Where to after a VTR1000 Firestorm?

[khabel]

I currently have a VTR1000 firestorm and am at the stage of deciding whether to invest money into aftermarket parts or buy a new bike.

Most other sports/tourers I've looked at are more tourer than sports but I'm after more sports than tourer. I took a speed triple 1050 and a CBR1000RR for a ride today to get a feel for different styles but liked neither

Can anyone recommend some bikes that are along the same lines as the VTR e.g. 2/3rds sports, 1/3rd tourer?

[4AGE]

Dad always tries to say his aprillia rsv is a sport tourer.

TL? Or is that going backwards.

[tigertim20]

why exactly are you wanting rid of it? just want a bit of a change? get some toys for it, or look at a later model of what you have, maybe even sink some coin into the engine and find some more ponies!

I dont think the TL would be backwards, just different, probably a good suggestion actually.

[NighthawkNZ]

I currently have a VTR1000 firestorm and am at the stage of deciding whether to invest money into aftermarket parts or buy a new bike.

Most other sports/tourers I've looked at are more tourer than sports but I'm after more sports than tourer. I took a speed triple 1050 and a CBR1000RR for a ride today to get a feel for different styles but liked neither

Can anyone recommend some bikes that are along the same lines as the VTR e.g. 2/3rds sports, 1/3rd tourer?

Use to have a 02 VTR, depends how much you want to spend on it, dyno kit and rejet, up grade forks and shocks, pipes, retuned and refine tuned etc...

my old VTR had a few tweaks and gave others a run for their money when technically they should be out running it...

I switched to the Ducati ST4s as I wanted bit of a change and the ST4 came with luggage for touring. With the ST4s you can feel the racing heritage in the shocks and the 996 engine etc yet actually more comfortable than the VTR. for me it was a sideways step as well...

As every one said is it for a change (which is nothing wrong with that) or is it sick of the non exsistant fuel economy of the VTR etc... If you still ove the bike and don't really want a change start looking into putting some coin in to her...

If you want a change... the TL isn't a step backwards but more a step sideways but the TL is more a sports bike more agressive and not as forgiving as the VTR.

ST4 and or ST4s a good mix sports tourer that you can feel the sports heritage... but a good tourer.

Are you wanting to stick to the V-Twin or goto inLine4.

heaps of choices really, Yamaha R1, Kawaski ZX10...

Remember you can also tour on any bike... depends on how comfortable you (not anyone else) finds it to ride... personally I hated the TL... you may love, I love the Duke.,... you may hate it...

Test ride as many as you can... but if you can't find some new that you likethat will meet your needs and wants, like the VTR then you have answered your question...

[AllanB]

What's it going to cost to replace? I suspect for a lost less you can upgrade the suspension and have a better bike than the potential 'upgrade'.

[ducatilover]

Would be hard to get an all round better bike that's along the same lines. One would assume you want to keep listening to the V-twin noise, if not, you're sick.

I'd look at a 955i Daytona or 1050 Daytona, both very capable.
ST4, already mentioned.
VFR800, may not make enough torque for you.
ZX12R, silly bonkers bikes.
Any later model thou, I have heard of a heap of people touring on R1's etc.
A BMW....:facepalm:
Someone's bound to mention the Hayabusa, stupid fast, handle well for a larger bike, I found them a bit uncomfy.

Or, custom seat on the VTR, sexy exhausts, double bubble screen, cams.....CKT set up suspenders.....:love:

[Mort]

Upgrade a VTR??? fucking lipstick on a pig (speaking as a previous owner).

The world is your lobster....keep looking and dont look back

[dangerous]

I currently have a VTR1000 firestorm and am at the stage of deciding whether to invest money into aftermarket parts or buy a new bike.

Most other sports/tourers I've looked at are more tourer than sports but I'm after more sports than tourer. I took a speed triple 1050 and a CBR1000RR for a ride today to get a feel for different styles but liked neither

Can anyone recommend some bikes that are along the same lines as the VTR e.g. 2/3rds sports, 1/3rd tourer?

You have half answered ya own question, ya dont like muilties... so head euro as nighthawk and I did after a storm.

I spent heaps on my VTR sure it looked a bit different but it was still a VTR, so I went back to Guzzi, so maybe Duc, Aprila, Buell... BMW :facepalm: LOL
ST's are an awesome all rounder, but if you want to stay Jap as mentioned a VFR, half muiltie half Vtwin.

[Deano]

Which CBR did you ride ?

I went from an SP-1 to an 05 CBR1000RR and don't regret it at all.

