Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★☆
“Great value second hand bike”
Written on: 05/03/2013 by miztaziggy (3 reviews written)
I went from an R1 to a VTR and I must say, the drop in power wasnt as noticeable as I thought it would be. Good points: - Lovely deep rumble from the engine - Lots of low down power - Great value bike - second hand prices are low and you get a lot of bike for your money - Relatively comfortable compared to the out and out sports bikes Bad points: - Suspension is a bit squishy - Looks are a little dated now - CCT (Cam chain tensioner) failure if left standard parts can cause engine failure,... (read more)
★★★★★
“great”
Written on: 09/06/2012
I have a vtrf is a my dream!!!!! is a great bike!!!! very great bike!!!!!! (read more)
Stevefirestorm's Comment
Written on: 23/01/2013
What a Brilliant Bike.
The reviews say it all. Lovely to own and ride.
The bike fits like a glove and I really cannot say anything bad about it.
Handling Braking and reliability with performance. It's all there.
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★★★★☆
“I,ve ridden m/c's most of my life in the 70's...”
Written on: 22/09/2010
I,ve ridden m/c's most of my life in the 70's cb750,500 Kwaka Z1, Ducati 860 GTS and was out of the scene for a few years,got back into riding on Hyosung GTR 650 an underated m/c but needed something more ala the VTR,damn it was just pure awesomeness the ride the noise the vibe I just love it,read a mixed re-view on a local m/c mag, said its style was outdated! come on mate get real aye. Have stand cans with guts out of them omg awesome sound,great sport cruiser, viva la vtr, why isnt there... (read more)
★★★★★
“Have an fy version VTR 1000 Firestorm 2001 registered...”
Written on: 14/09/2010
Have an fy version VTR 1000 Firestorm 2001 registered in the fastest colour (red) I have ridden big bandits, cb1300 etc and fancied a change from the screaming fours which to be honest I got bored with but at the time I didnt know why. I had to get rid of the cb1300 quickly as it had a bent frame and wasnt gonna pass its MOT so with 2.5k in hand I found a VTR on eblag which looked a minter. Never having ridden a v2 before I got on for the test ride and was shocked by the size of the bike... (read more)
★★★★★
“Having bought it from new over 13 yrs ago and having...”
Written on: 15/08/2010
Having bought it from new over 13 yrs ago and having used it daily as my main work (I was a mobile auto electrician), and social transport, I can certainly vouch for how good this bike is. It has been used in ALL weathers and has been nothing but 100% reliable.
Year after year I look to see what other bikes are about and what I would REALLY change my Firstorm for, and I can't !!
I love the torque, handling, balance and reliabilty. Mix it all up for something that has lived outside for all...
(read more)
★★★★★
“The VTR 1000 firestorm was my first 1000cc bike and I...”
Written on: 06/08/2010
The VTR 1000 firestorm was my first 1000cc bike and I love it my last bike on the road was a TDR 250 stroker and the firestorm is as much fun without the reliabilty isues you get with a 2 stroke cheap to insure as well! (read more)
★★★★☆
“having been out of riding for 9 years i seen a...”
Written on: 11/06/2010 by silvery 86 (1 review written)
having been out of riding for 9 years i seen a firestorm for sale took it for test and was sold on it.. having never ridin a v twin i was amazed at the engine braking it was awsome in wet weather being able to use the engine instead of brakes all the time handles very well. only prob i have is theres a slight chug at 5500 revs im not sure if this is usual in v twins also cutting out at idle but only occasional if anyone has similar probs please let me know the outcome.. azpart from this... (read more)
★★★★☆
“1st bike having not ridden for 12 years and found this...”
Written on: 27/05/2010
1st bike having not ridden for 12 years and found this to be a superb return to motoring. Torque and engine braking made it a doddle to return to biking and have had no problems with it. Would highly recommend it. (read more)
★★★★★
“Superb amount of torque. A lot of fun to ride. ”
Written on: 08/05/2010
Superb amount of torque. A lot of fun to ride. (read more)
★★★★★
“Purchased Firestorm on Christmas Eve 1997 had it...”
