Vtr1000?

[nzspokes]

Owners of VTR1000s, what do you think about them? Ive taken a liking to them and thinking about one in the future. I know there economy is a bad point. I would be after the later model of which there are plenty around. Yes they are old tech now but look to be a fun bike to own.

[NighthawkNZ]

I had an 02 model... I enjoyed it, it was a fun bike... (mine wasn't quite standard though and was a bit more peaky than the standard VTR1000) It is also a very forgiving bike as well...

[nzspokes]

I had an 02 model... I enjoyed it, it was a fun bike... (mine wasn't quite standard though and was a bit more peaky than the standard VTR1000) It is also a very forgiving bike as well...

What had been done to it?

[Vinz0r]

Very comfortable. Bit of a different feeling coming from a big inline four though.. its rumbly and you don't really feel the speed coming on. Your Hornet probably lets you know when you're accelerating. The VTR.. well it kinda just doesn't, maybe due to the flat torque curve? It starts making power down low and doesn't give you any surprises higher up in the rev range.

[shafty]

Bike of the Year when they came out - very capable - there's a nice yellow one on Tard Me atm

[george formby]

Hmmm, the thinking mans Tuono. Or Ducati. Been on my garage list for ages. IIR they never quite had the visceral charm of there Italian competitors but compensated with reliability, comfort & longevity.
I love riding twins.

[ZeroIndex]

I bought one just over a month ago (03 model), and I'm absolutely loving it. It definitely is thirsty on gas, but you don't buy a bike with 48mm carbs to save the planet :)

The biggest bike I've owned previously (5 years ago) was a 87 Yamaha FZR400, and I have to say, this thing is just so much better in every way. Reasonably comfy (although if it's extended straights, you'll want to occasionally stretch your legs / stand up on the pegs). Just put a double bubble (chinese knockoff) on it, and it has definitely moved a good amount of air off my face.

When I was originally looking for a new bike, I was considering the SV650/1000, but I'm glad I went the Honda route (and it was a bunch cheaper too).

I still haven't redlined it in any gear, and if you're feeling a bit grown up (read: not a speed freak), it will really allow you to enjoy the road. 3rd gear is amazing on all but the twistiest of roads.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALPcs42UrA4

[nzspokes]

I bought one just over a month ago (03 model), and I'm absolutely loving it. It definitely is thirsty on gas, but you don't buy a bike with 48mm carbs to save the planet :)

The biggest bike I've owned previously (5 years ago) was a 87 Yamaha FZR400, and I have to say, this thing is just so much better in every way. Reasonably comfy (although if it's extended straights, you'll want to occasionally stretch your legs / stand up on the pegs). Just put a double bubble (chinese knockoff) on it, and it has definitely moved a good amount of air off my face.

When I was originally looking for a new bike, I was considering the SV650/1000, but I'm glad I went the Honda route (and it was a bunch cheaper too).

I still haven't redlined it in any gear, and if you're feeling a bit grown up (read: not a speed freak), it will really allow you to enjoy the road. 3rd gear is amazing on all but the twistiest of roads.


Well I do like to punt it along a bit. The one I road didnt have more power than the Hornet on the butt dyno it just delivered it in a different way.

[nzspokes]

I love riding twins.

Thats something on my bucket list. But were talking about motorcycles.:lol:

[BuzzardNZ]

I was considering one before I got my SV. Took a mates one out for a blast and liked it. Similar power to a stock SV and same kind of power delivery. After some mods the SV is definitely the quicker of the two, but the VTR is easier to wheelie ( shorter wheel base ).

Both have very basic suspension but they are a budget bike. The VTR is known to have cam chain issues, so make sure to google that before buying.

[Pornolio]

I currently have a Firestorm I use to commute to work and back daily. (this is my second one - Had one years ago which I sold)
In short... they are a LOT of fun... they want to wheelie (a lot), they very reliable and robust, you will see loads of them around advertised with 100 000+ KMs done.
They are comfy, and there is always useable power in the rev range thanks to that grunty V-twin motor. Two open pipes are a must for these bikes. They sound awesome and gives you goosebumps just on the pure sound of it. I have two aluminum Microns fitted, and I know from past experience that fitting carbon fiber cans are a no-no... the pulses from those two bucket pistons will blow those canisters apart eventually.

