VTR thou

[Gerbs]

Firstly - yes, I've read the thread buried in the pages here.

Just wanting any feedback on a 2003 VTR 1000 as a sports-tourer.
I know they have a reputation to be able to pass (nearly) anything bar a petrol station :D

Anza Motor Co (here in Palmy North) have a blue 2003 VTR with pack rack on it, for $7995. Considering they're offering a tradeback on my 2009 Hyosung of $5500, its looking like a pretty good deal.

Are there aftermarket dropped pegs available? I feel a little "crunched" on it.

Love V-twin torque, and don't want to go to an I4.
I'm 6ft3ish and 110(ISH!!) kg ;)

Definite interest in track days......

So come on guys & gals, gimme the good, bad and/or ugly on this bike :)

[Drew]

The VTR price is probably a grand heavier than you could resonably find, but the trade price on the Hyo is good to balance that.

The VTR would make a good sports tourer from what I know of them, but at the track you'll regret lowering the pegs, given the soggy suspension.

Hope that helps.

[imdying]

So come on guys & gals, gimme the good, bad and/or ugly on this bike :)Most owners past and present seem to rate them, except for the suspension, so that's a good sign :)

[Tony.OK]

The suspension is fairly average on them, however compared with a Hyo I'm sure it'll be an improvement.
Given your weight, I'd recommend getting stiffer springs up front straight away, the stock ones are too soft for most Kiwi's. The rear should work ok for you, they are oversprung if anything, so your size should help there.

Great fun bike though, yep can be thirsty, but thats the cost of fun aye.

[NighthawkNZ]

owned the 02 model for 3 years, so the 03 is the same... better suspension, (but still meh still pretty average so would have hated the earlier model)... bigger tank, better dash (has a fuel gauge)

I toured all over the place on it clocked up 60,000km's and would be happy to get on it now and tour NZ. But you are right about the fuel range especially when you decide to open the throttle. On a good day if playing by the rules 240-250kms out of a tank, on a bad day 150... and on a track day I heard heard as low as 90km's

I'm 6ft 1 and 100 kg and found it more comfortable than the others I tried at the time namely the SV and TLS, I have had it loaded and didn't notice it there, the low torque and engine braking is brilliant. I used a sheepskin as the seat on my was a bit of an after thought... but you can get touring seats for them

The VTR is a lazy bike, but starts to come alive up around 6-7rpm range but this is where you start sucking in the fuel. Won't say how fast I have wound it out to... and I was fully loaded at the time but quick enough if you make a fuck up it will hurt big time...

Touring around the you around the 3-4rpm and you get your range...

Over all its a good all rounder, not as fast as some in a straight line, not as quick through the twisties as others, but will give them a run for their money... and its not as comfortable as a full dressed tourer, but it is a Sports Tourer, the best of both worlds, and overall a fun bike.

[banditrider]

I'm a fair bit shorter (and slightly less heavy) and find the VTR reasonably comfortable for a sporty bike. My VTR is for fanging as the Connie is my mile muncher so the most km I've done on it in a day is around the 400km mark. No real issues except for a bit of numb bum.

Touring-wise, I guess it depends how far, how long, and how much stuff you want to take with you. I've seen people 2-up touring on them with all the gear - pretty tough on the poor little thing but they obviously can do it.

Economy is definitely a problem if you're hard on them but then you will have a smile on ya dial...

Love my little red bike...

[geoffc]

I am on my second VTR1000. The 1st a 2000 model the 2nd licenced 2004 but the 2003 model. I use it as a sports tourer & love it. Have had these bikes over a period of 4 years. Looked at & ridden a number of other bikes with a view to up-grade but still haven't found anything impressive enough to want to change from my VTR.

[geoffm]

Another alternative for similar money is a SV1000. I looked at the VTRs before I got the SV, but I wanted fuel injection. The SV suspension is adjustable, but still budget. I am the same weight and height as you.
It is a good tradein price for the Hyo, so the cost to swap seems reasonable.
Geoff

[crazyhorse]

Don't think I would put the VTR1000 in the Sports/Tourer category. More just a sports bike - its very similar to the TL1000.

