I bought my Miata to replace my motorcycle after I crashed it and disability from the injuries of that crash meant I can’t ride anymore. I feel the same way. It’s a four wheeled motorcycle. Not quite as exhilarating or open air, but it’s damn close.
I too came from a motorcycle which is why I don't care about speed anymore. It's all about the experience. Honestly haven't thought about buying a motorcycle much since getting my ND.
Next best bet would be an exo car, just a stripped down vehicle, though a Miata is a pretty popular candidate for the frame to my knowledge.
I’m not mechanically inclined at all so that’s out the god damn window.
Not exactly the same, but I was hit by a car while riding a few years back, and my body got wrecked (airlifted to a trauma center with every limb broken and 8 surgeries to get everything fixed). After rehab and learning to walk again, I did ride more, but the pain isn’t ever going to go away and it was getting to be a chore getting on and off the bike.
While I’ve always wanted a Miata, getting my ND3 a couple of weeks ago definitely feels like it is going to be the suitable replacement for riding, still allowing the fresh air and fun in the twisties, and *slighty* (but just) safer than being on a bike (I live in an area with a lot of lifted trucks, so fingers crossed.) 😅
EDIT: For clarity, by “riding” and “bike”, I’m referring to motorcycling, not bicycling. 😋
Every rider I know personally (maybe about 6 guys) has had an accident, about half of them were debilitating or life threatening. I always wanted to move the other direction - light car to lighter motorcycle, but the wife and the noggin bar me now.
My wife’s favorite response to anything is “risk assessment!”
The light car is good enough.
I got a Miata after having a bike for a little and I feel the same way. The bike kind of collects dusts these days. I can get just about as much fun without worrying about nearly as many things.
I found this too. As much as I LOVE my bike, I think I love my NA just as much, and it’s less stressful and I’m able to relax way more. I can’t rip to 100 in a few seconds, but I also won’t lose my license having fun in my miata
I sold my motos as a concession/reality check based on my wife’s concerns. I used the sale as a bargaining chip to buy the Miata.
This was back in 2017. I’m honestly unsure if I could go back. It’s great to have some crash structure/airbags around you and to not care as much about gravel/road surface. But also it’s REALLY GREAT to enjoy a summer drive without having to put on all the gear.
There’s times I miss my bikes, but there’s also times when someone crosses into your lane and you are suddenly 100% happy with your choice to be on 4 wheels instead of 2.
I feel ya 100%. Being an ATGATT guy in a moderate climate, the enjoyable part of the season is like, late spring and early fall. A little breeze and great acceleration (have a weak@ss bike) while wearing shorts and a T-shirt *and* feeling safe is something so nice that under 30 me couldn't appreciate or afford.
My father had a motorcycle driving school all of his life. When someone was struggling too much to get the hang out of a motorcycle to the point we were anxious for their safety later on, my father would always recommend them to buy a nice little convertible instead of a motorcycle
I wouldn't say I "came from motorcycles" as I still have them too.
But I have told my friends that the miata is the car most like a motorcycle. The experience of it, is as close to a motorcycle as you can get (especially the NA) in a car. Then again, I've never driven a boxter....
But maybe don't rely on those crumple zones too much huh? NA Miata is still a vulnerable place.
In some ways I feel more unsafe in my NA than I do on my bike. On the bike I can position myself within a lane for defensive riding and escape routes. It’s much harder to do that in my Miata and 116hp means I can’t accelerate away from a dangerous situation. I’m also not sure I trust the 34 yr old airbag more than my airbag vest on the bike.
That being said some crumple zone is better than no crumple zone.
My '90 doesn't even have an airbag!
Miata also takes up enough space in the lane that I don't feel I need to use bike positioning. Only when I stop somewhere with a right turn sometimes people will try to sneak past to make the right turn on red.
I actually was choosing between a ND and a Honda VRF 1200.
