1000cc twins

[madandy]

Feel a bit guilty asking this after the weekends sad news...but I'm sure Bruce & Daryl wouldn't mind me asking.

I've been absent for 18 months or so but will be returning to two wheels just as soon as we sell our house. So hello to those who may remember me.

I'm after a new(used) bike. After a couple of small bore 4's, V Twins are seducing me with their sound and torque delivery...
I'm interested in peoples experiences with the Suzuki TL 1000's & Honda VTR's from the servicing and maintenance angle...VTR or TL or something else? aint got the coin(8k tops) for a SV or Duke or Aprillia.

Cheers,
Andy

[Dazza]

Check out an Aprilia SL1000 Falco or a Millie @ the right price, you won't go wrong :Punk:

[Cajun]

WB andy mate.

You should turn up to the nav on a thrusday evening some stage

[vifferman]

Andy,
Having owned a VTR for a while, I'd say that it's a very easy bike to ride, they're generally cheap, reliable if you watch that the camchain tensioners don't go "Ping!!", but I'd buy a Suzuki or summat else if I was buying another V-twin.
The VTR's the least powerful of the litre v-twins, the least sporty, and possibly the least reliable.
I really liked mine, and don't regret buying/owning it, but you could do better. An RC51, f'rinstance.

[xxblackbirdxx]

I have owned a VTR 1000 and never really had much issues with working on it or maintaining it. To be very honest i was exactly where you are with all that talk of V Twin Torque and stuff. owned it for three months and found all that exitement waning away. That twin wouldnt hold a candle to a sports 600. I suggest you ride a few of those before putting the money out for it. Seeing that you have mostly been with fours before. I can safely say that the power of a vtr would dissappoint you. Then again it may not..
PS: while i owned a VTR i often found other people who have owned them to suggest that the TL is a better bike

[HenryDorsetCase]

you'd get a K3 SV1000 for 8 grand wouldn't you?

[madandy]

Thanks guys...
Dang now I'm wondering what the hell to do...I'll have to ride a coulpe for sure...anything's gonna feel fast after my apprentices '06 GS500 !
I'm a bit of a mid range surfer and the Yammy 600 almost had enough grunt mid range, solo but lacked the oomph when 2 up, and that's where a lot of my riding will be - with Sharon on the back...
I read a couple of reviews that stated the TL was superior and I do like a harder edged sports ride but I've also heard the TL wasn't too flash reliabilty wise...that true or bollocks?
The bike I had in mind for a while was a ZX9R...maybe I should compare that to a twin aye?

Andy

[Kwaka14]

try an RSV Mille, nice bikes and plenty of Grunt and they don't have the Rotary Damper suspension issues that plagued the TL's, you should be able to find one close to your price range....

[RC1]

hi there, i havent ridden any of the other bikes mentioned but i bought my tls about 8 months ago easy to ride and i have had no trouble with it and luv it every time i jump on it,but as others say try them all to see for yourself, welcome back and enjoy

[FilthyLuka]

honda sp cant go wrong. guzzles fuel seeing as its a "race" bike but apparantly it pulls like a school boy.

[cowpoos]

can't beat a TLs.....unless your planning on touring everytime you ride.....otherwise.....they are the bees knees!!!

[FilthyLuka]

Have you thought of a Yamaha TRX850? if you do the front shocks nicely they are kick arse bikes!

[Sanx]

I've owned my VTR1000 for four weeks. It's only eight months old and the judging by the state of the tyres, the previous owner had ridden it very carefully and absolutely upright for the whole 2200 km it had on the clock. I tried an SV and an RSV-R before buying the VTR. Yes, I wanted the RSV-R but couldn't quite find the dough without mortgaging the wife. I would have liked an VTR1000 SP1, but they're as rare as rocking horse shit second hand. Although the SV probably had more grunt, the VTR felt a bit more rough and ready. with Scorpion pipes on, it sounds f'ing glorious.

The VTR has an annoying mechanical rattle between about 3500 and 4500 rpm which I'm told is the cam chain. The dealer assures me this is absolutely normal and nothing to worry about - there's 16 months left on the warranty if it does go ping.

Back in the UK, my kid sister has had two TRXs (the first written off after being rear-ended at traffic lights by an on-duty traffic cop in a marked patrol car!). Absolutely great bikes once the front-end's sorted. The stock front calipers aren't too hot and subject to corrosion, though my sister did use the bike day in day out through a scottish winter. Rain, snow and lots of salt ain't too kind to the metalwork. However, R6 calipers bolt straight on the mounts and work much better.

If you're on a race-track, a 600 will give you better bang for the buck. However, for most NZ roads, I would have thought a big twin would be more usable. No need to keep the revs up above 7000 to get any pull.

[98tls]

Done 40000 kms on my TLS with no problems.....changed the oil every 3-4000 kms and all is good.........best bike ive ever owned,does everything well...i can load it up with gear and go away for a week in relative comfort or spend the day on favourite twistys and it always leaves me smiling..:yes:There was issues with the rotary damper/damper mount cracking but most have aftermarket suspenders on these days...even mine finally :innocent: some have said inline 600s are quicker.....i say depends whos riding it as with every comparision.....in my opinion fwiw living with a 600/4 on a daily basis would be as exciting as a wet flannel...........the icing on the cake is the noise..they sound awsome..i can quite happily listen to it all day..best thing is go ride one

[imdying]

I've a twin, had a 600/4 before that... the twins sound nice, wouldn't say they sound better than the induction roar on the ZX6R though. Better low down driveability on the four too... much better in traffic. Winding that bitch up through 6-7k was a glorious thing... should've open the airbox up a little to enhance it further. Having been fed a diet of 4s, the twin still feels like a bit of a tractor... nice to ride though. Ride em all before you spend your money.

