BoneThug

Hi All,



I in a great position where I can create assemble a new fleet of vehicles for my needs. I am hoping to get assistance and just generally talk about how to create the perfect balance. I plan to have three vehicles.



Vehicle number one: 2019/2020 Mazda CX-9 Signature. I don't need 3 rows but will be having a kid soon and my wife thinks that it is impossible to procreate without having an SUV. From what I understand this is one of the few that actually has some feel coming through the steering wheel. Test drove it and it is adequate. Signature interior is pretty good too. My only needs are that it needs to be have said feel, have enough storage to let my haul stuff and be comfortable. It doesn't need to be fast, ride on rails, be the last word in luxury, or have fancy badge. It primary will exist to be an all weather daily driver that will see it's fill of baby toys, vomit, and groceries.



Pro: good low end torque, great interior, decent milage, best looks in it's segment and top 5 in segments above, and it should be reliable.

Cons: low HP, really long, FWD bias, poor AWD system, hauling space is low by comparison to others in the segment but should be fine for my needs.











Vehicles 2 and 3 are where it gets tricky.



Vehicle 2: 2009-11 RX-8 GT or R3. I am looking for a sporty vehicle that can, when necessary, transport my child. The kid will normally be in the CX-9 but on occasion I may need to be able to transport him/her. I'm looking for something with a 6 speed manual, great handling, moderately comfortable and modern (as in OBD II), with decent looks without being too expensive. Not looking for a coupe or any boring looking four door sedan. I won't lie. The RX8 is not my first choice, but after looking into things, it feels like the only one. I test drove a 335i and found the steering to be lifeless. An S7 is more of the same. CLS is too luxury oriented. A Panamera is overkill, especially in size. All the German options would be maintenance nightmares, at least at the price level I could afford. Its laughable but I even considered a Rapide but I think the RX8 has a more spacious back seat. I don't really care about out right speed, due to vehicle 3, but I can't think of another vehicle that can mach the handling and the fun factor of the RX-8. Milage is negligible in every option I can think of. Any would be maintenance intensive and when comparing, I feel like the RX8, even with all its foibles, would be cheapest. With the RX-8, you know what the problems are and can just stay on top of them....I hope?



Pros: handling, space for kid, great shifter, 9000 RPM, modern enough

Cons: Poor MPG, looks in any bright color, hard to find late model versions, engine could possibly blow up. But probably won't. But could :|.













Vehicle 3: Either a 2018-2020 Honda CB1000R, a 2012-2014 Ducati Multistrada, or a 2017-2000 Ducati Supersport. I am looking for a comfortable but sporty motorcycle for a bit of around town and spirited canyon carving. I worry that having a bike that is too similar to the RX8 would end with one of them being sold, and I'm not sure the RX could compete with a good bike. My wife wants to ride with me occasionally, probably to ensure I'm not off visiting some second family when I saw I am out riding, and that lead me to the Multistrada. Newer versions look pretty ugly and apparently have lost a bit of steering feel, and older ones have more reliabilty options, making these years the sweet spot. Supposed to handle beautifully and be decent two up. The CB1000r is gorgeous to my eyes and with a front cowl would be perfect. Not the best for the canyons but I think I could make it work. Handles great and makes good power. No toys really, but its better without them. The Supersport is a happy medium. The two Duc's have low end torque and peter out up top while the CB is weaker down low and makes more power up top. I'll never use any of them to their full capabilities on public road's and would rarely track them if ever.



CB1000R Pros: Light, reliable, comfortable, looks.

CB1000R Cons: high reving like the RX8, maybe a bit boring (comparatively), no wind protection (front fairing can be bought)







Multistrada Pros: Great protection, premium, adjustable suspension, all day comfort, great handling for it's size. Engine is a good counter to the RX8.

Multistrada Cons: Heavy, less agile than others, high maintenance, will be harder to find parts due to age, will have low resale when I sell.











Supersport Pros: Light, decent wind protection, quick shifter, ohlins suspension, reasonably comfortable, decent looks.

Supersport Cons: Slowest (though its fast enough), LED's look stupid, reliability, good at many things, master of none.













So yeah, that's me. I'm trying to go with a comfortable daily driver (wife's car), comfortable/sporty occasional car for me (all seasons), and a sporty bike for more aggressive days (spring to fall). Thoughts? If I got the RX-8 would it compete too much with the CB1000R since they make power in similar ways? I'd hate to build up my fleet here only to find I use some vehicles more than others. Are these bikes to generalist? Would something more specific make it a better balance? All I really wanted to do is carve up canyons in relative comfort. I would love to hear your opinions and thoughts on what would be the perfect balancing act and other options that may balance things out even more.



Thanks for reading.

BoneThug

Phew. That was a herculean effort of editing. Sorry for any previous errors. The website would not let me post until it was reviewed then didn't let me know the post went live.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Welcome! Big plans

I don't know if CX-9 would be my first choice for a single kid, its huge. This might be an oddball choice, but I was pleasantly impressed with my mom's 2020 Outlander of all things. It's not sleepy at all (she has the V6). Definitely downrange on luxuries though.

The 8 is perfect for your usecase I think, fun car with practical back seats. The back door helps getting the kid in and out too, unlike a BRZ or other sort-of-4-seaters. It's not actually that maintenance-intensive, you just have to do a few things right and be ready for a new engine if it comes to that. No timing belt changes, for example. A lot will depend on your specific example's history... if the previous owner didn't do the right things, it may have more problems. In my circle of friends, those who wanted a kid-compatible fun car ended up with fast sedans: STi, Volvo V90 (not bad btw!), various Mercedes's. Boring and expensive.

Can't comment on bikes.