months

Monday 29th August 2011
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fwaggie said:
slipstream 1985 said:
yeh but when a motorbike goes fly past most people go "meh another fast bike"
but when something like a radical goes by they shout "cool"! and thats the only point.
The only point for you.

I suspect a lot of people have a lot more points, like I can use my sports bike to commute to work on, I can use it to do the shopping, I can filter past traffic.

And I know if I drove a radical like I ride my bike, everyone I overtook would be thinking "Cock". Just like when I'm on the bike.

Oh ...


I'd love to rent the Radical and play on a circuit, don't want to own one.
Are you saying you always ride your sports bike like a "Cock" or that you think everyone passed by bikes are thinking "Cock"?

If the former, it won't be a long term problem, odds on you won't be around for too long.

If the latter, then no they certainly don't; like me, a lot of car drivers are ex-bikers who have an inherent love of them that never ever goes away: I only ever think "Cock" if one is badly/dangerously driven (which unfortunately is by no means a rare event), in the sure and certain personal knowledge and experience that with so much performance in and to hand, there is absolutely no reason at all to ride like that ever on the road.

Edited by splitpin on Monday 29th August 16:23

pthelazyjourno

1,848 posts

169 months

Monday 29th August 2011
quotequote all
splitpin said:
Are you saying you always ride your sports bike like a "Cock" or that you think everyone passed by bikes are thinking "Cock"?

If the former, it won't be a long term problem, odds on you won't be around for too long.

If the latter, then no they certainly don't; like me, a lot of car drivers are ex-bikers who have an inherent love of them that never ever goes away: I only ever think "Cock" if one is badly/dangerously driven (which unfortunately is by no means a rare event), in the sure and certain personal knowledge and experience that with so much performance in and to hand, there is absolutely no reason at all to ride like that ever on the road.
I'd disagree with that - the majority of car fanatics I know have absolutely no interest in bikes whatsoever. Add that to the fact that for the majority of the population, cars are just a means to an end - if you enjoy driving you're definitely in the minority - and it's easy to imagine that most people do actually get pissed off when being overtaken.

I've encountered it again and again and again - when overtaking on perfectly suitable bits of road, where visibility is good enough to overtake without putting anybody in danger - only to see lights flashed, various derogatory hand gestures etc etc.

I've also been a passenger in lots of cars, or had passengers in mine, where the response has indeed been **cock** when somebody else dares to overtake and travel at a speed they'd prefer.

Some people just don't get it - that overtaking is perfectly legal, aids the flow of traffic and doesn't need to be at all dangerous.

On another note, I prefer cars to motorbikes. I prefer having a steering wheel to handlebars. I'd much rather slide a car than a bike, as it's unlikely to be followed by me being flung over the top of the flippin thing!!! Yes, a superbike is many times cheaper, but I know which I'd rather be in control of.

(Incidentally, I'd like a bike as well!!! I just wouldn't fancy pushing that hard on one).



fwaggie

1,644 posts

200 months

Monday 29th August 2011
quotequote all
splitpin said:
fwaggie said:
slipstream 1985 said:
yeh but when a motorbike goes fly past most people go "meh another fast bike"
but when something like a radical goes by they shout "cool"! and thats the only point.
The only point for you.

I suspect a lot of people have a lot more points, like I can use my sports bike to commute to work on, I can use it to do the shopping, I can filter past traffic.

And I know if I drove a radical like I ride my bike, everyone I overtook would be thinking "Cock". Just like when I'm on the bike.

Oh ...


I'd love to rent the Radical and play on a circuit, don't want to own one.
Are you saying you always ride your sports bike like a "Cock" or that you think everyone passed by bikes are thinking "Cock"?

If the former, it won't be a long term problem, odds on you won't be around for too long.

If the latter, then no they certainly don't; like me, a lot of car drivers are ex-bikers who have an inherent love of them that never ever goes away: I only ever think "Cock" if one is badly/dangerously driven (which unfortunately is by no means a rare event), in the sure and certain personal knowledge and experience that with so much performance in and to hand, there is absolutely no reason at all to ride like that ever on the road.

Edited by splitpin on Monday 29th August 16:23
Well the "Oh..." bit did imply I wasn't being totally serious smile

But... I like to think I fall in the latter camp. I'm a driver and a biker and I'm like you, riding fast isn't a problem at all, if done appropriately (forgetting about the speed limits set by the authorities for the most skill-less drivers). Stupid riding I do think the rider is a "cock".

splitpin

2,740 posts

198 months

Monday 29th August 2011
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Philip, sounds like you need to be a bit more selective with your friends and who you get in a car with hehe

Every self-respecting fourwheeler enthusiast should take interest/be interested in bike technology and performance. Those that don't should be strapped on the back of something like a Busa and be made to experience a full bore standing start mile run. That'll seriously reduce the number of posters on here who delude themselves with the strange notion they've got "a fast car" (even if it is called a QWERTY)! And if they could drive a car a quarter as well as folks like Stoner etc can ride a bike, they'd be pretty darn good.