Written on: 07/05/2010
Purchased Firestorm on Christmas Eve 1997 had it delivered first week in 1998
sold it through temporary ill health in late 2007 having owned many super bikes including an R1 and a Fire blade the Firestorm is a perfect all rounder only draw back is the 15 Litre fuel tank but i could easily live with that
(read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 58 Reviews
★★★★★
“I have had the bike for around a year, have had many...”
Written on: 16/03/2010
I have had the bike for around a year, have had many bikes including CBR6,GSXR750,GSXF(Awful) and SV650. The firestorm was a snip at £1300. I spent 400 quid at the local Honda garage replacing the cam chain tensioners and service. I have added Viper carbon cans,swingarm and all fairing. The bike sounds and looks amazing,I get fantastic comments whereever I go on bike and it's a pleasure to ride. Fuel, Yes agree with everyone but for the fun I would pay it every time. V-Twins are more fun and... (read more)
★★★★★
“In 5 years of ownership i've done 20,000 miles on my...”
Written on: 09/03/2010 by rrobh1 (1 review written)
In 5 years of ownership i've done 20,000 miles on my Firestorm. It's standard apar from the typical mods (road legal cans, heated grips, rear hugger).
The handling isn't as razer sharp as the likes of sportier in line 4 cyl sports bikes, Blades, R1s etc. but I've fitted a rear shock spacer to change the angle of the steering and bringing it more upright which has made an improvement and can be accelerated harder without risk of wheelies.
Have been touring with guys on R1s and Blades and...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“Great bike. Mine is a yellow 1998 VTR1000F Firestorm...”
Written on: 30/01/2010
Great bike. Mine is a yellow 1998 VTR1000F Firestorm (Canada). User-friendly. V-twin torque. Wheelies easily. Lovely V-twin exhaust sound especially with aftermarket exhaust. Good handling. Superb all-rounder. Only negatives in my mind are small fuel tank, average brakes, average suspension...the fuel range (160-210 km before low fuel light comes on) is not that hard to live with and the last two issues I have addressed with stainless steel brake lines and performance brake pads, internal... (read more)
★★★★★
“This is the third Firestorm ive owned. Great...”
Written on: 27/01/2010
This is the third Firestorm ive owned. Great bikes.Very under rated.Small upgrades vastly improve handling if your looking for R1 Or Blade type performance.My only complaint, like many is the tank size but you get used to the frequent stops for fuel ! (read more)
★★★★★
“had mine 7 years only problem was a leaky oil switch...”
Written on: 24/11/2009
had mine 7 years only problem was a leaky oil switch which was fixed under warranty superb bike it gives you confidence and a grin as wide as your helmet not as fast as todays top 4s but pleasure to ride comfortable and cheap love could never get rid of it (read more)
★★★★☆
“I bought my orange Firestorm in Sept for £1500 with...”
Written on: 26/10/2009
I bought my orange Firestorm in Sept for £1500 with 29k on the clock. After a little bit of TLC and removing the add ons the previous owner thought looked good, the bike looks fantastic. I had a ZZr600 before which was quicker but not as much fun to ride as the VTR. It handles really well and has given me alot more confidance to lob it around corners etc. Power on it is superb and like everyone says - sounds excellent. The only down side is the fuel consumption but who cares and the... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Honda Firestorm is a very relaxing and easy bike...”
Written on: 20/09/2009
The Honda Firestorm is a very relaxing and easy bike to ride quickly. An inexpeienced rider will probably be quicker on it compared to a blade or R1 just because it is so easy to ride.
+ lower insurance group than other big 1000cc bikes but with same torque making it a very useable road bike.
- small tank, quite thirsty on fuel.
Summary: Had mine for 9 years and still no plans to replace. Recommend to anybody unless you have track day experience and ability to ride sports bikes to their...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“What can I say! I passed my test May 08 on an Honda...”