Me, I've neraly sorted the twin out. I certainly won't be replacing it with a 4... instead I'll get another 4 to compliment it :yes:

[Clivoris]

I used to own a K3 SV1000s sold it for $8k at the beginning of this year (had fairly high mileage tho). Got it after trying the big japanese v-twins and was too much of a bargain brand new to turn down. My sense of the VTR was that it was more confidence inspiring, but under-powered, under braked and the agricultural gearbox bothered me. If you bargain hard you will get an SV for 8k. Ride them all mate and definitely give the ZX9R a go. Good luck.

[Morepower]

I got my tls TO 80000KMS with no problems before the output shaft bearing collapsed ( my fault ) . Like most Jap bikes , well maintained they should all give reasonable service.

[crash harry]

What year ZX9R were you thinking about? I've been thinking about selling mine...

[ArcherWC]

I love my RSV, I wouldnt trade it for all the inline fours in the world.

You just cant beat the sound of the twin with open pipes

[oldguy]

Be different stand out, Honda/Suzuki they are both good bikes, the Italians well the price puts them out of reach even second hand, Ive been thinking Buell XB12R firebolt for my next ride,I just love the way they look, they're not a bad price, or try the XB12X Ulysses, Big Dave would give you a good run down on them.

John

[DMNTD]

Have had 4 TL1000S's and currently have a K6 SV 1000 in the garage as well as my ZX10. LOVE the Twins too much not to have access to a play on one as it's just a totally different buzz to the inline 4's.
Have ridden VTR's,Aprilia's, a Buell and even the odd Harley and they all have their good points and not so good points.
It really comes down to what you're seeking from your bike.
IMO the TL1000S is one of the better alround bikes as you can do a bit of everything on them and they have some serious presence(sp) :yes:

[jonbuoy]

If you want something docile to build up your confidence you couldn't go far wrong with a VTR. If you want a hooligan bike TL would be the way to go. I heard the early TL's made a bit more power than the later ones - anyone confirm this?

[Sensei]

If Jap Twin are your thing then the TL or TLR are a good all round bike do everything good not great but can take alot of punishment . As you only want to spend around 8K-ish then you will pick up a good deal if ya keep your eyes peeled on Trademe etc .

[eviltwin]

i just traded my tlr for a zx10r last friday, love the new bike but surely miss the sound of the twin. never had any mechanical probs, but it was well maintained.
if i had the money i'd buy it back as a second bike, it was a shitload of fun!
there is two of them at mt eden motorbikes if you are interested.

[madandy]

What year ZX9R were you thinking about? I've been thinking about selling mine...

You have mail

[madmal64]

Check out an Aprilia SL1000 Falco or a Millie @ the right price, you won't go wrong :Punk:

Yeah what he said! But hey Ive been lured to the darkside myself. If you can try a back to back ride on a VTR or SV then ride an RSV or Falco. Made my mind up.:done:

[ninjac]

Go the ZX9R. You say you travel two up most of the time. I think they would make the perfect sports tourer. They are a very underated bike IMHO.
My ZX6R is now considered a sports tourer. My 2001 model with a few minor changes is still being sold in USA as the ZZR600. There is a large market for it because it has good sport bike power and handling with the decent wind protection and rider comfort compared to the latest 600cc fours. The ZX9R must be even better.

[NighthawkNZ]

I've had no problem with my VTR and use it for a variety of things... The only thing I find with it is the gear box can be clunky between 1st & 2nd...

You may not like some of the quirks of any of the V-Twins and can take a bit of getting use to... they are not as smooth as an inline... but they are just as much fun. Oh and you become a lasy rider (change gear... :whocares: I don't need to change no stinking gear... just open throttle and away you go) :scooter:

yeah they sound great and the torque blah blah blah but you are going to have to see for yourself... At the end of the day take them for a test ride... see what bike fits your needs, riding style, size, comfort, and tastes...

I doubt I will go back to an inline for some time I'm just haveing two much fun at the moment...

[wilber]

If you want something docile to build up your confidence you couldn't go far wrong with a VTR. If you want a hooligan bike TL would be the way to go. I heard the early TL's made a bit more power than the later ones - anyone confirm this?

Sorry mate had to bite at this ,dont know where you get the hooligan bike with the TL's,yes it maybe quicker and more hp than the vtr but its the rider thats in control of the beast be it VTR or TL.
As for docile even the VTR can fly in the right hands.:scooter:

[jonbuoy]

Its a nickname for the TL in the UK, I think it was the early ones without steering dampers that got it the rep. And its a way sharper machine than the VTR, I still like my VTR enough for me on NZ roads.

[xxblackbirdxx]

If Two Up is the way you will be riding most weekends (like i do)( not by choice)you might want to think again cause i used to hate riding the VTr two up, not to mention the missus who felt quite unsafe sitting at the back. I made the jump to a blackbird and am quite happy with it.
Loads of power, comfortable riding position and a nice seat for the pillion.

[vifferman]

If Two Up is the way you will be riding most weekends (like i do)( not by choice)you might want to think again cause i used to hate riding the VTr two up, not to mention the missus who felt quite unsafe sitting at the back.
We did the twow-up thing quite happily on the VTR, but having said that, the reason we got the VFR is it was just so much better two-up than the VTR, and better all round, in fact. Except maybe for easy wheelies off the throttle. Despite that, I still miss it, and if there's ever room in the gargre for more than one bike, I'd like another v-twin.

[madandy]

Well I have a test ride on a VTR1000 and SV1000 lined up this weekend to see how I like the twins and then crash harry's more powerful (:yes:) ZX9 to think about...

[Coyote]

How much fuel do the SPs burn? I don't want to be paying one off and not have enough fuel money to get anywhere on it

And what are they like for the pillion?

