Hooniverse Asks: What's the Most Minimalist Vehicle You Would Consider Using for Transportation?

solowheel
I heard on the radio last week that here in Los Angeles—a city with some of the worst traffic in the world—only 11% of commuters use public transportation. You can probably chalk that up to the fact that LA’s rail system is still growing and that its busses are seen as slow (they still have to ply those same congested streets) and kind of creepy. That means that the rest of us are all in our cars or on our bikes, and that got me thinking about other alternatives.
Consider if you are a car or truck driver, that’s a lot of metal to be dragging to work and back everyday. Would you ever consider switching to say, a motorcycle? How about to a Segway? Those sidewalks are calling. What about something even simpler, like those pyrotechnic hoverboards? What would be the most minimalist vehicle you might consider for getting around?
Image: TheGreenGearHead

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68 responses to “Hooniverse Asks: What's the Most Minimalist Vehicle You Would Consider Using for Transportation?”

  1. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    For commuting or errands, this is about as minimal as I would like. Between the traffic here in South Florida and the frequent downpours, bicycles, motorcycles, Segways and the like just aren’t all that desirable to me.

    1. Waldo-Mcpherson Avatar
      Waldo-Mcpherson

      What model is this? And year specifically

      1. tonyola Avatar
        tonyola

        It’s probably a 1985.5 CRX-Si, but I was referring to the CRX in general.

  2. onrails Avatar
    onrails

    Just need to get somewhere? Easy…

    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      I can’t tell you how often I have longed for this when I have overestimated my hiking-in-the-mountains-skills. In every day use, there’s hardly anything that could beat this.

    2. Tiberiuswise Avatar

      My name is Tiberiuswise and I approve this message.

    3. Fuhrman16 Avatar
      Fuhrman16

      The only problem with that is that you would die. Star Trek transporters don’t actually “transport” you to a different location, it’s impossible to to break your body down to a molecular level, move it through space instantly, then reassemble yourself at the other end.
      What actually happens is your body and mind is scanned and a 100% perfect copy of yourself is made at your destination. You wind up getting disintegrated in the process and your new clone continues on living your life, (until they use a transporter and the process starts all over again).

      1. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        But is that a real problem? As long as it duplicates your body AND your mind perfectly, would there be a noticeable difference?
        Frankly, I’d be more concerned about a ‘dropped call’ halfway through the transmittal.

  3. smalleyxb122 Avatar
    smalleyxb122

    If it were capable of the speeds that I need to attain on my commute, I would already own a Ruckus.
    http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201207/2012-honda-ruckus-3_600x0w.jpg

    1. pj134 Avatar
      pj134

      They did make the Big Ruckus for a bit.

      1. smalleyxb122 Avatar
        smalleyxb122

        Yeah, but the Big Ruckus is ugly, and not in an endearing way like the little Ruckus.
        http://www.motorscooterguide.net/Pictures/HondaBigRuckus.jpg

        1. wunno sev Avatar
          wunno sev

          that is so genuinely unendearingly ugly that it’s kind of endearing in a way

    2. Tanshanomi Avatar

      I am anxiously waiting for the Kymco K-Pipe’s U.S. arrival: 125cc, 4-speed manual transmission, 17″ wheels, $1999 MSRP.
      http://cdn-1.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/adventuremotorsports/vp4573302_1.jpg

      1. smalleyxb122 Avatar
        smalleyxb122

        That’s actually pretty sweet. It’s like a Madass mated with a Grom.

        1. Kiefmo Avatar
          Kiefmo

          Wasn’t the madass available with a 125, as well?

  4. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    In a perfect world, since I’d like to have some power in reserve at freeway speed…
    http://image.motorcyclistonline.com/f/firstrides/122_1302_2013_honda_cb500_series_first_look/41035394/2013-honda-cbr500r-blk-lr.jpg
    I’d probably go with at least a 600, though a 500 would likely get the job done just fine.
    It’s the cage that keeps me (and many) in something physically larger than necessary. I’d love to commute on a motorcycle, but the girl in the jacked up Wrangler that ignores the stop sign in front of my house on a regular basis has her face in her phone/latte far too often.

