Back on two wheels again

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highside
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2016 10:04 am

Back on two wheels again

Post by highside »

Greetings from Tokyo! Just picked up a 2003 VTR with 39,500 km on the clock. It's my return to bikedom after a three-year break and first big twin since a KTM ADV many moons ago. Wanted a cheap beater for commuting, and just as I was about to pull the trigger on a Hornet 900, up popped this black VTR on the local classifieds at an even lower price.
Seems to run OK, but just to be safe I had the oil and oil filter changed today. Anyway, loving the gobs of torque down low.

I know next to nothing about this model, so this board will be a great source of info.

Cheers,
Kurt

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MacV2
Posts: 17418
Joined: Sun Jan 21, 2007 12:07 pm
Location: Grain

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by MacV2 »

Welcome in ... :thumbup:

Have a good read through & enjoy the Storm...
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Kev L
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Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:57 pm
Location: Hertford, England

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by Kev L »

Looks like CCT's are going to be your first mod. That exhaust system deserves a polish as well!
Welcome to the club mate
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alanfjones1411
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Joined: Thu May 21, 2015 3:33 pm
Location: watford

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by alanfjones1411 »

Hello and welcome to the best forum. CCT's and reg/ rec are a must and full step by step instructions are on this site. :wave: :thumbup:
SO WHEN DOES THIS OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER KICK IN
baycat
Posts: 165
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:05 pm
Location: Hertford

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by baycat »

welcome to the forum
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Wicky
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Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by Wicky »

Greetings

Looks like a late matt black model (possibly with 19L tank) - one of the last produced before the VTR was discontinued in 2005. A big bonus is it has a very expensive and rare full titanium Moriwaki exhaust system. :cool2

Just install manual cam chain tensioners to replace the stock auto imploding tensioners and you'll have a reliable bike for many miles.

*** Read Me for New Members *** > Bike Maintenance and Upgrades/Modifications > viewtopic.php?f=23&t=31345#p304638
Last edited by Wicky on Thu Dec 29, 2016 2:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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KermitLeFrog
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Joined: Sat Apr 11, 2015 6:44 pm
Location: Hexham

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by KermitLeFrog »

Yup, that exhaust looks luverly!

Welcome on board.
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fabiostar
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Location: sunny belfast

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by fabiostar »

welcome along kurt. plenty of know how on the site for you. exhausts dont suit the bike but your lucky as i will take them of your hands :D :D
the older i get,the faster i was :lol:
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sirch345
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Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by sirch345 »

Welcome aboard Kurt :thumbup:
You were very lucky to get it with that exhaust system, well spotted Wicky :)

Chris.
hallie
Posts: 292
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2015 10:11 am
Location: Cork Ireland

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by hallie »

Very nice bike. At least it's not TEAL. :thumbup:

Welcome to the site. Some very good info to be found here.
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lloydie
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Joined: Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:16 pm
Location: In the garage somewhere in Coventry

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by lloydie »

sirch345 wrote:Welcome aboard Kurt :thumbup:
You were very lucky to get it with that exhaust system, well spotted Wicky :)

Chris.
Them exhaust are common as muc over there lol .

Welcome along ,hope you injoy your stay
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VTRDark
Posts: 20010
Joined: Sun Mar 18, 2012 9:24 pm

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by VTRDark »

That exhaust system deserves a polish as well!
Only to get rid of the Blueing :lol:

Welcome to the forum. Nice bike you have there and with a bit of TLC she will serve you well. I wonder how that dent got into the tank.
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agentpineapple
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Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2011 9:16 pm

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by agentpineapple »

welcome to the forum kurt
as the guys have said, get the cct's changed to manuals, other than that it's all fairiy good, read through the workshop section for help with any minor issues.
looks like a nice late model bike, deffo a 19ltr tank... :thumbup:
love the full mori ti exhaust system, shame about the dented tank tho, another bonus is the givi rack, great for a top box... :thumbup:
HEY YOU GUYS!!!!!!
highside
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2016 10:04 am

Re: Back on two wheels again

Post by highside »

Thanks to all for the warm welcome. Lots of reading to do about CCTs, maintenance and upgrades over the dead of winter.
A little googling led me to a Honda blurb in 2003 about a Japan-only special edition in "matte gun power black metallic" with a full Mori exhaust, so I guess this is one of those 100 bikes. It must have a 19L tank, because I put 15L of gas in last night with still plenty in it.
After commuting on it the last three days, gotta say I'm really happy with it overall. Runs well and pulls hard, with a nice deep exhaust note as a bonus. Just need to remember there's no ABS
Besides the Givi rack, the extras include heated grips and a power outlet, which are nice to have. Yeah, the dent in the tank is unfortunate, but on the plus side since company parking is not secure, the less bling the better.
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