They are not perfect though... the suspension as mentioned above, is very soft, especially the front-end. Its always been a known issue on them, and aftermarket springs / re-valving does wonders to them. I would like to still fit an Ohlins rear to my VTR one-day if I still have it. I have seen one or two rear's floating on trademe in the last few months.
But I suppose the bike is built to be more of a commuting / traffic warrior, rather than a track bike, so the suspension is soft for a reason. Its one of those bikes that "grows" onto you, and you end up loving it. The day you sell it, you miss em big time.

I have seen some people advertising the manual cam chain tensioners, but to be honest, I have never experienced or spoke to a fellow VTR owner that suffered from head damage due to the failing cam-chain tensioner mentioned earlier. Doesn't mean it never happens, but I wouldn't stress over it too much. I still use mine with the OEM factory one, but then again, mine has very low mileage.

If you are looking at getting one, try and get one of the later models with the upgraded changes done to them... that would be the bigger fuel tank, HISS ignition system with chipped keys, refined carburation, and digital clocks. Last but not least, if you manage to find one and its fitted with "Moriwaki" aftermarket stuff... That stuff is as rare as Hens teeth. Its pretty much on par with Honda HRC stuff, if not better... the Moriwaki ZERO titanium systems are built of the highest quality, and if you see what they cost in Japan... you would have to sell your first born to buy them. :crazy:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Owners of VTR1000s, what do you think about them? Ive taken a liking to them and thinking about one in the future. I know there economy is a bad point. I would be after the later model of which there are plenty around. Yes they are old tech now but look to be a fun bike to own.

By later model you mean the SP-2?

I think I would go for an SP-1 personally: in fact if I had $13k lying around I would buy this one:

http://www.superiormotorcycles.co.nz/pages/7/bikes.htm

[Damantis]

Then a close encounter with wildlife saw me throw it down Highway 22. Thoroughly enjoyable, reliable and while it's not going to do a sub 11 second quarter, you'll get to 220+ quick enough to know it's not a Bandit. As mentioned the suspension is a bit basic and on the soft side, but unless you're really fanging it I don't think it's that big a deal. You can ride it all day and not feel crunchy afterward. The cam chain tensioner needs replacing every 40-50000 kms but it's not an expensive exercise. I would have got another one but just wanted to try something else. If I could get a low milage, late model one at a good price, I'd seriously consider another one. Great fun, awesome rumble and something different from an inline four

[geoffc]

Yeah I'm on my 2nd VTR1000F. Both have had after-market pipes. Current one has the larger tank, fuel gauge & chipped key start. Love the bike. You wouldn't be disappointed.

[bogan]

Site search function (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/162111-VTR1000-or-SV1000)is your friend.

[actungbaby]

Owners of VTR1000s, what do you think about them? Ive taken a liking to them and thinking about one in the future. I know there economy is a bad point. I would be after the later model of which there are plenty around. Yes they are old tech now but look to be a fun bike to own.

I always Loved look the engine and the sound , think big twins are tiny bit not best in slow going but thats not a real issue u like the bikes.

from what i have read cam chains in higher kms models but somone that has had one, be better to give advice.

[ZeroIndex]

That was the main question I had when buying one:
Me: How is the cam chain tensioner.
Them: It was replaced with a manual cam chain tensioner by the previous owner
Me: Sold

[nzspokes]

That was the main question I had when buying one:
Me: How is the cam chain tensioner.
Them: It was replaced with a manual cam chain tensioner by the previous owner
Me: Sold

Stuff like that doesnt bother me as I can replace such things. Im about to do one on the Hornet. More thinking is it slower than what I have? Dont mind only a little faster but dont want slower.

[ZeroIndex]

Stuff like that doesnt bother me as I can replace such things. Im about to do one on the Hornet. More thinking is it slower than what I have? Dont mind only a little faster but dont want slower.
Having power low down is quite a different experience to an inline 4... so it can be quite deceptive. If you can, I'd recommend taking a SV or VTR for a test drive.

[nzspokes]

Having power low down is quite a different experience to an inline 4... so it can be quite deceptive. If you can, I'd recommend taking a SV or VTR for a test drive.