I was a die hard twin man, but the multi thou's have so much power and they just keep on revving.

I took out an 08 CBR1000RR for a test and it was far better than the 05 again.

[Kickaha]

I spent heaps on my VTR



I went from an SP-1

Fucked if I'd own one I went on a ride with a couple of guys that had them and they both ran out of gas :whistle:

[Corse1]

If you are staying with the twins the ST's are a nice sports tourer. Post 2007 there are not many twins to choose from. A late model Tuono is a good sports tourer. The SV1000 is much the same as the VTR (apart from the fuel loss) and needs suspension upgrades to rid yourself of the crap stockers.

I had the speed triple for 2 years and got bored with it.

[khabel]

The reason I want to upgrade is I want to start doing trackdays so will need to put a few grand into suspension, braking etc if I keep the VTR and like someone said its like putting lipstick on a pig

I would love a supersports which is why I rode the '08 CBR1000RR but way to uncomfortable for a big guy like me to ride to work everyday.

I dont do any 2 up or long distance touring which is why I want a comfortable sports bike if there is such a thing

[tigertim20]

The reason I want to upgrade is I want to start doing trackdays so will need to put a few grand into suspension, braking etc if I keep the VTR and like someone said its like putting lipstick on a pig

I would love a supersports which is why I rode the '08 CBR1000RR but way to uncomfortable for a big guy like me to ride to work everyday.

I dont do any 2 up or long distance touring which is why I want a comfortable sports bike if there is such a thing

the earlier gen R1's are real comfy, and honestly the 09 onwards I found comfortable as too. i go 2 up and do 600+km in a day often on my early R1 and its great as a tourer and a hell of a lot of fun at the track too. honestly though, theres alot of options for what youre describing

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Tuono.....

[geoffc]

Tried any number of other bikes but ended up buying a newer VTR1000 with heaps of after market parts. Tried out a ST4s. Liked it enough to make a cash offer but the deal fell through. I heard later the new owner ended up stranded over on the West coast with fried electrics after being caught in heavy rain a couple of weeks later. Bit wary of Dukes after that.

[dangerous]

I dont do any 2 up or long distance touring which is why I want a comfortable sports bike if there is such a thingfark man... ya got me here, to me the defanition of a comfortable sports bike IS a sport tourer... if you dont do any long distance then why the hell do you want a sport toure... get a sports bike just what ya need for the track.




Tuono.....

A late model Tuono is a good sports tourer.
AYE? the tuonos I have ridden are not what Id call sport toures, ya have to hang on for dear life due to the lack of a fairing... to me tourers have fairings and are comfy to be behind all day, a sport tourer the same but faster



I was a die hard twin man, but the multi thou's have so much power and they just keep on revving.Yeah but, its not just all about the power aye... or I wouldent be on 85hp

Deano... the guys got a memory like a bloody elephant, It happens when ya having fun aye man.

Fucked if I'd own one I went on a ride with a couple of guys that had them and they both ran out of gas :whistle:

[Deano]

I would love a supersports which is why I rode the '08 CBR1000RR but way to uncomfortable for a big guy like me to ride to work everyday.



How big are you ? I'm, 6ft and found the 08 CBR freaking awesome. Small, but there's nothing wrong with feeling like your on a 600 when you have 1000cc power.




Deano... the guys got a memory like a bloody elephant, It happens when ya having fun aye man.

I'll never forget that trip !! Bloody good times.

[carbonhed]

I keep looking at these...

243453

Kawasaki Z1000SX.

[gav]

Yup, was reading through the thread and thought the new Kawasaki 1000 would be worth a look? RSV Mille Aprilia maybe?

[khabel]

I'm 6'3" around 125kg so pretty big.

How much effect would putting bar risers and adjustable rearsets make to a supersports?

[Deano]

I'm 6'3" around 125kg so pretty big.

How much effect would putting bar risers and adjustable rearsets make to a supersports?

One of the welly crowd has a ZX10 with mx style bars. Add rearsets and you would have a sports tourer. There might be a better option for you though. Call me a purist lol

[Ender EnZed]

Fucked if I'd own one I went on a ride with a couple of guys that had them and they both ran out of gas :whistle:

The first one I rode did that. I still want one.



Can anyone recommend some bikes that are along the same lines as the VTR e.g. 2/3rds sports, 1/3rd tourer?

Kawasaki Z1000SX.
+1.

Yamaha's FZ1 is similar to the Kwaka and a Buell 1125 would be worth a look if you wanted to stick to a v-twin.

