View Full Version : Honda VTR1000 Firestorm, what are they like?
Been looking at them for my next bike, i would like to stick with a twin, the insurance is cheaper on these than the SV1000 and they seem pretty decent, anyone owned one?
http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servlet/media?id=878386192
Luckypants
15-04-09, 01:50 PM
Firestorm....... schwing! :smt055 That is all, I have nothing useful to say.
gettin2dizzy
15-04-09, 01:51 PM
Not a big fan tbh.
You've ha d V twin, try something else!
eviltwin
15-04-09, 01:58 PM
You're right about the insurance - nice and quick for only group 14.
I love mine - in a dated, ugly yellow monster kind of way!
One problem is that they're thirsty - 31 mpg per tank without even caning it. Correct me if I'm wrong, someone, but I think the SV1000 is closer to 40. However, that one in the pic may be a 2001 model (you can tell quickly by the clocks) with the 18 litre tank, as opposed to 15. At least you'll make it over 100 miles to a refill then!
Still, stick a pair of open cans on and you'll grin from ear to ear every time you ride it and forget about its drinking problem (well for an hour, before the light comes on :D)
IMO, a cheap way into big twin power and without the alleged discomfort of the SPs.
They're very thirsty.
So i hear, but thats not a majpr issue.
When the resitrictions up im gonna test ride a few bikes, but insurance is still gonna be a joke on the ones i like such as the 675, R6 and CBRR600.
So for me its pretty much between the firestorm and the CBRF600 as the insurance is cheaper on both of them, its not permanent just foo a couple of years. :p
fizzwheel
15-04-09, 02:01 PM
You'll develop a petrol habit like you wont believe. Viper has one. He loves it, IIRC if you get a later model one they have a slightly larger fuel tank.
You're right about the insurance - nice and quick for only group 14.
I love mine - in a dated, ugly yellow monster kind of way!
One problem is that they're thirsty - 31 mpg per tank without even caning it. Correct me if I'm wrong, someone, but I think the SV1000 is closer to 40. However, that one in the pic may be a 2001 model (you can tell quickly by the clocks) with the 18 litre tank, as opposed to 15. At least you'll make it over 100 miles to a refill then!
Still, stick a pair of open cans on and you'll grin from ear to ear every time you ride it and forget about its drinking problem (well for an hour, before the light comes on :D)
IMO, a cheap way into big twin power and without the alleged discomfort of the SPs.
Its an 03, F-2 (bigger tank)
Spec for one in the pic.
Manual 6 speed, 8,800 miles, Metallic Blue, MOT-09-2009. Full Service History. Smar****er, double bubble screen, scott oiler and HISS security system. £3,195.
eviltwin
15-04-09, 02:04 PM
So i hear, but thats not a majpr issue.
When the resitrictions up im gonna test ride a few bikes...its pretty much between the firestorm and the CBRF600 as the insurance is cheaper on both of them, its not permanent just foo a couple of years. :p
I had a 600F too. Loved that too.
Definitely worth testing both to see what you like. It'll depend whether you prefer the top end rush or kick up the ass power right from the off
I had a 600F too. Loved that too.
Definitely worth testing both to see what you like. It'll depend whether you prefer the top end rush or kick up the ass power right from the off
Seen a nice CBRF for 2000.
Honda CBR 600 fsport. Tax and MOT until the end of July 2009 , 15,000miles . First Reg 2001 xreg.Meta Alarm system and smart water protection as standard, only modification is a viper end can but i still have the standard can
http://static5.freeads.net/img/400x400/0d3e1bba4480f669b14508861f529c91cf33a4de.jpg
eviltwin
15-04-09, 02:10 PM
The seller's described it incorrectly, for a start. It's not an F-Sport. They're easily told by the twin seats, rather than one piece unit
plowsie
15-04-09, 02:12 PM
I miss my CBR! However, I would love a VTR.
The seller's described it incorrectly, for a start. It's not an F-Sport. They're easily told by the twin seats, rather than one piece unit
Oh yeah, didnt notice that but i do know thats the easiest way to tell them apart, there is also a fair differrence in insuring the bikes.
I miss my CBR! However, I would love a VTR.
