What should my next bike be?

Yep, as most have said, if you don't like the colour you'll never really be happy.

Kawasaki make some great bikes, but I really hate green, I think that's why I've never had one...

The VTR is a bit like an SV1000, but a designed in the days of old.... It's showing it's age a bit now. Is it a new 'Blade, or one of the earlier ones (they were 919, 929 and 954cc).

.

[Mark_h]

OK folks I will go look at the colour agian and see if the overall experience justifies the less than perfect colour (I think I may want a yellow one).

Any idea of the going rate for a decent (not custom graphics) respray?

Jelster, it's a 2001 on a Y. with a huge 2k miles on it. Can someone assure me it'll sound great with a decent can on it?

[dirtydog]

I reckon you'd be looking at around £500 ish for a decent respray depends if you want metallic or anything like that really?

Well it wont sound like a v-twin with a race can but it would make it sound better than standard

Originally Posted by dirtydog

I reckon you'd be looking at around £500 ish for a decent respray depends if you want metallic or anything like that really?

Well it wont sound like a v-twin with a race can but it would make it sound better than standard

Don't forget the original stickers will need to be purchased again if want them and they are always expensive depending on how many you have.

Originally Posted by Mark_h

Jelster, it's a 2001 on a Y. with a huge 2k miles on it. Can someone assure me it'll sound great with a decent can on it?

That's the 929 (I think, K will correct me if I'm wrong) which I understand is the easiest to ride. The earlier ones (like K's) were 919 and were a bit of a handful, and the last or the true "'Blades", was mine, the RR2/3 which were a bit more focused.

Stick a decent can on it and it'll sound great, especially if you make it a stubby one

Warning: Don't try it unless you have the cash to buy it, because you'll want to take it home with you

[Mark_h]

I think there may be some confusion creeping in. I was talking about the Honda VTR Firestorm. 1000cc Vtwin.

Took it out today and it seems pretty much everything I'm looking for.

Anyone got any experience based views on the bike before I join the ex-SV owners section of the forum?

How about an SP-2?

Nope never ridden one

Check it out Mark, some good info:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...05/?&R=EPI-302

[Stu]

Originally Posted by Bellerophon

VTR 1000 Firestorm in Repsol colours with twin Scorpion race cans, black double bubble and seat hump.


I'm in the process of changing it for a ZZR 1100 if I can find one at the right price and age. I'd love a ZZR 1400 but can't afford the £9.5k price tag

.

[Mark_h]

Ok now I am really in a dilemma. (or should that be have a dilemma)

Spoken to a few folk now. Basically Firestorm is a great bike. Let down by poor tank range and slightly too low bars. Both improved a bit on post 2001 versions. However it's a stonking V-twin and I can get one for not very much money.

Insurance is over twice my SV (£345 v £145) but it's a lot quicker with a lot more plastic so it's fair enough.

I also took out a speed tripple which was a hoot but did not tick the v-twin box as it had no engine braking at all to speak of. It was however very very nice to ride.

Problem is each time I get back on the SV to ride home, it feels comfy, predictable and does not encourage you to ride around like your hair's on fire at 120 unlike the Firestorm.

Rode home this evening down some wonderful twisties, knocked a good 5mm off my chicken strips (z6 elephants now half scrubbed), and felt changing this for something a lot less forgiving with a less comfy riding position and more chance of ending up in a hedge at 90mph was not a good idea.

Then I got stuck behind some traffic and did not have sufficient grunt to take the overtakes which I know I was taking the other day on the Firestorm with no worries at all.

I have also failed to find anyone with a SV1000 demonstrator as this could very well be my salvation. Same riding position as the 650 but with more grunt.

Test ride results so-far. (Note, Honda dealers love giving test rides)

Hornet - too much like hard work but can see why folk like 'em.
VFR 800 - Wrong shape for me everything in the wrong place and the Vtech stuff made it harsh
CBR600RR - Nutter bike. Need to borrow one every couple of years to remind yourself what really really quick feels like.
CB1300 - Lovelly old school muscle bike, but not engaging and no engine braking at all.
Speed Tripple - Great handling and power, but 1050 (c£6k) too expensive and lacked twin braking. On wait list for a used 955 to try out (c£4k)
VTR Firestorm - Great performance and handling. Poor tank range and think I'll get wrist ache even before it runs out of fuel.
Tuono - Bit harsh, had trouble with the gearbox and too high up for me.

So recon it's try and find a SV100 to have a blast on then decide to keep my trusty SV650 and investigate the GSX-R front end upgrade instead.

Thoughts?