ac can be retro fitted. some more fun quicksand features YOU missed was the spare tire placement actually plays a roll into the balance of the vehicle. also a limited slip diff, ABS, Driver airbag, and passenger dome light are all optional on later models. and yes there was other special edition models can came in different colors. the version c and the version z. noon of the other models made any chances to the engine. other options are exhaust tip polished, bumper corner stick so you know where the ednge of your bumper is when trying to make a tight turn in the streets of japan. fender mounted side mirrors with the delete panel for the usually mounted side mirrors even the sticker on the air vents are optional and not all beats have them. the bass beat came with some cheapo wheels and the alloy wheels were an option. not everyone knows everything about the beat and covering all the features in a short video is difficult so stop shaming the man he tried.
I'm no expert lol oh the design of the tray for the spare plays a roll in directing air flow to the radiator. I can quirk and feature this car all day.
Classic! I was actually looking for a Toyota Sera when I found out about the Honda Beat. Now his is for sale on Cars and Bids... This really came full circle I guess!
Great video. I want a Beat or Honda Acty soon. I remember when they were like $6k USD all day. Now it looks like $8k for a good one already stateside. Hopefully this summer. 🤘🏽🚗
I've one in the UK plus a few other Hondas. The rear window removal allows access to the engine cover. When I drop the soft top I place a pipe insulator thing where the window folds. Makes it roll around it. Stores conveniently on the shelf behind seats. Light as anything too. Like you I adore my Beat. Had it around 10 years. I show it occasionally. Comes second (runner up) in its class nationally. Mine's a/c belt removed. Limiter too. Ultra reliable. Once out, someone asked if it was a car? You bet! Perhaps more sophisticated than theirs?? S660 in transit as I type. Great vid.
16:40 its even better if you get an E07Z (factory turbo engine that came in the Honda Vamos) same exact engine, just turbo and w/nothing you end up w/15-25whp more in a PP1 while safe. Doind that swap any time next month myself. Car is great btw, looks very good condition wise. Enjoy it.
Despite what you said about the beats not coming with ABS, I don't think that was entirely true. You see there were two versions of the honda beats made with them being labelled pp1-100 for the first version and pp1-110 for the second version. The pp1-110 (second version) could come with ABS and even an LSD! Sadly a majority of the beats were made in 1991 (the first year of production) and then production slowed dramatically up until 1996, which means that its pretty rare to find a second version beat with the ABS. Nevertheless this was a great video and I learnt some more stuff about beats so I thank you for that.
Great video. Does yours have a stock suspension? The way you describe it I'm guessing it doesn't. The stock suspension is rather soft - still super fun in the corners, but not sure about the level of grip you're describing. Regardless, agree that it's 7 or 8 out of 10. I too was puzzled by Doug's comments - maybe he just didn't drive it long enough? It literally is one of the best car driving experiences, and it's insane that the fun can be had without the risk of being caught for reckless driving.
OMG! I got a ride in this cool car today (thanks Cullen!) and it was amazing. I'm a big guy, and I barely fit in the passenger seat, but with the top down, it was fine!!! Love the sound of the engine!!
1. The Seatbelt holder piece doesn't come with every Beat, that was probably optional on most. Mine never got it nor does it have any missing holes to indicate if it ever did have it. 2. You can go freeway speeds perfectly fine. My Beat hovers around 5500 RPM going 70 MPH 3. You really want to be unzipping the window when putting the convertible down. Over time if you fold it down enough times a crease will eventually form in the middle of that plastic just as over time that window will fade and need a replacement. 4. The Beat in Doug's video, has the front bumper for fog lights yet, there are no fog lights, yet if you look real quick in the video there is a modified aftermarket toggle switch that isn't the stock fog light button or a dummy fake button for most of the Beats that never came with the fog lights so....... ?
UK regs require a high intensity rear fog light. Off side reversing lamp bulb replaced with a red one to comply. Most fit a lamp which looks like an after thought to me. Apparently the close proximity of my light to the brake lights is OK for it but disallowed for recent cars.
It really is so much fun! You have to stay on top of preventative maintenance though, because any parts you need will take weeks to import if it breaks.
If this vehicle has 63 bhp, if you need a/c and p/s, if would only have 40 bhp with those options. Great content! I was in my 20's when we sold Honda Del Sol's.
We used to get some of these in Australia years ago. I always thought they were adorable. Are still pretty cute, but I'm lining up for an original Miata anyway I think...
This is just a so fun video! Who can talk about those without knowing them! I love Doug, and have seen his video on this car and am very happy you own one and did a video on it! The 2 things on your dash..., are speakers? option, or aftermarket?
I'm going to see one this week for a possible purchase. I've done as much research on this thing as possible and think I have a crush on it lol. This vid was awesome and super informative. Also, bit of an odd question but do you know what case you have for your Pixel? I really like it and would love to buy the same one for my phone.
It's the gear4 clear case. Just fair warning, it turns yellow after a few months, but it does do a very good job protecting the phone. You should totally drive the beat and see if it's for you! I'll counter your odd question with one of my own, are you the guy on Reddit who posted about maybe buying a beat today?
My Miata was the most fun I've had in a car. The Beat is better. The engine sound alone is worth the price of admission. Same with the shifter and clutch.
Hey great video! My Beat is currently waiting at Japanese port for a spot on a ship (hopefully soon). I just wanted to note that both you and Doug failed to mention the gas cap release mechanism hidden in the driver door jam which is am interesting quirk. Also curious as to why you started the car with a Subaru valet key (also spotted a Subaru key fob) my mom used to have an 2000 Outback and I remember that vividly because it was also my first car. Great addition of the updated (and very hard to find) Gathers radio. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for one. Otherwise I'll be stuck with the tape deck aux cord.
This is the key that came with the beat when I got it. The fob is for my other car, an old Subaru Forester. I understand the major Japanese auto makers were encouraged to pool resources in the 80s and 90s so there might be some parts bin sharing involved.
i daily drive a Beat in finland all year round... it's the most fun car you can ever drive... trust me.. my summer car is a peugeot 205 gti and not even that can beat the Beat..
I would not, sorry. I've only had this one for 4 months now, I've got a lot more fun planned! The one in Doug's video is for sale on his auction site, or importing one from Japan can be a cheaper option.
These are not stock speakers, although there was an upgraded sound system you could get from the factory with two dash speakers and a subwoofer in the compartment that normally holds tapes.
They're entirely different cars with very different strengths and feels. I like them both a lot but If I had to choose to only keep one, it'd be the Beat all day.