The thing that attracts me most to the VTR is the engine and the price, they seem to be very cheap for what they are.
plowsie
15-04-09, 02:18 PM
The thing that attracts me most to the VTR is the engine and the price, they seem to be very cheap for what they are.
As said, they are thirsty, hefty on insurance.
The CBR cost effective wise is the better bike. I haven't rode a VTR so couldn't comment on which is the better bike physically, I had a 93 CBR600F, its brakes and suspension were IMO much better, I got rid as it caused me problems in the back with the riding position, the insurance was about 100 quid more for 6 months left on my policy. Only you can decide what I want.
As said, they are thirsty, hefty on insurance.
The CBR cost effective wise is the better bike. I haven't rode a VTR so couldn't comment on which is the better bike physically, I had a 93 CBR600F, its brakes and suspension were IMO much better, I got rid as it caused me problems in the back with the riding position, the insurance was about 100 quid more for 6 months left on my policy. Only you can decide what I want.
Its is true, and its way off yet before i trade in the SV, but im always thinking about it.
I prefer the look of the SV1000 and the CBRF but doing a quote on SV the insurance is about the same as the Firestorm.
None are cheap,
SV1000 - FC 457.00 (£800 excess).
Firestorm - FC 675 (£800 excess).
CBRF - FC 583 (£800 excess).
Hmmm :confused:
plowsie
15-04-09, 02:32 PM
Its is true, and its way off yet before i trade in the SV, but im always thinking about it.
I prefer the look of the SV1000 and the CBRF but doing a quote on SV the insurance is about the same as the Firestorm.
None are cheap,
SV1000 - FC 457.00 (£800 excess).
Firestorm - FC 675 (£800 excess).
CBRF - FC 583 (£800 excess).
Hmmm :confused:
£800 excess, are you for real, thats fooking nutty as squirrel ****!
cheapest with about 250 excess on them is £1000 for CBRF and SV1000 and bit more for the storm.
Insurance doesnt seem to get cheap for me until im 24. Then its 350 FC on a Busa.
EDIT: 24
Just curious, how old are you mate and what comparison site did you use?
EDIT:
Ah.. ok, I'm at 27 and was getting around £350 + 200xc (2ncb).
Have you tried this site?
http://www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk/
+ phone around, you might get some extras as well.
Just curious, how old are you mate and what comparison site did you use?
Im 21, restrictions up in Sep 10.
Tesco Compare is the site i usually use.
I quote as though im 23 though as this will be about the time when im gonna get a new bike, Dec 2010.
I figure i will ride the Sv unrestricted for 3 months as im sure thats gonna feel like a new bike as well.
STRAMASHER
15-04-09, 02:49 PM
I had a black used R reg for 36k till 2002.
Bloody loved it. Went from a 44bhp Bros to it. Commuted, hooned and toured. SV was not out then and when it did come out it was not any better.:smt017:rolleyes: TL's were fat and fell apart, the Italians spontaneously combusted.:smt113
Check for "oval" head-bearings cos they can power wheelie like feck.:smt038
Check paint finish on subframe (flakes off) and forks (same). (Sound familiar?)
They are thirsty on fuel, eat rear tyres, and heavy on C&Sprockets depending how often you get happy on the throttle, but cheap as chips to buy.
I had the small 16litre tank , low barred, gold calipered ,non-weird clock early version.
Cop friendly as it does not sound like you are doing a million miles an hour like a il4.
On the road my mates on their 600's ate dust apart from on the longest straights. Lovely thudding big bike grunt out the corners. (They went and got 750's and a Blade, still no class!;) )
Needs cans, blows budget stuff to pieces (I had renegade hi-levels, mate had remus and another yoshi. Mine were always getting repaired for one thing or another, theirs were not and sounded better too.) Sounds like a sewing machine with the OE cans,(like every twin).
Huge carbs, so it spits flame and does terrific back fires. Lovely smooth throttle at any rev/opening combination, so easy to ride.
Fine for comfort two up for the odd weekend away with gear.
