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One-litre V-twin: the promise says it all.
When the manufacturer is Honda, it\'s no wonder this bike is so popular. New Zealanders just can\'t get enough of the VTR1000F Firestorm.
Why? Ride one - you\'ll know.
With real world ergonomics and out-of-this-world performance, the Honda FireStorm is built like a sports street V-twin should be! Just like Aaron Slight will be racing in the world superbike champs this year.
Powered by a purpose-built, liquid-cooled 996cc 8-valve 90-degree V-twin powerplant that\'s fed by massive twin 48mm flatside CV carburettors, this bike has literally been designed from the crankcase up for its starring role. That\'s right, the VTR\'s DOHC mill actually forms part of the chassis, contributing to the bike\'s slim wind-cheating profile and svelte 192kg dry weight.
As a special bonus for NZ owners, the Firestorm comes with after-market mufflers which accentuate power, performance and sound!
But don\'t think that perfect on-road performance means sacrificing day-to-day civility. With class-leading ergonomics, Honda\'s famed reliability and an affordable pricetag, the Firestorm means you can have your cake and eat it too....
Design rationale
The world\'s renewed love affair with high-performance V-twins allows Honda to brandish its Super Sport credentials with style, flair and an impressive blend of power and technology.
With its compact, liquid-cooled 90=B0 DOHC V-twin engine mounted in a unique \'pivotless\' dual-spar aluminium frame, the Firestorm delivers a dynamic combination of sport riding excitement and eye-opening acceleration coupled with assured control and lasting comfort.
The Firestorm is the first big cylinder sports V-twin marketed by Honda. An engineering pioneer at heart, the world\'s leading constructor does not do things by halves.
The result is an outstanding success with no less than 110PS for 192kg, all from a machine designed purely with the rider\'s pleasure in mind.
The engine throbs torque as it ticks over and can reach 10,500rpm-few twins can boast that. Responsive and compliant thanks to a chassis that is both original and clever (aluminium frame without swing arm support), the VTR does not fool around with its sports tradition, nor its smooth ride.
With the Firestorm, Honda gives us a high tech machine, well equipped, finished in the best Honda tradition, while remaining reasonably priced.
o New silver-coloured wheels replace the metallic black finish on the current model.
o New multi-coloured stripe replaces black border used on the completely tinted windscreens of current models.
o The engine is a 90 degree V-twin-cylinder, DOHC, 8 valve, water-cooled with two 48mm carburettors.It develops 110PS at 9,000rpm.
o The cylinder heads are inter-changeable. Upper casing and cylinders come in one piece, for greater rigidity and to cut down on assembly parts.
o The aluminium frame is made of two upper side frames and a welded structure to which are fixed the rear frame and shock absorber: easy to use, lightweight and rigid.
o The swing arm is fixed directly to the engine.
o The handlebar spacing between the aluminium brake and clutch levers is adjustable to optimise ergonomics.
o A space under the seat can take a U-lock anti-theft device.
o The fairing cowls enclose two water-cooled radiators.
o The engine casing has an inspection window so that the oil level can be checked at a glance.
o The rear seat cowl is removable to take a pillion passenger.
o With its low slung saddle, the VTR is suitable for all riders, large and small.
o Braking in the front is entrusted to dual floating front disc brakes that feature powerful 4-piston Nissin callipers mounting sintered metal pads. Their lightweight 296mm floating rotors are mated to aluminium inner rotors with 8 inserts (down from the conventional 10). The 20mm rear disc brake is stopped by a compact single-piston calliper.
o Rear fork and shock absorber are adjustable by hydraulic slackening and pre-loading of the spring to help the rider find the best comfort/road-holding combination according to his weight.
o The general dynamic qualities (stability, manoeuvrability, braking, suspension, comfort etc) of the Firestorm make it the yardstick in its category.
o The finish and quality of manufacture of the VTR respect Honda\'s tradition of perfection.
Specifications
| Model: | 2000 VTR1000FY Firestorm |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC 90 degree V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke | 98 x 66mm |
| Displacement | 996cm3 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.4 : 1 |
| Carburetors | 48mm slanted flat-slide CV-type x 2 |
| Max. Power Output | 110PS/9,000rpm (DIN) (81kW/9,000min-1) |
| Max. Torque | 9.9kg-m/7,000rpm (DIN) (97Nm/7,000min-1) |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | \'O\'-ring sealed chain |
| Dimensions | 2,050 x 710 x 1,155mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,430mm |
| Seat Height | 810mm |
| Ground Clearance | 135mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 16 litres (including 2.5-litre warning light reserve) |
| Wheels Front/Rear | Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium |
| Tyres Front | 120/70 ZR17 (58W) (Radial) |
| Rear | 180/55 ZR17 (73W) (Radial) |
| Suspension Front | 41mm H.M.A.S. cartridge-type fork with adjustable spring pre-load and rebound damping, 109mm axle travel |
| Suspension Rear | Pro-Link with pre-load and rebound damping-adjustable gas-charged H.M.A.S. damper, 124mm axle travel |
| Brakes Front | 296 x 4.5mm dual hydraulic disc with 4-piston callipers and sintered metal pads |
| Brakes Rear | 220 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads |
| Dry Weight | 192kg |
| Price | $17,995 |
Contact the Honda dealers online for more info:
Peter Glidden Honda
Freedom Honda
Whitelock Honda
Langlands Motorcycles