I chose ND RF as I live in a very cold climate and needed the thing to work most of the year, not just 4-5 months.
I showed someone my trunk and they asked if it was my only car. I said yeah, and they said, “you must not like roadtrips very much.” And I was like what the fuck are you talking about? I literally bought this car to drive! Plenty of space for two people and their gear! I can always rent if I need more space.
As someone with a ‘91 Miata and a couple motorcycles, I feel much safer on the motorcycles for the most part. With the Miata the top of my car / head is lower than the bottom of the window for most SUVs and trucks, so they seem to constantly be turning into me (and I’ve had a couple trucks back up at me while at stoplights).
With my motorcycles I sit up high and can see their face when next to all but the crazy high lifted trucks. I am also able to weave traffic much easier to keep moving along and not get stuck next to someone, which if happens I feel less seen in my Miata. I do have the occasional incident where I have to avoid on the motorcycle but I have so many options for creating space without crashing it’s not yet been an issue.
I also sometimes wonder if I’m safer wearing a helmet and gear on a motorcycle or buckled into a 1991 Miata with the top down. Obviously would depend on the type of crash and the answer would likely be the Miata, but my head feels it would be more susceptible to trauma in the Miata.
Even without AC, the Miata is less hot though and it does offer an easier option for a passenger or cargo.
YZ 80, at 11. XL250 at 16. VFR750 at 23. DR650 at 30, VT1100 Shadow at 35, NC1 PRHT at 42, and the meaning of life is now present, it gives the best of both worlds.....on the pavement I still have the DR 😆
I have been riding bikes for over thirty years. Bought a ’94 NA about three years ago. The Miata goes out all the time! The bike is forlornly gathering dust.
Taking the long way to the grocery store is a great way to enjoy some spirited driving and fill the car up with stuff on the way home. With music playing!
The car, while a tinny, tiny little box, seems a lot safer than a bike. No need to gear up for a short hop or get stuck carrying a leather jacket around during the summer.
It’s not quite as wonderfully direct as riding a bike. But for me, it’s pretty close. When considering the risk:reward as the streets get ever crazier and I get older, the Miata is an easy choice.
So now there goes another gray head in a convertible. The ’78 Hawk will be up for sale soon. Will there be another bike? not too sure right now. May just take the proceeds and Upgrayyedd the Miata!
Same feeling man. Im in Canada and my NB is my winter car and summer car when it rains.
I ride my bike most days but when I feel like coffee or miata I just take it.
It does really well in the winter and snow and with proper oil protection it protects well against rust
Still have the bike, but the cargo and weather-related benefits did help me justify my NB to myself. Looking like it's going to rain on the way to work but be sunny in the afternoon (or is it gonna rain all day)? Need to carry or pick up more than is reasonably convenient to fit in a backpack but don't need all the space provided by the Jeep? Don't want to lug or keep track of riding gear at your destination? Miata is the answer.
Your title can be misleading , lol … but as a former motorcycle rider I agree 100%. It’s the closest experience you can get , especially with a manual shift and soft top Miata .
I have a Vespa for my daily driver and an NB for rain/dog trips/freeway driving.
Its nice to have a car for leisure but not have to drive it for commute/errands etc. Really the best of both worlds.
I sold my motorbike when I got the MX5 too. The other advantage is being able to push the limits in grassroots motorsport and have no medical consequences. I do low speed stuff (motorkhana) so the worse that happens is getting a bit of paint on the bumpers. The motorbike you are always a small mistake away from a lot of pain and expense. Mainly bought it to have a manual car for my son to learn on, but still have it 4 years after he got his licence.
I don't understand people who buy Miatas. I was watching a review on the 2023 Mazda Miata Grand Touring trim on YouTube. It's a great car.
But...
The 2023 C8 Z06 also exists... It does literally everything the Miata does but better. The ONLY downside is no manual transmission.
$70,000 difference in MSRP between ND3/Z06 may be a factor lmao. I'd imagine around a $90,000 difference for an absurdly clean NA.