VFR's are Sports Tourer's. But hey, you gotta be happy with what ever you buy. I'll never ride pillion on any sport bike - unless its a 10-20 km trip. Certainly not a holiday! (but then, you'll never get me on the back of any bike LOL)

[Drew]

Don't think I would put the VTR1000 in the Sports/Tourer category. More just a sports bike - its very similar to the TL1000.

VFR's are Sports Tourer's. But hey, you gotta be happy with what ever you buy. I'll never ride pillion on any sport bike - unless its a 10-20 km trip. Certainly not a holiday! (but then, you'll never get me on the back of any bike LOL)

can open, worms...everywhere.

Arguably, the VTR is not even close to a sports bike if you put it beside your Gixxer.

Very upright, kinda sluggish (if we're being honest), and has very average suspension.

[celticbhoy]

I have been looking around for a sports tourer I could fit (6ft4) and I took out an 05 VTR. It was very nice and not too bad a fit and nearly got seduced by the sound of it and the accidental front wheel lift. Decided to think about it overnight and then thought it best to try some more for comparison. Then took out the Duc ST4s and fell in love! Awesome fit and heaps of fun but yet to take on a long ride. Try one!

[dangerous]

Just wanting any feedback on a 2003 VTR 1000 as a sports-tourer.
I know they have a reputation to be able to pass (nearly) anything bar a petrol station :D

Anza Motor Co (here in Palmy North) have a blue 2003 VTR with pack rack on it, for $7995. Considering they're offering a tradeback on my 2009 Hyosung of $5500, its looking like a pretty good deal.
Definite interest in track days......



Sweet as for touring on, re: gas guzzler well all how ya ride it and the 03 has the larger tank.
price seems ok mine cost me 15k new I think plus all the extras.
As far as the track goes... more fun than a fun thing, ya get used to the shitty Showa suspension, few we mods ya can do anyway.
All round bloody good bikes, if i was to go back to a japper it would be a hard choice between the Storm and TL (SV's look horrid)

[Zuki lover]

can open, worms...everywhere.

Arguably, the VTR is not even close to a sports bike if you put it beside your Gixxer.

Very upright, kinda sluggish (if we're being honest), and has very average suspension.

Gixxer and VTR are not even in the same boat man, VTR and TL are, so think you may need to do some homework on this one. They are similiar - but yeah! VTR lacks what the TL has, I agree with CH on this one!

VTR is more a sportbike than a tourer :girlfight:

[MotoGirl]

I did a bit of everything on the '02 model that I owned for three years - commuting, touring, weekend bursts and track days. It was just the best bike around (in my mind) and mine was barely customised from stock. I think I scrapped the Dunlops, put a Rider seat on it and changed the brake pads. It simply did what I wanted so well that I didn't feel the need to change it.

Of course, if I was ever to buy another one then the first things I would change is the suspension and to gut the pipes or put aftermarket ones on them. Gutting the pipes mades it sound really horny and it also halved the time the bike took to warm up (having a choke and all).

I also rode the SV1000 when it first came out and although fuel injection was tempting, the Suzuki was too boring in comparison to the VTR. Plus, the SV is feckin ugly.

[crazyhorse]

can open, worms...everywhere.

Arguably, the VTR is not even close to a sports bike if you put it beside your Gixxer.

Very upright, kinda sluggish (if we're being honest), and has very average suspension.

I've ridden a VTR (and a TL), and I'd much rather have a real sportsbike - the GSXR is the best, and fastest .... blah blah blah. But I still say that the VTR is a sportbike not a Sport/Tourer.

[dangerous]

Gixxer and VTR are not even in the same boat man, VTR and TL are, so think you may need to do some homework on this one. VTR is more a sportbike than a tourer :girlfight:UMMM... thats what he said man :blank:
BTW VTR storm = sport tourer VTRSP1= sportbike



I've ridden a VTR (and a TL), and I'd much rather have a real sportsbike - the GSXR is the best, and fastest .... blah blah blah. But I still say that the VTR is a sportbike not a Sport/Tourer.

yeah... but your a girl, keep ya GIXER with its car engine :chase:
NOW people the VTR IS a sports tourer Honda's sportbike V2 was the SP series.

