Geo Metro roll call: did you own a 3 cyl car before Mirage? (Suzuki, Smart, etc)

[cyclopathic]

Many years ago I used Kwak EX250 (they basically all the same from 1989 to 2008). Great little bike would top out at ~95mph and more than enough power in traffic. Wasn't that great above 70-75. What I liked most you could get 315-325mi out of tank before switch to reserve, which was a big deal as my round trip to work was 106mi. On other bikes it would be daily stop at gas station.

But I would never consider it for x-country trip, carbs+high passes do not mix well. KLR would be ideal for solo, if it had EFI. Would be at home in many places from TransAm trail to Dalton highway.. Unfortunately for me to get to Prudhoe bay and back would take 12,000mi with lots of slab in-between.

But let's get back on topic, is it just me or Mirage does remind you an small displacement motorcycle?.

[inuvik]

Many years ago I used Kwak EX250 (they basically all the same from 1989 to 2008). Great little bike would top out at ~95mph and more than enough power in traffic. Wasn't that great above 70-75. What I liked most you could get 315-325mi out of tank before switch to reserve, which was a big deal as my round trip to work was 106mi. On other bikes it would be daily stop at gas station.

But I would never consider it for x-country trip, carbs+high passes do not mix well. KLR would be ideal for solo, if it had EFI. Would be at home in many places from TransAm trail to Dalton highway.. Unfortunately for me to get to Prudhoe bay and back would take 12,000mi with lots of slab in-between.

But let's get back on topic, is it just me or Mirage does remind you an small displacement motorcycle?.

It does! I think it supports my personal preference to be frugal, not cheap. The Mirage gets the job done for not alot of money. Perfect!!

[saturnhartwig]

Yes I did. 1994 auto. It was fun and let me know that a car doesn't have to have lots of power.

[Tinker1980]

I was referring to your triumph, thought you might be on ADV. They call themselves inmates.

[Tinker1980]

Nice DR650! That beast can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. I have it's littlest brother, DR200. Can't beat the DR's for long term reliability.

My DR650 has been ridden off a small cliff, submerged in mud, fallen from a hitch carrier, along with several stupid "oops" drops, and it always comes back for more. Once rode it 90 miles to enter it into an enduro, rode it in the enduro, then rode it home. I just can't be broken.

[cyclopathic]

I was referring to your triumph, thought you might be on ADV. They call themselves inmates.

I haven't been to ADV for several years. Actually haven't ridden bike much for last 5 years due to health. This is all behind now and trip to Dead Horse is on my bucket list. My biggest concern with T800 is price and lack of range, so most likely it will be DL650. Stromtrooper

[philavine]

I bought my '14 mirage about a year ago, on a lark basically hoping it'd be a 21st century Metro. I still have my '91 metro 3/5 vert w/ >200k. Also owned a '00 3/5 metro hatch that routinely got > 50 mpgeez, and was over 200k. GM brought them out in the American market in the '90s to balance out their fleet average mpgs, thought they'd be throw away cars, but they have great longevity and are very easy to maintain and repair. I agree my '14 mirage feels more like a Buick than a metro, but the efficiency is similar and safety and comfort is much better.

[Jimmyess333]

My 2001 Suzuki Swift was the 1.3 4cyl but I still miss that car...a lot.

[foama]

several swift, 3 and 4 cyl, and a few Daihatsu

[MetroMPG]

Wow - time flies.

Since starting this thread, I have in fact gotten another one: I now also have a $1000, 2000 Metro 1.0 / 5spd that I've been using as a winter beater (and potentially as a future source of parts for my low-miles Firefly).


(cardboard Kammback has since been replaced by coroplast)

Still watching almost daily for a used Mirage though.