2004 VTR - opinions?

[Gubb]

Finally looking at picking up a new toy after being off two wheels for a spell.

Anyone got any feedback or common issues on VTR's?

I'm looking at a 2004 model with 40K Km on the clock. I understand that Cam tensioners were an issue, any clues to look for there?

[nzspokes]

I have a 98 VTR badged as a Superhawk. Import from the US. This site has a shit ton of good info. http://www.superhawkforum.com/

Make sure it has manual CCTs. Or get them. Can even convert the stock ones. They have a little spring in them that lets go and you skip teeth on the cams. Once that is sorted they are reliable.

I love mine. I have modded it a bit. A set of fork springs matched to your weight helps the handling a lot. Couple of shms made from washers under the rear shock gives it a great turn in.

Ive had a few 4s and found my Hornet boring. These once set up for give a ton of feedback and are a laugh to ride.

Fuel economy is not flash but not awful.

Apart from the CCTs just normal bike stuff really. Make sure it has loud pipes. :cool:

[Maha]

Come on Nick, think outside the box mate and get a real fun machine. I rode one of these last Friday and golly gee whiz.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-760615040.htm

[Gubb]

Come on Nick, think outside the box mate and get a real fun machine. I rode one of these last Friday and golly gee whiz.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-760615040.htm
Saddlebags?

I had a kid, I haven't completely given up on life!

Although it would be very cool to get another Trumpet.
Budget is $6k-ish , preferably $5k. SV's just seem too boring and run-of-the-mill.

No Cruisers.

[Mom]

Finally looking at picking up a new toy after being off two wheels for a spell.

I want a reliable Hyobag more than anything else in the world

Hi Five! Look what I found for you :love:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-763499430.htm

[Mom]

"I would say, this bike is suitable for anyone, as I am 195 cm (6.4") tall and I bought to a girl was about 165 cm (5.4").
Really confortable position. If you want to, you can change the position of the pedals.
Always got a lot of compliments, and always keep it really tidy.

I was in mind to keep it for years, but I got a new work opportunity overseas, and I don't really know when I will be back.


The bike is in Miramar Wellington.
You can come and have a look at anytime, just send me a text before. "

You are not too far from Mirimar eh?

[Gubb]

You are not too far from Mirimar eh?

Good heavens, it must have been raining to bring your type up to the surface.

[Mom]

Good heavens, it must have been raining to bring your type up to the surface.


:sunny: :wings:

:love:

[willytheekid]

VTR, GREAT! bikes :yes:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-720298469.htm

but why stop there?...go mental on one of these!:D
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-758805346.htm

or

if you prefer "allrounder"
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-763273915.htm
...can't go wrong with one of those ;) (Just stay away from the 750 gen4's...bloody horrible bikes!....no-one wants them...:shifty:...all the parts are mine!!...muahahahaa)

[nzspokes]

but why stop there?...go mental on one of these!:D


Ive ridden an SP1. Great bike if you like you colon up in your throat. Fair to say the position on them is a bit tight. Cracking bike though.

[pritch]

I'd love an SP1 but I'd want another bike as well, for commuting, or touring or...

[Maha]

I had a kid.


How did that feel coming out the end of your penis?

[Pornolio]

The SP1 cannot really be compared to the Firestorm, as its aimed at a completely different market segment. Yes it makes more power, it handles better, its got FI but also its not what I would call a excellent commuter. Its aimed for racetracks if you want to experience the full potential the SP1 offers.

The Firestorm does have its own little annoyances, but the positives outweigh the negatives by far. Its a bike that makes you rock up at work with a grin on your face everytime. I have heard of the camchain tensioner issues, but my current VTR is my 3rd one, and I have never experienced any issues with them, so I havent really bothered getting the aftermarket APE manual CCT's. **touch wood**

Like mentioned, the open pipes is a must... you will be setting off car alarms in the car parks when you start them up. So much grunt, and it just loves to get the front-end up in the air with very little encouragement. Its getting more difficult to obtain these bikes with low mileage on them, and judging by the amount of high mileage models floating around, they are pretty rock solid in reliability. Front-end suspension I mentioned in my previous post about these bikes, is pretty much the biggest issue for me.

I know I am going to miss my VTR big time when I sell her later this year for the GSR1000. :cry:

[Gubb]

As awesome as the SP1's are, I need a bit more of an all-rounder. Something with a bit more padding than a different coat of paint where the seat usually is.

There do seem to be a few Aprilia Falco's floating about for only a tad more moolah, I don't know much about them though, viable choice?

[Pornolio]

I once owned a Aprilia RSV1000 Mille the V-twin model using the same engine... excellent attention to detail, and the Falco does have the benefit of fuel injection.
Great bikes, but, and this all depends on your riding style... The italian bikes do not tolerate abuse like the japanese engines. I went through a set of clutch / pressure plates + clutch springs, and clutch basket and this was before the bike hit its first 10 000 km on the clock from new. Then the plastics started cracking (esspecially on the rear seat cowl from the vibration through the chassis) And I rode this bike no different as to how I rode my other japanese bikes.

