Honda VTR1000F Firestorm (1997-2005)

The Honda VTR1000F Firestorm is a brilliant all-rounder with few foibles: you’d be hard pushed not to have a ball on it. Regular refuelling’s a drag but better on post-01 Honda VTR1000F Firestorms, when capacity went from 16 to 19 litres, but it’s still thirsty. The Honda VTR1000F Firestorm has wonderful pull when you open it up in the midrange and sweet handling in town and on the twisties.

Engine

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Honda VTR1000F Firestorm's engine is well tried and tested in a number of 1000cc Honda v-twins (most recently the SP-2), it thunders out mountains of low to midrange grunt, powering through traffic or around corners. There’s less “up top” than a full-on sportsbike but the Honda VTR1000F Firestorm’s more of an all rounder and the engine does the job beautifully. Very smooth delivery.

Ride and Handling

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Some Honda VTR1000F Firestorm owners complain of the forks diving too much under heavy braking but, apart from that, it works a treat. Handling is sharp yet forgiving, the brakes are great, it’s pretty comfortable (somewhere between sporty and relaxed) and the grunt provides huge fun. The Honda VTR1000F Firestorm is very stable at higher speeds yet easy to manoeuvre nearer a standstill, too.

Equipment

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The Honda VTR1000F Firestorm seat’s a little bit hard, but fairly comfy, whilst the fairing provides some good protection against the elements. The clocks are dominated by a huge, analogue rev counter plus there’s an analogue speedo and digital screen with fuel reserve, clock etc. Extras on the Honda VTR1000F Firestorm included heated grips, luggage and a rear hugger.

Quality and Reliability

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Great but not perfect. Honda VTR1000F Firestorm is well built and sturdy but problems have been reported with cam chain tensioners, failing water pumps and corroding downpipes. In the main, however, keeping it clean and serviced should ensure years of trouble-free service and most Honda VTR1000F Firestorms are in pretty good nick.

Value

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Honda VTR1000F Firestorms are great value and there are plenty of bargains to be found. Perhaps because they were never really regarded as “sexy”, they were largely overlooked, hence some bargain machinery being available. Suzuki’s SV1000 could be a major distraction if you’re think of buyinga Honda VTR1000F Firestorm, though, and at a pretty good price, too.

Model History

1997: Honda VTR1000F Firestorm launched.
1999: Honda VTR1000F Firestorm gets new, silver wheels.
2001: An overhaul increased Honda VTR1000F Firestorm's fuel capacity to 19 litres, raised the bars for a more upright riding position and installed a new HISS security system. There were also minor tweaks with both suspension and carb/ignition settings plus the dash was redesigned and new, smaller indicators installed. Black wheels.
2005: Honda VTR1000F Firestorm discontinued.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	144 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.8 secs
Max power	97 bhp
Max torque	64 ft-lb
Weight	193 kg
Seat height	810 mm
Fuel capacity	19 litres
Average fuel consumption	35 mpg
Tank range	146 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	14 of 17

Engine size	996 cc
Engine specification	8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload and rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload and rebound
Front brakes	Twin 296mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17