Which next bike?

Post by **firestorm996** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 12:55 pm

I think the time has come to change the storm. After 4 1/2 years I now fancy something different and am probably going to go back to an IL4 for a while I think, although that's not a definite.

I will most likely be buying secondhand, probably spending between 4-5k so I need to take into consideration which of these bikes are a good secondhand buy at the price I'm talking.

Post by **firestorm_al** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 1:19 pm

I spent yesterday afternoon doing the Aprillia Superbike School at Knockhill and can thoroughly recommend the Aprillia from a riding point of view.

It is such a nimble machine, excellent brakes and suspension. The engine revs a lot more than the VTR which takes some getting used to and there isn't quite the engine braking that the VTR has. On the track the slipper clutch savd me a few times when I changed down too early.

Great day out though and it was my first time on a track. I think I may be persuaded onto a track day in the future. However, I am in pain now as I rode down to Knockhill from Aberdeen via Braemar and Glenshee. Same route back and didn't get in till after 9 last night.

Al.

WayneM · Post by **WayneM** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 4:20 pm

The 2002 blade really should be considered.

WayneM · Post by **WayneM** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 4:24 pm

Oh bugger - wish Id read your whole post before responding - ok so you probably wont find a 2002 Blade for 4-5k

vtrsteve · Post by **vtrsteve** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 8:34 pm

Hmmmmm....... I've only experience of the GSXR6 and the lasting memory of that was wombles ME NO!! BANG!!

Seriously tho' the Gixxer is a very quick bike but hard work to go really quick on. Not the most comfortable for commuting (very high pegs) but very satisfying when it all gels.

As for the others I can't comment but I'd go for a 'moto if only for the fun factor until the summer next year.......

Post by **firestorm996** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 10:14 pm

To be honest it's looking more and more like I will go for the 'motard. I shouldn't need to commute on it as I may be getting a company car soon, and I've seen a couple of XR650's and LC4's with both sets of wheels at very tempting prices. I may well only do a year on it before going back to a sportsbike but so what.

Post by **firestorm_al** » Wed Sep 04, 2002 8:57 am

I had a loan of a GSXR600 earlier this year for a week and I'm still raving about it! It is a bit more work than the VTR but with that chasis it pays off.

I know Aberdeen is a bit north for you but that same bike is for sale at the moment. 1998 S-Reg with less than 4k miles on it for Â£3500. I can vouch for the bike cause it belongs to one of our directors.

Details -
http://www.abercon.co.uk/aberdeenbikers ... t=11&de=79

Al.

DaveTM · Post by **DaveTM** » Mon Sep 09, 2002 7:50 pm

Well, I've sat on what I always thought was my dream bike F4 Augusta, Ducati 996, but I found both bloody uncomfortable and that was just in the stand at the NEC

Then a mate said try this Firestorm, NO, said I - not interested in a twin - then i sat on her, comfy or what and you know, looked kind of sexy.

That was me hooked..........So next bike for me is........

Did you guess it

stormcloud · Post by **stormcloud** » Tue Sep 10, 2002 9:24 am

Had a ride on a VGC Thunderace yesterday. 1000cc in line four - but feels flat, characterless. Back to back with the VTR, the Ace FEELS slow until high revs (it's probably not slow) with poor response and no character. The VTR feels awesome in comparison, especially low down gives much more snap to the throttle.
After a side-by side 300km run (identical speeds - average 100kmh) the firestorm only used 5% more fuel.
Ace is very, very fast though. Handling was very solid, reassuring and neutral.
If you are considering a four, I recomend giving an ACE a trial run and see whay YOU think. Suggest an extended ride though to de-VTR-sensitize yourself.

Cheers.

adamski · Post by **adamski** » Thu Sep 12, 2002 7:22 pm

Whatever you go for, don't have a motard as an only bike!!

You will DIE of boredom, trust me!!

A nice Fireblade perhaps?

Don't worry about it being this years bike, they are all good. They handle well and are VERY reliable.

Give one a try.

erion996 · Post by **erion996** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 3:50 am

i think the next bike should be sp-2 i have the sp-1 or what i have is a rc-51 that bike KICKS ASS!

ERION996

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 8:05 pm

ERION 996,

except my VTR's butt, has about 12hp on yours and 30kilo's lighter,

kick my butt not.