[98tls]

How much fuel do the SPs burn? I don't want to be paying one off and not have enough fuel money to get anywhere on it

And what are they like for the pillion? i know a bloke that had an SP........he did a few track days with it as well as road riding......he reckoned as a track bike it was average to good as a road bike on a day to day basis it was horrible....very focused bike as he put it..which i can understand.....remember having a chuckle a few years ago at the winchester rally with the ex as we watched a 2 up SP go buy.....she said "and i thought the TL was uncomfortable":yes:

[Forest]

Its a nickname for the TL in the UK, I think it was the early ones without steering dampers that got it the rep. And its a way sharper machine than the VTR, I still like my VTR enough for me on NZ roads.

I don't know about the steering damper, but I remember the english bike mags savaging the rotary rear damper.

I have never ridden one, but I suspect the criticism was overblown.

[Coyote]

i know a bloke that had an SP........he did a few track days with it as well as road riding......he reckoned as a track bike it was average to good as a road bike on a day to day basis it was horrible....very focused bike as he put it..which i can understand.....remember having a chuckle a few years ago at the winchester rally with the ex as we watched a 2 up SP go buy.....she said "and i thought the TL was uncomfortable":yes:
Damn. But they look so cool!

Guess I'll have to look elsewhere

[98tls]

Damn. But they look so cool!

Guess I'll have to look elsewhere Agreed......hey dont let me put you off...great bike...just make her walk...:innocent:

[slowpoke]

How much fuel do the SPs burn? I don't want to be paying one off and not have enough fuel money to get anywhere on it

And what are they like for the pillion?

Lets just say they were the basis for a competitive superbike, so pillions and fuel consumption weren't high on the list of priorities at HRC.

Salesman: "I believe you are in the wrong aisle sir, CBR 600F's and Deauville's are in aisle C"

[Coyote]

Agreed......hey dont let me put you off...great bike...just make her walk...:innocent:
Sadly 'her' doesn't exist yet. But I'm working on it

Hell, if I can afford it I'll get it. I'm not planning on long trips anyway

[slowpoke]

Yep, it's all personal taste and what YOU have planned for the bike. I had a VTR a few years back and loved it....not that it was really a representative example as it was fitted with HRC cams, HRC carb kit, HRC close ratio box, Two Bro's system etc.
Then I got into track days which was fine for a while until I started wanting a bit more in the handling department.
I ended up getting a 954 Fireblade which was great, but kind of soulless in comparison. I then figured I'd go straight to the source and get what I was trying to turn the VTR into: a Ducati 916.
Then we moved back to NZ and one of the bikes had to go, so in a decision of head over heart we hung onto my missus R1 and sold the Duke. There is nothing the Duke does that the R1 can't do better but I still miss the pretty old girl. I reckoned if Ducati ever made a 150hp twin it would be the perfect combination: enter the 1098....exit my relationship if I ever spend that sort of money on a bike. Aaah, the course of true love is fraught with difficulties (up to you whether I'm talking about the 1098 or my relationship...).

The VTR was good enough to win Two Wheels magazine bike of the year in '97and represents good buying so long as you don't expect too much from it. It's a good allrounder that does everything adequately but nothing brilliantly. Obviously if you want a bike that does one particular thing very well then you're better off looking at a more focussed alternative.

You are the one with the dosh mate, test ride a couple of each and drive a bargain for which ever pushes your button. I'd definitely throw the ZX9 into the mix, as the bloke says, they are a very underated bike with a more sporting inclination.

Christ what a load of waffle.......

[jonbuoy]

I don't know about the steering damper, but I remember the english bike mags savaging the rotary rear damper.

I have never ridden one, but I suspect the criticism was overblown.

Maybe but they did do a factory recall and retrofit steering dampers. Some of the bike testers do go overboard with their "widow maker" comments, made it an instant cult bike though. Suzuki even used its bad boy rep as a selling point for the SV - anyone see the adverts?

Edit see below - 5500 RPMS plus looks like a happy place to be....

[geoffc]

Hi,
I've had my VTR for 2 years and love it still. Hard to fault. Sure it can be a bit clunky between 1st and 2nd gear but so what. Mine has Brother pipes which probably adds to the sound and performance a bit.
One critisism is that I think the frame is a bit light to make it a good two up bike if that is was you plan to use it for. Otherwise sweet.
Nothing wrong with the SV1000 either in my view, just I prefer the look of the TL. The choice is yours, they are all worth a look. Have fun with the test rides.
Cheers.

[98tls]

Yep, it's all personal taste and what YOU have planned for the bike. I had a VTR a few years back and loved it....not that it was really a representative example as it was fitted with HRC cams, HRC carb kit, HRC close ratio box, Two Bro's system etc.
Then I got into track days which was fine for a while until I started wanting a bit more in the handling department.
I ended up getting a 954 Fireblade which was great, but kind of soulless in comparison. I then figured I'd go straight to the source and get what I was trying to turn the VTR into: a Ducati 916.
Then we moved back to NZ and one of the bikes had to go, so in a decision of head over heart we hung onto my missus R1 and sold the Duke. There is nothing the Duke does that the R1 can't do better but I still miss the pretty old girl. I reckoned if Ducati ever made a 150hp twin it would be the perfect combination: enter the 1098....exit my relationship if I ever spend that sort of money on a bike. Aaah, the course of true love is fraught with difficulties (up to you whether I'm talking about the 1098 or my relationship...).

The VTR was good enough to win Two Wheels magazine bike of the year in '97and represents good buying so long as you don't expect too much from it. It's a good allrounder that does everything adequately but nothing brilliantly. Obviously if you want a bike that does one particular thing very well then you're better off looking at a more focussed alternative.

You are the one with the dosh mate, test ride a couple of each and drive a bargain for which ever pushes your button. I'd definitely throw the ZX9 into the mix, as the bloke says, they are a very underated bike with a more sporting inclination.

Christ what a load of waffle.......