Written on: 08/09/2009
What can I say! I passed my test May 08 on an Honda CBF500, went out and without really riding it, bought a Suzuki GSX! DOH, rode hard and uncomfortable and never got to grips with that lying forward position being almost 6'tall.I never got on with my Suzuki so it has sat in the garage for a year whilst I thought about selling it.
Which brings me to the here and now! I sold my Honda08 plate to a guy who shipped it to Malta and whilst I knew this was going ahead,I got to scouring the net for...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 has more usuable power...”
Written on: 17/08/2009
The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 has more usuable power than the inline 4`s in my opinion.I had a 2000 R1 which was faster than the storm but i never felt as confident as i do when i ride the storm.It still feels really quick but i feel like im taking it for a ride rather than it taking me for ride like i did on the R1.
The only downside of the bike is the 16 litre tank,i know they put a larger one on the later models but it`s still not enough.You really have to be careful riding out of town...
(read more)
★★★★★
“awesome sound with staintube pipes, havent had no...”
Written on: 27/07/2009
awesome sound with staintube pipes, havent had no troubles yet but only done 10,000 ks, have found when over a certain speed the air hits chest and starts pushing helmet off of head you have to lay down on tank to stop this or maybe buy different screen, which i will try and as everyone else says fuel consumption but who cares when having so much fun. but i still love this Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 bike which is a nice matt black color (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 58 Reviews
★★★★★
“Bought my lare 1998 Firestorm off of ebay and...”
Written on: 24/06/2009 by Justingreen (1 review written)
Bought my lare 1998 Firestorm off of ebay and practically stole it for £1500. It's immaculate and with only 14k genuine miles, rides brilliantly. (read more)
★★★★★
“Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is easy ride, plenty of...”
Written on: 14/06/2009 by steveteasdale
Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is easy ride, plenty of pull with no need to scream the engine. Comfy, plenty of room, handles well, smart looking. (read more)
★★★★☆
“The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is very good for...”
Written on: 24/04/2009 by Gothom
The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is very good for around town. Fast, low and go. Its nick name is the street fighter. Outside of town, small tank and cheap seat. (read more)
Kqg64N's Response to 455965_Gothom's Review
Written on: 06/06/2009
hi,
<br/> due to the early firestorm having a 16 litre tank and a range of 170 km,can anybody tell me if the later 19 litre tank will fit the earlier model without too much hassle?
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“sold my CBR and bought a Honda VTR Firestorm, changing...”
Written on: 20/04/2009
sold my CBR and bought a Honda VTR Firestorm, changing to a v2 was the best decision I made, I love it and wouldn't change it for anything.
YOU KNOW WHEN A STORM'S COMING !!!
:)
(read more)
★★★★★
“thought I'd try the v twin thing .Went for a Honda...”
Written on: 03/04/2009
thought I'd try the v twin thing .Went for a Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 and got a grin like joker of bat man .I've always gone for in line 4's what got me was the bottom and mid range I love the bike very underrated , try one you wont be sorry .The fire storm is so easy to ride it will forgive you when you push it, your confidence is given a boost and will not punish you . (read more)
★★★★★
“ Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is an awsome bike, have...”
Written on: 02/04/2009
Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is an awsome bike, have had two. heap of grunt amazeing sound real head turner (read more)
★★★★★
“The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is reliable, good...”
Written on: 19/03/2009
The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is reliable, good value for money,and user friendly. Absolutely love it! (read more)
★★★★☆
“The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 does all I have asked...”
Written on: 02/03/2009 by wirewheel
The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 does all I have asked from track day to distance tourer. Wheelies like a demon on a fast take-off. The luggage options are few thank goodness. As always - short tank range. Also gets hot in slow traffic on a sunny day - its the fan. Still get a kick out of taking it out of the garage. Second bike is an R1200GS for touring with pillion, getting back on the yellow peril always feels like Ogri on a mission. There are faster bikes and braver pilots but this one... (read more)
★★★★★
“If your looking for a cheap, all round sport tourer...”