Started on the button everyday. Never broke down. (Mate had a problem with the camchain tightener if i remember and it dropped a valve, have a listen after its warm for a noisy topend)
Its not covered in plastic. Its not a racetrack refugee, its a road bike. Vtwin thin. Typical big Vtwin "top heavy" handling.
Lazy roll-on or sit it in the midrange and wind on to really punt out of turns (and occasionaly you out the seat if you are not being respectful enough on the throttle.Oops.)
See if you can get a test ride, out onto the open road, and wind on through third and have a look at the speedo. You are going twice as fast as you thought! Big lazy fun. Every gear is the right gear.
A lot of boom, boom for your buck.
I had a black used R reg for 36k till 2002.
Bloody loved it. Went from a 44bhp Bros to it. Commuted, hooned and toured. SV was not out then and when it did come out it was not any better.:smt017:rolleyes: TL's were fat and fell apart, the Italians spontaneously combusted.:smt113
Check for "oval" head-bearings cos they can power wheelie like feck.:smt038
Check paint finish on subframe (flakes off) and forks (same). (Sound familiar?)
They are thirsty on fuel, eat rear tyres, and heavy on C&Sprockets depending how often you get happy on the throttle, but cheap as chips to buy.
I had the small 16litre tank , low barred, gold calipered ,non-weird clock early version.
Cop friendly as it does not sound like you are doing a million miles an hour like a il4.
On the road my mates on their 600's ate dust apart from on the longest straights. Lovely thudding big bike grunt out the corners. (They went and got 750's and a Blade, still no class!;) )
Needs cans, blows budget stuff to pieces (I had renegade hi-levels, mate had remus and another yoshi. Mine were always getting repaired for one thing or another, theirs were not and sounded better too.) Sounds like a sewing machine with the OE cans,(like every twin).
Huge carbs, so it spits flame and does terrific back fires. Lovely smooth throttle at any rev/opening combination, so easy to ride.
Fine for comfort two up for the odd weekend away with gear.
Started on the button everyday. Never broke down. (Mate had a problem with the camchain tightener if i remember and it dropped a valve, have a listen after its warm for a noisy topend)
Its not covered in plastic. Its not a racetrack refugee, its a road bike. Vtwin thin. Typical big Vtwin "top heavy" handling.
Lazy roll-on or sit it in the midrange and wind on to really punt out of turns (and occasionaly you out the seat if you are not being respectful enough on the throttle.Oops.)
See if you can get a test ride, out onto the open road, and wind on through third and have a look at the speedo. You are going twice as fast as you thought! Big lazy fun. Every gear is the right gear.
A lot of boom, boom for your buck.
Cheers mate very detailed.
There is just something about twins, probably the noise!
My mother's partner, who I ride with sometimes, has one in camel colours. He's been through a fair few bikes in the past, Fazer's, CBRs etc. He seems to like it alot - only complaint he had was the front end, so he's had a fork rebuild with better spings put it. It does seem very fast to me, and he manages to do power wheelies when going along at about 40...something which I can't remotely do on the SV! :)
gettin2dizzy
15-04-09, 09:29 PM
I wouldn't bother mate. You'll double the power once you lose the restriction. Think of what you could afford if you saved for an extra year, never mind the insurance!
Jackie_Black
15-04-09, 11:24 PM
he's totally right. You're gonna go from a gutless wheezy restricted bike to something with over double the power. You'll be grinning like a cheshire cat. SV's are great. Add some sticky tyres instead and have fun on it for a year.
I wouldn't bother mate. You'll double the power once you lose the restriction. Think of what you could afford if you saved for an extra year, never mind the insurance!
Thats very true, if i waited until Dec 11 i would be able to get insured on pretty much any bike, plus i can keep saving.
I do love my SV, the restriction annoys me though. ](*,)
PATIENCE!!!!
plowsie
16-04-09, 08:20 AM
You're gonna go from a gutless wheezy restricted bike to something with over double the power
Have you rode a restricted bike?
J2UK - I can't echo the advice enough about keeping the SV for a while. The SV is a great learner bike some say. IMO with the right mods it is a great bike full stop, yes they are a little lacking in top speed, be honest, how many people often get up to 160 on the road?
However it doesn't stop me wanting bikes like the Firestorm etc.
