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Honda’s VTR1000F Firestorm, legendary amongst sports bikes since its 1997 debut, has received a series of significant improvements designed to further enhance its position as New Zealand’s number one selling large sports bike. The improvements are intended to provide better suitability for long distance riding and broaden the Firestorm’s range of enjoyment to include more touring-oriented applications.
Visually, the new model is distinguished by all-new graphics featuring a prominent Honda wing mark on the fuel tank, together with the addition of an exotic metallic Lapis Blue to the previous colour range of Italian Red and Pearl Flash Yellow. The triple spoke wheels are now finished in glistening black.
To increase the touring range, the fuel tank has been increased in capacity from 16 to 19 litres. Also in the interests of comfortable long-distance riding, the Firestorm’s clip-on style handlebars have been raised by 15.6mm and angled upwards approximately 7 degrees for a slightly more upright riding posture.
The VTR100F Firestorm’s liquid-cooled 90 degree V-twin has won fame for its combination of exhilarating performance and superb reliability. Nevertheless, small but significant modifications have been made to carburettor and ignition settings in the interests of smoother, more responsive performance. A new air induction system has also been employed to further reduce echaust emissions.
Handling has been improved with a modification of the front forks to provide smoother damping operation, and the Pro-Link rear suspension now features adjustable spring preload and adjustable rebound damping.
The rider’s environment is enhanced by an all-new instrument panel featuring a dominant and centrally-paced white-faced tachometer with a black-faced speedometer appearing to be partially hidden under its dial. Other functions are monitored by a rectangular LCD display to the right of the tachometer.
Security has come in for major attention on the new VTR1000F, which now incorporates the Honda Ignition Security System. (H.I.S.S.) This features a special electronic interlock which prevents the engine being started with any key other than the two issued with the machine. The system cannot be by-passed by either hot-wiring or changing the ignition switch module.
‘These important upgrades will only broaden the appeal of a bike which has earned the respect of serious motorcyclists the world over’, said Blue Wing Honda General Manager Clive Cooper-Smith. ‘New Zealand’s top-selling large sports bike is now even further ahead of the competition.’
Images available on request from gb@geebee.co.nz
| Specifications | Honda VTR1000F Firestorm |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8V DOHC 90de V-twin |
| Bore x stroke | 98 x 66mm |
| Displacement | 996cc |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Carburettors | 48mm slanted flat-slide CV type x 2 |
| Max. power output | 81kW @ 9000rpm |
| Max torque | 97Nm @ 7000rpm |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | ‘O’-ring sealed chain |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2050 x 710 x 1155mm |
| Wheelbase | 1430mm |
| Seat height | 810mm |
| Ground clearance | 135mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19 litres (including 3.5 litre LCD reserve) |
| Wheels | Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium |
| Tyres | Front: 120/70 ZR17 (58W) |
| Rear: 180.55 ZR17 (73W) | |
| Suspension | Front: 41mm H.M.A.S. cartridge-type fork with adjustable springload and rebound damping. 109mm axle travel |
| Rear: Pro-Link with preload 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 calipers and sintered metal pads |
| Rear: 220 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston caliper and sintered metal pads | |
| Dry weight | 193kg |
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice
