test rode a firestorm today
 

Got a new rear tyre fitted today , noticed a vtr on the forecourt , did not think that they would let it out as the roads were bad & it was raining , to my surprise they did .
TBH the roads were bad , so took it easy as there was a 750 xs ....

Really enjoyed the vtr + really comfy , a lot faster than my sv650s ,felt really planted , good build , lazy engine understressed & powerfull ,cheap to buy , would sound ace with cans .

- not as agile as sv650s, did not feel as exciting to ride as I thought it would?, might became a bit bland ( thats my worry) , license bye bye as real easy to get to silly speeds ,poor mpg

cheers Steve

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

Good review! How do the brakes fair compared to the SV? What about comfort and ease of mobility at low speeds?

They look good, I would have one as a second bike...but the MPG reports put me off...

Matt

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

Matt the brakes were good , alot of power but not harsh ( it had braided hoses that would help), a lot better than the sv & the front end was a lot more controlled , low speed was fine , eg feet up u-turn within a couple of miles ok .

Just the mpg puts me off , I normally get 50+ mpg on my sv and I do a lot of miles , however I am tempted for < 2k its a lot of bike .

Cheers Steve

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

great bike ain't they, like you say MPG and a tiny fuel tank are not it best attributes but everything else is great:)

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

It needs the bhp to tow the bowser

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

how does the VTR compare with the sv1000s ?

Cheers Steve

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

bigger tank on the sv1000s same as the 650s, fuel on a long run motorways etc is fine but heavy throttle usage on A and B roads will see the tank empty at 100miles.

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

the 2003 onwards VTR had bigger tanks I think. Still thirsty but some love them.

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

i used to have a 98 firestorm as you say license loser because speed is very deceptive due to its lazy torquey motor you can be doing 3 figures and not even realise. Nice bike though luved it. Watch out for cam chain tensioners on those is very common, listen for a rattle from the engine.

Re: test rode a firestorm today
 

just got insurance quote of 177 quid for a firestorm ...... arghhhh

Test rides are deadly

Cheers Steve