Ariel Atom.... *mmm* *drool* *etc*
Discussion
Hi all,
This is my first post on this forum, so hello!
I'm basically an idiot 24 year old, who wants to buy an Atom for the road and track days. I've got some money (ish) and want to know a few things before I rush in and make a £20K mistake.
Any help anyone can give me is sincerely appreciated!
Are there any simple solutions that can be implemented to put a cover on Atoms to keep out wind/rain while driving? I know this sounds a bit crazy but I plan to use it as a daily driver as well as track day car (which sounds even more insane but I can get away with insanity because I'm 24). Also, are there removable side panels you can buy for Atoms?
24... hmm this is the third problem. Would you know any specialist that insures Atoms / stupid youngsters? What insurance group is it in? 20+?
How would I get into racing it (as that would really be the ultimate purpose for buying one)! I got the bug after driving a Ferrari F355 Berlinetta around Silverstone for the day. Wow, just took my breath away.
What are the maintenance bills like? I guess having Honda engines keeps the costs sensible?
Is the 140 (Rover K series) version any good as I'm more likely to insure one of those; or will I just be thinking 'I wish I bought the 220...' the whole time?
Anyone fancy giving me a ride? I live in Guildford but can drive anywhere in the country if you say yes! I'm that eager to get in one (even just sitting in one would make my year).
I'm 6 foot 3 inches and weight about 14 stone: will I fit!?
Cheers for any help / answers / advice / abuse :-)
Jonny
This is my first post on this forum, so hello!
I'm basically an idiot 24 year old, who wants to buy an Atom for the road and track days. I've got some money (ish) and want to know a few things before I rush in and make a £20K mistake.
Any help anyone can give me is sincerely appreciated!
Are there any simple solutions that can be implemented to put a cover on Atoms to keep out wind/rain while driving? I know this sounds a bit crazy but I plan to use it as a daily driver as well as track day car (which sounds even more insane but I can get away with insanity because I'm 24). Also, are there removable side panels you can buy for Atoms?
24... hmm this is the third problem. Would you know any specialist that insures Atoms / stupid youngsters? What insurance group is it in? 20+?
How would I get into racing it (as that would really be the ultimate purpose for buying one)! I got the bug after driving a Ferrari F355 Berlinetta around Silverstone for the day. Wow, just took my breath away.
What are the maintenance bills like? I guess having Honda engines keeps the costs sensible?
Is the 140 (Rover K series) version any good as I'm more likely to insure one of those; or will I just be thinking 'I wish I bought the 220...' the whole time?
Anyone fancy giving me a ride? I live in Guildford but can drive anywhere in the country if you say yes! I'm that eager to get in one (even just sitting in one would make my year).
I'm 6 foot 3 inches and weight about 14 stone: will I fit!?
Cheers for any help / answers / advice / abuse :-)
Jonny
toozious said:
Are there any simple solutions that can be implemented to put a cover on Atoms to keep out wind/rain while driving? I know this sounds a bit crazy but I plan to use it as a daily driver as well as track day car (which sounds even more insane but I can get away with insanity because I'm 24). Also, are there removable side panels you can buy for Atoms?
Yes, there are side panels ...though they won't save you if it chucks it down with rain half way to work. Best thing would be to get a motorbike wetsuit - arm yourself with £20 and eBay will sort that one for you.
toozious said:
24... hmm this is the third problem. Would you know any specialist that insures Atoms / stupid youngsters? What insurance group is it in? 20+?
You seem to have sorted that one - though as Bruce said, don't forget to get the AAOC discount. Might also be worth trying Footman James - they insured me.
toozious said:
How would I get into racing it (as that would really be the ultimate purpose for buying one)! I got the bug after driving a Ferrari F355 Berlinetta around Silverstone for the day. Wow, just took my breath away.
Have a chat to the factory about that one - they are pretty much legal for some series already, but I've heard plans for a one-make series at some point!
toozious said:
What are the maintenance bills like? I guess having Honda engines keeps the costs sensible?
