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.

[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/moto...-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/moto...-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

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-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.

[willytheekid]

VTR, GREAT! bikes
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-720298469.htm

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

or

if you prefer "allrounder"
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-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......all the parts are mine!!...muahahahaa)

[nzspokes]

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

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.

[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 ...