[Drew]

Gixxer and VTR are not even in the same boat man, VTR and TL are, so think you may need to do some homework on this one. They are similiar - but yeah! VTR lacks what the TL has, I agree with CH on this one!

VTR is more a sportbike than a tourer :girlfight:I have spent time on all three of the bikes you describe, so homework done.

You have taken what I said out of context too, I maintain that the VTR1000 firestorm is a sports tourer, and was marketed as such too. Was never meant to compete with the TL, S or R. That was down to the SP1, which is the better bike for my money.


UMMM... thats what he said man :blank:
BTW VTR storm = sport tourer VTRSP1= sportbike

NOW people the VTR IS a sports tourer Honda's sportbike V2 was the SP series.

What he said.

[Clivoris]

You're looking at a good bike for a great price (trade-in considered).

[Gerbs]

Thanks for all the comments and feedback.
Will keep this bike on my "very possible" list.

Unfortunately I can't afford the bike I want - Triumph Sprint - but I'll keep looking and if I can't find anything better than the VTR (deal-wise) then it's gonna be the way I go :)

Thanks again!

[Boob Johnson]

Gixxer and VTR are not even in the same boat man, VTR and TL are, so think you may need to do some homework on this one. They are similiar - but yeah! VTR lacks what the TL has, I agree with CH on this one!

VTR is more a sportbike than a tourer :girlfight:
Have ridden a VTR thou on a group ride once & couldn't wait to swap back to my TL thou. Under powered, uncomfortable & generally pretty horrible IMHO. Each to their own I guess. Hard to go past for the price though

[NighthawkNZ]

Don't think I would put the VTR1000 in the Sports/Tourer category. More just a sports bike - its very similar to the TL1000.

Sorry but the VTR is a Sports Tourer, the SP1 and SP2 are the sports bike which are in a totally different league. There alot of things you can do to the VTR Firestorm to boost it performance and handling then and the become boarder line sports

The Storm is a brilliant bike for touring and I use to clock up some huge days on mine with no issues at all... But its not as quick as the TL or TLS which is more a sports category

Value for money the VTR is great, its a very forging bike, it will keep up with most of the sports in straight line (some of the pure hyper sports will show their colours here, but it does depend on how big that straight line is) and keep up with most through the twisties... I found it comfortable as a tourer as well... on the track there comes down to a bit of rider skill




I have been looking around for a sports tourer I could fit (6ft4) and I took out an 05 VTR. It was very nice and not too bad a fit and nearly got seduced by the sound of it and the accidental front wheel lift. Decided to think about it overnight and then thought it best to try some more for comparison. Then took out the Duc ST4s and fell in love! Awesome fit and heaps of fun but yet to take on a long ride.

That's what I got after the VTR. My Blog (http://www.southernrider.co.nz/forum/blog.php?u=63&b=16)

The ST4 is more for touring than sports but still a sports tourer, however the ST4s with the 996 and better shocks are still a sports tourer with the racing heritage starting to show

[Fatjim]

Mate, if you want a sprint, then look at the Blackbird. Not quite as flickable as the VTR (if you can call the vtr flickable), but a massive engine, just perfect for touring.

The VTR tends to run out of breath about 240k on the clock, or about 220k. The il4's will leave it for dead on the straights. But you'll keep up on the corners with most if your riding abilities are similar.

Also, it has the advantage of if/when you swap it for a ride with someone on a good sports bike you'll slaughter them, cause they'll shit themselves going into the first corner!:niceone:

[vifferman]

Value for money the VTR is great, its a very forging bike
Yeah, I called mine that a few times, especially when it ran out of gas. "You STUPID forging bike!"

[NighthawkNZ]

Mate, if you want a sprint, then look at the Blackbird. Not quite as flickable as the VTR (if you can call the vtr flickable), but a massive engine, just perfect for touring.

The VTR tends to run out of breath about 240k on the clock, or about 220k. The il4's will leave it for dead on the straights.