Maybe I had a lemon, but I hear to much of my fellow friends riding italian bikes always having issues. Even my brothers Duc is now giving him hassles. (although its the old 998 model) ... maybe the newer gen ones are good. **drool panigale**

The TL1000 (S) is of course the ultimate hooligans toy, but to find one with a sorted rear shock, and low mileage engine... thats going to be near impossible.

The firestorm is just a good alrounder. It will take whatever you throw at it... it raises the hair on your arms when you start her up... and it makes for an excellent commuter... worst case scenario you might cheese off some cops when the front-end came up unexpected ... :devil2:

[98tls]

The TL1000 (S) is of course the ultimate hooligans toy, but to find one with a sorted rear shock, and low mileage engine... thats going to be near impossible

Theres been one in my shed for 14 years but despite several attempts to part with it the thing refuses to go so there it stays.

[nzspokes]

As awesome as the SP1's are, I need a bit more of an all-rounder. Something with a bit more padding than a different coat of paint where the seat usually is.

There do seem to be a few Aprilia Falco's floating about for only a tad more moolah, I don't know much about them though, viable choice?

Problem with Aprillia and triumph is dealing with Triumph NZ by the sounds.

[nzspokes]

The firestorm is just a good alrounder. It will take whatever you throw at it... it raises the hair on your arms when you start her up... and it makes for an excellent commuter... worst case scenario you might cheese off some cops when the front-end came up unexpected ... :devil2:

Agreed on those points. Good in traffic, better than the 900 Hornet it replaced. It is narrower and lighter to move about.

Couple of open Yoshis dont hurt either.

[Pornolio]

Agreed on those points. Good in traffic, better than the 900 Hornet it replaced. It is narrower and lighter to move about.

Couple of open Yoshis dont hurt either.

Absolutely... riding a V-twin with stock pipes is like going to the brothel and ordering a hug... :bash:

I've got two open microns... by the sound of it... I think the packing must be burnt out by now... This thing causes babies to start crying in cars I pass by.

[nzspokes]

Time for a photo of a VTR.....

[Pornolio]

WOW !!!! OMG ... where did you manage to find those Moriwaki Zero Titanium exhausts ???

Those things are as rare as Hens teeth... You are gonna wet yourself when you learn what those pipes use to cost in Japan...

I tried for years to find a secondhand set... you just dont get them anymore.

**edit... oh just a photo... for a min I thought that was your bike... that bike is really sorted in all respects... even the rear shock...

[nzspokes]

WOW !!!! OMG ... where did you manage to find those Moriwaki Zero Titanium exhausts ???

Those things are as rare as Hens teeth... You are gonna wet yourself when you learn what those pipes use to cost in Japan...

I tried for years to find a secondhand set... you just dont get them anymore.

**edit... oh just a photo... for a min I thought that was your bike... that bike is really sorted in all respects... even the rear shock...

Not mine, no. Belongs to a guy in the UK. Along with 2 of the stage 3 Moriwaki race bikes.....

Set of those pipes came up on Japan E Bay last week for $700 used. Gone now.

Don't get me started on mods, we will be here all weekend. Ive done a few. But on shocks, im making do with an Ohlins....

[98tls]

Not mine, no. Belongs to a guy in the UK. Along with 2 of the stage 3 Moriwaki race bikes.....

Set of those pipes came up on Japan E Bay last week for $700 used. Gone now.

Don't get me started on mods, we will be here all weekend. Ive done a few. But on shocks, im making do with an Ohlins....

Go on..love hearing what other modaholics have done to there bikes,never spent any time on a VTR,no other reason than i just fell in love with a TLS first.Whats the front end like and anyone transplated the likes of an SP front end on one if theres any advantage to doing so?

[EJK]

How about a Hyosung GT250R? Great bikes.

[nzspokes]

Go on..love hearing what other modaholics have done to there bikes,never spent any time on a VTR,no other reason than i just fell in love with a TLS first.Whats the front end like and anyone transplated the likes of an SP front end on one if theres any advantage to doing so?

Oh, why not. :cool:

Depaired, US model that came with emissions. Opened up snorkel. Dr Honda alloy velocity stacks. Rejet idles and lift needles. HRC mod to slides. Thumbscrew idle mixture screws(brilliant). Carb heater delete. Coil on cap, fitted CBR600rr coils. Manual cam chain tensioners. +1 or -1 front sprockets depending on track or commuting. Cut out front sprocket cover. .95 racetech fork springs, racetech gold valves and raised oil height. Ohlins rear with 1000lb spring. 5mm shim under rear shock and fork tubes lifted 3mm. Roller bearing conversion to head bearings. Race pads in front brakes. Speedo healer. Long vac hoses for carb balancing without removing tank or airbox.