Written on: 19/02/2009
If your looking for a cheap, all round sport tourer the Honda VTR1000 Firestorm 998 is hard to beat for the cash. Great for getting to work or a trip to France, this will do the lot. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Fantastic torque, very good power, great handling -...”
Written on: 13/11/2008
Fantastic torque, very good power, great handling - solid in corners, thin for going through/between traffic. Quite light. Good wind shielding. The ultimate point and squirt commuter.
Styling: What Sonja the Red Warrior Princess would look like if she was a bike.
Reliable, cheap to service and maintain.
Extremely capable bike, with only niggly bad points that can be planned around.
(read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 58 Reviews
★★★★★
“A fantastic bike which can be had for a bargain. ...”
Written on: 19/10/2008 by yellowstorm (2 reviews written)
A fantastic bike which can be had for a bargain. £1200 - £1500 will get you a clean example of this superb 1000cc v-twin. The bike is a joy to ride. Smooth and predictable engine and handling means that it's unlikely to spit you off like its much harsher rival, the TL1000. It's not the fastest bike around and will be trounced by may modern 600's in straight line performance. That's not what the bikes about though. This means it's unlikely to have been owned by a nutter, so most examples... (read more)
★★★★★
“I have had two firestorms and think they are superb!!,...”
Written on: 09/10/2008
I have had two firestorms and think they are superb!!, loads of torque, enough topend and wheelies a plenty (read more)
★★★★★
“just picked it up last week from my best friend who...”
Written on: 27/09/2008 by Nicky V (1 review written)
just picked it up last week from my best friend who finally decided to part with it , I've ridden his VTR many times but now having it in my garage and being able to spend quality time with it ... well my wife only shakes her head . Next weekend a bunch of us are heading down to the Gap (Tennessee) and yes we are riding from Ontario. No trailers! Having ridden inlines for the last 25 yrs mainly GSXR's this is a total transformation for me and I can't wait to pack up the big twin and put it... (read more)
★★★★★
“I've just began riding again after an 11 year break,...”
Written on: 20/09/2008
I've just began riding again after an 11 year break, My last bike was a very old yam 350LC, but am now a lot older can afford the insurance and to run both car and bike so I thought why not. I ' ve had my VTR 1000 Firestorm about 2 months now, mainly for commuting (didn't know about the fuel range before I bought) basically I looked through the web and just decided to buy one. 2 reasons First I wanted a Hondo just purely for the reliability factor and 2nd its looks just blew me away. I know... (read more)
★★★★★
“Reliable, trusty battle axe. Massive, scary torque-...”
Written on: 28/08/2008 by Sjambok
Reliable, trusty battle axe. Massive, scary torque- every day is an adrenaline rush. (read more)
★★★★☆
“The Vtr is good at all things whilst not mastering...”
Written on: 16/08/2008
The Vtr is good at all things whilst not mastering any, I have had both models and the later one tome is better with it's larger tank and better clocks. Any problems can of course be sorted i.e. the front end and rear shock. If I ride smoothly I can get 45+ mpg when touring. The VTR is also easy to maintain. (read more)
★★★★☆
“I've had two Honda Firestorms, one of the original...”
Written on: 22/07/2008 by banihwah (2 reviews written)
I've had two Honda Firestorms, one of the original bikes, just after it came out and a 2002 bike. Both of them covered over 30K miles and were ridden all year round for commuting and weekend blasts. Frankly, if they made a new fuel injected one with a bigger tank, I'd have it over just about any other bike. Reliable, fast, good handling (for the road) and reliable to boot. If you want a track day bike, look elsewhere. If you want a bike you can use everyday that wont bore you to death, pick... (read more)
★★★★★
“owning one is the only way to truly appreciate this...”
Written on: 17/06/2008 by superchicken
owning one is the only way to truly appreciate this machine (read more)
★★★★★
“Im planning on going for a ride around Australia....”
