TL1000 vs VTR1000 Firestorm

**KX500** · 13th April 2009, 11:31

Looking at buying either of these, pros and cons of both pls ?

Looking at the "more naked TL1000" (Not full race trim)

Models have scoped out around the 50,000 KM mark.

Suspect the Honda would be better for longevity (higher K's) and easier to ride ?

**Squiggles** · 13th April 2009, 11:36

Camchain tensioner, Regulator/Rectifiers are problems for the VTR. Less power, smaller tank for pre 01? (Cant remember exactly) models.

You can read up a bit on the TL's @ www.tlzone.net , or www.tlplanet.com
Trick is to get one with an aftermarket rear shock if ya can.
The more naked TL is the S model

**vifferman** · 13th April 2009, 12:31

With all due respect, use the search function - this question's been asked lots of times.
TL is faster, has more power, handles better. VTR's easier to ride in the real world, looks uglier. Both could do with better suspension, but the VTR's may be easier to upgrade, as it has a conventional rear shock.

**cowpoos** · 13th April 2009, 14:18

Originally Posted by vifferman

With all due respect, use the search function - this question's been asked lots of times.
TL is faster, has more power, handles better. VTR's easier to ride in the real world, looks uglier. Both could do with better suspension, but the VTR's may be easier to upgrade, as it has a conventional rear shock.

Tl is just as easy to upgrade...and front forks are far high spec to start with...

In all honesty...you can't even compare the two...the Tl1000 wins by a country mile...and real world riding...it still kicks a VTR's arse...

**ttnz** · 13th April 2009, 14:41

I was in the same boat 6 mths ago and really wanted a TL but was bloody hard to find one with less than 50k on the clock, and when you did they wanted to much, i ended up spending an extra $1000 more than i wanted ( as we all do) and got an 2006 SV done 17k far better bike than the VTR and while not as potent as the TL the power delivery is fine

**98tls** · 13th April 2009, 15:32

Bit of reading for ya.http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs...1997-3360.html

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 13th April 2009, 15:48

Originally Posted by KX500

Looking at buying either of these, pros and cons of both pls ?

The are both bullet proof... I personally found the VTR more comfortable... (and it may be up for sale soon)

if you go for the vtr get a later model (after 02) as they have the larger tank and better suspension, few other mods... as for looks that's personal taste

the TL does have more power, but I found the vtr much easier round town and on longer rides...

best bet take them for a decent test ride... know what you want it for, the odd blat around the track or touring or to say I own a...

**Sollyboy** · 13th April 2009, 18:45

Originally Posted by KX500

Looking at buying either of these, pros and cons of both pls ?

Looking at the "more naked TL1000" (Not full race trim)

Models have scoped out around the 50,000 KM mark.

Suspect the Honda would be better for longevity (higher K's) and easier to ride ?

the motor bike magazines tried to compare these 2 bikes but it not really a match up they are not like comparing blade to r1 , my opinion the the TL is the pick , it a bike you can grow into and learn to ride better but the VTR is a bike you could easily tire of and soon out grow unless you are a below average rider and if you are then this bike might be good for you .
sum up TL thrilling , VTR boring

**munterk6** · 13th April 2009, 19:15

Forget the V-twin hit....get a Gixxer!!!

**Sidewinder** · 13th April 2009, 19:23

let the guys from fast bikes show you then!

**KX500** · 13th April 2009, 22:05

Yeah ok will use search function next time ......

Cheerz so far all - looks like VTR scrubbed off the list

What are these TL's good for millage wise if fortunate to buy one that has not been caned 24/7 ?

Is 45,000 to 50,000 Km getting to high to buy ?

What are some good signs please to tell if its been caned, given a hard life ?

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 13th April 2009, 22:09

Originally Posted by KX500

Yeah ok will use search function next time ......

Cheerz so far all - looks like VTR scrubbed off the list

What are these TL's good for millage wise if fortunate to buy one that has not been caned 24/7 ?

Is 45,000 to 50,000 Km getting to high to buy ?

What are some good signs please to tell if its been caned, given a hard life ?

Put it this way... my VTR is about to clock over 60,000... and if it doesn't get 100,000 k something is wrong...

Main thing is how well it has been maintained and serviced... i guess th tl should be similar...

**98tls** · 14th April 2009, 08:53

Theres plenty of TLs around done 80000 kms plus,thing to remember though is there getting on in years know,things like swingarm,head bearings on many wont have been touched and should be.As for if its been given a hard time,pretty hard to tell if its been looked after,head bearings are likely to be stuffed if its spent alot of time doing wheelies etc.Theres been a few for sale lately that have only done 35/40000 kms which is pretty good.Someone said it earlier but will repeat the TL websites are great places to pick up info.I wouldnt write off the VTR so quickly,theres plenty around which is generally a sign there pretty good.