[Latte]

If you want to take an RSV for a spin to see what you think let me know. it's an 00 with 40k on the clock so wont be the best example to ride (due for suspenders etc). But you'll get an idea of the mill and seating pos.

I ride mine everyday almost, commute, weekends, track days, always puts a smile on my face.

[vifferman]

Whelp, I had a FahrtSturm and replaced it with a VFR800. It was SO much better; although for a few weeks I wondered why there was a 'hole' at 3k rpm...:blink:
Turned out that there wasn't - it was just that the wodge of torque on the VTR starts around there....

[DEATH_INC.]

You're wanting a change just so you can do trackdays? Just get out there on the VTR and give it a go. Loosebruces old pos TL's' used to be quite a bit faster than most other 'superior' sprotbikes with him on it. Better to be on something you know well I reckon for a start anyhoo....

[racefactory]

Why not try a motard?

[blackdog]

I keep looking at these...

243453

Kawasaki Z1000SX.

I like that Z alot as well. Just makes sense to me.

If you like the honda look at a VFR1200. GSF1250FA?

Have you ridden a Hayabusa or ZX14?

Or Sprint ST. Thats what I'd be riding to pick your favourite from.

[insane1]

kawasaki concours 1400 maybe worth a look.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Speed Triple? the new one.

[shrub]

A few questions:
1. What do you like about the VTR and what don't you like?
2. What did you like/dislike about the CBR and Speed triple?
3. What kind of riding do you most enjoy? If you had a perfect weekend with no commitments, flawless weather and the mobile IRD team at a donut tasting, what would you do?
4. When you're out and about, what bikes turn your head the most?
5. What is your dream bike if you had all the money in the universe and why that one?

[short-circuit]

Tried a Street Triple? More fun than a Speedy.

[khabel]

A few questions:
1. What do you like about the VTR and what don't you like?
2. What did you like/dislike about the CBR and Speed triple?
3. What kind of riding do you most enjoy? If you had a perfect weekend with no commitments, flawless weather and the mobile IRD team at a donut tasting, what would you do?
4. When you're out and about, what bikes turn your head the most?
5. What is your dream bike if you had all the money in the universe and why that one?

1. Like the styling and comfort. Don't like the old age technology
2. CBR I like the styling and love the performance, dislike the comfort, Speed triple was other way around
3. Riding I like the most is hills with the odd long straight
4. Sports bikes
5. Ducati 1198 as it looks like sex on wheels

[imdying]

Honda make a PowerSports seat for the CBR, cheap from the USA (don't even bother ringing an NZ dealer who has to get it through Blue Wing, it's not worth your time).

There are also other options like Sargent seats, plus McDonald Motor Trimmers (IIRC?) that specialise in reshaping bike seats.

The blade is the best sporting motorcycle ever made, you'll never regret owning one.

[yod]

I keep looking at these...

243453

Kawasaki Z1000SX.


I like that Z alot as well. Just makes sense to me.

If you like the honda look at a VFR1200. GSF1250FA?

Have you ridden a Hayabusa or ZX14?

Or Sprint ST. Thats what I'd be riding to pick your favourite from.

I tried the Z1000SX and found the upright position was acceptable, power delivery is good, but my legs were quite cramped (I'm a scratch under 6')

I'd give a ZX14 a crack if I were you. They go like a shower of shit, fairly comfortable, not full on sports mode but certainly not a tourer either, I found Sarge's a bloody nice ride and surprisingly easy to move around for it's size.

[khabel]

Needs to be able to handle commuting to work and back every day in Auckland traffic

[Clivoris]

Haha. Buy my Tuono (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=378744206)
I had an SV1000 before this. Loved it but it hurt me to tour on. I can tour on this all day and the SV handled like a boat in comparison.

[Bytor]

Haha. Buy my Tuono (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=378744206)
I had an SV1000 before this. Loved it but it hurt me to tour on. I can tour on this all day and the SV handled like a boat in comparison.

No don't buy it coz it's mine when I've finished saving up the $9k - just another $8999.00 to go:facepalm:

[shrub]

1. Like the styling and comfort. Don't like the old age technology
2. CBR I like the styling and love the performance, dislike the comfort, Speed triple was other way around
3. Riding I like the most is hills with the odd long straight
4. Sports bikes
5. Ducati 1198 as it looks like sex on wheels

Hmmm... sounds like you need a sports tourer. You like the look of the all out sports bikes, but don't like the riding position and if you found a S3 didn't have enough power you are a power addict - personally they have more than I need/can use, but I am a nana.

