Hello to the WSCC

[Old Biker]

Hello,

First post!  Had enough of getting knocked off my bike (Honda Blackbird) and have decided to investigate getting something with just as much exhilaration but with a better life expectancy.  Went to the Exeter show last weekend and was completely taken with the day.  Unfortunately, due to a broken leg I couldn't get into any of the cars.  The Westfield seemed to be the best blend of car vs price although the MNR Vortx had a longer cabin which might well suit me.  Can any of you with more experience (not hard at this stage) confirm to me that at 6' 4" and size 13 feet, I will be able to fit/operate a Westfield easily because I want to buy one.  My leg is a couple of months away and I was like a kid in a sweet shop at the show hence the question instead of waiting until I can get in one.  Look forward to your reply.

[John Williams (Panda) - Joint Manchester AO]

Welcome,

I'm an ex biker..... a nicked bike and too many idiots pulling out ... made me hand in the keys!

I love the westfield.... and at least my passengers can talk to me!

cheers

john

[stu999]

Welcome Old Biker

There are plenty of folk here who have arrived by the same route - and some even prefering the experience offered by these cars. After all, you don't have to get togged up with leathers on a hot summers day, just to go for a blast

Good news - taller men with bigger feet drive Westfields. Point worth noting though, especially if looking for a S/H one - early Westfields (more commonly known as 'narrow bodies') are narrower, and shorter in the cab, making it a bit of a tight squeeze for bigger built chaps (and chapesses!)

Where abouts in the world are you? I'm sure there will be a regular club meet nearby, or even an owner or two who will happily let you try their car for size when you leg is healthier!

Cheers,

Stu

[Paul Hurdsfield - Joint Manchester AO]

Hello and welcome from Sunny Manchester  

Just go for it, you wont regret it  

Mods: can Stevy D be banned from this thread?

[Barry Ashcroft]

Hi Paul I'm 6,2 size 11 feet and 20stone nearly & I can fit. You will have to wear racing shoes/boots as normal trainers will be way to big.

It would be worth buying a car with a lowered floor but they have only been available since 2006 or you can have it retro fitted maybe cost about £300 or cheaper if you do it yourself.

The factory now also do a 2" taller windscreen.

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

Try to get a lowered floor car - and with a mid of modification to steering wheel size, reach and height you should have no problems

Just try quite a few first - oh yer and you will be best with a wide bodied car (easy to tell which is a wide bodied - do a search in here)

wide bodies are also longer too

Good luck fella

[Old Biker]

Thank you all for the welcome and useful advice, I appreciate the help.

I live in Castle Cary, Somerset.  Looked down through the calendar of 'meets' and didn't see any that seemed local but not too fussed about traveling a bit (once the leg is in one piece!).

[markcoopers]

Hello old biker,

I remember you comming by the stand on Saturday. (I was the little chap in the club shirt).

You will fit. As others above have said, aim for a wide bodied car with if poss floor mounted peddels and a lowered floor. Mind you i suspect you will not need these, wide will be fine

[KerryS]

I was the little chap in the club shirt

Aww!! Cute self-descrption there, Mark    

[7sRWild]

welcome, I have just purchased my WESTIE from Japan, wont get it till March of next year. Just in time for a Spring blat. The Canadian rockie mountain roads are gonna be awesome in this car. Good hunting for yours. I know about the kid in a candy store thing..

[Old Biker]

Mark,

Thank you for confirming what the others are saying - that many people can't be wrong!

[Old Biker]

welcome, I have just purchased my WESTIE from Japan, wont get it till March of next year. Just in time for a Spring blat. The Canadian rockie mountain roads are gonna be awesome in this car. Good hunting for yours. I know about the kid in a candy store thing..

Good luck with the new car.  You must be confident with the car if you are buying it from that distance.  There are some big roads in Canada, I'm sure you will have plenty of fun.

[Rory's Dad]

Don't worry to much about a lowered floor.  My first Westy had a lowered floor with Westfield sports seat on runners and was fine.  My second has grp seats bolted staright to a flat floor and are just fine and more comfortable too.      

...and welcome!!

Rory's Dad

[Old Biker]

Good to know as it gives me a wider choice.  Thank you.

[7sRWild]

welcome, I have just purchased my WESTIE from Japan, wont get it till March of next year. Just in time for a Spring blat. The Canadian rockie mountain roads are gonna be awesome in this car. Good hunting for yours. I know about the kid in a candy store thing..

Good luck with the new car.  You must be confident with the car if you are buying it from that distance.  There are some big roads in Canada, I'm sure you will have plenty of fun.

Will post a pic as soon as I figure out how to do it. The Wife is getting fed up of me walking round the house making exhaust and squeeling tyre noises.