TBH, on the vast majority of roads, you don't have to push a decent bike hard at all (and certainly not in any way dangerously) to be miles miles quicker than anything with four wheels. The only everyday 'inponderables' (and they are a big problem nowadays) are diesel spills and HUGE third world category potholes everyflippin'where.

Sorry for missing that 'Oh' Richard ............ Bank Holiday Monday it may be, but clearly I'm was in Dopey Sunday Mode laugh

pthelazyjourno

1,848 posts

169 months

Tuesday 30th August 2011
quotequote all
splitpin said:
Philip, sounds like you need to be a bit more selective with your friends and who you get in a car with hehe

Every self-respecting fourwheeler enthusiast should take interest/be interested in bike technology and performance. Those that don't should be strapped on the back of something like a Busa and be made to experience a full bore standing start mile run. That'll seriously reduce the number of posters on here who delude themselves with the strange notion they've got "a fast car" (even if it is called a QWERTY)! And if they could drive a car a quarter as well as folks like Stoner etc can ride a bike, they'd be pretty darn good.

TBH, on the vast majority of roads, you don't have to push a decent bike hard at all (and certainly not in any way dangerously) to be miles miles quicker than anything with four wheels. The only everyday 'inponderables' (and they are a big problem nowadays) are diesel spills and HUGE third world category potholes everyflippin'where.

Sorry for missing that 'Oh' Richard ............ Bank Holiday Monday it may be, but clearly I'm was in Dopey Sunday Mode laugh
Can't choose your relatives!!!

That'd be all well and good if it was just speed that got people interested in cars, but it aint. Looks, handling, drama, all sorts of things appeal - hence why people drive round in classics, or all types of random things - where speed just isn't a factor.

Unfortunately, how fast are you going at the end of that mile?! Granted, the coppers would do bloody well to catch you - one of the chaps I know clocked the wrong side of 180mph when he flew by a police car parked at the side of the dual carriageway - for me it's just not something that appeals. The hassle that follows if you ever get caught particularly doesn't!

With you on the potholes - my Elise feels like it's driven into a brick wall when I hit some of the local holes...

Either way, and slightly off topic, I think it's possible to have a lot more fun in a car at slower speeds. You're never going to be happy mooching round on a sports bike at 5000rpm are you. I can absolutely rag the arse off my car and still be close to the speed limit - think of it as an oversized go-kart. I'm in no way deluding myself that it's fast (that's not arguing against your point BTW) - but it is bloody good fun.

For what it's worth, I've contemplated buying an SV650 again and again. No doubt it will happen at some point, but it will never replace cars. Certainly more of an adrenalin rush - but a completely different enjoyment.

And I have nothing but respect for riders either - if you ever spot me on the roads the chances are I'll have left plenty of space for you to overtake and pull in again if necessary. I think you can tell just how many people don't understand overtaking by the fact they'll all sit 10ft from the car/truck/caravan in front, making it difficult to overtake unless you're happy to take 15 cars at a time (tricky in most cars) or really force your way in again if somebody comes the other way.

Instead, you end up with a snake of cars that gets longer and longer, with no bugger willing or able to overtake!


Edited by pthelazyjourno on Tuesday 30th August 01:33

grahamw48

9,944 posts

238 months

Tuesday 30th August 2011
quotequote all
pthelazyjourno said:
Instead, you end up with a snake of cars that gets longer and longer, with no bugger willing or able to overtake!
Of all the changes in driving styles I've noticed on our increasingly crowded roads over my 40 years with a full licence, THIS I have found to be the most aggravating. irked

Considering the parallel advances in vehicle performance,I can only put it down to the increase in (meek,timid and more risk-averse) women drivers, who are simply incapable of overtaking. mad

The huge increase in heavy goods vehicles also has to be a factor.

