S2000 Talk Discussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it.

A few observations from a newbie owner

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Old Apr 19, 2012 | 09:01 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by NFRAP2
Originally Posted by homersapiens' timestamp='1334768883' post='21619983
I should start by explaining that my new (to me) 2005 was purchased in exchange for a promise to my wife to get rid of both my '86 CRX Si and my Suzuki SV650. (Which I haven't quite managed to do just yet )

My S came with a after-market ball-type shifter which IMO made it far too easy to miss shifts (at least that's my excuse). This was very disconcerting, especially when trying to grab a downshift on a one of the uphill left-handers featured on one of my favorite "twisties". I was having severe misgivings about the proposition of getting rid of my bike after missing several such shifts.

Fortunately, after I replaced the ball with an OEM-type shifter knob my shifting was completely transformed. I will gladly swap a little shifter length for more positive "feel".

Otherwise, this car has greatly exceeded my expectations. No, since it (hopefully) doesn't lean, it does not provide the same experience as my bike, but it comes far closer than I expected. The very best part is that I don't have to "gear-up" every time I want to go for a ride.

The engine is wonderful. It is by far the most motorcycle-like aspect of the S. It makes for wonderful "throttle therapy" as my brother-in-law puts it. But I was most surprised by how tractable it is. I really didn't expect it to feel so "torquey" at low rpm. It is very similar to my SV in that respect.

I was also surprised by how much I enjoy driving with the top down. I have owned two cars with sun roofs - including the CRX - and I never really cared to drive with them open, at least for more than a few minutes. But I have found that I really, really enjoy driving the S with the top down and only put the top up when it is raining or parked. Since I always wear a full-face helmet on my bike, the open air driving experience is even better than my motorcycle. Visibility with the top down is fantastic. It really makes me feel safer than with the top up. (Wouldn't mind having some ear phones for the radio though.)

Bottom line, I LOVE this car.

I used to laugh at old farts driving around in sport cars, now I ARE one!
Welcome! I think we ended up with an s2k for a lot of the same reasons. I love bikes... I went from an 04 GS500F to an 02 SV650S to an 09 FZ1. I got tired of spending so much time gearing up before every ride and sweating in the heat because I refuse to ride with anything less than full gear and most of all it just gets old having to be on high alert dodging inattentive drivers all day to avoid a crippling accident. I sold the FZ1 but I still desired the open air driving experience so I bought my 2005 s2000. It isn't quite as thrilling as the extreme acceleration or leaning of the FZ1, but it is nice not having to wear a helmet and being able to put the top up if it starts raining. I have had several convertibles because it's the next best thing to a bike, but I like the s2000 the most of any convertible I've had. The high-revving engine, open air driving and gauge cluster of the s2000 are all similar traits to bikes
I particularly like the reduced probability of spending a few days in ICU because a large dog slammed into your front fork while you were cruising at 30 mph exploring a new road, (for example).
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Old Apr 19, 2012 | 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by rob-2
Welcome. You now drive one of the top 10 cars to drive before you die. Love it! Every day you drive the S is a better day
I've noticed that I am always grinning when return from a ride (whoops, guess I mean "drive".)
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Old Apr 20, 2012 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by homersapiens
Originally Posted by rob-2' timestamp='1334888143' post='21625497
Welcome. You now drive one of the top 10 cars to drive before you die. Love it! Every day you drive the S is a better day
I've noticed that I am always grinning when return from a ride (whoops, guess I mean "drive".)
I always go for a ride in my S , I drive my wife's pilot ....In the S i'm ...in all other cars /suvs /trucks I'm
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Old Apr 20, 2012 | 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by NFRAP2
Originally Posted by homersapiens' timestamp='1334768883' post='21619983
I should start by explaining that my new (to me) 2005 was purchased in exchange for a promise to my wife to get rid of both my '86 CRX Si and my Suzuki SV650. (Which I haven't quite managed to do just yet )

My S came with a after-market ball-type shifter which IMO made it far too easy to miss shifts (at least that's my excuse). This was very disconcerting, especially when trying to grab a downshift on a one of the uphill left-handers featured on one of my favorite "twisties". I was having severe misgivings about the proposition of getting rid of my bike after missing several such shifts.

Fortunately, after I replaced the ball with an OEM-type shifter knob my shifting was completely transformed. I will gladly swap a little shifter length for more positive "feel".

Otherwise, this car has greatly exceeded my expectations. No, since it (hopefully) doesn't lean, it does not provide the same experience as my bike, but it comes far closer than I expected. The very best part is that I don't have to "gear-up" every time I want to go for a ride.

The engine is wonderful. It is by far the most motorcycle-like aspect of the S. It makes for wonderful "throttle therapy" as my brother-in-law puts it. But I was most surprised by how tractable it is. I really didn't expect it to feel so "torquey" at low rpm. It is very similar to my SV in that respect.

I was also surprised by how much I enjoy driving with the top down. I have owned two cars with sun roofs - including the CRX - and I never really cared to drive with them open, at least for more than a few minutes. But I have found that I really, really enjoy driving the S with the top down and only put the top up when it is raining or parked. Since I always wear a full-face helmet on my bike, the open air driving experience is even better than my motorcycle. Visibility with the top down is fantastic. It really makes me feel safer than with the top up. (Wouldn't mind having some ear phones for the radio though.)

Bottom line, I LOVE this car.

I used to laugh at old farts driving around in sport cars, now I ARE one!
Welcome! I think we ended up with an s2k for a lot of the same reasons. I love bikes... I went from an 04 GS500F to an 02 SV650S to an 09 FZ1. I got tired of spending so much time gearing up before every ride and sweating in the heat because I refuse to ride with anything less than full gear and most of all it just gets old having to be on high alert dodging inattentive drivers all day to avoid a crippling accident. I sold the FZ1 but I still desired the open air driving experience so I bought my 2005 s2000. It isn't quite as thrilling as the extreme acceleration or leaning of the FZ1, but it is nice not having to wear a helmet and being able to put the top up if it starts raining. I have had several convertibles because it's the next best thing to a bike, but I like the s2000 the most of any convertible I've had. The high-revving engine, open air driving and gauge cluster of the s2000 are all similar traits to bikes
While I've never owned a bike, I imagined that constantly gearing up is an annoyance I'd get tired of rather quickly. Enjoy your S, especially this time of year in the South.
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