The time has come for me to sell, seeking advice.

[Guth_imp]

Guth, perfect statement of my precise sentiments on the topic. It's not a binary prospect of motorcycle or convertible roadster. It's motorcycle and convertible roadster.

I realize that there are plenty of guys for whom only a motorcycle will do and huge numbers of car-only guys. I've always been fascinated by both. Whether it is riding a motorcycle or driving a roadster, I do not find either to be a full-on substitute for the other. Each brings things to the table that just can't be replicated by the other. I started riding motorcycles when I was a kid. I'm also a long-time convertible fan (my very first car was a Triumph Spitfire). I find convertibles to offer a truly unique experience that cannot be matched by the likes of T-tops or Targa roof configurations. Some guys go for Jeeps for this reason, but I do like flicking a small roadster like the S2000 around on a twisty road. Driving a car will never be a substitute for riding a motorcycle in my mind and vice versa. Each one is just a different sort of fun. However, the fact that my wife will join me in the car (I do need to temper my driving a bit when she is along) is a big bonus .

I really appreciate that both the CB1100 and the S2000 offer very visceral experiences. Even though I could get myself into plenty of trouble with either one, in neither case has my interest been about sheer performance. But I do enjoy interacting with each one in a very basic and direct way — running up and down through the gears, choosing when to shift and the smoothness that comes from getting the rev-matching on downshifts just right. My heel & toe shifting in the car still has room for improvement, but that's all part of the fun for me. I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed the experience of both riding a motorcycle and driving sports car with the top down. In either case, there are far too few people who have had the chance to ever do so. For the large majority of people the act of getting from point A to point B is simply about the act of getting from point A to point B.

I think Ms. Guth and Ms. Stichill might be twins separated at birth. Last night we took the 124 Spider out with her at the helm. She left it in Drive and the poor 1.4L turbo just chugged along at 2,000 rpm with no boost whatsoever. I said nada. This is a woman who routinely runs 5-10 mph under the posted limit and who brakes extensively (and annoyingly) before nearly every curve. She was supremely pleased with her "sports car" driving capabilities (mind you, we had to pull over to let a couple of 4WD pickup trucks go around us).

I took over eventually and switched the automatic over to manual mode. Brakes in general are not necessary with a car that handles this sublimely; the gearbox provides almost all necessary retarding force via the engine. I ran the revs smoothly between 3,000 - 6,000 rpm, kept plenty of boost, planted the chassis upon entry and used the power at the rear wheels to help turn the car through the curves. I felt like I was being pretty conservative in the application of the engine's responsiveness, and kept speeds legal on these Kentucky back roads. I explained that the car was much like a motorcycle, designed to accelerate though curves to maintain stability and control.

She quietly tolerated my driving technique but finally said, "Just so you know, I won't ever be driving the car this fast."

I explained that we're sitting close to the ground in an open car and doing the speed limit so it seems fast. She wasn't buying what I was selling!

I'm amazed that your wife accepts you wicking the S2000 up to its proper operating range. I've ridden in a friend's S2000 and it was thrilling to say the least, especially when the VTEC cam timing hits!

She will tolerate it up to a point. Then she'll remind me that she likes a more relaxed drive. It's a constant balancing act. You know — Rev, Brake and Repeat (in varying proportions).
Gone in 60 that is an amazing story at many different levels.