Regular oil/filter changes, don't rag it when its cold ...and as long as you don't run into anything, it'll not cost a lot to run. Its even surprisingly easy on tyres - Yoko 539s do as good road tyres and aren't too dire on trackdays - and they'll set you back about £30 a corner.
toozious said:
Is the 140 (Rover K series) version any good as I'm more likely to insure one of those; or will I just be thinking 'I wish I bought the 220...' the whole time?
I've got a Rover 120 - and I love it. Obviously I'd rather have a 300bhp car, but until I learn to point the car in the same direction as the circuit, I'm sticking with my 120.
toozious said:
Anyone fancy giving me a ride? I live in Guildford but can drive anywhere in the country if you say yes! I'm that eager to get in one (even just sitting in one would make my year). I'm 6 foot 3 inches and weight about 14 stone: will I fit!?
Yeah, you should fit in one - and if you fancy popping up to Warwick one day, I'll take you for a spin in mine. Though I have to warn you, I really don't approve of youngsters buying Atoms ...ahem...
Hi Andy,
Would love to!
I've just got a reply email from John, who said that he's happy to take me out if I can wait a month (he's away on business!!). Very kind of him to offer though.
Are you free this Saturday? I'd love to come up and come for a spin!
Only problem I have is that I haven't got any kit yet (i.e. helmet/water proof stuff). I'm sure that I can source some temporary water/wind proof kit for the weekend (just to use until I get my Atom and get some new kit) but not sure about the helmet.
I might go and buy one, but if I can't get to the shop in time would you happen to have a spare? Am I being silly - shall I just wear my shades? :-)
Cheers Andy, look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Jonny
Would love to!
I've just got a reply email from John, who said that he's happy to take me out if I can wait a month (he's away on business!!). Very kind of him to offer though.
Are you free this Saturday? I'd love to come up and come for a spin!
Only problem I have is that I haven't got any kit yet (i.e. helmet/water proof stuff). I'm sure that I can source some temporary water/wind proof kit for the weekend (just to use until I get my Atom and get some new kit) but not sure about the helmet.
I might go and buy one, but if I can't get to the shop in time would you happen to have a spare? Am I being silly - shall I just wear my shades? :-)
Cheers Andy, look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Jonny
toozious said:
...I'd love to come up and come for a spin!
Don't tempt him!
You should be warned that Andy is a Karting legend* and drives the Atom in much the same vein. This will probaly only encourage you to break your two month rule, anyway!
If you need kit that fits tall people, you're welcome to borrow some of mine...
*e.g. "The overall race was won by York A, just 0.38s ahead of Southampton A after three hours of racing. Warwick A finished fourth despite Andy Smith breaking the lap record four times during the race."
>> Edited by Bruce Fielding on Tuesday 15th March 10:41
Haha, classic.
OK, now I'm a little scared :-)
I've got all the waterproofs sorted out as my Dad has some for his Land Rover, he's an off-roader-acholic.
Now just the helmet. I might buy one of eBay although everyone who I've spoken to says it's a big no-no buying second hand helmets.
Bruce, thanks for the offer of your kit. I should be alright with most apart from the helmet, which I'll probably look at getting some point this week from somewhere!
Andy, word of warning: I scream like a 10 year old girl when I'm driving/being driven fast. I'll try not to put you off. Additionally, you may need to help me get the helmet over my grinning mouth when we're done.
Cheers,
Jonny
OK, now I'm a little scared :-)
I've got all the waterproofs sorted out as my Dad has some for his Land Rover, he's an off-roader-acholic.
Now just the helmet. I might buy one of eBay although everyone who I've spoken to says it's a big no-no buying second hand helmets.
Bruce, thanks for the offer of your kit. I should be alright with most apart from the helmet, which I'll probably look at getting some point this week from somewhere!
Andy, word of warning: I scream like a 10 year old girl when I'm driving/being driven fast. I'll try not to put you off. Additionally, you may need to help me get the helmet over my grinning mouth when we're done.
