HELP PLEASE.

[Limkstorm]

I have just bought my first STORM.
I don't find this grunt that everyone talks about and just wonder is there a few easy checks / upgrades i could do myself.
I've just had the valve clearances done and it just hasn't got that grunt. Is there something i'm missing. I thought these
twins were supposed to buck and kick when you push them on.
I've owned mostly inline 4 rice rockets but i also owned some big single S/moto's and fear i bought a dud.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and help.

[Wicky]

When was it last fully serviced? As you've mentioned 72k milage - what's the compression like on each cylinder?

Acceleration for the firestorm is better described as being catapulted forward by a big rubber band than bucking bronco (early TL1000)

[popkat]

They've got v twin grunt but it's not mega grunt, something like an Aprilia has more. These bikes have similar overall performance of a 600 sportsbike from the mid to late nineties just made in a different way..Best way i can think to campare is like a petrol hot hatch compared to a modern diesel hot hatch, The firestorm being the diesel, ie more shove low down but not quite as good or revvy top end.

[VTRDark]

Don't expect them to take off like a GSXR 1000 or equivalent. Yes it's 1000cc but it's more about the torque and midrange pull. Vtwins do take a bit of getting used to and don't ride anything like an IL4. They are not rocket fast hence the reason they are cheap to insure, but they are a lot of fun and have more than enough grunt for most regular road use.

(:-})

[Limkstorm]

Yes as you have all mentioned low down grunt. I just don't find it, to be honest a friend recommended these bikes to me as a wheelie freak.
I do love my wheelies ( who doesn't ) but this just don't want to.
I live no where near a specialist or half decent mechanic, so it's down to me and my limited ability. I've heard rumours of people changing the Reg/Rectifiers and the such
to improve performance.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[chric]

cant see why any one would want to go faster after not been on bike for weeks when i went out yesterday was gobsmacked how quick i was doing 70 and not even realising.It's the getting to 60-70 what gives me the biggest buzz owt after that dont intrest me prefer to have a good look round and enjoy the ride

[Limkstorm]

Chric,
I fear you miss understand me, the reason im asking for help is that i don't find this acceleration that you speak of.
To be honest I recently just sold an RRX model blade which i owned for almost a decade, and even though i had Streetfought it with no engine mods.
I feel, NO I KNOW it would out accelerate this twin.
I'm only looking for some help or advice that's all.

[Wicky]

I've heard rumours of people changing the Reg/Rectifiers and the such to improve performance.

Not a performance mod but an essential mod as early unfinned R/Rs are notoriously unreliable. Same with CCTs that need looking at. Check the workshop knowledgebase section to see what needs attention and how to DIY. Once those two issues are sorted them look for small gains in performance from a combination of freer flowing cans, jetting etc. and also handling tips but first make sure everything else is ship shape condition maintenance wise. Should be 95-100 Findus lasagnes as standard , and with fettling 105-110 Sainsbury's taste the difference burgers. Unless you've bought a learner 33bhp restricted one

As for RRX blade a friend had one and on the A road twisties VTR was on just top - practically even, only on straight line dual carriageways he'd lag initially but as he got his rev ups into his top end over 70-80 the RRX shot away and no contest. The fun with the storm is the twisties riding the flat torque curve with minimum gear changes , not frantically revving for the powerband.

[Limkstorm]

Thanks Wicky, appreciated...

[Steve6088]

where are you based? maybe someone could have a go and compare?

[geodude]

Where are you based? Maybe a "local to you" storm owner can check it out. As said though, It may just need a bloody good service and check over.

[geodude]

lol steve. beat me to it

[Limkstorm]

You will need a ferry ticket i'm afraid if ye want to wonder up for a cuppa.
South west Ireland, loads of trees mountains and back roads.
I'm currently a victim of this global recession and need to do as much myself as possible.
CCTs seem fine at the moment, she got new blood recently and plugs are sound, valve clearances are done.
Is there a specific model of bike that i should be checking breakers for a R/R upgrade.

Thanks again...

[Wicky]

Evil


Good


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-CBR-125 ... 3ccea342cc

Even with your milage - for the sake of a top end rebuild if the CCTs self-destruct its worth fitting manual CCTs or at a minimum stopper modding the standard ones as a safety net/get you home measure.

[skyman]

well i took mine out when i first borrowed it after riding inl4s for years thought it was ok with a lot of engine braking first 10 miles made me happy but not fall in love
then i pulled out of a slow junction in 1st popped into 2nd my mate was in front on his slow 125 but it was a nice plod no one showing off.
just felt a little uncomfortable on the leg dept so just shut the throttle while i adjusted my leg ,then whacked it open to catch up with my mate !!!!!!!! tank hit me in the chest went past him on one wheel
up till then the bike sounded awesome with carbon cans but felt very civilised if not a little lumpy, shut it down load the front whack it back and , once you get comfortable with the feeling you will be able to do it in at least 3 gears without even clutching it up I am now tottally in love with this machine , it aint the fastest it aint the most exotic it aint the most frugal power for miles per gallon but I defy anyone to get more smiles per pound ,and the guys who own them on the forum are the best and most helpfull ever,,