    1. Kiefmo Avatar
      Kiefmo

      I commuted on my CBR250R for nearly 2 years. “Reserve power” is overrated, I think. I’d much rather use good lane choice and a keen awareness of my surroundings than rely on a flick of the right wrist to propel me to superlegal speeds in a flash, where things suddenly get a whole lot more dangerous in traffic.
      I never found myself in a situation where I thought a rocket from 60-90 or so would have served me better than a quick lane change or a dab of the brakes.

      1. neight428 Avatar
        neight428

        Maybe I’m bridging over on the other side of the need/want spectrum, but I’ve never found reserve power to be overrated. The two-fiddy would likely suffice, I’ll grant.

  5. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    A sedan chair is pretty minimalist, but it might be a bit slow for my commute.
    http://media.kentonline.co.uk/filerepository/archive/images1/19269_0_l.jpg

  6. CruisinTime Avatar
    CruisinTime

    Gets good mileage,starts every time.

    1. Kiefmo Avatar
      Kiefmo

      I’m considering starting to commute on my 60’s Schwinn Varsity 10 spd. I’ve got hills to contend with, so I’ll need the gears, and I’ll be in traffic, so I’ll appreciate the front brake for faster stops.

    2. kogashiwa Avatar
      kogashiwa

      I’ve commuted quite a bit by bicycle. My normal drive to work is about twelve minutes and cycling takes about 25. Not that different really and get a bit of exercise and fresh air.

    3. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      I used to commute by bike every day, until I moved to the countryside. There was hardly ever a week below 100km, usually I was hovering around 200km (I’ve mostly had jobs with home office options). Can’t tell you how I miss the freedom, the exercise, and the body that’s lost now.

    4. marmer Avatar
      marmer

      Until you get a flat.

      1. CruisinTime Avatar
        CruisinTime

        True of all rubber tired vehicles?

        1. marmer Avatar
          marmer

          Yes, but I get exponentially more flats on bicycles than on any other rubber tired vehicle. Also, when you get a flat you are basically stuck on foot. Yes, I know patch kit and all, but still that and/or carrying extra tubes is your only option.

          1. Sjalabais Avatar
            Sjalabais

            Get this and be free:
            http://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-reader/marathon-plus.html
            http://www.schwalbe.com/files/schwalbe/userupload/Images/Produkte/_Tour/MarathonPlus/new/marathon_plus_cut_neu.jpg
            I’ve had Schwalbe Marathon or Marathon Plus tires on most of my bikes for several decades (getting old, sic), and my best pair survived for 40000km without a flat. They are heavy tires and the sidewalls will crack open a bit quicker than on other tires, apart from that, these are the best tires you can get.

          2. kogashiwa Avatar
            kogashiwa

            I always carry extra tube (and patch kit just in case, also a tire boot, which I’ve only had to use once), tire levers, CO2 inflator. Don’t get flats often but when I do it rarely takes more than five minutes to fix by the side of the road.
            Tires make a huge difference also – larger tires at lower pressure get fewer flats (but don’t go too low pressure or you’ll start getting pinch flats), or you can get something like a Continental Gatorskin which has enough Kevlar armoring to be almost flat-proof. (Ride quality is not so good though, tire carcass is too stiff.)
            I think I got about a half dozen flats last year in around 4000km of riding. But I’m partial to paper-thin racing tires.

          3. marmer Avatar
            marmer

            That’s exactly what I mean. Six flats in 2500 miles? Even cut that in half — three flats in 2500 miles. That’s crazy stuff. No one would put up with that in the car world. And you then are back at pre-WWII patching or re-tubing technology. I’ve done a lot of riding and I’ve changed a lot of flats, and I understand rim pinch, spoke poke, clean interior tire carcass, etc. Still, it’s really not reliable enough for commuting if when you arrive matters. Flat tires is one of the big reasons I don’t do long rides anymore.

