VTR1000.ORG

Hello all. New member here. Want help with getting a Firestorm.

I have made my mind up. My next bike should be a Firestorm. I want a change from the in-line fours. So what do I look out for? I want to buy a cheap one, as I am going to use it every day, commuting and so on. It won't be a pampered toy, only to be taken out on sunny days. Are there any particular problems? (Particularly with the earlier models, as that is what I can afford)

hi Lump.
I don't get on here so often, but thought I'd get in before the other regulars. Agree with all Kaz said;

I've used mine mostly for commuting for past 18 months with no mechanical concerns, and just replacing the regular consumables. The bike still looks tidy despite riding through the winter, and sleeping under a sheet on the patio. The fork legs suffered a bit from salt, but I could have prevented that if I had been a bit more fussy with the cleaning.

It's a great slim bike for filtering, and the low-end responsiveness can get you out of trouble if someone changes lanes etc. The one down-side is the tank range; keeping it under the ton on mostly dual-carriageways my red-light comes on at about 105miles -- but get enthusiastic, and you'll get this down into the 80's.

It's my first bike after a gap of about eight years, and whilst I keep toying with the idea of trading her in, I have yet to really think of a bike that is so useable, has that distinctive V-twin soundtrack, and at the sort of money we're talking here.

Good choice Lump you wont regret getting a storm , and after inline fours you will realy like the stomp.
Used all winter the fork legs will get a bit manky but thats about it and they can be repainted easily.
With my lower gearing and love of speed i get on average about 85 miles for a tenner which is almost twice as much as my old mr2 so i consider it not to bad.

Tank-range doesn't bother me. I get about 100 miles from my current bike (Tuned, streetfighter...ed CBR600) so I'm used to that sort of thing.

I really can't fault mine. '98 that gets used & abused & only occasionally sees anything resembling maintenance or a wash and like Tractorbiker said it still look OK despite being run through the winter, although the fork legs have suffered a little and.... sleeping under a cover outside...... in Maldon.....

Hang on - oi, Tractorbiker, you ain't using mine when I'm out are you??

Welcome aboard Lump

All I'm going to say is if you've not ridden one yet make sure you do before you buy it, a V/Twin is completely different to an in-line four

Chris.

Oh? How different? Shurly just a bit more low-down grunt, and a bit less top-end??? And perhaps a bit more vibey? Have to be honest, the only V-twin I have owned, was the RGV250, and I guess that doesn't really count...

Lump wrote:Oh? How different? Shurly just a bit more low-down grunt, and a bit less top-end??? And perhaps a bit more vibey? Have to be honest, the only V-twin I have owned, was the RGV250, and I guess that doesn't really count...

Thats the reason I said test ride one first You'll either love it or hate it If you like low down in the rev range grunt then I'd say you'll like the Firestorm, but if you like ringing the neck of an engine (keeping it high in the rev's) such as an in-line four then IMO you probably won't like the Storm

Do ride one and make your own mind up

Chris.

Eeeeehhh.... You guys... I've only just gone and bought ..... a VFR.
I can explain, it was so cheap!! and a 2000 model too!!!
..........................
..................................... Yup, I know. I'll get my coat.

I'm not proud of it.

not to worry lump you can still stick around here while we cut half your engine away

hope you enjoy yer bike they say its a great machine

stick around though, its not going to matter what bike you ride stay for the banter bud

That's very kind, I might just do that!

Yeah, I'm still here after selling my VTR and getting a BMW 1150 RT.............okay..so not the best bike ever.........but then I sold it an got a GSX-R1000.........and still here.


ITS LIKE A FAMILY.........BLACK SHEEP TOO.........AN YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

Are Black sheep the fastest colour or are there red, yellow or HRC sheep that go quicker ??

I believe any sheep that you can catch is okay, dont fuss about the colour