Ive taken one out with a stage 1 jet kit and Jardine pipes. Bottom end was not far off the Hornet but the top felt flat in comparison. But to me it felt fluffy at higher revs so had wondered if the jetting was off. A mate is going to let me ride his SV1000, will be interesting to see the difference.

[nzspokes]

Huh, MCN has the top speed difference between my Hornet and the VTR as 14kph in the VTRs favor but the Hornet is quicker over the 1/4 mile by .7 of a second. VTR has 97hp to the Hornets 110hp. They have the same torque. The VTR is 1 kg lighter than the Hornet.

[bogan]

Huh, MCN has the top speed difference between my Hornet and the VTR as 14kph in the VTRs favor but the Hornet is quicker over the 1/4 mile by .7 of a second. VTR has 97hp to the Hornets 110hp. They have the same torque. The VTR is 1 kg lighter than the Hornet.

VTRs be a bit more slippery than hornets; SP2s be as slippery as a greased eel down a sewerage pipe after curry night.

[nzspokes]

VTRs be a bit more slippery than hornets; SP2s be as slippery as a greased eel down a sewerage pipe after curry night.

Thats why the top speed is better.

[Wingnut]

Yep have had a VTR. Bought one new quite a few years back. Only mod was the cans. As you say, the fuel economy was a pain but still a nice fun bike to own. Super easy to get that front up on too which was always a laugh. Now that I am slightly older and 4 kids later, comfort and practicality have now come to the fore. I have a VFR800 which I have done a modification on the factory cans to get some of that V4 sound out. Don't discard the VFR, especially if you are considering doing some longer rides. It only has slightly less hp and torque than the VTR but kicks it in comfort, practicality and I think aesthetically its a little more pleasing to the eye. Soundwise, with the exhaust mod done (otherwise it sounds like a fucken sewing machine) it sounds mean as, especially over 7200rpm when the alternative vtec system is activated. Sales pitch rant over...

Now before the haters get going.... this is my opinion only and from experience its best not to get tunnel vision when looking for a new ride... All the best in your decision making.

Geoff.

[misterO]

I had one for a while and I really liked it. It's an under-appreciated gem, never let me down.

[george formby]

Yep have had a VTR. Bought one new quite a few years back. Only mod was the cans. As you say, the fuel economy was a pain but still a nice fun bike to own. Super easy to get that front up on too which was always a laugh. Now that I am slightly older and 4 kids later, comfort and practicality have now come to the fore. I have a VFR800 which I have done a modification on the factory cans to get some of that V4 sound out. Don't discard the VFR, especially if you are considering doing some longer rides. It only has slightly less hp and torque than the VTR but kicks it in comfort, practicality and I think aesthetically its a little more pleasing to the eye. Soundwise, with the exhaust mod done (otherwise it sounds like a fucken sewing machine) it sounds mean as, especially over 7200rpm when the alternative vtec system is activated. Sales pitch rant over...

Now before the haters get going.... this is my opinion only and from experience its best not to get tunnel vision when looking for a new ride... All the best in your decision making.

Geoff.

Me mate just got one with aftermarket pipes, Staintune p'rhaps? Sounds the mutts without being anti social & is a joy to ride. That VVT is a real ace up the sleeve, loved the suspenders & brakes, too. The change in engine note as you approach 7 grand is addictive, goes from pipe & slippers to P pipe & sneakers. Beautifully designed as well.
But. It's not a twin. No thump.

[Wingnut]

Me mate just got one with aftermarket pipes, Staintune p'rhaps? Sounds the mutts without being anti social & is a joy to ride. That VVT is a real ace up the sleeve, loved the suspenders & brakes, too. The change in engine note as you approach 7 grand is addictive, goes from pipe & slippers to P pipe & sneakers. Beautifully designed as well.
But. It's not a twin. No thump.

No thump agreed. But it does have its own beasty rhythm and roar :woohoo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs5CZbas6XQ

[nzspokes]

No thump agreed. But it does have its own beasty rhythm and roar :woohoo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs5CZbas6XQ

They have never really been on my radar. Dont they have linked brakes? But from the MCN report them seem a bit heavy for the power?