Speaking of Waffle......Two Wheels magazines bike of the year in 97 was........A.....yamaha TRX 850............IBOTY in 98 was..........TL1000S...........

[wilber]

Not sure if a recall or advice to install steering damper in 98 ,surposely due to tank slappers ,mine had suzuki one on it took it off got into more trouble with it on , as for rotary damper I find its ok,might be due to me being a larger guy . Its the front end where i cannot get right ,bloody hard every bump feels worse than what it is .

[jonbuoy]

I've always wanted to try a TRX850! God its nice to come on here and vent my motorgeek side

[98tls]

I don't know about the steering damper, but I remember the english bike mags savaging the rotary rear damper.

I have never ridden one, but I suspect the criticism was overblown. An english bike journo died on one early in the piece...rest is history but did nothing bad for there rep..........i recently reread the stack of mags i have dated from the launch of the TLS in florida...the results are overwhelmingly in favour of its handling...including our own Kiwi biker.....have had my TLS for many years and have listened to many experts telling me how bad they handle..:zzzz: load of shit.......have only just replaced my rear damper after 40000 kms.........part of the bullshit may have started with the fact that they were known to crack the rotary mount..on the frame resulting in a replacement frame from Mr suzuki.............

[98tls]

Not sure if a recall or advice to install steering damper in 98 ,surposely due to tank slappers ,mine had suzuki one on it took it off got into more trouble with it on , as for rotary damper I find its ok,might be due to me being a larger guy . Its the front end where i cannot get right ,bloody hard every bump feels worse than what it is . Recall for steering damper was late 97...........as for the front end...get some aftermarket springs and change the oil.........imho.....fwiw.......

[slowpoke]

Speaking of Waffle......Two Wheels magazines bike of the year in 97 was........A.....yamaha TRX 850............

Woops!!!! It was Bike of the Year in one of those Aussie toilet rags anyway. Thanks for the good pickup.

Edit: I was only going from memory but here's a copy of something on the that new-fangled inter webby netty thing-a-me jig.

TRX 850 was BOTY in 1996...VTR was BOTY in 1997.

[madandy]

Can anyone shed some light on the ZX9R dynasty? there's b's 'n C1's, C2's...any links to reliability, quirks, tuning, specs. & maitenance on the different models? I can only find stuff on post 98 models.

cheers
Andy

[DingDong]

If your after a cheap bike Andy, I know of two in Tauranga cbr900 around 1996 for $5500 and a yzf1000 1996 for 5k, both in pretty good nic, the yzf is a good 2up bike.

The TL I have is my first twin, its alot of fun in the twisties and I've been on longer trips and it's pretty good there too (but the tanks too small, 200k at medium pace)
I disrespected it and it kicked my arse too, so watch out for that.

zx9 is cool bike, you cant go wrong with one of those.

[TLDV8]

Its the front end where i cannot get right ,bloody hard every bump feels worse than what it is .

It might feel harsh because the fork is working at the upper end of its travel.
The front springs are around .85 kg/mm or less (soft) ..... I am around 85kg (more with gear) and have 1kg/mm springs...so you might have to upgrade them.The stock damping (rebound is the worst) isn't that flash either.

The TRX 850 was a very underrated bike.Alan Cathcart did well on a TRX in the World BEARS championships which included the Raeco Moto Guzzi and the Britten (Winner)

[madandy]

If your after a cheap bike Andy, I know of two in Tauranga cbr900 around 1996 for $5500 and a yzf1000 1996 for 5k, both in pretty good nic, the yzf is a good 2up bike.

The TL I have is my first twin, its alot of fun in the twisties and I've been on longer trips and it's pretty good there too (but the tanks too small, 200k at medium pace)
I disrespected it and it kicked my arse too, so watch out for that.

zx9 is cool bike, you cant go wrong with one of those.

Hey thanks for mentioning those two bikes...I'd be keen to check them out.
Are twins a bit thirsty or just typical for 1000cc machines and your TL a small tank compared to other thou's?

[98tls]

The Tls is a bit thirsty.......has a 17 litre tank which is a bit small...i think the early VTRs may have had the same or smaller........

[JeremyW]

Have a serious look at a KTM 990 superduke if you can. A mate at work has just bought one and he loves it.

AND it sounds like an warewolf who has just lost his firstborn :Punk:

[madandy]

Have a serious look at a KTM 990 superduke if you can. A mate at work has just bought one and he loves it.

AND it sounds like an warewolf who has just lost his firstborn :Punk:

Hmmm, that may be a wee way beyond my price range:mellow:

[JeremyW]

How bout pawning off that little one on the way? Or is that not an option? :yes:

[madandy]

Nah my partner might have something to say about that, lol.

[slowpoke]

The Tls is a bit thirsty.......has a 17 litre tank which is a bit small...i think the early VTRs may have had the same or smaller........

Early VTR's had a poxy 16L tank but the later 2001-ish models went up to a 19L jobbie.

[Sanx]

I'll get about 250ks out of a tankful on my VTR. Less round town, and less still if I'm riding like a spanner...

[vifferman]

The Tls is a bit thirsty.......has a 17 litre tank which is a bit small...i think the early VTRs may have had the same or smaller........
Ooh yeah. At 28mpg (for those of you who know what one of them is), it didn't take long to slurp it dry. Aout 150 km in fact, until the Red LED Of Doom was glaring...
And unlike "most" bikes, it was ignored at your peril. From announcing, "I'm starting to run dry here, Dude!" to "Get your fat arse off and push!" was a few hundred metres at most.
:eek:

[SPman]

Can anyone shed some light on the ZX9R dynasty? there's b's 'n C1's, C2's...any links to reliability, quirks, tuning, specs. & maitenance on the different models? I can only find stuff on post 98 models.

cheers
Andy
You want a C model (98 on) or later. I had an E model (2000) earlier this year, with some bits on it and I preferred it to the Gsxr1000! It felt like the Yam SP only with 30 more HP!