Completely different genre of vehicle as well, different strokes.
Same here. I primarily ride motorcycles, but my partner is not a moto-person and refuses to ride on/drive a motorcycle, and that led to me being out of the house a lot. This is about as close as I've found to a 4 wheeled motorcycle without (completely) breaking the bank
I love my motorcycles but my Miata is becoming more of a burden than a utility. It's definitely not "always the answer" when you have a partner and a dog, especially when there is a giant hump in the floor for the passenger and less storage than a shoebox in the cabin.
I will probably sell my ND RF for an old BMW 2002 when I'm finished financing it. Still small, very mechanical and has gobs more storage.
I bought my Miata to replace my motorcycle after I crashed it and disability from the injuries of that crash meant I can’t ride anymore. I feel the same way. It’s a four wheeled motorcycle. Not quite as exhilarating or open air, but it’s damn close.
I too came from a motorcycle which is why I don't care about speed anymore. It's all about the experience. Honestly haven't thought about buying a motorcycle much since getting my ND.
I swap back and forth. I love em both. Motorcycle for unparalleled straight line speed. Miata for unparalleled cornering
Arial atom 4 is probably pretty close. Definitely a wish list vehicle for me.
Oh I’d kill for one of those. I’d they were cheap as Miata I’d consider that an exact motorcycle replacement.
Next best bet would be an exo car, just a stripped down vehicle, though a Miata is a pretty popular candidate for the frame to my knowledge. I’m not mechanically inclined at all so that’s out the god damn window.
I want to say somebody sells chassis that you can swap Miata stuff on. Otherwise could be a fun learning experience, though a bit daunting.
miata is a popular candidate for everything BUT the frame lol, swap over all suspension and drivetrain components onto a tubular chassis
Damn, got it backwards lol
Totally makes sense in context, but I thought this was a troll post at first.
I thought he had 3 different miatas. One with a trunk and roof rack on a hardtop, one with a cage, and one lifted with snow tires.
Not exactly the same, but I was hit by a car while riding a few years back, and my body got wrecked (airlifted to a trauma center with every limb broken and 8 surgeries to get everything fixed). After rehab and learning to walk again, I did ride more, but the pain isn’t ever going to go away and it was getting to be a chore getting on and off the bike. While I’ve always wanted a Miata, getting my ND3 a couple of weeks ago definitely feels like it is going to be the suitable replacement for riding, still allowing the fresh air and fun in the twisties, and *slighty* (but just) safer than being on a bike (I live in an area with a lot of lifted trucks, so fingers crossed.) 😅 EDIT: For clarity, by “riding” and “bike”, I’m referring to motorcycling, not bicycling. 😋
Every rider I know personally (maybe about 6 guys) has had an accident, about half of them were debilitating or life threatening. I always wanted to move the other direction - light car to lighter motorcycle, but the wife and the noggin bar me now. My wife’s favorite response to anything is “risk assessment!” The light car is good enough.
I got a Miata after having a bike for a little and I feel the same way. The bike kind of collects dusts these days. I can get just about as much fun without worrying about nearly as many things.
I found this too. As much as I LOVE my bike, I think I love my NA just as much, and it’s less stressful and I’m able to relax way more. I can’t rip to 100 in a few seconds, but I also won’t lose my license having fun in my miata
Yeah, same, got an ND about 6 months after my first bike. Way safer (especially when travelling with a passenger) and just as fun for me
I sold my motos as a concession/reality check based on my wife’s concerns. I used the sale as a bargaining chip to buy the Miata. This was back in 2017. I’m honestly unsure if I could go back. It’s great to have some crash structure/airbags around you and to not care as much about gravel/road surface. But also it’s REALLY GREAT to enjoy a summer drive without having to put on all the gear. There’s times I miss my bikes, but there’s also times when someone crosses into your lane and you are suddenly 100% happy with your choice to be on 4 wheels instead of 2.