[actungbaby]

No thump agreed. But it does have its own beasty rhythm and roar :woohoo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs5CZbas6XQ

Agreed Just from reading and looking at three on my bucket list from 90,s vfr 750 cbr 900 rr vtr 1000 i have just manged to own two of them

hay its only 14 years later ;-) That and mx5 i never drove before owned it and think safe to say from what i read you wont be dispoited in any of these trio.

That said very very diffrent i pick the vfr 750-800 800 relastically as 750 getting bit old . as best all round though good on fuel smooth so smooth

Got that charcter in the engine though . you think was so smoth it was boring it isint . only thing cbr 900 got over it is way stronger bottom end of idle.

But its tractor in compassion little rough much lighter easier to flick for sure but i be just quick on vfr 750. over a distance .

[actungbaby]

They have never really been on my radar. Dont they have linked brakes? But from the MCN report them seem a bit heavy for the power?

The vfr 800 has linked brakes well later models do dont know about the first years think only had one gen f vfr 800s they use the vtr 1000 frame

beacuse went to side mouted rads which look cool.Honestly i looked wieght of it before got mine brought dmaged of tm . and going what have i done.

last well first big bike broght was cb 750 f integra seen other day too the same nike still going strong.never liked it was boring and heavy.

so when first rode the vfr after wanting to fix it for few months first ride around car park cause wasint road egal. oh f@## been 10 years since ridden a bike at all.

Road it slow on walking track got confidence . got wof rego rode it jusr around the sreets wow what a bike awsome easy to handle.

Know its so balnaced see why poilce use the st 1300s . i move my butt around of the seat little just for fun. feels like u can feel back tire working.

Think more to illusion of the power pulses of the engine got that half beat inbetween 180 degree firing and all . nice.

Sure i dont fling it over at last minute not really that kind of bike . and am to old for that these days didnt even do that on my nephews kawaski 250 nija.

You get on the cbr 900rr because the low clip ons and fact u wraped around this tiny bike with big fat tank . your arms sort wraped around it hehe

So think it affects way you ride , sort say huh is that all u got , and not even working yet. 4000 it starting to 6000 all am taking it too.on the road.

When get of it ,and the only part find tiring is the seat its fine till get of it and then like shit.. I get off it onto vfr and think wow this old boys machine.

Its like sitting in your lazy boy chair seems so smotth u wonder if engine working or seems less bottom end cause so smooth.

But like it best if had sell one it be one to stay even though looks terrbile at present and cbr looks fine

And am 6,1 so cbr should be torture rack and its not . am 51 and enjoyed tucking elbows onto my knees once lol thought roger freeth (super frog)

Rekon vtr 1000 fit inbetween those two in comfort heard sheepskin go for the seat, rekon need a bio mag on mine hehe

engine wise with those huge carbs and big pistons rekon vtr 1000 be more like the cbr 900 rr but with the sound more like vfour and lovley twin sound.

cbr 9 isint boring engine sound its got this booming sound thinking gas tank being light weight and intake sound at 4000rpm

I love its booming inline sound and its got standred muffler which i like aslo vfr is to lound about 7 forget it hurts my ears it screams

got to get new muffler really ruins it like ya i like to go over that but no thanks its going through my head.

The same test road i did the same speed on both and slowed to same speed for sharp corner.

[pritch]

More thinking is it slower than what I have? Dont mind only a little faster but dont want slower.

You need to understand that when the 919 was new it was faster 0 - 160kph than the GSXRs and others of that ilk of the same period. The sport bikes were higher geared though and would leave the Hornet after 160. The Hornet is not slow.

Since the Hornet, I've owned a VFR, a Ducati S4R (996) and the Speed Triple. The latter two have more claimed power, but I don't think any of the three had as much "snap" as the Hornet.

I have ridden the VTR and I don't think you should consider "faster or slower", it will just feel different. So ride it how it wants to be ridden. The VTRs advantage in top speed will be lost in acceleration.