Have you tried the Kawasaki owners websites?
What happened to the RF400?

[NighthawkNZ]

I'll get about 250ks out of a tankful on my VTR. Less round town, and less still if I'm riding like a spanner...

I've never gone that low on gas on my VTR but I get 220km's no problem... never pushed it to 250km's but if I nursed it (yeah right) I probably could...

[Teflon]

Thanks guys...
Dang now I'm wondering what the hell to do...I'll have to ride a coulpe for sure...anything's gonna feel fast after my apprentices '06 GS500 !
I'm a bit of a mid range surfer and the Yammy 600 almost had enough grunt mid range, solo but lacked the oomph when 2 up, and that's where a lot of my riding will be - with Sharon on the back...
I read a couple of reviews that stated the TL was superior and I do like a harder edged sports ride but I've also heard the TL wasn't too flash reliabilty wise...that true or bollocks?
The bike I had in mind for a while was a ZX9R...maybe I should compare that to a twin aye?

Andy

If you want midrange and a bike that's easy to ride buy a Firestorm.

ZX9R are nice bikes to ride but are prone to carb icing..

TLR is a pig when pushed, but ok when you ride it like a nana.. TLS has the better motor for the road and probaly handles better.

I have low k TLR in good condition that i would sell...

[nudemetalz]

Ah,...you can always be tempted by 1100cc twins....ala Guzzi..!!! :love:

[wendigo]

Got a '97 TLS with 75,000 on the clock. With a chocka tank (litterally filling it up with the bike vertical ), get about 165 km before the warning light comes on when town riding. In cruising mode, get bang on 230 (Taupo to Samson). Get at least 30 k on reserve (tested this out on a journey around the south island).

The flip side of the coin is that I have also put 10 dollars worth of petrol into it in what seemed to be as many miles...

Reliability:
Touch wood, no major problems. Recently replaced the water pump seal because it was oozing coolant very slightly. Couple of points of note were that the water pump drive shaft was a bit rusted, and that the clutch cover O ring is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. I found that one of the previous owners had bodged the cover on with araldite type stuff and now I know why.

Various other bits are starting to wear (namely the chrome from the fork tubes and moreso the chrome of what would be the damper rod on the rear spring assembly), but that's to be expected on a bike of this mileage. It is actually the latter that has me thinking of getting a new rear shock assembly, as I've had no issues with the rotary damper (which I quite like from a maintenance perspective, as its actually fairly easy to replace the damper oil).

All in all, I'd term it a fairly reliable bike. Maintenance wise it's easy to work on. No pissing around taking of full fairings to do a simple oil and filter change. Bit of a pain in the arse if you want to do anything with the tank / airbox / sparkplugs, as then you do have to take all the front fairings off (oops and drop the rad for sparks...), thanks to the stearing damper mount getting in the way.

As for riding - well its already been said here. Sure it's not the latest and greatest and it may be a big heavy ol' bastard, but I love it.

Fortunately herself doesn't know about this website, so I can get away with saying things like that...

[madandy]

You want a C model (98 on) or later. I had an E model (2000) earlier this year, with some bits on it and I preferred it to the Gsxr1000! It felt like the Yam SP only with 30 more HP!

Have you tried the Kawasaki owners websites?
What happened to the RF400?

Cheers SP.

I'll look harder for a 'C' model but the prices are giving Sharon the shits. More on the mortgage she's keeps saying...
I traded the RF (my word you have a good memory) on a Thundercat back in '05- was a great 600 too:). Sold it that Spring to help buying another house. Now The house is being sold so I can have another bike:) One that I hope to keep for more than 6-8 months!

See you on a ride soon.


If you want midrange and a bike that's easy to ride buy a Firestorm.

ZX9R are nice bikes to ride but are prone to carb icing..

TLR is a pig when pushed, but ok when you ride it like a nana.. TLS has the better motor for the road and probaly handles better.

I have low k TLR in good condition that i would sell...

What is the cause of the ZX9's carb icing issue? To be honest I'm not 100% sure what that is but doesn't sound too good...
The VTR is starting to sound a little boring. I have a test ride on a new one arranged for tomorrow morning but the Pillion seat will probably scratch that model for good.

Tell me about your TLR...always liked the fairings on the twin and I doubt I'd ever truly push a machine like that. Is the engine tuned differently to a TL1000s?

[imdying]

What is the cause of the ZX9's carb icing issue? To be honest I'm not 100% sure what that is but doesn't sound too good...Not as bad as it sounds... all the big Kwakas had a rep for it. I guess it depends on where you live, I've seen posts on here from owners of ZX9Rs that have never had a problem. IIRC Kwaka did a recall on them to fix the problem, but also IIRC the fix didn't work 100% of the time.

[DingDong]

Hey thanks for mentioning those two bikes...I'd be keen to check them out.
Are twins a bit thirsty or just typical for 1000cc machines and your TL a small tank compared to other thou's?

I will gt you contact numbers for these guys...

[garfield69]

Cheers SP.


The VTR is starting to sound a little boring. I have a test ride on a new one arranged for tomorrow morning but the Pillion seat will probably scratch that model for good.

Tell me about your TLR...always liked the fairings on the twin and I doubt I'd ever truly push a machine like that. Is the engine tuned differently to a TL1000s?

I thought the same originaly, I was dead keen on a TLR for ages and thought the firestorm was kinda boring.
Then I rode a TLR and was so dissapointed, it was really uncomfortable, i felt like I was hanging over the front of it! It seemed reluctant to lean into corners as well, and could just imagine having very sore wrists after riding it for any time, this was after living with a ZZR 600 for a year.
Next i rode a VTR and it just fitted, somehow Honda has a knack for that. Ok its down on power compared to a TLR but I haven't found myself wanting more (yet), but I liked it enough to buy it and I'm happy.
Long story short, . . . different strokes for different folks, try them all.