So tell me when you are touring where will you ever need to go at 240kph go on the open road... though saying that I did, get mine upto 260 (on the GPS) the back straights on most tracks are too short really to notice and VTR will keep up, if they were longer then yes, and a bit of rider skill helps as well.

Yes it is capable of of doing track days and a bit of fun, but is not a sports bike, but a good alrounder and bang for buck you can't complain...

People say they are uncomfortable, yet there are the same number saying they are great and comfortable... (I found the TL & SV bloody horrid, however I understood that it wasn't set up for me... and my riding style) Remember every on eis different, and you can play around with most things on th ebike to get it suited to you and your riding style, needs and wants. And the Test bike you ride won't be set up for you either...

[NighthawkNZ]

Yeah, I called mine that a few times, especially when it ran out of gas. "You STUPID forging bike!"

tada boom...

[crazyhorse]

UMMM... thats what he said man :blank:
BTW VTR storm = sport tourer VTRSP1= sportbike




yeah... but your a girl, keep ya GIXER with its car engine :chase:
NOW people the VTR IS a sports tourer Honda's sportbike V2 was the SP series.

I might be a girl with a car engine sounding GIXER (but that was before I put a new yoshi pipe on it and it sounds heaps gruntier) - but I also have a v-twin too - a SV650 with a yoshi pipe - sounds better than a VTR anyday of the week - so stick that in your pipe and smoke it! :doh:

[crazyhorse]

Have ridden a VTR thou on a group ride once & couldn't wait to swap back to my TL thou. Under powered, uncomfortable & generally pretty horrible IMHO. Each to their own I guess. Hard to go past for the price though

I would have to agree with you there :clap:

[Sensei]

You could pick up a Aprilia RSV for around 8-10k even a standard model would show up a TL / VTR

[Fatjim]

So tell me when you are touring where will you ever need to go at 240kph go on the open road...

Not too sure what tourings got to do with what I was talking about. I was just relating to some of the previous comments about the straight line speed.

[NighthawkNZ]

Not too sure what tourings got to do with what I was talking about. I was just relating to some of the previous comments about the straight line speed.

Hence the VTR is a Sports-Tourer, not Hyper Sports, or even classed as a sports bike :msn-wink: it never has been and never will be one...

The VTR is the best of both worlds, not the fastest, but a lot faster than many, comfortable but not an arm chair, not quickest through the twisties, but definitely not not the slowest. Its a fun bike and a good all rounder.

Its quick off the mark and fun through the mid range and yes around 240-250 it may flattens out... but you can have the thing loaded with your gear and it will happily still get up to that speed... though again means you are in touring mode so why would you...

Most tracks back straight aren't that long and you hyper sports bikes are going to get to much of an edge there...

If the OP wants a bike purely for the track then yes the VTR can do that but, it will show its touring heritage and won't be as competitive unless money spent on it... If he wants a bike to take to the track on a fun day, do some touring, even communting, having a play on Macraes Flat twisties and then middlemarch sweepers, VTR will met those needs...

I am not say it is the bike he should get, nor am I say he should get something else, just saying what the VTR is.

However as one reads more and more of KB... all you lot want is more power and speed in a straight line... which any one can do

[jonbuoy]

I don't think Honda knew what the VTR was supposed to be. It wouldn't have taken much to make it into a great bike instead of an average bike. Regardless I loved mine, toured it all over north and south Island. I liked the low down torque, bit breathless at the top end but still enough to keep up with most bikes on the road.

[Drew]

You could pick up a Aprilia RSV for around 8-10k even a standard model would show up a TL / VTR
What year are you talking about? Cos I'd take the TL over a '99 '00 rsv any bloody day. And that's from experience road and track, on both bikes.

[Sensei]

What year are you talking about? Cos I'd take the TL over a '99 '00 rsv any bloody day. And that's from experience road and track, on both bikes.