Something like a ZX14/Busa is probably the best option for you and a few years ago I played in the port hills with a Busa and I was really impressed at how such a big bike could be flicked around, and the power was immense. I suspect they'd commute OK, but then any bike can be commuted on - I used to commute on a Guzzi Le Mans 2, and they are raw, crude, heavy, uncomfortable and hate travelling under 130 kmh.

Have you considered a 1098? OK you'll have the comfort problems of a CBR, but they are mighty tasty bikes and similar money to a CBR/S3.

[Ihatehighsides]

I reckon spending a few bucks on good suspension and lighter wheels if your keen and itll ride like a new bike anyway. Best thing I ever did to get more horses was stop eating pies. Having said that I think r1s are pretty roomy litre bikes

[khabel]

Anyone ridden a Ducati 1000DS?

[khabel]

Bit of an update:

Took a CBR1100XX for a ride and really like it. Well that was until I took the ZX14 for a ride straight after and fell in love, haven't stopped thinking about it :)

Aside from speeding tickets anything I should watch out for when buying a ZX14?

[imdying]

Aside from speeding tickets anything I should watch out for when buying a ZX14?Dangerous Driving tickets? :laugh:

[5150]

I love my 05 Zed Thou (Z1ooo) :Punk:

[banditrider]

Aside from speeding tickets anything I should watch out for when buying a ZX14?

Objects approaching at a rapid rate...

[shrub]

Bit of an update:

Took a CBR1100XX for a ride and really like it. Well that was until I took the ZX14 for a ride straight after and fell in love, haven't stopped thinking about it :)

Aside from speeding tickets anything I should watch out for when buying a ZX14?

Sounds like you have found The One.

[miper]

Personally an SV1000 with banditmania top triple clamp and conventional bars does it for me. Way more comfy for trips but still good in the bent bits. No fairing or brake line mods required only extended throttle cables (also from banditmania) . Too easy and only around $500 all up

[blackdog]

Personally an SV1000 with banditmania top triple clamp and conventional bars does it for me. Way more comfy for trips but still good in the bent bits. No fairing or brake line mods required only extended throttle cables (also from banditmania) . Too easy and only around $500 all up

Can't say some handlebars are gonna sway me toward an SV after just riding the 14!

[Kermit250]

Dunno if that 14 will have enough power, thought of a 125 vespa? great for that commute and track day :scooter:

sorry, go for the 14! lovely bikes and great fora longer trip too if you want

[Batcerb]

In 1 of the latest Performance Bike mags, there is a guy in the UK running a VTR in the thunderbikes series.

Braced swingarm, CBR 1000 front end, some mild engine work ... anyone else see that?

Every issue they do a special on somebody's "special"

[MaxCannon]

You should try an R1200S. There's one for sale at Haldanes.

Power everywhere in the rev range, from right off the bottom all the way up to the limiter. Fantastic brakes, comfy seat, bars in the just the right place and plenty of room for real sized people.
All the ones I've seen for sale here have Ohlins. Stock suspension is very good, I got mine tweaked at CKT just because I can.
Excellent commuter. I use mine daily and it's so easy to ride.
Good for distance. I've done 8 hours in the seat without a problem. My mate on a ZX10 could barely move after having done the same ride.
Great track bike.
Added bonus - it's not often you'll bump into another one.

Things I don't like.
- Very little in the way of aftermarket kit available. I've had to track down bits from overseas like head covers and a carbon hugger.
- Some parts can be pricey (although service costs on par with my old Bandit).

[D-Meister]

If I were you I'd look at a K3/4 GSX-R1000. Those bikes were strong, radial brakes, upside down forks and all day comfort. Did really well on the racetracks. In my opinion one of the best bikes ever build......

[caspernz]

Curious to hear the outcome....

Most of the suggestions I could agree....big guy, try a big bike. ZX14 seems like a fair suggestion, but how would it do on a track day? Apart from chew up tyres and brakes....

[khabel]

Went and picked up a zx14 tonight. No other bike I've test ridden has put a bigger smile on my face

[caspernz]

Well as the saying goes, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely....

Did ya have a play with a Hayabusa?

[khabel]

Had a look at a couple but couldn't find a dealer willing to let me test ride one.

I know the zx14 isn't pretty but to me the busa is even worse

[caspernz]

Oh well, how a bike looks is kinda subjective really....

Have fun enjoying the grunt. Let us know what new toy you settle on?

[Ender EnZed]

Went and picked up a zx14 tonight. No other bike I've test ridden has put a bigger smile on my face
Let us know what new toy you settle on?

I think he got a ZX14.

[Latte]

I think he got a ZX14.

Mind reader right here :D