[madandy]

I have to agree that the VTR does seem to fit really well. Sharon & I went round the bike dealers yesterday and sat on a few different models... The VTR offers the worst pillion comfort of those sat on so far while the SV seems to offer the best compromise...Sharon wont entertain buying a naked nor spending more than is absolutely necessary:shutup: so its gonna be a challenge finding a bike to meet both our expectations, and the SV's for sale privately, in our price range all seem to be nakeds :lol:. I didn't ride any beacause of the rain yesterday & the thought of testing a 1000cc twin on brand new tyres on wet roads really didn't make too much sense. When I do ride them I want to be able to stretch their legs a little so will wait for a sunny avo this coming week.

[cowpoos]

may be a big heavy ol' bastard, but I love it.

..


my one weight in at 217kgs fully wet on some very accurate digi cattle scales..not really a heavy bike at all...but yeah big compared to the latest and greatest...

I miss my old TLs......hmmm

[Blair-SV]

I got my K3 sv1000s about a month ago and i absolutely love it, my first big bike and I'm pretty sure I made the right move. The handling is very encouraging, hasn't pulled any nasty tricks on me at all.

And my gf liked it so much she went out and bought her own, gutting thing is her's was cheaper and it had pair of Yoshi's on it too.

Trademe is absolutely mental for selling SV's though (actually it's mental for buying just about anything). Having said that trademe was handy for flicking on the 250.

[SPman]

I miss my old TLs......hmmm
Only coz you keep trying to reduce yr gixxer to component parts............

[Jinx3d]

If you want a newish twin, you are looking for a VTR or SV.

The last of the TL was 2001 (correct me if I'm wrong)

The R version has an extra 15 ponies of top end over the S, but still commands an extra couple of grand on the price too. It got lots of fruit, braced swing arm, double injectors, forged pistons, lightened rods etc

But lets face facts. Its the rider that makes a bike quick.

If you want cheap, get a TLS, theres lots on trademe, but they are getting older now so dont expect new bike shinyness. Just solid motorcycling.

[k1w160]

Ah - nothing like coming in at the end of a thread.

Have had my SV1K K5 for 19 months and still get a buzz evertime I ride it.

Tried the SV, VTR, 2 x Buells, Trumpy Speed Triple and the Suzy Bandit (man those fours are BORING to ride compared to a twin - IMHO) and went the Suzy way cause it was the one that really looked good to me and was also the best priced.

Now I'm going to suggest another SV option: BUY A NEW ONE - they are only $12,500.00 and this has to be one of the best value for money moves you can make. Come to think of it, a new VTR is now around the same price.

I know the $$$ can put you off but think of it this way:
1. The bike is brand new so no ones stuffed around with it (a major plus)
2. You have a full warranty to fall back on if needed
3. The K5 & K6 are full power motors
4. Do what I did and spread the HP over 3 years, it really doesn't hurt that much - and there's still the satisfaction of being the first owner.

Fuel consumption can vary a lot on the SV, I average 40mpg, BUT have seen 250km out of a tank while crusiung down to Wanganui last boxing day at 100kph. The TLR's were heavy on fuel, but the SV's fuel injection can be frugal if you let it.

Personally I didn't get on with the riding position and have now fitted supermotard handlebars - and believe me this thing is a riot to ride now PLUS it's comfortable at the speed limit which it something I could never say about the std clip on bars.

As an all round sport touring general fun bike I don't think you will beat the SV.

I have sold over 23 bikes over the years and have at some stage regretted selling everyone of them, but somehow I think the SVS is a keeper.

Hope you find a bike that you can say the same thing about - maybe it's the SV - and maybe it isn't, keep us informed on what you decide.

Cheers

[Clivoris]

I absolutely agree with you there mate. The only other issue I had with mine was the seat comfort. After 4 hours I was walking like a cowboy.

[k1w160]

The seat is an issue that I have tried several times to fix, and this seems to be a problem with almost every sports bike if you want to do a bit of long distance work.

Initially I got a set of Sheepy Hollow sheepskin covers from Aussie but this wasn't enough for my tender butt.

I considered replacement seats from Corbin, Sargent and the Suzuki Gell Seat however the does not appear to be any consensus of opinion of how good / bad any of them are.

After buying an Australian Road Rider magazine I found an ad for the Air Hawk air seat covers and I took a punt and got one.

It straps on over the original seat (about 10 minutes work in taking the seat off and putting it back on) and is an adustable air filled pad that has individual 40mm x 40mm airpockets which are all linked to each other.
To adjust to the correct level on inflation you simply blow it up a little through the attached hose & valve, and then bleed off the air untill you are sitting about 3-5mm of the seat. It's important not to have too much air in as cause you can actually 'float' in all directions while riding - and believe me this is not a good feeling.

The air seat spreads your weight over the whole seat instead of just being in two or three points, and this give a very comfortable ride for many hours.

The only downside of the Air Hawk is that it looks a bit 'dorky', but as I'm more interested in walking at the end of a long ride I don't mind, plus I leave it off the bike for rides of two hours or less.

This one addition has turned the SV into the most comforable bike I have owned since my GS1000S - and that seat was exceptional.

To my knowledge they are not available in NZ, and I got mine from www.ausiebiker.com

Cheers

[TLDV8]

Some people seem to prefer the Gel seats,i didn't have a problem with the stock TL seat (a little uncomfortable around the 600 km mark ) but got a Corbin anyway.
Seems very comfortable,better support than the stock item.

[Cajun]

For seats, your best opinion would come pay us a visit, we taylor each seat to person needs, and colour styles, even put invidual logos in to suit you and your bike.

Andy i be testing a few twins this weekend myself,

[Pumba]

I have said it on KB before and I will say it again, the custom seats that Cajun does are amazing (had one on the bandit) and I would have to recomend them to anyone.

