VTR thou

[Gerbs]

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

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

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

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

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

Definite interest in track days......

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

[Drew]

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

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

Hope that helps.

[imdying]

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

Most owners past and present seem to rate them, except for the suspension, so that's a good sign

[Tony.OK]

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

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

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[banditrider]

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

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

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

Love my little red bike...

[geoffc]

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

[geoffm]

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

[crazyhorse]

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

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

[Drew]

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

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

can open, worms...everywhere.

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

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

[celticbhoy]

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

[dangerous]

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

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

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

[Zuki lover]

can open, worms...everywhere.

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

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

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

VTR is more a sportbike than a tourer

[MotoGirl]

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

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

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

[crazyhorse]

can open, worms...everywhere.

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

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

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