          4. Sjalabais Avatar
            Sjalabais

            I’ve been running the Marathon Plus above at 5-6bar pressure. The extra weight comes in handy once the bike is rolling; my main bike is an ancient steel bike anyway. I tried to replace it four times*, and have since given up. Seriously, I’m not paid by Schwalbe, but they know their business very well – I’ve converted several Continental-devotees, too.
            *The strangest was a Dynamic Crosstown 8 with shaft drive, imported from the US. Cake-like feeling of efficiency uphill, a massive waste of money. This was in my heaviest commuting days, replacing brake pads every other week and replacing chains and cranks every year or so.
            https://finncdn.no/dynamic/1600w/2/221/881/62_193192344.jpg
            https://finncdn.no/dynamic/1600w/2/221/881/62_-162601044.jpg

    5. BigRedCaveTroll Avatar
      BigRedCaveTroll

      I came here to say that. If I lived in a place that had a commute that was short enough, a bicycle would be my first choice, although some people seem to make longer commutes work too. My dad used to often bike 30+ minutes to work, although his work also had showers and locker rooms, which would be quite convenient. He’d even go in the snow and rain sometimes. After my parents divorced he didn’t get any vehicles (or the house) in the divorce, so his sole means of transportation was either one of us kids driving him around or him biking somewhere until he could scoop up enough money to afford another vehicle (lawyer fees, child support, trying to find a new place to live, and trying to buy a new car all at once can be kind of expensive).

  7. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    Good shoes.

  8. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    I work near an airport, and the intersection of two major highways. It’s about a 10km trip from home. The amount of gas I use on commuting works out cheaper than transit (which, with where I’m going, is slower), but that’s admittedly contingent on assuming my other car costs are fixed (which they sort of are). I’d be willing to give up radio, so long as my trip only took 15-20 minutes, and was at roughly room temperature. In the spring, I’ll likely start taking my motorcycle in a few days a week. Unfortunately, it’s a little too far for walking or bicycling.

  9. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    If I lived in a city with good mass transit I would just need a good pair of shoes. I’ve spent time in Germany and on the last two trips I was staying and working in Munich and could just take the train everywhere. No need to drive.
    For commuting here in the Detroit area, shoes won’t cut it. Nope, I’d need something that can handle the wide range in temperatures and seasons we have…sometimes all in one week. Plus, our roads are deplorable. Think Fallujah. My commute is about 15 miles, so mileage is only a minor concern. Finally, people don’t know how to drive in Michigan.
    The cannon will keep me warm.
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/M1A1_in_Frankfurt.jpg

    1. BigRedCaveTroll Avatar
      BigRedCaveTroll

      He should really close his sights. Who knows when a stray rock might jump up and crack the glass. Then their smiles would be turned upside down.

      1. Tanshanomi Avatar

        Maybe they’re preparing to fire…

      2. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        It’s Germany. Stray rocks don’t exist on roads, as they would be heavily fined and banished. 😉

    2. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      Now, how much time did you spend playing GTA2?

      1. engineerd Avatar
        engineerd

        Not enough. It was never enough.

  10. The Real Number_Six Avatar
    The Real Number_Six

    From 1998 to 2008 I didn’t own a car because I was in cities where there was both good public transportation and weather mild enough that I was able to ride my motorcycle wherever transit wouldn’t take me. I did not miss owning a car and it was a big expense gone from my life for a nice long period of time. My current city’s lousy weather and ineffectual public transit unfortunately means a car is now essential.

    1. Batshitbox Avatar
      Batshitbox

      Those are about the same years I went without a 4 wheeler. I was in Boston, which has pretty good mass transit. I also rode the bicycle to work.