[Gremlin]

Since the Hornet, I've owned a VFR, a Ducati S4R (996) and the Speed Triple. The latter two have more claimed power, but I don't think any of the three had as much "snap" as the Hornet.
Much to the disgust of a mate, I beat his modified 06 ZX10 twice off the line. He could get me easily at higher speeds, but sportsbikes are also geared not to loop in first. Third time was a spectacular failure on my part when I tried the same revs at launch technique he was using :oi-grr:

Hornet won't match the sound of a twin, no way, get the VTR or another twin for that, but economy, low down grunt, reliability, the Hornet has it in spades. 120k service booked for Friday morning :yes:

[ducatilover]

Ride many more VTRs and make the choice from there.
They're nice bikes, pretty beige handling and go well enough. Make beautiful noises (more or less why I want one). You can make a set of manual tensioners easy enough, which I would do.
Having piloted a few now I would still own one, but would really want some actual suspension as everyone says. No bloody ground clearance either.
Only thing I really dislike it the economy on them.

Did I mention noise?




I may have a small penis

[raziel1983]

Huh, MCN has the top speed difference between my Hornet and the VTR as 14kph in the VTRs favor but the Hornet is quicker over the 1/4 mile by .7 of a second. VTR has 97hp to the Hornets 110hp. They have the same torque. The VTR is 1 kg lighter than the Hornet.

Sounds like whp for the vtr vs crank for hornet, or different dynos? By all accounts (google images) they make almost exactly the same power and surprisingly have an extremely similar torque curve!

VTR though, THAT sound!

[george formby]

THAT sound!

:yes: I ride a tub of warm lard with the performance of a neglected ride on mower but. It has Kerker pipes which seem to be straight through tubes with some round bits of alloy on the ends. I love it! It's constantly involving and the most common thing I here is "that sounds like a proper bike".
Go for it, get a good deal & you won't lose. Thread is 3 pages already, a few VTR fans out there.

[98tls]

:yes: I ride a tub of warm lard with the performance of a neglected ride on mower but. It has Kerker pipes which seem to be straight through tubes with some round bits of alloy on the ends. I love it! It's constantly involving and the most common thing I here is "that sounds like a proper bike".
Go for it, get a good deal & you won't lose. Thread is 3 pages already, a few VTR fans out there.

Amen to that,truth is if you can ride the thing you will be right up anybodys arse on anything if they cant (and theres plenty out there),go for it and enjoy.V-twins rock especially old underated ones.

[haydes55]

Amen to that,truth is if you can ride the thing you will be right up anybodys arse on anything if they cant (and theres plenty out there),go for it and enjoy.V-twins rock especially old underated ones.





I want a TL1000. They aren't under rated in my opinion. I'd feel as though an SV1000 or VTR1000 are the TLs more sane cousins. I want the insane one.

Swap bikes? Mine's pretty sexy (but it's not a V twin)

[nzspokes]

Sounds like whp for the vtr vs crank for hornet, or different dynos? By all accounts (google images) they make almost exactly the same power and surprisingly have an extremely similar torque curve!

VTR though, THAT sound!

But i have a Hornet. A fairly modded one at that. So im starting to see a lack of benefit to the change. And you have not heard my bike scream......

But I do like the VTR. But my mind is saying its a bit pointless to change.

[ducatilover]

Just own both? It's that easy

[jonbuoy]

I loved my VTR, the Z750 I haven't bonded with - it's just a way to get from A to B. I want another V twin. I would have another VTR I've been thinking about selling the Z to get one.

[Maha]

But i have a Hornet. A fairly modded one at that. So im starting to see a lack of benefit to the change. And you have not heard my bike scream......

But I do like the VTR. But my mind is saying its a bit pointless to change.

So you want to spend around $5k on a bike, perhaps throw another $5K at it to get it to where it suits you (just like the hornet) making it owe you $10K when the reality is, it will only be worth $4K by the time you get it to that point (just like the hornet)

PS: all $'s used in this post are for argument sake use only.

[nzspokes]

So you want to spend around $5k on a bike, perhaps throw another $5K at it to get it to where it suits you (just like the hornet) making it owe you $10K when the reality is, it will only be worth $4K by the time you get it to that point (just like the hornet)

PS: all $'s used in this post are for argument sake use only.

LOL, I wouldnt spend anything like that on the Hornet. Problem I will have with value on bikes is I actually ride them and put Ks on them quickly. Im averaging 30k a year. I wouldnt like to buy a new bike unless It was something I was going to keep forever as the deprecation hit on that is immense.

