Potential Firestorm owner!

[Fazermike]

Hello all!

I'm considering buying a Firestorm so I saw this forum on a search and decided to join.

A few months ago I used to own a Suzuki SV650s which had a handlebar conversion And I loved the riding position and the torquey V twin engine.
Due to personal circumstances I had to sell it
My circumstances have changed now and recently I bought a 1998 CBR600FW and it is a nice bike but I do miss that v twin thump and torque.
With the CBR you have to rev it so much before anything seems to happen although it is very quick!

I was out with my partner visiting Portsmouth University the other day and parked near there was a Honda Firestorm I have to admit on not really giving them much thought till I saw this one and I had forgotten what a lovely machine it was and it got me thinking that this in a lot of ways is very similar to my SV being a v twin (although a bigger version) having a half fairing and not being a full on sports bike like the SP1.
And I have noticed that some guys on here have done a handlebar conversion to it as well! which sounds perfect to me

I don't know much about then to be honest although I have read that they changed in 2001?
Any information would be greatly received on what to look out for model changes and secondhand prices

Thanks

[tinysmall]

You should get a low mileage early model in top nick for around 2 k or under. Couple of weak points on em but easy to sort out. If your coming from 600's and 650's be prepared for a power hike though. Up top they have about the same bhp as a 600 supersport but that's balanced with massive torque from just over tickover. If you're brave with the throttle they are bloody fast and hugely grin inducing

Problems are CCT's, RR and front forks. All have pretty much permanent solutions (as permanent as you get anyway).

Buy one. You won't regret it

[tony.mon]

Just have a read on this forum, everything that you're asking has been covered in depth lots of times before.

But in summary:
The later ones have different graphics and a 19 litre tank.
The early ones had a 16 litre tank.

The standard cam chain tensioners are a known weak point- if they fail then quite often it results in bent valves.
Not a difficult thing to repair, but could potentially damage the engine, so most people fit manual tensioners, which are safe.
Search on here for instructions, where to get them, etc.

The standard Reg/Rec isn't that reliable, replacement ones are easy to get and fit on.

They don't get many miles before you need to stop for fuel; not especially thirsty but only a small tank.

Apart from that they're a good bike, fun to ride and deceptively quick.

[Fazermike]

Just have a read on this forum, everything that you're asking has been covered in depth lots of times before.

But in summary:
The later ones have different graphics and a 19 litre tank.
The early ones had a 16 litre tank.

The standard cam chain tensioners are a known weak point- if they fail then quite often it results in bent valves.
Not a difficult thing to repair, but could potentially damage the engine, so most people fit manual tensioners, which are safe.
Search on here for instructions, where to get them, etc.

The standard Reg/Rec isn't that reliable, replacement ones are easy to get and fit on.

They don't get many miles before you need to stop for fuel; not especially thirsty but only a small tank.

Apart from that they're a good bike, fun to ride and deceptively quick.

Thanks for that!

Typical Honda with cam chain tensioner problems!

A friend of mine who had one said that when his CCT's started to rattle he had them fixed by Honda for free although it was an old bike but this was a few yaers ago now!

[tony.mon]

If you wait for a Storm to start to rattle chances are the valves are saying "hello" to the pistons......

[pinkyfloyd]

Get one. Stop potentialing and just go get one. As said above the power hike is immense. One of the other members went from an SV650 to a Storm and he'll tell ya.

The thump and rattle of the V Twin you already know about from the SV but add the extra zorst and you got a beastie that scares children and makes deaf old granny dorris turn her head to make sure Death isnt coming for her!

[Fazermike]

Yes I think I will get one
It reminds me so much of my SV but with loads more power!

Just need to sell or swop my CBR600 first

[alec]

Yes I think I will get one
It reminds me so much of my SV but with loads more power!

Just need to sell or swop my CBR600 first

Hi Fazermike
have a look here mate this one looks pretty tidy
http://www.swapz.co.uk/swapz/1695404/ho ... cc_v_twin/ or
http://www.swapz.co.uk/swapz/1688350/ho ... rm_v-twin/

let us know the outcome
alec

[sirch345]

Welcome to the forum Fazermike

I can't really add very much to what has already been said in answer to your question.
Normally I say to anyone new to the V twin experience to test ride one first before buying. Seeing as you're used to a SV650 that doesn't apply

Good luck with whatever you end up doing,

Chris.

[tony.mon]

I, too, can't add much.

[sirch345]

I, too, can't add much.

What no good with figures Tony

Chris

[tony.mon]

Or wrods.....

[sirch345]

Or wrods.....

Chris.

[Fazermike]

thanks for your help guys

I have now sold my CBR and have about £1800 to spend on a Storm

Just a couple of more questions for you

I know they are prone to CCT failures and i have heard about fitting manual CCT's and also another one called the "stopper" mod
what is this? is it a good one to do?
I only use my bikes during the summer and only clock up a couple of 1000 miles when I do so would this mod be better for me?
thanks.

[tony.mon]

Manuals are entirely safe, but will need to be adjusted every year or two, with the miles you do. But it's quick and easy, slacken off a locknut and adjust the main bolt; once it's quiet again do the locknut up again. No spring fitted at all.

Stoppers are a bit of sawn-off bolt or rod inserted into the standard CCT. The spring can still fail, but then the plunger can't retract far enough so that the cam chain can jump teeth and bend valves.
If the spring fails you'll still have to change the CCT, though.

Your choice, really.

Search the threads in Workshop.