I will have forgotten things.

I believe SP forks and some CBR1000 forks go right in with a handlebar change. Something I would like to do but the cost out weighs the benefit. Bike handles well and if good fun on the track. New forks would help the front but Im not out riding what the bike can do so no point. Yet.....

[nzspokes]

Next on the list is some K1 Gixxer 3 pot calipers.

[98tls]

Next on the list is some K1 Gixxer 3 pot calipers.

:niceone:Nice work indeed fella good for you.Later model GSXR forks/radial calipers and Carrozzeria rims transformed my old TLS.

[Kornholio]

Theres been one in my shed for 14 years but despite several attempts to part with it the thing refuses to go so there it stays.

If you sell that, I'll cut your moobs off :p Have ridden my mates VTR on many occasions and all I can say is they are a dirt bike with road wheels on... Flapping around all over the place but a well planted hooligan machine, stand ups in 4th with bit of persuasion no probs :)

[BuzzardNZ]

If you sell that, I'll cut your moobs off :p Have ridden my mates VTR on many occasions and all I can say is they are a dirt bike with road wheels on... Flapping around all over the place but a well planted hooligan machine, stand ups in 4th with bit of persuasion no probs :)

+1 Yup, give me a well set up TLS over a VTR/''Super Hawk" any day.

[ducatilover]

Next on the list is some K1 Gixxer 3 pot calipers.

Make yerself a pressure bleeder for them buggers. They're fab at getting air locks in the middle pistons.


6 pot, for the sake of being pedantic. You going to sell you Nissins that are on it? I may be after some... :innocent:

[nzspokes]

Time for another VTR pic. This one has a bit of history.

[nzspokes]

It makes an appearance in this vid about 26 mins in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FrdbgK8wQI4

[nzspokes]

Go on..love hearing what other modaholics have done to there bikes,never spent any time on a VTR,no other reason than i just fell in love with a TLS first.Whats the front end like and anyone transplated the likes of an SP front end on one if theres any advantage to doing so?

Never ridden a TL. Cant say ive ever really looked at one, not for any other reason than not seen one. I hear they are great bikes once the suspension is sorted. And they have a heap more power than the later SVs. Its always seemed odd they neutered the SVs. And what were they thinking with the fairings on SVs.:crazy:

[98tls]

Oh, why not. :cool:



I believe SP forks and some CBR1000 forks go right in with a handlebar change. Something I would like to do but the cost out weighs the benefit. Bike handles well and if good fun on the track. New forks would help the front but Im not out riding what the bike can do so no point. Yet.....

Mate i couldnt out ride my old S before i started mucking with it,just got on a roll and kept chucking coin at it:facepalm:the front end and rims just made it a heap more fun to ride hard.Sure its never going to justify the $ spent but somehow that really doesnt seem to matter...at all.Its different and differents good.:niceone:

[nzspokes]

Mate i couldnt out ride my old S before i started mucking with it,just got on a roll and kept chucking coin at it:facepalm:the front end and rims just made it a heap more fun to ride hard.Sure its never going to justify the $ spent but somehow that really doesnt seem to matter...at all.Its different and differents good.:niceone:

I think its the mechanical look ofthe VTRs I like. Tiz the same look as your TL. Happy days.

[98tls]

Ive got an old magazine somwhere with an article on an early VTR with supercharger off an old MR2,ridden daily and went real well by all accounts.

[nzspokes]

Ive got an old magazine somwhere with an article on an early VTR with supercharger off an old MR2,ridden daily and went real well by all accounts.

Was it purple? From Aussie? love to see the article.

[98tls]

Was it purple? From Aussie? love to see the article.

Yep thats the one,will have a hunt when i get a chance and send it up if you like.I was impressed just how user friendly the setup was.Reliable as.Bloke on the TL forum built his own and got 190hp with complete reliability,he made some great onboard clips.Awesome bit of kit.

[Fatjim]

Firestorm. Great all round bike. Dickheads will tell you the TLS is much better. But it aint. No more top end, dodgy suspension, and over rated. There said it!!!!!

Firestorm is much more forgiving, there are shite loads of them around because they don't all get written off when you push them like what happens to Suzukis. they are very reliable except for a few well known and fixable faults. I did 70,000ks on mine and the only thing that broke was the headlight bulb.

Things to change.

Front suspension is under sprung and over damped from memory. Hydrolic locks with big fat bastards are on them.
Rear is very hard, and not rebuildable
Brakes are shite, get decent pads at least.
Get the tensioners done for peace of mind, but them going was rare 10 years ago before they were all upgraded, so it should be virtually non existent now.
If the engine dies under heavy braking there is a simple fix to the carbie drain pipes

wont keep up with IL4's in the top end, but will stay with 600's below 200kph.

And they do AWESOME backfires.