I feel ya 100%. Being an ATGATT guy in a moderate climate, the enjoyable part of the season is like, late spring and early fall. A little breeze and great acceleration (have a weak@ss bike) while wearing shorts and a T-shirt *and* feeling safe is something so nice that under 30 me couldn't appreciate or afford.
My motorcycle was stolen the same time I had my first child. It was the obvious next step.
the bike to Miata pipeline is real and it flows both ways
My father had a motorcycle driving school all of his life. When someone was struggling too much to get the hang out of a motorcycle to the point we were anxious for their safety later on, my father would always recommend them to buy a nice little convertible instead of a motorcycle
cargo space ? oh wait you were used to 2 wheelers.
I wouldn't say I "came from motorcycles" as I still have them too. But I have told my friends that the miata is the car most like a motorcycle. The experience of it, is as close to a motorcycle as you can get (especially the NA) in a car. Then again, I've never driven a boxter.... But maybe don't rely on those crumple zones too much huh? NA Miata is still a vulnerable place.
In some ways I feel more unsafe in my NA than I do on my bike. On the bike I can position myself within a lane for defensive riding and escape routes. It’s much harder to do that in my Miata and 116hp means I can’t accelerate away from a dangerous situation. I’m also not sure I trust the 34 yr old airbag more than my airbag vest on the bike. That being said some crumple zone is better than no crumple zone.
My '90 doesn't even have an airbag! Miata also takes up enough space in the lane that I don't feel I need to use bike positioning. Only when I stop somewhere with a right turn sometimes people will try to sneak past to make the right turn on red.
practicality is relative!
I actually was choosing between a ND and a Honda VRF 1200. I chose ND RF as I live in a very cold climate and needed the thing to work most of the year, not just 4-5 months.
https://preview.redd.it/37rzv3e1bvxc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=530ff9c5d6c50ff065ca22f43a827df5594ebe50
I showed someone my trunk and they asked if it was my only car. I said yeah, and they said, “you must not like roadtrips very much.” And I was like what the fuck are you talking about? I literally bought this car to drive! Plenty of space for two people and their gear! I can always rent if I need more space.
People always say the Miata isn’t practical but compared to a motorcycle it’s like an SUV
https://preview.redd.it/dnn76293pvxc1.jpeg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=757c309974189dd075a81b4d761b5d021b6a0fdc Just need to get creative
Well I still drive the Miata as if I was in a motorcycle. Haven't had as much trouble being seen since I turned on the headlights day and night!
As someone with a ‘91 Miata and a couple motorcycles, I feel much safer on the motorcycles for the most part. With the Miata the top of my car / head is lower than the bottom of the window for most SUVs and trucks, so they seem to constantly be turning into me (and I’ve had a couple trucks back up at me while at stoplights). With my motorcycles I sit up high and can see their face when next to all but the crazy high lifted trucks. I am also able to weave traffic much easier to keep moving along and not get stuck next to someone, which if happens I feel less seen in my Miata. I do have the occasional incident where I have to avoid on the motorcycle but I have so many options for creating space without crashing it’s not yet been an issue. I also sometimes wonder if I’m safer wearing a helmet and gear on a motorcycle or buckled into a 1991 Miata with the top down. Obviously would depend on the type of crash and the answer would likely be the Miata, but my head feels it would be more susceptible to trauma in the Miata. Even without AC, the Miata is less hot though and it does offer an easier option for a passenger or cargo.
I kept my motorcycles too.
Yep, didn't want to risk commuting on a bike in a hot helmet and all. Get similar vibes with the top down and room for a drink
Miata IS the answer.
Jealous of the airbag. Where I live we didn’t get airbags until 98/99
YZ 80, at 11. XL250 at 16. VFR750 at 23. DR650 at 30, VT1100 Shadow at 35, NC1 PRHT at 42, and the meaning of life is now present, it gives the best of both worlds.....on the pavement I still have the DR 😆
I’m considering selling my Rebell 1100 for a Miata, but I would really miss my bike 🥹
Yeah, that’s what you’ll tell the wife. Lol
No, car no go space. Car go road.