Infact we will see how my new SV goes seat wise and if it proves uncomfy on a few long hauls ive got comming up I know who I will be going to see.

[flyingscotsman]

My Multistrada is a blast to ride. Might cost a wee bit more than $8k but well worth the investment. Corners brilliantly, pulls like a schoolgirl all the way throught the rev range, comfy over distance, sexy to look at....what more can I say. Love it..

[madandy]

For seats, your best opinion would come pay us a visit, we taylor each seat to person needs, and colour styles, even put invidual logos in to suit you and your bike.

Andy i be testing a few twins this weekend myself,

Lemme in on it! Phone me on Shaz's phone if ya still got the number!!!!!

I can vouch for the seat re-covering/costom work Cajun's Family can do for ya. We had Sharons GSXR250 seat redone by these guys and the result was teriffic!

Ducati Multistrada? My cousins have all got Italian bikes in Palmy...Mother's members...got more money than me!;)

I'm starting to look at GSXR750's, ZX7R's as well as the 9R and the Jap twins cause my budget is limiting...NO H.P's for me...our only debt is a mortgage.

Andy

[Cajun]

don;t have ya number lost it when my old phone died

[ntst8]

Airhawk update from a lurker - they are available in NZ through www.anman.co.nz, not sure how long they have been supplying them here but I stumbled across them on the net and bought one a few weeks back - found them good to deal with.
Usual disclaimer - i got nothing to do with them etc

[Firestormer]

I've clocked up about 35,000km over two years on my 2005 VRT 1000f - Bluff to Cape Reinga and just about every main road in the country, many several times. Never missed a beat. The bike is awesome for touring. I often do 600km a day no trouble. The bike is stunning on the twisties and great fun to ride. 8-10,000km out of rear tyres and I'm on my second chain. Nothing else apart from routine maintenance. The bike is as tight as the day I bought it.

[madandy]

Sounds like a bloody good machine...
I've cottoned on to a 2002 YZF1000R Thunderace, 23000k's mint cond.. An old favourite of mine and I had the little brother 600 Thundercat.
Due to my financial restraints I may go the four cylinder way as I'm not having any joy finding a fully faired Twin at the right price, mileage, condition etc.

[Cajun]

yeah full faired twins youa re going europen pretty much, most jap twins are half fairing.

[vifferman]

8-10,000km out of rear tyres and I'm on my second chain.
They can be hard on chains and tyres, especially if you use engine braking.

[EZAS]

I was initially looking for a TLR when I was trying to purchase my bike, currently I have only seen 1 go for under $10,000 on trademe.

There is currently a zx7r with a zx9 engine in it under $8,000 I think they weigh about the same anyway don't they?

[festus]

Not sure if a recall or advice to install steering damper in 98 ,surposely due to tank slappers ,mine had suzuki one on it took it off got into more trouble with it on , as for rotary damper I find its ok,might be due to me being a larger guy . Its the front end where i cannot get right ,bloody hard every bump feels worse than what it is .

Would reccommend running the TLS with the steering damper on dude, took mine off once to see what it was like, although nice around town, dangerous riding hard and you do not want to come down even slightly crossed up after pulling a mono.......

[Clivoris]

SV1000s on tardme (http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=81986596) can be found here. Seems cheap and might be worth a look?
Might have a bit of history by the look of it. That right exhaust can looks dodgy from the rear and I don't think that's an original paint job. Still...if it's cheap enough. You'ld definitely want to see it in the flesh though.

[festus]

Sounds like a bloody good machine...
I've cottoned on to a 2002 YZF1000R Thunderace, 23000k's mint cond.. An old favourite of mine and I had the little brother 600 Thundercat.
Due to my financial restraints I may go the four cylinder way as I'm not having any joy finding a fully faired Twin at the right price, mileage, condition etc.

May I ask why the half faired twins are no longer in favour (because of the wife?).........

[madandy]

SV1000s on tardme can be found here. Seems cheap and might be worth a look?
Might have a bit of history by the look of it. That right exhaust can looks dodgy from the rear and I don't think that's an original paint job. Still...if it's cheap enough. You'ld definitely want to see it in the flesh though.

Thanks Clivoris! Added to watch list:yes:
I'll ask a nearby KB'er to take a glance at it with me if I get serious on that one.


May I ask why the half faired twins are no longer in favour (because of the wife?).........HAH! Yeah:wait: Nah! I meant the nakeds...I kinda threw the half faired bikes like the SVs in with the fully faired bikes :oops: I'll happily take a SV1000s for the right money:yes:

Andy

[twister]

Have you test ridden a VTR yet? Suggest you do this as they're a beautifull bike to ride and plenty of power for the open road/touring, also great around town, well balanced and easy to maneuver thru traffic at slow speeds. For me this was an upgrade from a SV650S and its uncanny how close a ride it is but I'd have to rate the VTR a much easier and fun bike to ride. Sure the TL's and SV's may have a bit more grunt but depends how fast you really want to go (250+k or 265+k :P )

Only thing i don't like (but i'm getting used to) is the forward sloping seat.

