I've had a Firestorm.
I've also had a TLS, Buell XB and now have a SP1. I've ridden a TLR, Mille and a SV.
Horses for courses really.
With what you've described in your post I think a VTR1000F will tick all the boxes. In comparison to most other big twins, say at ,1500, you'll struggle to get better value for your money. Most TL's, RSV's, Falco's etc will be messy at that price-thats not to say the odd bargain is'nt out there.
For 1500 you can pick up at 1998-2000 low mileage storm, in excellent condition and sensible mods.
Ride wise-like everyones said they are a little soft on the suspension side. Roger at Revolution racing can sort that out for very lttle ?. I fitted blade RRW forks to mine and a replacement rear shock-think it was a Nitron or similar. That sorted it out no end.
Cam chain tensioners are easy to replace with lockable ones-this stops that issue. Good bikes will already have it done. It's the bikes main achilies.
I fitted at Dynojet kit, K&N and high level cans. Standard they chuck about 90bhp out-mine did about 108bhp with a better torque curve-check it on a rolling road. The engines very flexible for quick road riding. It'll not rev like a TL/RSV or had the same level of drive but you'll not get left behind. The torque seems to be more usable for UK roads imo-nice and chunky.
Comforts good-I'm 5'9-and know lads who ride them at 6ft plus. Just depends on your style/shape really. One bloke I know had a straight bar conversion on his with a Corbin seat etc. His had done 70,000 miles when he sold it with no other issues than you'd get with most bikes.
Fuel wise (after re jetting) I could get 110 on a good day (mine had the smaller 16L tank newer ones run an 18L) and 70-80 on a thrash. Tbh I've never come across a V2 that gives good MPG, well, not that of a 4 cylinder etc. If I'd have wanted that I'd have bought a Enfield desiel.
The TL was better in terms of out right pace/performance (straight line) but lacked the composure and sure footedness of the Honda. It just never felt as solid/flexible. The Honda's trump card is the fact you can eeekkk 99% of performance out through day-to-day riding.
They're reliable too. Parts are pretty cheap and they stand upto corrosion well.
If you want more info pop on vtr1000.org and they'll help you out. I've been on there a while and its an ace source of info on the bike. Plus some lads are flogging theres at reasonable prices too with most of the above done.
Cheers.
I've also had a TLS, Buell XB and now have a SP1. I've ridden a TLR, Mille and a SV.
Horses for courses really.
With what you've described in your post I think a VTR1000F will tick all the boxes. In comparison to most other big twins, say at ,1500, you'll struggle to get better value for your money. Most TL's, RSV's, Falco's etc will be messy at that price-thats not to say the odd bargain is'nt out there.
For 1500 you can pick up at 1998-2000 low mileage storm, in excellent condition and sensible mods.
Ride wise-like everyones said they are a little soft on the suspension side. Roger at Revolution racing can sort that out for very lttle ?. I fitted blade RRW forks to mine and a replacement rear shock-think it was a Nitron or similar. That sorted it out no end.
Cam chain tensioners are easy to replace with lockable ones-this stops that issue. Good bikes will already have it done. It's the bikes main achilies.
I fitted at Dynojet kit, K&N and high level cans. Standard they chuck about 90bhp out-mine did about 108bhp with a better torque curve-check it on a rolling road. The engines very flexible for quick road riding. It'll not rev like a TL/RSV or had the same level of drive but you'll not get left behind. The torque seems to be more usable for UK roads imo-nice and chunky.
Comforts good-I'm 5'9-and know lads who ride them at 6ft plus. Just depends on your style/shape really. One bloke I know had a straight bar conversion on his with a Corbin seat etc. His had done 70,000 miles when he sold it with no other issues than you'd get with most bikes.
Fuel wise (after re jetting) I could get 110 on a good day (mine had the smaller 16L tank newer ones run an 18L) and 70-80 on a thrash. Tbh I've never come across a V2 that gives good MPG, well, not that of a 4 cylinder etc. If I'd have wanted that I'd have bought a Enfield desiel.
The TL was better in terms of out right pace/performance (straight line) but lacked the composure and sure footedness of the Honda. It just never felt as solid/flexible. The Honda's trump card is the fact you can eeekkk 99% of performance out through day-to-day riding.
They're reliable too. Parts are pretty cheap and they stand upto corrosion well.
If you want more info pop on vtr1000.org and they'll help you out. I've been on there a while and its an ace source of info on the bike. Plus some lads are flogging theres at reasonable prices too with most of the above done.
Cheers.
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****** cosmetic wise but hey gives you an excuse to get in the garage mate !!! hehehehehehe ...do it do it do it