Del.

erion996 · Post by **erion996** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 10:19 pm

well i don"t think so.and my bike is far from stock so i say kick your ass who knows he just wanted a opinion of a good second bike.

delmeekc · Post by **delmeekc** » Sat Sep 21, 2002 8:47 am

ERION 996, Dreamer

calm down, my 620SC will probably walk all over your SP1, 54.5rwhp & 118kgs.

VTR spec!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Front
Racing Magnesium Dymag (Red/Gold) 17"x3.5" (BT56SS)
AP 320mm GP Discs
PFM 6-pot Calipers (Black Anodised)
Revalved/Resprung '98 Blade Forks Modified for quick release mechanism
Spondon Endurance Quick Release Wheel Mechanism
Carbon/Kevlar 916 mudguard (held on with Triumph T595 clamps)
Braided hoses
AP Master cyclinder
Promach (my design) yokes (27.5mm) to take 50mm sleeved to 45mm (Grey Anodised)
Blitz headlamp, Carbon, with projector lamp and hand made Carbon mounts.
Carbon/foam dash, SPA com Tacho/Speedo/Shift Lights, SPA Digital Water/Oil Temp (White/Chrome), Hand made mounts
CR500 Renthals, Renthal Grips
All bolts are Titanium/Alloy

Rear
Spondon SB spec polished swingarm
Harris underslung rear caliper (Gold anodised)
PFM rear brake disc
Braided hose
Racing Magnesium Dymag (Red/Gold) 17"x6.25" (BT55SS)
Spondon Endurance Quick Release Wheel Mechanism
Renthal Gold Anodised Rear Sprocket
520 X ring HD Chain
Penske Race rear shock fully adjustable, length, preload, rebound & 2-stage comp (Gold/Black)
All bolts are Titanium/Alloy

Chassis
Spondon SB spec polished modified VTR frame (Carbon inserts)
Spondon Grey (as per yokes) SB spec footrest hangers
Spondon Subframe modifed to take seat unit.
Carbon MVF4/916 seat unit with 916 Bipisto suede seat.
Hand made alloy undertray for battery/alarm/loom/coil/rear lights etc
Hand made alloy exhaust supports
Hand made Carbon exhaust hangers
Hand made complete loom incorperating Meta Cat 2 alarm/imobiliser, MCB's etc
Red Top 8 battery
Hand made alloy radiator & oil cooler mounting brackets
Hand made alloy coil mounting brackets
VTR Fuel Tank with modified fuel outlet (Red)
All bolts are Titanium/Alloy
Private Number Plate (L7 VTR)
Extreme Steering Damper

Engine
Full Race ignition, fully mapable with software via a pc, uses standard ignitor box and modified to take standard Cdi if needed
Full Rainbow Titanium Moriwaki exhaust system
Revolution modified/vented Engine Cases
Close Ratio Gear Box
Japanese market softer clutch springs
Moriwaki forged high compression pistons
Stan Stevens Ported/Gasflowed Heads
Moriwaki Stage 1 cam shafts
Modified VTR Carbs (including pilot air jets) Factory Carb Kit
Fuel Pump
Samco water hoses
Large Setrab Oil Cooler with Braided Hoses and QD dry break oil connectors
Magnum oil filter plate
Modified Open Air Box and K&N Filter
Carbon Engine Covers on left and right cases
Modified Radiators with Carbon Covers
Hand made alloy coolant expansion tank
All bolts are Titanium/Alloy where possible
Power 122rwhp @ 9,000rpm & 84ft/lbs torque. Dry Weight 170kgs (110rwhp @ 7,000prm)

Del.

stormcloud · Post by **stormcloud** » Sat Sep 21, 2002 9:32 am

CRIKEY!
Are there any original parts left ?!
Sounds like a mighty impressive machine.
What was your inspiration? A super monster beater? An ultimate motard?
I'm impressed with your dedication to mod's ( but not jealous - mine suits me fine) - it must have taken much time and $$$$
Must be quite a sleeper. Bet you surprise a few people.

Any chance you can post a dyno graph showing your torque curve?

Cheers

VTR1000.ORG

Which next bike?

Which bike to go for?

Which next bike?

Which next bike