Do I buy a Firestorm?

[tinysmall]

Yup, agree with Benny there. £2800 is a LOT of money. In the height of summer I still only paid £1800 for mine which at the time was a 9 year old bike, 18000 miles and bloody good condition (and that was expensive). Since then I've spent a fair bit doing the stuff Benny mentioned but just because it's now sorted, doesn't mean it's worth any more.

[pinkyfloyd]

Another agreement with Benny here. Theres many decent versions on Ebay for around 1K less and for £2500 you can get the now infamous "Bling machine" from Stu on the forum



Because its from a forum member you can pretty much be sure that all the work that needs done with them has been done.

[sirch345]

Welcome to the forum Rick

My 2 pence worth goes like this. The big V twin engine that the Firestorm has gives me something that you won't get from an inline four bike, so I'd say if you're even contemplating a ZX12R then you don't get the V twin thing at all (only my opinion), unless of course you do get it, but have other plans in the pipeline for the future and that's where the ZX12R comes in. I'd also say a Firestorm and a ZX12R is a bit like chalk and cheese

I don't think gold wheels were ever standard on that model, afaik they were silver as standard from Honda.

I see you've had a ride on a Firestorm now, that would have been my advise as always, to try one first.

Good luck with whatever you decide,

Chris.

[Kev L]

Rick, as the other lads have said have a good look around before committing. I picked up a 53 plate 10,000 mile stock apart from carbon hugger for £2000 in Feb just gone. There really are loads around for reasonable cash with a variety of mods. However if you have the spare cash and you know the dealers a good un and this gives you a warm glow of security, good luck to you.
By the way this was my first V twin after a long line of il4's and I love everything about it.

[griffo117]

id have to agree as well they are a top bike especially here in australia the only prob ive experienced is the reg rec and the small tank but what it gives u in return WAY outways the drawbacks
theres plenty around so spares etc are no prob and you wont need to take VIAGRA anymore you will be cured

[Kev L]

id have to agree as well they are a top bike especially here in australia the only prob ive experienced is the reg rec and the small tank but what it gives u in return WAY outways the drawbacks
theres plenty around so spares etc are no prob and you wont need to take VIAGRA anymore you will be cured

Griffo, you may live to regret revealing your previous need to take Viagra to this motley bunch!!!

[chi kung]

I had an sv650 before my Firestorm. The sv is actually a better bike believe it or not.

Iv had my storm for over a year and wasnt that inpressed at first but i have now bonded with it for the following reasons.

The low down grunt suits my riding style.

The mods i have done CCTs, forks etc have made me feel like i understand the bike.

and finally the sound with race pipes is amazing.

They are not the fastest or best handling bike but they are perfect for people who ride in the real world.I use my bike all year round with no issues at all.

Also the people on this forum will help you with any questions or advice regardless of who you are or how long you have been a member.

And finally i say get a storm but dont pay £2800 for it.

[benny hedges]

I don't think gold wheels were ever standard on that model, afaik they were silver as standard from Honda.


Chris.

all the teal ones ive seen have had gold wheels, over silver basecoat.

[tony.mon]

I have a tidy red one for £1350, if you don't get on with it you'll easily get that back, if you want to try one without committing too much cash.

[Baldrick]

Thanks for all the advice and support. I may have to drive a good bargain with the dealer. Hopfully I've inserted a link for all to see.http://www.speedwellmotorcycles.co.uk/bikes.html I would prefer to buy from a dealer as I can part ex the SV not keen on selling Bikes/Cars on ebay or through autotrader, I can be a bit lazy like that and take the easy way out.

Welcome to the forum Rick

My 2 pence worth goes like this. The big V twin engine that the Firestorm has gives me something that you won't get from an inline four bike, so I'd say if you're even contemplating a ZX12R then you don't get the V twin thing at all (only my opinion), unless of course you do get it, but have other plans in the pipeline for the future and that's where the ZX12R comes in. I'd also say a Firestorm and a ZX12R is a bit like chalk and cheese


Chris.

Thanks Chris I used the ZX12r as my alternative as it has been a favorite of mine since it was launched back then it was way to exspensive so I brought a new ZX6r J1 model in green of course and most of my bikes have been big Kwacks including ZZR1100 & 600 GPZ1100 & 600 infilled with GS850,XJ900,Bandit and even a Indian Bullitt which you could say was fun to ride
The reason for choosing a Firestorm is from riding the SV I like the way it rides only problem is the lack of oomph and after riding the storm the other day it certainly had plenty for me. Also after riding four cylinders for so long and chasing that next bend sometimes this takes the fun of the ride Where as it seems that riding the twin I can enjoy it more and still be as quick. So the next step had to be a bigger twin. Reading reports in the press and speaking to other riders the general feeling was that Honda's big twin was the way to go

[Baldrick]

I have a tidy red one for £1350, if you don't get on with it you'll easily get that back, if you want to try one without committing too much cash.

Cheers Tony

Might try and find one localy if I can't drive the price down on my original choice link on previous post. Just had a look on autotrader and it seem the one i'm looking at is about £200-300 over priced

[sirch345]

Thanks for all the advice and support. I may have to drive a good bargain with the dealer. Hopfully I've inserted a link for all to see.http://www.speedwellmotorcycles.co.uk/bikes.html I would prefer to buy from a dealer as I can part ex the SV not keen on selling Bikes/Cars on ebay or through autotrader, I can be a bit lazy like that and take the easy way out.

Welcome to the forum Rick

My 2 pence worth goes like this. The big V twin engine that the Firestorm has gives me something that you won't get from an inline four bike, so I'd say if you're even contemplating a ZX12R then you don't get the V twin thing at all (only my opinion), unless of course you do get it, but have other plans in the pipeline for the future and that's where the ZX12R comes in. I'd also say a Firestorm and a ZX12R is a bit like chalk and cheese


Chris.

Thanks Chris I used the ZX12r as my alternative as it has been a favorite of mine since it was launched back then it was way to exspensive so I brought a new ZX6r J1 model in green of course and most of my bikes have been big Kwacks including ZZR1100 & 600 GPZ1100 & 600 infilled with GS850,XJ900,Bandit and even a Indian Bullitt which you could say was fun to ride
The reason for choosing a Firestorm is from riding the SV I like the way it rides only problem is the lack of oomph and after riding the storm the other day it certainly had plenty for me. Also after riding four cylinders for so long and chasing that next bend sometimes this takes the fun of the ride Where as it seems that riding the twin I can enjoy it more and still be as quick. So the next step had to be a bigger twin. Reading reports in the press and speaking to other riders the general feeling was that Honda's big twin was the way to go

Hi Rick, I've just been re-reading my post to you, and it may have come across as a bit harsh. My apologies if it did that was not my intention.

I can understand your following for the Kawasaki's when you've had that many different models, so yes it must feel like it's going against the grain a little when you are considering stepping outside of the fold, although you have had a few other bikes in between. Good luck with whichever way you go. At least allow yourself sometime to adjust to the firestorm if you do end up with one.

Do keep us posted,

Chris.

[Baldrick]

No worries Chris Just thought I would explain the connection

[benny hedges]

autotrader

mcn bikemart is a good place to look.... here's a selection with less than 10k miles - note they are all 'blue' lol

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes ... 2+2738+191

there is even a brand new unregistered teal one for 6k

[Baldrick]

autotrader

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes ... 2+2738+191

there is even a brand new unregistered teal one for 6k

Yep I saw that one last over at Padgetts Batley. I believe they also have a zero miles RC45 now that would be something