Your opinion noted & stored thanks , as well as your Race track input . Ridden both as well , but still stand by the Aprilias been a better bike , To be fair tho Drew can't say I'v seen to many TL's or VTR's racing lately but see afew Aprilia's do very well . Will have to come down to Manfield this weekend to check things out by the looks of things :niceone:

[Sidewinder]

if you want it you will get it no matter what ppl say!
just do it

[mossy1200]

Your opinion noted & stored thanks , as well as your Race track input . Ridden both as well , but still stand by the Aprilias been a better bike , To be fair tho Drew can't say I'v seen to many TL's or VTR's racing lately but see afew Aprilia's do very well . Will have to come down to Manfield this weekend to check things out by the looks of things :niceone:

I owned the 2000 rsv mille (first of eprom chip model) and a honda sp1.
Aprilia better all rounder(especially with passenger)
SP1 better for fast riding on twisty roads but not for longer rides.
VTR SP1 was the most thirsty bike around.Welly to Foxton = 1tank
140-180ks per tank at sensable speeds.
Have riden TLR1000 and didnt like the way it wouldnt hold lines in corners but as it wasnt mine im unsure what the owner did with the front end cause it just wanted to run wide.May not be a fair rep..Did seem to have the most torque of the three though.

[Fatjim]

I am not say it is the bike he should get, nor am I say he should get something else, just saying what the VTR is.



What I don't get is why you thought I disagreed with you?

[Gerbs]

Some background - might be a good idea to mention this :)

Stepping up from a 250 cruiser wannabe (Hyosung GV). Previous bike was GSXR750 -which I sold coming up 4 years(ish) ago.
Had the Hyobag since February this year, as my left knee was having issues healing after a dislocation. Unfortunately this meant I couldn't get a sports-style bike, as my knee would start screaming within 5 mins.

Kinda regret wasting the money on the cruiser, but justified it by trying to change my riding style to a cruiser-style.

However, knee is OK now, and after having a decent fang on a few sprotsbikes the knee hasn't complained.

Just have some concern that this is a bike much more capable than me - and because of that (and lack of common sense) I'm gonna push myself too hard and bin.
Hence - part of deal is new jacket/gloves/boots/pants.
Figure seeing as I know I'm gonna come off, I might as well be prepared :D

[Sensei]

[QUOTE=mossy1200;1129359940]I owned the 2000 rsv mille (first of eprom chip model) and a honda sp1.
Aprilia better all rounder(especially with passenger)
SP1 better for fast riding on twisty roads but not for longer rides.

Interesting Mossy > road the first SP1 in New Plymouth & took it to my test road & thought it was very flighty in the front end when pushed , along with piss poor low end fueling . To each there own view at the end isn't really :msn-wink:

[jonbuoy]

Some background - might be a good idea to mention this :)

Stepping up from a 250 cruiser wannabe (Hyosung GV). Previous bike was GSXR750 -which I sold coming up 4 years(ish) ago.
Had the Hyobag since February this year, as my left knee was having issues healing after a dislocation. Unfortunately this meant I couldn't get a sports-style bike, as my knee would start screaming within 5 mins.

Kinda regret wasting the money on the cruiser, but justified it by trying to change my riding style to a cruiser-style.

However, knee is OK now, and after having a decent fang on a few sprotsbikes the knee hasn't complained.

Just have some concern that this is a bike much more capable than me - and because of that (and lack of common sense) I'm gonna push myself too hard and bin.
Hence - part of deal is new jacket/gloves/boots/pants.
Figure seeing as I know I'm gonna come off, I might as well be prepared :D

I found my knees would get cramped on long rides on the VTR, not as bad as a full on sportsbike crouch. What about a z750? Simillar power to a VTR and more comfortable.

[mossy1200]

[QUOTE=mossy1200;1129359940]I owned the 2000 rsv mille (first of eprom chip model) and a honda sp1.
Aprilia better all rounder(especially with passenger)
SP1 better for fast riding on twisty roads but not for longer rides.

Interesting Mossy > road the first SP1 in New Plymouth & took it to my test road & thought it was very flighty in the front end when pushed , along with piss poor low end fueling . To each there own view at the end isn't really :msn-wink:
When you take the induction restrictor out of nose cone the bike transforms.Add set of arrows and could take it down to 80 in top with power avaliable.Stock standard struggled below 110 in top.Fuel economy increased by 30k per tank also.