I really liked the firestorm when I test rode one .
Amazed how fast I was going without trying ....
Trouble is I do a lot of commuting miles , so MPG put me off .
If I could use one as a fun bike / or had made more cash would have got one.
cheers Steve
plowsie
16-04-09, 09:07 AM
I really liked the firestorm when I test rode one .
Amazed how fast I was going without trying ....
Trouble is I do a lot of commuting miles , so MPG put me off .
If I could use one as a fun bike / or had made more cash would have got one.
cheers Steve
Steve - Comparison towards SV mate? Handling brakes etc. I assume much better on all counts?
Have you rode a restricted bike?
J2UK - I can't echo the advice enough about keeping the SV for a while. The SV is a great learner bike some say. IMO with the right mods it is a great bike full stop, yes they are a little lacking in top speed, be honest, how many people often get up to 160 on the road?
However it doesn't stop me wanting bikes like the Firestorm etc.
Same as me, although i know i have to keep the SV for a while i am always thinking about my next bike.
In an ideal world i probably wouldnt sell the SV, and keep that as well as another.
What do you reckon on the mod front, i have been thinkin about the forks but it seems expensive for what it is, i doubt i could do it myself.
plowsie
16-04-09, 09:44 AM
Same as me, although i know i have to keep the SV for a while i am always thinking about my next bike.
In an ideal world i probably wouldnt sell the SV, and keep that as well as another.
What do you reckon on the mod front, i have been thinkin about the forks but it seems expensive for what it is, i doubt i could do it myself.
Find a org person who has done it that lives near that will help oversee it mate. IMO having rode one with GSXR forks, I wish I still had them. So much feel, more feedback, comfortable ride. Its not expensive if you sell your original parts back on :)
Jackie_Black
16-04-09, 11:07 AM
Have you rode a restricted bike?
Yeah i've had a go. I was a bit harsh there really. They just don't have the top end whack of a full power one. It'll still feel like a new bike though once de restricted.
Mine manages 105 but takes a while to get there, and its only good in the revs up until about 8000, and generally unless im going for 105 (on the runway) 5th gear is better than 6th.
plowsie
16-04-09, 11:20 AM
Yeah i've had a go. I was a bit harsh there really. They just don't have the top end whack of a full power one. It'll still feel like a new bike though once de restricted.
For sure it will feel like a new bike :cool:
The gutless wheezy bit is only on top end. Still gets a job jobbed and ****es over a few cars.
Jackie_Black
16-04-09, 11:21 AM
Well they pull all the way to the limiter when de-restricted. I always thought mine was fast enough for the roads. The first time i opened my ZXr up properly i realised I was right. THats too fast to be fair, all of its having fun noises and speeds are illegal in this country!!
Steve - Comparison towards SV mate? Handling brakes etc. I assume much better on all counts?
here's a linky to old thread http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=100500
Usefull VTR site http://www.vtr1000.co.uk/
I recon the Falco would be a better performance bike , however for day to day transport apart from MPG the firestorm was really comfy and I value this ..
Never been able to get a test ride on Falco , don't seem many about in dealers
Cheers Steve
plowsie
16-04-09, 01:33 PM
I recon the Falco would be a better performance bike
I can feel the Greeks head pumping up in size from here :lol:
Thanks mate.
Stu
I rode one a few years back. To be honest, it didnt blow my socks off! It was just a thirstyer SV. But that said, i didnt like the SV thou either.
thedonal
30-04-09, 11:27 AM
I've been thinking about a litre V-Twin- either Falco, SV or VTR.
As far as I can see, the SV1000 would be great, but for the weedy tank size- 1 litre bigger than the 650 for a bike that's 350cc bigger? What was the logic behind that.
So I was considering a Falco- maybe looks a bit more sport than tourer, so that leaves a VTR- one of the later ones with a bigger tank. And the price seems right too.
If dyno'ed right, can the VTR's thirst be improved (without too much loss in performance). As I'd be progressing from the 650, I still want something that's reasonably forgiving.
I'd like something I could do distances on too quite happily and comfortably.
ThEGr33k
30-04-09, 05:54 PM
People who have VTR's are generally happy with them I find. Big and soft. Probably less sporty than the SV from what I understand.