      1. The Real Number_Six Avatar
        The Real Number_Six

        Having experienced useful public transit, I just shake my head when people who live in cities that have lousy transit try to tell me it doesn’t/can’t/won’t work.
        But where I am now, public transit can mean waiting in -25C temps for a bus that’s never going to arrive because it’s stuck on a hill somewhere. Because of this I live within walking distance of work. Cuck fommuting!

  11. Batshitbox Avatar
    Batshitbox

    The simplest I ever boiled it down to was a single speed bicycle with a rear coaster brake and a front clincher brake. That coaster brake wheel was a dog, so now I have clinchers front and back. For motorized transport, Honda Grom is about as minimal as I can think of.
    http://images.cyclenews.com/photogalleries/xlarge/HondaGrom2.jpg

    1. smalleyxb122 Avatar
      smalleyxb122

      A Grom would be a pretty sweet commuter/plaything.

    2. Tanshanomi Avatar

      See my comment about the Kymco K-Pipe above. It’s like a Grom that’s tall enough to see and be seen in traffic, at a heck of a price. I’ve been waiting for these to come stateside for two years, and they’re finally arriving as ’16s.

  12. Papa Van Twee Avatar
    Papa Van Twee

    First, you are talking to a guy who drove a 2006 Aveo for deliveries for a year. Nothing I do will hurt me more than that.
    I wouldn’t mind riding a bus. In reality it doesn’t work because from my house to my work is about 2 hours, and I have to do the last 2 miles on foot. But even an hour (doubling my usual commute) wouldn’t be bad, especially if it had free wifi.
    But I have a wife and 2 kids, so really basic transportation would be a 4-door Excel for us. And I can handle that pain.

  13. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    I live 18km from school, in a rural area, so walking or biking is out of the question, unless I want to get up early and risk my life on or at least crossing a highway.

    Taking the bus takes 40 minutes, so that’s usually a last resort. Actually, I’ve calculated it, and 40 mins is about how long it would take for me to take a tractor to school, so that’s probably the most basic mode of transportation I would take.

    TL;DR: I’m tempted to attempt to drive a tractor to school.

  14. mdharrell Avatar

    I’m still working my way downwards, although I admit I wouldn’t mind finding one of the optional enclosure kits for my American Microcar Tri-Ped. This is despite the fact that the owner’s manual warns not to use the enclosure in windy conditions as it will induce tipover.
    https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8650/15974049153_8a66ff5ca5_z.jpg

    1. roguetoaster Avatar
      roguetoaster

      Owners manual not on some sort of electronic media, blasphemy! How will anyone read it!!?!

  15. calzonegolem Avatar
    calzonegolem

    I wouldn’t consider anything less than a 4 door car with remote locks, a/c and good safety ratings. Without the remote lock I end up leaving my keys in the ignition and locking them in. I often have to carry my two little Hoons and as much as I’d like a CRX or something like that I feel better with them wrapped up in some modern crash protection.
    A base Soul is all the car I really need.

    1. roguetoaster Avatar
      roguetoaster

      This is a rationale that I do not understand, although I have no children. If a car that was perfectly good for carrying children around in 20+ years ago why is it no longer good to do the same today?
      Yes, I do understand that there are many large vehicles on the roads today, but it seems to me that as a whole the proportions haven’t changed much. It also seems that we are no more likely to get in to an accident today as we were 20+ years ago. It must also be considered that child seat protection is many times better than it was in years past and in many cases will provide all of the protection that’s needed even when fitted in an older car. Therefore, it seems that the additional safety features of today are really only protecting the unaware and unlucky.
      Perhaps it’s that we have fewer children today, and therefore place a higher value on them per unit. But it seems more likely that we simply are way too overprotective of children today and the slightest cut or bruise is a complete failure of parenting.
      In no way do I mean to offend or devalue children, but I just don’t get this mindset and see the ever increasing number and effectiveness of safety features as security blanket for car buyers.

