[Silly Little Cars] Silly little Q.s
Simon Barber
simon at superduper.net
Fri Nov 19 14:13:44 PST 2010
To follow up - California law does not require a motorcycle license
(though you do need a regular driving license), nor helmet but does
require a seatbelt. If you want to take more people make sure you have
belts for them. Of course I think it very unlikely you'll ever find a
police officer who knows the vehicle code well enough to know this.
Simon
On 11/19/2010 01:19 PM, Alec Bennett wrote:
> Couple of comments below:
>
> On Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 11:07 AM, Steve Clark <sclark1 at flash.net
> <mailto:sclark1 at flash.net>> wrote:
>
> No. Just a lot of questions that take time to answer; and acquiring
> information also can also mean passively auditing what is being
> communicated. If this was a pay subscription site, I might
> understand your seemingly “pushy” expectations. That being said . . .
>
> 1. Are there any other models similar to the GO-4? /Yes. But
> availability is the question. Cushmans (Westcoaster, and others
> like it) and GO-4s are the most common./
>
>
> Not that I know of that are cheap, but if you have the $$ you might also
> look at some of the small electrics like Corbins:
>
> http://www.corbinsparrow.com/
>
> Or if you don't mind vintage and shipping from Florida see the link I
> sent out the other day on microcars.
>
> 2. Is the Go-4 Interceptor suitable for extensive street driving,
> meaning could I reliably drive 40-50 mile round trips 3 times a week
> in them? The G0-4s seem to be reliable for short junkets and low
> speed trips. Some people use them on the express-way, but they
> were meant more for in town driving.
>
>
> What he said. You can drive these things on the highway just fine once
> you remove the governor (they easily go 60) but they're not exactly
> safe. Small wheelbase, one wheel in teh front, not a good idea. You can
> feel that it may flip given the right bump. But technically you
> defintely *could* do it, especially if you weren't driving on a highway.
>
> 3. What is it's realistic top speed? /With governor – 40 mph,
> without governor, I have seen them go 70 mph./
>
>
> Like 80 probably. Not that you shoudl go that fast.
>
> 4. are any of these SLCs capable of holding more than one
> passenger? /In general no (concerning Cushmans and GO-4s). They are
> meant for one person. However, You will find some that have been
> modified./
>
>
> I drive two people (myself and a passenger) in my Interceptor all the
> time. I simply put a cushion next to the main seat since the main seat
> is so plush, but you could always swap out the seat for a bench if you
> wanted to make things extra nice for the passenger. You'd still have to
> deal with the pedals being on the right though.
>
> 5. Who can I best turn to to customize them (for storage, catering,
> bikes, etc)? /This a local thing. Use the internet, yellow-pages,
> and shop around for shops that do custom work./
>
>
> Metal fabrication shops?
>
> 6. I'm in California; do I need to have a motorcycle license to
> drive these? /Not sure about Calif., but in general, you need a
> motorcycle license as these vehicles are considered motorcycles for
> licensing, registration and insurance./
>
>
> No motorcycle license needed in California.
>
> 7. What sorts of accessories are popular? /To each his own and
> mostly custom./
>
>
> Well obviuously that would be the stereo with the booming subwoofer. And
> of course the multi colored oscillating LEDs on the under-carriage. And
> maybe a Barbie bust on the roof. And the surfboard rack is a popular
> item. And don't forget the concealed siren.
>
> 8. How comfortable is the seating? /Average to not very. Is it
> possible to install more comfortable seats? Yes./
>
>
> I'd say insanely comforable in the Interceptor. A big bucket seat.
>
> 9. Can these cars tow small trailers etc? /Yes./
>
>
> Ditto, but careful of that tranny if you're going to load it down and
> drive on hills.
>
> 10. How many miles are they good for lifetime? /Depends on
> maintenance and parts availability. Your answer is in the age of
> some of these vehicles still on the road./ Are there any danger
> points like say 50k for some domestic US cars? /Danger points?????
> Unknown./
>
>
> Who knows. They're cheap enough that you can just get another one
> though. But seriously, I've seen lots of them with around 70k miles that
> still drive great. Replace the shocks and give things a good lubing.
>
> 11. What sorts of general security issues are involved with these
> cars (hot wiring etc.)? /Later Cushman’s and GO-4s have locking
> doors. Not sure about early models. I would say the security issues
> are similar to any other enclosed lockable vehicle. I.E., if a
> professional thief wants your vehicle, he will get it./
>
>
> If you keep it looking exactly like a metermaid vehicle you'll get
> grafittied, your windows will be broken, and your car will be turned on
> its side. Modify it and all will be fine.
>
> 12. Are they noisy to drive? /Not really. / /The stock engines and
> exhausts are about as noisy as your car./ How is the ride in
> general? /Rough like a mid-sized motorcycle, sports car, or just a
> little bit worse. A Cadillac this ain’t./
>
>
> I'd say they're very smooth, but then I'm mostly only comparing them to
> Cushmans...
>
>
> Er, was it something I said? These are pretty fundamental
> questions. The website associated with this list suggests
> subscribing for info on these cars.
>
>
>
> Sorry sir!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> gj
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> *From:* b b <brazoraton at yahoo.com <mailto:brazoraton at yahoo.com>>
> *To:* Silly Little Email List
> <silly_little_cars at lists.sillylittlecars.com
> <mailto:silly_little_cars at lists.sillylittlecars.com>>
> *Sent:* Wed, November 17, 2010 1:57:59 PM
> *Subject:* [Silly Little Cars] Silly little Q.s
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm part of what no doubt is an invasion of new list members dur to
> the recent WSJ article. But I come by my interest a bit more
> innocently, perhaps, since over the last few weeks I've been mulling
> over the practicality of these cars, due to some recent
> health-related issues over my ability to drive. I have a tone of
> questions and hope the list might not mind taking a crack at some of
> them.
>
> 1. Are there any other models similar to the GO-4?
>
> 2. Is the Go-4 Interceptor suitable for extensive street driving,
> meaning could I reliably drive 40-50 mile round trips 3 times a week
> in them?
>
> 3. What is it's realistic top speed?
>
> 4. are any of these SLCs capable of holding more than one passenger?
>
> 5. Who can I best turn to to customize them (for storage, catering,
> bikes, etc)?
>
> 6. I'm in California; do I need to have a motorcycle license to
> drive these?
>
> 7. What sorts of accessories are popular?
>
> 8. How comfortable is the seating? Is it possible to install more
> comfortable seats?
>
> 9. Can these cars tow small trailers etc?
>
> 10. How many miles are they good for lifetime? Are there any
> danger points like say 50k for some domestic US cars?
>
> 11. What sorts of general security issues are involved with these
> cars (hot wiring etc.)?
>
> 12. Are they nooisy to drive? How is the ride in general?
>
> A lot of questions, I know, but I'm a complete newbie. Any help
> much appreciated.
>
> regards,
>
> gj
>
>
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