[jonbuoy]

LOL, I wouldnt spend anything like that on the Hornet. Problem I will have with value on bikes is I actually ride them and put Ks on them quickly. Im averaging 30k a year. I wouldnt like to buy a new bike unless It was something I was going to keep forever as the deprecation hit on that is immense.

If it's a long term keeper that's the best way of doing it - buy it new and run it into the ground.

[pritch]

So keep riding the Hornet and wait for an SP1/SP2? Impractical, uncomfortable, but...

[raziel1983]

Well yep, If the only reason your thinking of switching from the hornet to the vtr is for performance, it's a bit of a wash. But which bike makes your wiener tingle?!

[bungbung]

Why not an Aprilia - Sounds just like a vtr but goes faster and has suspension and brakes and stuff.

[rustyrobot]

Why not an Aprilia - Sounds just like a vtr but goes faster and has suspension and brakes and stuff.

Well - now that someone else has raised it... :) Tuono!

There's a great comparison article somewhere comparing Firestorm, Tuono, SV1000 and.... can't remember the other bike. Anyway, had a good summary of the pros and cons of each. Will try and find it.

[BigAl]

Why not an Aprilia - Sounds just like a vtr but goes faster and has suspension and brakes and stuff.

Maybe because you pay twice the price.

[BuzzardNZ]

Well - now that someone else has raised it... :) Tuono!

There's a great comparison article somewhere comparing Firestorm, Tuono, SV1000 and.... can't remember the other bike. Anyway, had a good summary of the pros and cons of each. Will try and find it.

I've read that article too ( or maybe it was a video on youtube ), was a good one and about best value for $ for a used V-twin.

Anyway, I think the Tuono came out on top in terms of being the better bike of the 3 or 4 tested ( to be expected ).

But as BigAl said, they cost a hell of a lot.

Are they as reliable as the jap equivalents? My guess would be... no.

[raziel1983]

Why not an Aprilia - Sounds just like a vtr but goes faster and has suspension and brakes and stuff.

I reckon the Honda twin sounds better than the 60° aprilia one..

IN saying that, I have a Falco on my watchlist quite regularly. :2thumbsup

Also http://www.visordown.com/road-tests/torque-is-cheap---aprilia-falco-suzuki-sv1000-honda-firestorm/10485.html

[rustyrobot]

I've read that article too ( or maybe it was a video on youtube ), was a good one and about best value for $ for a used V-twin.

Anyway, I think the Tuono came out on top in terms of being the better bike of the 3 or 4 tested ( to be expected ).

But as BigAl said, they cost a hell of a lot.

Are they as reliable as the jap equivalents? My guess would be... no.

There are a few dodgy electrical connectors that can be replaced fairly easily, but overall I reckon build quality is pretty rock-solid, and the rotax engines take a beating and keep on eating road. 90,000kms on my bike and it's got a bit of decal peel and bolt rust (been parked outside by the seaside a fair bit), otherwise rocking strong.

Guess they do cost a little bit more than a VTR though.
This one is at a dealers though and $7k for a 2005 with 50,000kms
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-704322204.htm

Pretty comparable to $6.5k for 2005 Firestrom with 40,000kms (private sale)
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-686913953.htm

[ducatilover]

Why not an Aprilia - Sounds just like a vtr but goes faster and has suspension and brakes and stuff.

Except they do not sound anything like a VTR

[nzspokes]

Why not an Aprilia - Sounds just like a vtr but goes faster and has suspension and brakes and stuff.

Because I like to be able to get spare parts when they are needed.:laugh:

[rustyrobot]

Because I like to be able to get spare parts when they are needed.:laugh:

but...

but...

I got nothing :facepalm:


DAMN YOU TRIUMPH NZ!

[Gremlin]

The saving grace of Aprilia in NZ... af1racing.com ;)

[george formby]

Must admit that my brief time on a Tuono was a very good time.

[98tls]

So you want to spend around $5k on a bike, perhaps throw another $5K at it to get it to where it suits you (just like the hornet) making it owe you $10K when the reality is, it will only be worth $4K by the time you get it to that point (just like the hornet)

PS: all $'s used in this post are for argument sake use only.

