VTR Firestorms

I had one from new for 18 months from July 1998. I don't really regret buying it, but I certainly don't regret selling it either. It wasn't particularly fast compared to other V-Twin 1000s, it didn't handle particularly well, it had average brakes, average looks and horrific fuel consumption. The best thing about it was the noise from the Scorpion alloy race cans I fitted.

In short I found it pretty boring after a few weeks of ownership and was looking to replace it after 6 months but couldn't afford to at the time.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Pretty much what Viper gets out of his. Its fine if you are scratching or having a ride out with mates. It gets to be a pain in the bum ( his words not mine ) if you are touring or on a long rideout. I can see him getting twitchy about fuel when we've done 90 miles or so.

Tank range is not the best.

90? I used to start searching for fuel at 70 and considered myself desperate for fuel at 90. I ran mine right out from full in 63 miles of mental back road blasting once. Fuel consumption was the second worst thing about the bike. The worst thing was the fact I could easily have fallen asleep while riding it... it was a bit boring

iv got a mate who has one, he has the 2005 model, its very nice, bigger tank, good fuel range, alot better than my sv but then mine is a 650. if you get a good one with good history i think your onto a winner.

my mates has remus cans on it and it sounds very very nice indeed, he loves it and he has had sv650's tl's, 2009 gsxr, and some others.

i like it a lot actually, thinking of geting one my self

Tim

[yorkie_chris]

My opinion is if you want a TL then get one. Buying the sensible option that wasn't anywhere near the same idea isn't going to scratch the itch.

I think you need to look harder for insurance, I could have insured one with sh*tloads of mods for about £600 (no NCB applied) when my SV insurance (1 NCB, IIRC) was about £400.

Though, how long have you been riding? Are you getting all you can out of the SV because a thou is a complete waste of time if you can't use any of it.

[STRAMASHER]

I had a black 1999 about 9 year ago, renegade hi-cans, kept it for 3 years and 36,000miles after moving on from a BROS650.

I loved it. 100-110miles if smooth (older 16L tank) on the track its a different matter. Proper v-twin thin, with a smooth engine and perfect fuelling (HUGE carbs...ahhh,backfires!). Nothing vibrated loose, not even a blown bulb. Brakes braked, handling was easily handled. 165mph on the clock.

Best thing was obviously the deep boom boom from the exhausts and its ability to blat out of corners leaving my mates 600's for dead in the twisties without really having to try. Also it power wheelies like feck, so get the front wheel in the air and check for a notch in the head-bearings when turning the bars.

Good enough for a 2-up weekend away but this was the eventual reason for selling.... wanting a better 2-up distance tourer.

Later versions have a 19L tank, higher bars, fork mods and some engine mods. The weird clocks on the later ones are the easiest way to tell though.

An absolute blast for the amount of cash you can pick them up for now.

Good luck.

[kaivalagi]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Though, how long have you been riding? Are you getting all you can out of the SV because a thou is a complete waste of time if you can't use any of it.

I've been umming and arrrrring about moving on to something bigger than my SV (KTM SMT/Tuono etc) after only having it since the later half of summer last year but I have simply decided to stay put atleast until next winter now. The main reason is I know I can improve as a rider a lot yet and the SV is probably a good bike for helping me get there...I think that if I can get everything out of an SV then I am ready for "moving up". If I remember back that's why I got an SV in the first place...

That wont stop me test riding a bunch of bikes this year but I wont be making a purchase until I've had atleast this summer to practice first....

Each to their own though, atleast the OP would be satisfying the itch with a bike that isn't too much of an outlay

Checked insurance and the TL comes out about £40 cheaper than a VTR. Both are sensible (under £300). Difference is the TL's are more expensive to buy in the first place.

I dont know. I have looked at a few different bikes, and can think of things I like about all of them. I have considered: VTR, TLS, GSF1200, XJR1200.

Whether I get the most out of my SV or not is kind of beside the point to me. I get itchy feet pretty quick and change vehicles often. Sometimes I just fancy a change even if I end up going back to something smaller in 6-12 months it makes no odds.

well i know someone who is sellinga TL with full custom paintwork thats union jack all over, and he wants about 1600 for it,
not sure on engine condition or mileage, can find out for you if you were interested?

Not really my idea of a good paintjob to be honest But thanks for the offer

is a bad paintjob but would get it re-done, he bought it like that and it also has bon jovi lyrics on the rear seat hump. "its my life, its now or never, i aint gonna live forever."

[kaivalagi]