Edited by grahamw48 on Tuesday 30th August 09:50

RudeDog

1,652 posts

174 months

Tuesday 30th August 2011
quotequote all
Official Radical said:
Great to see that Pistonheads readers have taken an interest in the SL, however, please note, THE RETAIL PRICE SHOWN IN THIS ARTICLE IS INCORRECT. The Radical SR3 SL retails at £58,000+VAT (£69,850 inc. VAT); we have asked our friends at Pistonheads to amend the pricing in the article. Thanks, the Radical Sales Team
Its good that you got the opportunity to correct the pricing error. Do you have any responses to the other comments people are making about the car? You have a great marketing opportunity here...

fwaggie

1,644 posts

200 months

Tuesday 30th August 2011
quotequote all
splitpin said:
Sorry for missing that 'Oh' Richard ............ Bank Holiday Monday it may be, but clearly I'm was in Dopey Sunday Mode laugh
Heh, no problem mate, that's what bank holidays are for!

pthelazyjourno said:
That'd be all well and good if it was just speed that got people interested in cars, but it aint. Looks, handling, drama, all sorts of things appeal - hence why people drive round in classics, or all types of random things - where speed just isn't a factor.

<snip>

Either way, and slightly off topic, I think it's possible to have a lot more fun in a car at slower speeds. You're never going to be happy mooching round on a sports bike at 5000rpm are you.
Depends on the bike really.

Lots of people love cruisers or touring bikes or off roaders.

I've got a stupidly fast bike cause I love the feeling of acceleration and speed, but if I had the funds I'd also love a much smaller bike, probably a Hornet 600. Had one as a loaner bike once and it was an absolute hoot to ride.

Not all that fast, but small, light, nippy, so a lot more fun at legal road speeds.

splitpin

2,740 posts

198 months

Tuesday 30th August 2011
quotequote all
TBH, I think this tendency to act like sheep on auto-pilot, apparently trying to sniff the ass in front afflicts both sexes; being a Grumpy Old Man, I put it down to lots of 25-40 years olds actually thinking a lot of the cobblers ideas dished out by the crooks in Whitehall over recent years are actually true; thou shalt not smoke anywhere, don't eat salt, five a day etc etc. The classic one for me is how stropey people get about 'Parent & Child Spaces'; on the basis of my view that 'you chose to have kids, so live with the consequences and don't expect any favours', I'd do away with them completely and give everyone a decent width space to park a car in. No problem whatsoever with Disabled Spaces, but P&C Spaces, get out of here! What's next, Clinically Obese Spaces?

I too have noticed the ever-increasing tendency for convoying along with some sort of 'god-given' smug and self-centred illusion. "We are, therefore I am doing 58.5mph in a 60 zone, so what gives you the right to give it a quick blast to get past me and then let it fall back to 60". They'd far rather you crawled past exposing everyone to increased risk - trouble is if you do the right thing i.e. leave a sensible gap to make a timed run to pass with minimum exposure to oncoming traffic, one of these darn sheep will try to crawl past and fill it.

Mind you, what can one expect when we have a society that apparently has enough dumb feckers to justify apparently endless tv programmes like Big Brother, X Factor, I'm A Celebrity and The Apprentice etc rofl

soad

32,902 posts

176 months

Tuesday 30th August 2011
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b14 said:
I love it.
Me too, bucketfulls of fun guaranteed! biggrin

ads_green

838 posts

232 months

Thursday 1st September 2011
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From what I understand this isn't just uk road legal like most track day cars. These are euro tips approved and as such are legal in Europe with no other documentation or test required - so the guy in Switzerland should be fine

splitpin

2,740 posts

198 months

Thursday 1st September 2011
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A cross-thread perhaps?

Proves it's always better to start it off by hand? ..................... hehe

hurststeve

101 posts

199 months

Thursday 1st September 2011
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"....but any relationship that might infer with...."

Imply, not infer.

I don't know what they teach them at journalism school these days...


splitpin

2,740 posts

198 months

Thursday 1st September 2011
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hurststeve said:
"....but any relationship that might infer with...."

Imply, not infer.

I don't know what they teach them at journalism school these days...
hehe

Extract from "Common Errors In English Usage" >

These two words, which originally had quite distinct meanings, have become so blended together that most people no longer distinguish between them. If you want to avoid irritating the rest of us, use “imply” when something is being suggested without being explicitly stated and “infer” when someone is trying to arrive at a conclusion based on evidence. “Imply” is more assertive, active: I imply that you need to revise your paper; and, based on my hints, you infer that I didn’t think highly of your first draft.

F.C.

3,897 posts

208 months

Monday 5th September 2011
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£70K is too much money for this car.
there are too many options at that price.
£50K would be more like it but then they wouldn't make much profit.(they would claim if any).

radicaltechnical

22 posts

198 months

Monday 5th September 2011
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can you send me an email to technical@radicalsportscars.com.