:facepalm:ive done much worse believe me.

[Maha]

:facepalm:ive done much worse believe me.

Sure, I have been watching your expenditure on the TLS over the recent years Mike. There are people out there that own a $10k bike that owes them $20k+. But to a buyer (when/if that time comes) that very bike is worth even less. Buyer value V seller value can be polls apart.
Your bike is a honey and let no man say otherwise.

[98tls]

Sure, I have been watching your expenditure on the TLS over the recent years Mike. There are people out there that own a $10k bike that owes them $20k+. But to a buyer (when/if that time comes) that very bike is worth even less. Buyer value V seller value can be polls apart.
Your bike is a honey and let no man say otherwise.

Absolutely mate,i gave up caring about the return on the TL many years ago but have immensly enjoyed the journey with it which i guess is priceless.

[Maha]

Absolutely mate,i gave up caring about the return on the TL many years ago but have immensely enjoyed the journey with it which i guess is priceless.

Zactly, I spent $4.5K on my old 02' Sprint in 12 months, then sold it... because I had had enough of spending that kind of money on a fricken bike and was in the mind set of ''when will the spending stop''? It was pointed out to me that, why sell it when you have it just where you want it? soon after I realised that the person who said that to me, was correct. I got $9.5K for it, it was 6 years old.

[ducatilover]

Sure, I have been watching your expenditure on the TLS over the recent years Mike. There are people out there that own a $10k bike that owes them $20k+. But to a buyer (when/if that time comes) that very bike is worth even less. Buyer value V seller value can be polls apart.
Your bike is a honey and let no man say otherwise.

I have three bikes worth fuck all, two of which have countless hours of work in them.
I think I lose :facepalm:

[98tls]

I have three bikes worth fuck all, two of which have countless hours of work in them.
I think I lose :facepalm:

Nope, if your happy then its a win fuck what anyone else thinks.

[PeteJ]

I bought my VTR brand new in 2006, still have it. It was already obsolete when I bought it, one of the reasons for buying. I suspect I'll never sell it, though others in the shed will come and go.

Mine's totally standard apart from removing the restrictor plates from the carbs.

I used to use it as an instructor at ART days, but its main use has been road riding, usually 400-500km of a Saturday afternoon. I often ride it Russell to Tauranga and back in a day, and have done a lot of longer rides as well.

It's an ideal road machine for my solo use (I have a Varadero for 2-up; same power train), easy to maintain 120-140kph all day long on just about any sealed road. It doesn't mind gravel, either - one of the better sports bikes I've owned on unsealed roads.

Set up the standard suspension properly, and it's not really too soft...just...but compliant enough for secondary road use. The RH header pipe grounds lightly if you push it hard, but then IMO you're pushing too hard if that happens on the road cf a circuit.

I know a couple of other owners who have had CCT troubles, so I replace mine every 18,000km. No biggie.

And it's economical enough if you run it no more than about 5-5,500rpm; it likes short-shifting. I usually get 200km before the light starts blinking, and that's about 14l. So +/- (probably minus) 40mpg in the old measure, and that's good enough for me.

You can get good examples of these things at low money, and they're about as good value as you'll get for usefulness, fun, and longevity.

[nzspokes]

I bought my VTR brand new in 2006, still have it. It was already obsolete when I bought it, one of the reasons for buying. I suspect I'll never sell it, though others in the shed will come and go.

Mine's totally standard apart from removing the restrictor plates from the carbs.

I used to use it as an instructor at ART days, but its main use has been road riding, usually 400-500km of a Saturday afternoon. I often ride it Russell to Tauranga and back in a day, and have done a lot of longer rides as well.

It's an ideal road machine for my solo use (I have a Varadero for 2-up; same power train), easy to maintain 120-140kph all day long on just about any sealed road.

Set up the standard suspension properly, and it's not really too soft...just...but compliant enough for secondary road use. The RH header pipe grounds lightly if you push it hard, but then IMO you're pushing too hard if that happens on the road cf a circuit.

I know a couple of other owners who have had CCT troubles, so I replace mine every 18,000km. No biggie.

