Seriously considering a VTR 1000. In and outs of 'em please?

[LotusSevenMan]

At the point of buying a '98 bike with approx 18 K on the clock. Now I know this will be a biased site (and why not as owners you love 'em!), but an honest appraisal of them would be appreciated by this up-to-now loyal Suzuki man!!!
Thanks!!!

[Hanuman]

firestorms are good grunty bikes which feel small and light. the tank range is poor as honda used the biggest carbs ever, reportedly, so fill ups are needed either side of 100 miles dependant if its thrashed or ridden plainly. It is not a supersports bike. It is an all rounder so dont expect it to handle like a supersports. modifications can be made if you want to throw it around like rossi. The fairing is mediocre at keeping the bike stable, it doesnt cut like a sports fully faired bike but you shud expect that.

it's grunty grunty grunty. it's excellent value for money. Others will argue that there are plenty of bikes that will do the job better and there are plenty of bikes that will peform poorer. For the money its a good decent machine, like all bikes though it isnt the pinnacle of riding - riding is in the mind not in the machine.

I use mine to play on and is generally hooned about.

Go test some out and get a feel, opinions are just that and you need to form your own.

[Stratman]

Standard supension = cheap and cheerful.

Get a replacement shock ( you don't need an Ohlins, a Hagon will do), respring the forks, braided hoses and sintered pads, 2 tooth larger rear sprocket, and you will be amazed at what Honda could and should have done from the start.

I still come home grinning!

[LotusSevenMan]

Thanks for those comments. The one I am looking at has had braided hoses fitted, rebuilt and resprung front shocks and a rebuilt rear. It feels very light to me and as I really want a semi sports bike rather than a balls out racer it seems to fit the bill. I watch my mate riding in front of me with a VTR and as he comes up to a bend he just lays it in with a throttle twist whereas I have knocked my Suzuki down a couple of cogs!!!
It's got road legal race co oval cans and so is as said a good thumper!!
Lots of CCT advice on here. Will read it all and inwardly digest.
Stay safe & cheers.

[Stratman]

When we all go for a days ride (200-300 miles) then the difference between the V twin and sports 600's is really evident - blip through trafiic in one gear, not constantly jumping on the gear shift (and clutch lever of course), more engine braking( again, less tiring over the day) makes the FireStorm an altogether more relaxed place to be.

[LotusSevenMan]

Change of plan, but I pick up a yellow '99 'Storm on Sunday evening!!!
Hurrah.

[dunk4230]

Good choice and you cant go wrong with a yellow bike

[LotusSevenMan]

What a way to introduce oneself to a new aquisition. Dark black evening, heavy rain and strong winds. VTR was fine (although h/light is a bit poo), but still not a nice way to have to get home the 45 miles in that weather!!!!!!!!!!

[sirch345]

What a way to introduce oneself to a new aquisition. Dark black evening, heavy rain and strong winds. VTR was fine (although h/light is a bit poo), but still not a nice way to have to get home the 45 miles in that weather!!!!!!!!!!

As I said in one of your other posts, at least you now have one Well done

Chris.

[tony.mon]

Nah, probably not a good idea.
Stick to suzukis.

Bet there's been times when you would've agreed!

[LotusSevenMan]

Hi Tony!
Nope.
Very Happy with my second VTR (I did the first one in on gravel at a roundabout!!!) but I also have other bikes to play with now too.

[mozza71]

Nice one fella, at last you have one again

[mwad]

Standard supension = cheap and cheerful.

Get a replacement shock ( you don't need an Ohlins, a Hagon will do), respring the forks, braided hoses and sintered pads, 2 tooth larger rear sprocket, and you will be amazed at what Honda could and should have done from the start.

I still come home grinning!

Hi mate, did you get your forks re - sprung locally ? I am in Yarmouth and have heard many people suggest re - springing the forks. Will it make a huge difference as my bike has less than 5000 miles on it ?

[Stratman]

Standard supension = cheap and cheerful.

Get a replacement shock ( you don't need an Ohlins, a Hagon will do), respring the forks, braided hoses and sintered pads, 2 tooth larger rear sprocket, and you will be amazed at what Honda could and should have done from the start.

I still come home grinning!

Hi mate, did you get your forks re - sprung locally ? I am in Yarmouth and have heard many people suggest re - springing the forks. Will it make a huge difference as my bike has less than 5000 miles on it ?

Ooh yes - years ago when I first got her (2000). Firmer springs and heavier oil seem to work for me. They weren't "Rogered" so the damping wasn't altered, but they are still a huge improvement over standard with no bottoming out on braking or running wide on corners.

As you are in Yarmouth we'll have to get together come Spring?

[mwad]

Standard supension = cheap and cheerful.

Get a replacement shock ( you don't need an Ohlins, a Hagon will do), respring the forks, braided hoses and sintered pads, 2 tooth larger rear sprocket, and you will be amazed at what Honda could and should have done from the start.

I still come home grinning!

Hi mate, did you get your forks re - sprung locally ? I am in Yarmouth and have heard many people suggest re - springing the forks. Will it make a huge difference as my bike has less than 5000 miles on it ?

Ooh yes - years ago when I first got her (2000). Firmer springs and heavier oil seem to work for me. They weren't "Rogered" so the damping wasn't altered, but they are still a huge improvement over standard with no bottoming out on braking or running wide on corners.

As you are in Yarmouth we'll have to get together come Spring?

Yes, I am in Yarmouth. A meet up would be good. Will be a while before I get the bike out of hibernation. Prob about May time