test rode a firestorm today

[steveg]

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

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

[steveg]

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

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

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

It needs the bhp to tow the bowser

[steveg]

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

how does the VTR compare with the sv1000s ?

Cheers Steve

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.

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

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.

[steveg]

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

Test rides are deadly

Cheers Steve