Discontinuation of VTR Firestorm
Discontinuation of VTR Firestorm
I know I've had my head in the sand for a while, but when did Honda UK decide to axe the VTR Firestorm? Anyone know if they are planning on replacing it?
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VTRgirl
- Posts: 2281
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Yes, they're still "available" in Oz, but they're not making them anymore. They're old stock. Matte black or red. They're plated 06, but certainly weren't made this year. As far as the Storm goes, that's it. Finished. Extremely sad, but true. And at this stage, nothing in the ranks to replace it. The mainstream companies are abandoning the v-twin market in favour of those other icky bikes. We stand in wait, but most of the articles around now are saying not to hold our breath.
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mellis wrote:Piff piff!! My SP1 is my daily ride to work. And apart from chronic backache, a bad wrist, sore butt and empty wallet (fuel) the thing is perfect for daily use. Would never consider going back to a comfy, smooth, relaxed sports tourer!
PS Wibble!
Craig from the land of the long white cloud. Teal VTR 2001.
I blame Suzuki. The flop of the SV1000 derailed confidence in big V-Twin road bikes. There will be new ones some time though, it all goes in cycles. You don't see 750 in line 4's any more, but with MotoGP dropping capacity limits to 850 and WSB looking at changing too (due to Ducati's whinging) there might be a shift over the next few years to smaller capacity 4's and then a resurgence in big V-Twins.
The 'storm needed replacing or a major update to remain fresh and new and deserving of a place in a new line up. Honda weren't prepared to spend enough to do it, so the 'storm had to go.
I can't imagine a global and fiercly competetive company like Honda not making a brand new model as soon as popularity swings back to twins.
The UK market is dominated by GSXR, CBR, R1 and ZX riders but euro markets and more importantly, the US like twins a lot too.
While I don't think we'll ever see a new Firestorm, I believe we will see a new big capacity V-Twin sports bike, possibly around the same time as any replacement for the SP, which is itself getting a bit old now. Will be interesting to see if Honda ever release a road V5.
The 'storm needed replacing or a major update to remain fresh and new and deserving of a place in a new line up. Honda weren't prepared to spend enough to do it, so the 'storm had to go.
I can't imagine a global and fiercly competetive company like Honda not making a brand new model as soon as popularity swings back to twins.
The UK market is dominated by GSXR, CBR, R1 and ZX riders but euro markets and more importantly, the US like twins a lot too.
While I don't think we'll ever see a new Firestorm, I believe we will see a new big capacity V-Twin sports bike, possibly around the same time as any replacement for the SP, which is itself getting a bit old now. Will be interesting to see if Honda ever release a road V5.
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SILVER ZIPPER
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Write to honda and show your disapointment at them dropping the model and i'm shaw they would reconsider.
Their need's to be worldwide interest so get writing.
Honda only have 3 sport's tourer's in thier lineup and the v twin is the dullville
,no thank's.
Look's like Aprilla,Ducati,ktm suzuki,moto guzzi if you want that v twin thing when you need a new bike.
Probably 1000 rider's on this site with interest in new storm shorley Honda can't ignore that sort of interest if we all write.
Their need's to be worldwide interest so get writing.
Honda only have 3 sport's tourer's in thier lineup and the v twin is the dullville
,no thank's.Look's like Aprilla,Ducati,ktm suzuki,moto guzzi if you want that v twin thing when you need a new bike.
Probably 1000 rider's on this site with interest in new storm shorley Honda can't ignore that sort of interest if we all write.
I HATE IT WHEN I HAVE TO PUT IT AWAY........
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barrioplano
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2003 12:18 am
- Location: Japan
Production of the Japanese model was discontinued in 2003 and the Honda site in Italy reports MY 2005 as the most recent. I guess that's it.
Honda still manufactures the Varadero, which has basically the same engine as the VTR... so maybe there is some hope left some day.
It's a shame though -- I liked the sporty tourer concept.
Honda still manufactures the Varadero, which has basically the same engine as the VTR... so maybe there is some hope left some day.
It's a shame though -- I liked the sporty tourer concept.
Further to Stratman's comment .... unfortunately they've now axed the SP2 aswell !! I bought mine only a few months ago and the dealer told me then. They've ceased production and are now only selling off the old stock.
I was absolutely gutted, how means Honda do not produce any performance V-Twin at all, but does that mean something is in the pipeline ?? Shall have to wait & see ....
Good thing being is that it'll make the 'Storms & the SP's alot more rare and valuable. Possibly now turning into a collectors item ?!?!
I was absolutely gutted, how means Honda do not produce any performance V-Twin at all, but does that mean something is in the pipeline ?? Shall have to wait & see ....
Good thing being is that it'll make the 'Storms & the SP's alot more rare and valuable. Possibly now turning into a collectors item ?!?!