      1. engineerd Avatar
        engineerd

        Exactly… Now, for me it’s more about the comfort, reliability, and convenience features. Plus, with a 1-year old I have a rear facing car seat and cars over ~7 years old in general were not designed with this in mind and makes fitting a car seat in the back and an actual human (i.e. Mrs. engineerd™) in the front a problem.
        http://www.ridelust.com/mpg-wars-1989-honda-crx-hf-vs-2009-toyota-prius/

      2. calzonegolem Avatar
        calzonegolem

        It is a fact that cars today are safer then 20+ years ago. I do not coddle my children but why expose them to unnecessary harm?

        1. roguetoaster Avatar
          roguetoaster

          Absolutely true, but I suppose the question is actually “Does getting anything but the best/safest/newest actually expose them to unnecessary risk?” The fact remains that those of us commenting today were once children being carted around in what would now be considered “unsafe” vehicles.
          It just seems that anything well maintained with vented disc brakes, radial tires, maybe ABS and three point belts being driven by an attentive person will get the job done just as well considering that children are generally confined to the rear seat.

          1. calzonegolem Avatar
            calzonegolem

            I sat unbelted in the back of my mom’s Z28.
            My kids will be just fine strapped in the back of our Soul and occasional drives in my Model A roadster rat rod.
            Modern chassis design, crumple zones and air bags are important to me in a daily driver.

  16. Waldo-Mcpherson Avatar
    Waldo-Mcpherson

  17. Moparmann Avatar
    Moparmann

    A seemingly recent developement in urban areas, is a veritable horde of persons riding minimally engined scooters as a means of transport to their job. Sometimes the scooters are STRUGGLING to maintain a reasonable 25-30 mph, ESPECIALLY when going uphill and saddled by a “plus size” rider! On the rebellious other hand, is the number of adolescents riding four wheeled ATV’s on city streets with NO REGARD for their own or anyone else’s safety, recklessly ignoring stop lights/signs, etc.

    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      What bothers me most about these scooters is that they seem to have been build in some sort of legislative black hole of noise regulation.

  18. HuntRhymesWith Avatar
    HuntRhymesWith

    I just picked up a ratty old bicycle (free from a friend) for use in the city. Compared with my old Yamaha XJ550, it’s half the danger, half the adrenaline, but none of the cost.
    Still, I’d much rather be on the Yamaha.

  19. jeepjeff Avatar
    jeepjeff

    This is an easy one. I took bus and BART to work, so a nice pair of walking shoes is my most minimal transportation choice. Jumping up from that, I’ve commuted via bicycle in the past. As far as most minimal motorized transport? I have that one too: Yamaha TW200. Ok, it’s more extravagant than a 125cc thumper, but not that much. I would not drop down to a scooter, I want a manual transmission and a good frame. (In California, they require the same license as a motorcycle, so why not just get a motorcycle?)

  20. mve Avatar
    mve

    If I had one of these, I would gladly drive it. http://www.3wheelers.com/peel.html

    1. Lokki Avatar
      Lokki

      Uhm, I get that it’s a pick-up, is it the vehicle, the girl, or both?

  21. Cool_Cadillac_Cat Avatar
    Cool_Cadillac_Cat

    I was going to say this:
    http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5473720215.html
    But really, if it weren’t total crap, I’d consider this as a commuter:
    http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymux8ozUn4M/Vk4xTjs-HAI/AAAAAAAADFo/GKswm6d8xjk/s1600/Elio-Motors-P5-0.jpg
    I have a 30 mile, one-way, daily commute, almost all freeway (Fort Worth), and I have to be presentable every day, so even a motorcycle, which I used to have multiples of, and commuted on, would be a pain, eventually.
    That, and the one bike “incident” I’ve had resulted in 15 broken bones, three of those compound breaks, six weeks of missing memory, and over two months in various hospitals, so I’m a little hesitant (though I did ride the other one we had a couple of years later, and it was as if I never got off…no pun intended).