The falco is without a doubt more sporty than tourer... but its not bad at touring at all, I think 800 miles would be fine! Its got about 20BHP more out of the box at the rear wheel than the VTR and isn't as thirsty, lowest I get is ~42mpg even after spirited riding. Its pretty sporty but is comfortable and has amazing wind protection, makes the SV feel like a naked! lol
Only real issue with the falco is the crappy standard shock, but fix is easy, get 01-03 RSV linkage and shock off of Ebay (can be less than £50 if your lucky!) and its sorted! Reliability is on par with any Jap bike. :)
People who have falco's generally keep them a LONG time, that is part of the reason there arnt many about. Not met anyone yet who had a falco and didnt regret getting rid!
Oh and they are cheap!!! 03 Under 10K miles for under £3000!
If you want any info then this (http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177510) might be interesting. Nice forums too so feel free to join if you are serious about one.
Cheers.
thedonal
30-04-09, 06:11 PM
Cheers Gr33k,
What's the riding position like on the Falco, compared to the SV? Are the bars much further forward?
And why DO Firestorms go for so little cash?
ThEGr33k
30-04-09, 08:29 PM
Cheers Gr33k,
What's the riding position like on the Falco, compared to the SV? Are the bars much further forward?
I find it more comfortable. Its good because when your pushing it you can crouch down like a sport bike, if your cruising you can sit right up!!! Ive done nearly 700 miles on both in a day and the Falco is the better, I was aching after the SV, not the falco...
How tall are you Donal? They seem to suit taller riders better (im only 5'6" lol). Oh and here is a little interesting part for you, people who ride the falco and the RSV prefer the Falco, same engine (pretty much... the 01-03 RSV got bigger valves...) similar dimensions, but for some reason the Falco gives better ride. :rambo:
And why DO Firestorms go for so little cash?
They are old now are the VTR's, wasnt it 97' they were released, they are just getting old, they havnt had any "real" updates unfortunatly. The Jap's have forgot about the V-twin on the whole. :(
thedonal
30-04-09, 10:55 PM
I'm 5'8" or 5'9" ish. Doesnt' the RSV sit in a higher insurance bracket too? I guess that's nickability, sorry desirability too.
This is all speculative. I doubt I'll be getting rid of the SV until the end of the year (partly due to cash- she's a bit bruised, so wouldn't fetch a bundle) but a litre twin really does appeal.
I do love the twins. The thump of the engine. With good cans on it, I can p!ss the neighbours off more. The low rev delivery. All great.
I just want something that's OK around town and that I can ride to the folks on (only 2 hours, but long enough to make a difference!). I'm not sure I want too many horses- I'd like something that's still fairly forgiving.
So it's going to be either a Falco or a Firestorm. I guess the abundance of the Hondas might tip the scale and a newer model does seem cheaper.
I take it you have a curvy, then the Falco will be a bit less comfortable (for a 173cm rider). But still ok,
I commute on mine and there's a fair bit of stops involved so I'm getting about 100-110 miles from a tank (reserve light leaves you with around 4L left) that's about 33mpg.
A nice twisty run the other weekend gave me 140 miles (41mpg) I don't know how Gr33k does it, maybe his is set up better or we use different mpg calculators ;)
Get a proper test run, you'll see.
The other thing is, make sure it's set up properly. When I got mine it was set up for 2 and giving me a sore back after 10 miles :/
Places worth looking are:
http://www.ridersite.ws/rs/viewforum.php?f=20
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=60
There are often nice SL's going for silly money...
Good luck :thumright:
Amanda M
01-05-09, 08:21 AM
Litre V-twins are wonderful. Yeah, they're thirsty beasts but but all that power from nowhere is very addictive and you'll forgive its love of petrol stations :twisted:. Followed a guy on a VTR1000 a while ago when I had an SV and I wanted his bike - the sound it made was awesome. But he was fueling up at 80 miles :eek: I had a raptor 1000 a while ago and with some proper cans and a re-map it went like stink and was great fun until Italian electric gremlins started causing problems :rolleyes: I still drool over big V-twins and will always be glad that I owned one :D
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