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Switching from a Motorcycle to a Prius

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by 2to4, Jul 19, 2009.

  1. 2to4

    2to4 Wherever we end up

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Southwest, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    We have "retired" from long distance touring on '99 Honda Valkyrie Interstate and have ordered a 2010 Prius, which should be delivered this coming Saturday. After over 10 years and 88,000 miles on the Valk, including several 2-month trips through 48 states, Mexico and Canada, we finally are switching to "comfortable" travel. The choice of the Prius was easy. We hope to learn some things from all of you here and share our travel experiences in the Prius with you.
     
    #1 2to4, Jul 19, 2009
  2. timberwolf

    timberwolf New Member

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    :welcome: <- Okay, I really just wanted an excuse to use this emoticon :D

    You'll find some good sticky threads that answer quite a few questions that newbies tend to have. I don't think we have anything to help bikers starting out with the Prius though. It should be interesting to hear how you get on with the switch to a Prius.
     
    #2 timberwolf, Jul 19, 2009
  3. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Its not necessary to lean on turns. :madgrin:
     
    #3 dogfriend, Jul 19, 2009
  4. phoebeisis

    phoebeisis Member

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    2to4,
    Clever name-I like that. I've ridden various motorcycles since 1973. In general only a few- my dead stock 1980 SR500-actually beat our 2006 Prius in mpg.Now the same bike- too heavily modified- is a 40 mpg city vehicle.

    Your new Prius will probably beat you big Honda in Hy and city mpg(not as much fun of course). Cell phones being used have taken lots of the fun out of riding motorcycles in cities-and even on interstates.

    Welcome, you'll love the Prius.
    Charlie
     
    #4 phoebeisis, Jul 19, 2009
  5. 2to4

    2to4 Wherever we end up

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
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    Location:
    Southwest, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    The Reason for the Switch

    I just started experiencing trouble handling the Valk at slow speeds while touring 2-up and fully loaded in the Canadian Rockies. We also decided that we were tired of the packing/unpacking routine that is required. Of course, there is the art of selecting clothing layers that are needed for temperatures that range from 27 F to 123 F, for rain, for wind, etc...

    The Prius we are getting will not present any packing problems for us, and it is heated, air conditioned and has heated seats.

    The Valk averaged 38 mpg. The Prius is supposed to average 50 mpg.

    ... and it took me only 65+ years to learn this ...:)
     
    #5 2to4, Jul 19, 2009
  6. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    N/A
    Are you sure you wouldn't be happier with two smaller sport bikes? :)

    When you need to call up the engine room, use the floor pedal on the right. And it's pretty quiet. You may feel the need to make motorcycle noises from time to time. ;)
     
    #6 hyo silver, Jul 19, 2009
  7. 2to4

    2to4 Wherever we end up

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
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    Location:
    Southwest, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    We never rode 2 separate motorcycles. We always enjoyed the 2-up riding. I did ride a Suzuki Hayabusa. It is way too fast for me to consider. If I find an "air head" BMW, I might consider it for "local" rides. We will drive the Prius on all of our long trips now.
     
    #7 2to4, Jul 20, 2009
  8. bruceha_2000

    bruceha_2000 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Northwest VT
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Yeah, gonna be a BIG change :)

    1. Don't need to put your foot down when you stop
    2. Don't need to worry about hitting the front brakes too hard
    3. You can see your passenger
    4. Don't need to take 'caution' on the roads that have been grooved for repaving.
    5. You can take a couple of friends to dinner with you
    6. While thunderstorms and torrential rain aren't fun, they aren't as big a hazard.
    7. You can go 500 to 700 miles between gas stations AND have 3-4 people with you AND have your stuff in the back
    8. No bugs in your teeth :eek:
    9. Don't have to decide if it is the wife or the groceries that make the trip home :)
    10. Don't have to wear a helmet
    11. DO have to wear a seat belt
    12. Harder to park in the city
     
    #8 bruceha_2000, Jul 20, 2009
  9. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Having four wheels may be initially confusing. Just remember that you ride somewhere between the four wheels.

    Tom
     
    #9 qbee42, Jul 20, 2009
  10. 2to4

    2to4 Wherever we end up

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
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    Location:
    Southwest, Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Thanks for all of the suggestions. :D I hope I'll be able to post a pic after this, my 5th post. I'll try to post what I'm giving up for the Prius.
     
    #10 2to4, Jul 22, 2009
  11. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    Keep the windows down in all weather to reduce separation anxiety. The range between fuel stops might leave you stopping at petrol stations just for a coffee or to reminisce.

    Enjoy, I know I enjoy my Prius.
     
    #11 patsparks, Jul 22, 2009
  12. jburns

    jburns Senior Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Archdale, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Not sure but if you put the drivers seat all the way back, the steering wheel all the way up you just might be able to both squeeze in. :eek: In any case, trying it should be worth a few good laughs. :D
     
    #12 jburns, Jul 23, 2009
  13. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    One thing I noticed in my 2009, you do not see any vehicle in front of you. There is only road surface visible beyond the glass. Very Motorcycle-like.
     
    #13 JimboPalmer, Jul 23, 2009
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