[manyrevs]

Same here Twister,,

VTR is a great bike, not perfect but great... I was never a V-Twin fan (thanks to those cheater packs on WSB's) but getting back onto bikes about 8 months ago, I didn't want to get onto one of the inline 4 rocketships available so I decided on a tamer bike and I was going to get an SV1000K6 but I am so glad I got the VTR. Looking back at the SV, it doesn't have the same looks. The fairing looks more addon and now it really puts me off, although I would never say the VTR was a "better" bike. In performance I would say they are about the same on paper and its down to the rider to pick them up and make them go. The VTR needs a bit of setting up to make it far better than the off-the-floor bike you buy...
1. Slightly raise the forks (dropping the bike) by about 10mm to improve quick cornering...
2. Do the air filter mod to highly improve the low revs breathing. Man what a difference. Cut off the rib on the filter element and undo the slotted rib it slots into on the box. You will NEVER regret this mod...
3. Change the fork oil. Stops most bottoming out under quick suspension damping (Make sure you know what quick vs slow suspension is - Not always to do with bike speed as quick suspension damping can happen at very low speed, like a pothole or in my case even going over the gutter onto the driveway and having it bottom out at about 15kph). Better oil wont stop all of it, just a lot of it...
4. Make sure you set the damping/spring rate correctly in the front then the rear then match the front and rear. Don't be scared to wind up the damping and lower spring settings if you have to. Most people thing that you wind everything up to the max and that makes the bike better - WRONG...!!! Make the suspension work for you...

With those small mods, my VTR is a completely different bike from the one I bought back then. The only thing I haven't done is to really test it out on cornering ability, I have riddden right to the edge of the tyre tread and scuffed them up real good but it seems like you can lean them over confidently one hell of a lot more. I have no real need to go 'that' far...

The most notable thing about the VTR is that it loosens up with kms. The more kms on the clock, the better the engine performs. The first 1500 kms from new, were very disappointing. It just didn't have that low end grunt that large capacity V-Twins are known to have. It was gutless. Then I hit between 1800 - 2200 kms in one ride and the next time I rode it, "hold onto your hat cowboy", as it was another bike again. This trend has continued virtually up to its present 4500 kms on the clock now. It just keeps getting gruntier, and overtaking traffic is probably the easiest its ever been on any bike I have ever owned. Just twist that throttle and hang on. I'd say that between 100 and 200kph is pure grunt. That's about as fast as I have been so far but most of my faster riding is in those hills and short straights. The open road is for other types who can try to outrun police radar - Not me...!!!

[vifferman]

Has your VTR got standard gearing, manyrevs? If so (it will be doing about 2600rpm at 100km/h), the best thing you can do to it is lower the gearing. Cheapest option is to go to 15T on the front sprocket, but a 2 or 3 tooth larger rear sprocket is a better option. Either option will make it feel like a completely different bike.

On mine I went for the 15T, and also cut two links off the chain to shorten the wheelbase. Magic! :niceone:

[imdying]

The most notable thing about the VTR is that it loosens up with kms. The more kms on the clock, the better the engine performs. The first 1500 kms from new, were very disappointing. It just didn't have that low end grunt that large capacity V-Twins are known to have. It was gutless. Then I hit between 1800 - 2200 kms in one ride and the next time I rode it, "hold onto your hat cowboy", as it was another bike again. This trend has continued virtually up to its present 4500 kms on the clock now. It just keeps getting gruntierDitto for the SV. Now at 5000kms and it has loosened up brilliantly.

Top end is trivial, there's a lot to be said for the paint finish of the VTR compared to the crap Suzuki have (barely) used.

[manyrevs]

I nearly bought the SV1000K6. I had the bucks in my hand and needed to spend but the guys at Colem**s Suzuki all but ignored me. Perhaps he thought I was kidding when I said I wanted to buy right here and now, so I turned nose up and walked out... It was only after that I saw a VTR and went for it. I must admit once I saw the VTR its looks grabbed me. Traditionally, I was a Suzuki man, never owned a Honda before but the VTR has sure enlightened me. I still have many respects for the SV though... In the hands of a good rider, they can get up and go like snot...

As far as the gearing goes, I have heard of the sprockets ratios playing a part in the performance of the VTR and have thought about it but I am not unhappy with its present performance, but it may be worth considering...

Cheers guys...

[imdying]

I'm considering going up 2 on the back or 1 down on the front. So it'll run out of puff not long after 200, that's fine by me :yes: Only concerned is if it'll make the driveline a little snatchy on and off the gas through tight twistys. Only one way to find out though.

If I was buying another right now, I'd buy another SV... the VTR must be about due for a major revamp, which'll probably rape the value of the older ones somewhat.

[NighthawkNZ]

I heard Honda isn't going to revamp the VTR as far as I know it will be just cosmetics and minor adjustments and tweaks (However I could be wrong so don't blow me up cause Iam... I most likely am) the theory don't fix want aint broke.

As far as I know they going more down the VFR lane

[gixermike]

Well, I picked up a second hand 2002 SP1 just before christmas, have only had a couple of rides really (rellies staying), but am more than happy with it. drinks fuel, hard on your wrists, but handles superb and pulls great out corners. feels pretty small really, even for someone with such a hobitton stature as myself.
just need a track to enjoy it properly.

[madandy]

Have you test ridden a VTR yet? Suggest you do this as they're a beautifull bike to ride and plenty of power for the open road/touring, also great around town, well balanced and easy to maneuver thru traffic at slow speeds. For me this was an upgrade from a SV650S and its uncanny how close a ride it is but I'd have to rate the VTR a much easier and fun bike to ride. Sure the TL's and SV's may have a bit more grunt but depends how fast you really want to go (250+k or 265+k :P )

Only thing i don't like (but i'm getting used to) is the forward sloping seat.

Yep. Rode a new red one...didn't like the gearchange or suspension-too limited in its adjustment. Felt well made and plenty grunty enough, just not my cuppa, pillion seat not adequate, plus neither me or my partner like it to look at compared to the SV or most other faired multis.


Well, I picked up a second hand 2002 SP1 just before christmas, have only had a couple of rides really (rellies staying), but am more than happy with it. drinks fuel, hard on your wrists, but handles superb and pulls great out corners. feels pretty small really, even for someone with such a hobitton stature as myself.
just need a track to enjoy it properly.

Yep, nice bike mate! Bit limited in range for me plus a bit too focused.
Hope you have a ball on yours this summer as soon as the rellies vacate:Punk:

Andy