[vifferman]

I don't think Honda knew what the VTR was supposed to be. It wouldn't have taken much to make it into a great bike instead of an average bike. Regardless I loved mine, toured it all over north and south Island. I liked the low down torque, bit breathless at the top end but still enough to keep up with most bikes on the road.
Good comments, jonbuoy.
The VTR was designed (mostly in Mrka) as a competitor for the popular Ducati 900SS, and a replacement for the Hawk v-twin (sold elsewhere in the world as the Bros). It was very much a budget bike, whereas Honda could've fettled it with decent suspension and brakes from the CBR range. Oh - and given it a few more horsies.
Unfortunately, it was releaed at the same time as the TL1000S, which was more sporty, faster, and less bland.
I enjoyed mine, and has some fun on it, but it was pretty uncomfy as a tourer, so it was lucky (?) the tank was so small (and the thirst for petroleum distillates so prodigious), as it gave me an excuse to stretch my screaming knees and wrists. The later ones have bars about 19mm taller and differently angled (fixed with some GenMar risers on mine), and the seat was like an upholstered plank. It was also a bit cramped two-up, and the front wheel took some finesse to keep on the road when accelerating uphill. Nevertheless, despite this, the crappy camchains (and being rather ugly), I miss mine.

[Skinny_Birdman]

Mate, if you want a sprint, then look at the Blackbird.

If he can't afford a Sprint, he can't afford a GOOD Blackbird IMHO, for two reasons. 1) They seem to hold their value to a ridiculous degree. I lost $500 over two years and 15000km of owning mine. 2) and more to the point, the Blackbird is vastly more likely to disappear off over the horizon with your license, because it is so stupidly easy to go fast on.

As far as value for money in twins goes, the new 03-05 model Tuonos that keep surfacing on Trademe at circa $14500 seem a bit of a steal for a pretty wicked piece of kit, though I am perhaps biased.

The trade Gerbs has been offered sounds pretty suhweeet.

[Clivoris]

The trade Gerbs has been offered sounds pretty suhweeet.

Yeah man. I think this is a pretty big persuader for him despite there being other options. Better make sure there is enough leg room on it though.

[Skinny_Birdman]

Better make sure there is enough leg room on it though.

Uh huh. I'm only 6 foot, and I've never ridden a sports bike which had 'enough' leg room, including the VTR thou, 'bird and Tuono. VTR with legroom = Varadero perhaps..? :devil2:

[Fatjim]

How many k's gerb. I sold my blue 03 to a guy up that way a couple of years ago. It had 70k on it when I waved goodgye.

[Whynot]

I found my knees would get cramped on long rides on the VTR, not as bad as a full on sportsbike crouch. What about a z750? Simillar power to a VTR and more comfortable.

I found my VTR actually had a good amount of leg room as the pegs were quite low. I get cramped knees etc. much more often on the CBR than i did on the VTR and it was good for chewing up motorway miles.

as mentioned previously though the suspension is a bit spongy and you really do need to know where the next petrol station is ....

[Gerbs]

How many k's gerb. I sold my blue 03 to a guy up that way a couple of years ago. It had 70k on it when I waved goodgye.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-158144662.htm

Thats the bike :)
So... 31km. Not bad for the price... and the trade...
Pretty mint deal I'm thinking :D

[Skinny_Birdman]

I though VTR1000s came supplied with a set of aftermarket cans from new (bro-in-laws '00 model came with Two Brothers). Seriously. This would be the first one I've seen without them. Notwithstanding this, it still looks like a pretty tidy bike, and it has a headlight protector, so someone who gave a sh** has owned it.

[vifferman]

I though VTR1000s came supplied with a set of aftermarket cans from new (bro-in-laws '00 model came with Two Brothers).
There was a special deal run for a while where the 2-Bros cans were fitted. I guess this was to try to move some bikes. Some of the other marques have done similar deals (most notably, Suzuki with some of their models).
I doubt you'd get much of that happening now, with the current exhaust regs, as most aftermarket mufflers wouldn't pass, not being OEM equipments and being slightly louder.