Cheers,
Jonny
One word of advice if you're thinking of buying a second hand helmet...
DON'T!!!
You can buy a cheap lid new for under £45 www.bikersuperstore.com/product.php/1545/171//45d9816c2fc3eee1755b10170252c297
...and it won't have had some sweaty nit-ridden dandruff-laden moron's locks in there first!
The best advice is to ask youself the question I was advised to ask myself over 35 years ago when I got my first lid - "What's your head worth?"
Bear in mind that a 'proper' car racing lid costs at least £400. A proper bike one is between £150 and £400. And you're going to buy an Atom anyway... so tell the GF that it was cheap... or ask her what she thinks your head's worth. Second thoughts... maybe not!
edited to add... Oh, and get a full face one...
>> Edited by Bruce Fielding on Tuesday 15th March 11:54
DON'T!!!
You can buy a cheap lid new for under £45 www.bikersuperstore.com/product.php/1545/171//45d9816c2fc3eee1755b10170252c297
...and it won't have had some sweaty nit-ridden dandruff-laden moron's locks in there first!
The best advice is to ask youself the question I was advised to ask myself over 35 years ago when I got my first lid - "What's your head worth?"
Bear in mind that a 'proper' car racing lid costs at least £400. A proper bike one is between £150 and £400. And you're going to buy an Atom anyway... so tell the GF that it was cheap... or ask her what she thinks your head's worth. Second thoughts... maybe not!
edited to add... Oh, and get a full face one...
>> Edited by Bruce Fielding on Tuesday 15th March 11:54
Thanks for the advice! It makes sense as I suppose you have no idea about the history of a helmet and it could be as weak as a human skull. Ouch.
Anyway, I'm probably going to get a fairly decent one as I don't want to look like a plum and I don't want my brains scraped over the road in Warickshire!
There's a couple of motorbike shops in guildford that i used to go to, so I could probably pick on up there!
Anyway, I'm probably going to get a fairly decent one as I don't want to look like a plum and I don't want my brains scraped over the road in Warickshire!
There's a couple of motorbike shops in guildford that i used to go to, so I could probably pick on up there!
Here's a list of motorcycle dealers in Surrey:
ADDLESTONE GENESIS MOTORCYCLES 01932 352007
BOOKHAM STEVE JORDAN MOTORCYCLES 01372 453322
CARSHALTON LAMBA MOTORCYCLES 020 8647 4851
EAST CROYDON PLANET MOTORCYCLES 0208 686 5650
EAST MOLESEY WALTON ROAD GARAGE 0208 941 1600
GODALMING GD BROWN MOTORCYCLES 01483 427 979
GUILDFORD INFINITY MOTORCYCLES 01483 511 144
MTCHAM HARTGATE MOTORCYCLES LTD 0208 648 5395
MORDEN SUNAMI MOTORCYCLES 0208 646 1554
NEW MALDEN INFINITY MOTORCYCLES 0208 9495731
NEW MALDEN J&S ACCESSORIES 0208 9495731
PURLEY INFINITY MOTORCYCLES 0208 763 5700
REDHILL CARBONTEK 01737 789 878
REDHILL FINS MOTORCYCLES 01737 768 129
SURBITON TIPPETTS MOTORS 0208 399 7449
WOKING WOKING YAMAHA CENTRE 01483 714 893
ADDLESTONE GENESIS MOTORCYCLES 01932 352007
BOOKHAM STEVE JORDAN MOTORCYCLES 01372 453322
CARSHALTON LAMBA MOTORCYCLES 020 8647 4851
EAST CROYDON PLANET MOTORCYCLES 0208 686 5650
EAST MOLESEY WALTON ROAD GARAGE 0208 941 1600
GODALMING GD BROWN MOTORCYCLES 01483 427 979
GUILDFORD INFINITY MOTORCYCLES 01483 511 144
MTCHAM HARTGATE MOTORCYCLES LTD 0208 648 5395
MORDEN SUNAMI MOTORCYCLES 0208 646 1554
NEW MALDEN INFINITY MOTORCYCLES 0208 9495731
NEW MALDEN J&S ACCESSORIES 0208 9495731
PURLEY INFINITY MOTORCYCLES 0208 763 5700
REDHILL CARBONTEK 01737 789 878
REDHILL FINS MOTORCYCLES 01737 768 129
SURBITON TIPPETTS MOTORS 0208 399 7449
WOKING WOKING YAMAHA CENTRE 01483 714 893
Actually I cheated - I'd already done that search for JL!