And it's economical enough if you run it no more than about 5-5,500rpm; it likes short-shifting. I usually get 200km before the light starts blinking, and that's about 14l. So +/- (probably minus) 40mpg in the old measure, and that's good enough for me.

You can get good examples of these things at low money, and they're about as good value as you'll get for usefulness, fun, and longevity.

Did I meet you at the last ART? I had the red Superhawk (US VTR1000).

Loving it. Makes the other bikes ive owned look stupid.

[PeteJ]

Probably not - since my wife was diagnosed with cancer 22 months ago, I've had to give up instructing. I think the syllabus is still the one I wrote, though.

[nzspokes]

Probably not - since my wife was diagnosed with cancer 22 months ago, I've had to give up instructing. I think the syllabus is still the one I wrote, though.

Sorry to hear that. Best wishes.

[nzspokes]

I had forgotten about this thread but I have one now. Great bike. Had been thinking of another Bandit or the 1250 version(not old enough for one of those yet). Looked at some others.

Then I spotted the Superhawk which is a US VTR1000. Test rode and couldnt not buy it. It has big carbs that fart and bang, it makes lots of noise and handles very well. :cool:

[BuzzardNZ]

I had forgotten about this thread but I have one now. Great bike. Had been thinking of another Bandit or the 1250 version(not old enough for one of those yet). Looked at some others.

Then I spotted the Superhawk which is a US VTR1000.

What's the difference with the FireStorm, apart from the name ( left hand drive or something :msn-wink: )?

[nzspokes]

What's the difference with the FireStorm, apart from the name ( left hand drive or something :msn-wink: )?

Its harder to tune as the pilot screws are d shaped, has more anti smog gear and the RS3 cans had built in Zyclone DB killers that cant be un-bolted (not to say they survived a hacksaw attack). Bit of extra lighting and a love of Mcdonalds. Like to invade other country's as well.

Apart from that fuck all.

But since I got it ive fitted gold valves and springs, head bearings, de-paired it, lifted the needles, shimmed the shock, bleed brakes front and rear, new pads, new throttle cables. Been a bit slack really as ive had it 2 weeks.

[ducatilover]

:headbang: Noise :drool:

[nzspokes]

:headbang: Noise :drool:

Oh shit yes. :eek:

After I cut out those Zyclone inserts. Before it was a bit naff. Now the neighbors hate me.

[ducatilover]

The only way to have a VTR is loud as fuck :niceone:

[Edbear]

Its harder to tune as the pilot screws are d shaped, has more anti smog gear and the RS3 cans had built in Zyclone DB killers that cant be un-bolted (not to say they survived a hacksaw attack). Bit of extra lighting and a love of Mcdonalds. Like to invade other country's as well.

Apart from that fuck all.

But since I got it ive fitted gold valves and springs, head bearings, de-paired it, lifted the needles, shimmed the shock, bleed brakes front and rear, new pads, new throttle cables. Been a bit slack really as ive had it 2 weeks.

:laugh: :niceone:


Oh shit yes. :eek:

After I cut out those Zyclone inserts. Before it was a bit naff. Now the neighbors hate me.

Yeah, I have a noise complaint about my neighbour with the Thruxton. It's too darned quiet! :innocent:

[Maha]

Yeah, I have a noise complaint about my neighbour with the Thruxton. It's too darned quiet! :innocent:

Anne took her previous bike in for WOF once and Jim said ''that's a fail already'' when asked why? he said ''I didn't hear you come in''.

[Edbear]

Anne took her previous bike in for WOF once and Jim said ''that's a fail already'' when asked why? he said ''I didn't hear you come in''.

Ha ha! :yes:

[ZeroIndex]

Since this is part of the VTR1000 forum, have some video :)


http://youtu.be/2EfT-QP-1Gg


http://youtu.be/ZozkX0-B_yg

[nzspokes]

Nice vids. But maybe need more V Twin rumble in them.:shifty:

Couple of pics, out for a pootle and my bike.

[nzspokes]

For the VTR1000 owners out there, Im looking at getting some of the old Mr Honda style velocity stacks spun up and some flywheels lightened.

If anybody is interested PM me and I will pass on the engineers details once he has said he can do the work.