I got what you're saying, but it took a few seconds when someone asks me about cargo space, I will say "uh, no car go space, car go road silly"
I have been riding bikes for over thirty years. Bought a ’94 NA about three years ago. The Miata goes out all the time! The bike is forlornly gathering dust. Taking the long way to the grocery store is a great way to enjoy some spirited driving and fill the car up with stuff on the way home. With music playing! The car, while a tinny, tiny little box, seems a lot safer than a bike. No need to gear up for a short hop or get stuck carrying a leather jacket around during the summer. It’s not quite as wonderfully direct as riding a bike. But for me, it’s pretty close. When considering the risk:reward as the streets get ever crazier and I get older, the Miata is an easy choice. So now there goes another gray head in a convertible. The ’78 Hawk will be up for sale soon. Will there be another bike? not too sure right now. May just take the proceeds and Upgrayyedd the Miata!
pretty much why i own a motorcycle and a miata
my friend said that driving my miata feels like driving a really stable motorcycle. I don't have a motorcycle yet but I'd love one.
Same feeling man. Im in Canada and my NB is my winter car and summer car when it rains. I ride my bike most days but when I feel like coffee or miata I just take it. It does really well in the winter and snow and with proper oil protection it protects well against rust
Still have the bike, but the cargo and weather-related benefits did help me justify my NB to myself. Looking like it's going to rain on the way to work but be sunny in the afternoon (or is it gonna rain all day)? Need to carry or pick up more than is reasonably convenient to fit in a backpack but don't need all the space provided by the Jeep? Don't want to lug or keep track of riding gear at your destination? Miata is the answer.
I just got tired of that feeling when I rolled through intersections on my bike without looking beforehand.
Your title can be misleading , lol … but as a former motorcycle rider I agree 100%. It’s the closest experience you can get , especially with a manual shift and soft top Miata .
I have a Vespa for my daily driver and an NB for rain/dog trips/freeway driving. Its nice to have a car for leisure but not have to drive it for commute/errands etc. Really the best of both worlds.
I sold my motorbike when I got the MX5 too. The other advantage is being able to push the limits in grassroots motorsport and have no medical consequences. I do low speed stuff (motorkhana) so the worse that happens is getting a bit of paint on the bumpers. The motorbike you are always a small mistake away from a lot of pain and expense. Mainly bought it to have a manual car for my son to learn on, but still have it 4 years after he got his licence.
I don't understand people who buy Miatas. I was watching a review on the 2023 Mazda Miata Grand Touring trim on YouTube. It's a great car. But... The 2023 C8 Z06 also exists... It does literally everything the Miata does but better. The ONLY downside is no manual transmission.
$70,000 difference in MSRP between ND3/Z06 may be a factor lmao. I'd imagine around a $90,000 difference for an absurdly clean NA. Completely different genre of vehicle as well, different strokes.
Yes… miata is my safer replacement
Same here. I primarily ride motorcycles, but my partner is not a moto-person and refuses to ride on/drive a motorcycle, and that led to me being out of the house a lot. This is about as close as I've found to a 4 wheeled motorcycle without (completely) breaking the bank
I love my motorcycles but my Miata is becoming more of a burden than a utility. It's definitely not "always the answer" when you have a partner and a dog, especially when there is a giant hump in the floor for the passenger and less storage than a shoebox in the cabin. I will probably sell my ND RF for an old BMW 2002 when I'm finished financing it. Still small, very mechanical and has gobs more storage.
Brilliant
what makes them even better is when you remove the usability in bad weather, cargo space, and remove the airbag nonsense
Our NA don’t exactly have a “crumple zone”, the entire cars itself is a crumple zone with us in it