eley - 'some' helmets... I think they all do! I've not tried the ones that kick out at the bottom lip though. However, the Schuberth claims zero lift - As soon as I have 400 smackers to spare, I'll see if they're right...
It's always best to buy a lid 'in situ' as you need to make sure that the fit is right (i.e. slightly too tight to be comfy at first...)
eley - 'some' helmets... I think they all do! I've not tried the ones that kick out at the bottom lip though. However, the Schuberth claims zero lift - As soon as I have 400 smackers to spare, I'll see if they're right...
It's always best to buy a lid 'in situ' as you need to make sure that the fit is right (i.e. slightly too tight to be comfy at first...)
I got my helmet, gloves, balaclava, "biker" vest, waterproofs and loads of other goodies from Infinity in Guildford . They are on the A3 Guildford by pass heading south just after the Cathederal turn off next to the BP garage. I got my thermal vest and longjohns from Milletts in Guildford down by Woolworths. From Halfords in Guildford I got a "tyer repair" canester it inflates the tyer if you have a puncture. You may have noticed there's no spare so make sure you get one of these or it could be embarrassing if you get a puncture.
On the link "Anyone fancy a visit" Bruce gives details of heated gloves, something I am going to sort out.
On the link "Anyone fancy a visit" Bruce gives details of heated gloves, something I am going to sort out.
Hiya,
When you say, "kick out" do you mean catch the wind?
I could imagine this is a bit annoying when steaming along at a ton!
I drive past Infinity Motorcycles everyday on my way to work, so I'll pop in and see what they have on offer. Hopefully they'll be able to help me out with all the bits and pieces I need. Thanks again for the advice!
Bruce thanks for the membership confirmation email. Yay, I'm now a fully fledged member - well I will be once I get my hands on an Atom. I've still got to rent a garage next to my flat, which is extortionately expensive so I'm busy negotiating the price!
JT
When you say, "kick out" do you mean catch the wind?
I could imagine this is a bit annoying when steaming along at a ton!
I drive past Infinity Motorcycles everyday on my way to work, so I'll pop in and see what they have on offer. Hopefully they'll be able to help me out with all the bits and pieces I need. Thanks again for the advice!
Bruce thanks for the membership confirmation email. Yay, I'm now a fully fledged member - well I will be once I get my hands on an Atom. I've still got to rent a garage next to my flat, which is extortionately expensive so I'm busy negotiating the price!
JT
Bloody hell. Not sure I want to look like a storm trooper driving down Guildford High Street.
Talking of Storm Troopers, I was in Cannes a couple of weeks back for the 3GSM exhibition and there were a group of Storm Troopers there. I have never seen a costume attract so much attention. It might be a good idea to look like a Trooper if you're doing promotional stuff with your Atom!
That's a thought. Bruce, I noticed your post about the tax benefits of using the Atom as a promtional vehicle, and it doesn't look particularly 'tax efficient', although what do you think the 'pulling power' of the Atom is for increasing brand awareness for a company?
JT
Talking of Storm Troopers, I was in Cannes a couple of weeks back for the 3GSM exhibition and there were a group of Storm Troopers there. I have never seen a costume attract so much attention. It might be a good idea to look like a Trooper if you're doing promotional stuff with your Atom!
That's a thought. Bruce, I noticed your post about the tax benefits of using the Atom as a promtional vehicle, and it doesn't look particularly 'tax efficient', although what do you think the 'pulling power' of the Atom is for increasing brand awareness for a company?
JT
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