Written on: 18/04/2008 by lance oconnell (1 review written)
Im planning on going for a ride around Australia. After i sell my charter boat business, but the tank isnt big enough. Maybe a xl 1000 Honda Varadero? If anyone can tell me how they compare with the VTR 1000 That would be good. Thanks.
Great ridding.
(read more)
★★★★★
“The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm very fun bike to ride....”
Written on: 10/04/2008 by obsr (1 review written)
The Honda VTR1000 Firestorm very fun bike to ride. Don't have to change gears often while in the city because of the role on power. Nice sound on stock pipes. You can drive this 1000 cc bike under total control, what you twist is what you get/easy to manage. (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 58 Reviews
★★★★★
“Always having ridden multi's I wanted something...”
Written on: 22/03/2008 by VTR Firestorm (1 review written)
Always having ridden multi's I wanted something different and a V Twin fitted the bill. Harleys were out as I have always resented paying $15000 for a bike and then the same again for the name. Ducati's were way out as I hate the way they try and manipulate the superbike rules (1200cc) for them this year as a case in point. Finally narrowed it down to the TL Suzuki and the VTR Honda. Always having been a Suzuki fan since racing a 250 hustler on short circuits in the early 70s it was looking... (read more)
Rad1Uk's Response to VTR Firestorm's Review
Written on: 24/03/2008
I’ve owned 1 of these found it to be awesome a well under estimated bike true the tank range is pathetic on the early ones but you can change to a later tank with more capacity.
<br/>Only other thing I had with mine was water penetration past the from ht lead cap as its right in line with the front wheel and it caught all the road muck and water so would miss every sp often other than that an awesome bike.
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★★★★★
“I love my Honda Firestorm. In fact I have been...”
Written on: 21/03/2008 by kiwiandy (1 review written)
I love my Honda Firestorm. In fact I have been thinking about upgrading to a new Aprillia RSV however I dont think I could justify the extra $$. This is a great all rounder, cruise comfortably, throw it around and play hard, take the Missus for a Sunday afternoon thrill, it takes it all in its stride. Wish it wasnt so thirsty and a slipper clutch would make it a little more forgiving, However a good riding position, lovely fun engine, tight gear box make this hugely underated bike a winner,... (read more)
★★★★★
“Bought mine a 2002 last year, it had 2 previous owners...”
Written on: 04/02/2008
Bought mine a 2002 last year, it had 2 previous owners with 17000 miles on the clock. I'm 60 and thought the possition would be hard on wrists and back but its not, its an absolute treat to ride. Even carrying a passenger the handling and acceleration is excellent but I find the rear break leaver a little to high (I'm 6'2''). However its the best bike I've owned. (read more)
★★★★☆
“allthough it has a few bad points, this bike is pretty...”
Written on: 09/01/2008
allthough it has a few bad points, this bike is pretty solid. Overall suspension is just adequate. Front end bottoms out easily and it can be challenging to find the 'sweet spot ' on the rear suspension settings (spring preload) that aside, it is a lot of fun to ride locally and on trips. A definite keeper. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Overall this is a pretty solid bike. There are a few...”
Written on: 08/01/2008 by kevin axisa (1 review written)
Overall this is a pretty solid bike. There are a few downsides to it though...
The front tends to bottom out easily due to poor stock suspension and its a challenge to find the 'sweet spot' on the rear spring preload settings. Also, you cannot place your fingers between handlebars and fuel tank on full lock.
Bad points aside, this bike is a lot of fun to ride on local and road trips. A definite keeper.
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I am 50 years of age and i have no trouble with my...”
Written on: 01/01/2008 by wazza49
I am 50 years of age and i have no trouble with my wrists or back. I love riding the storm through the mountain road and absolutely love the sound of a the bike with yoshi's on.
The first thing to do on the storm in my opinion is to upgrade the front suspension to something a little softer, as the stock front suspension is only suited for 60 kilo rider.
overall, the storm is a good budget bike which will last as it still looks good after 10 years riding.
(read more)
★★★★★
★★★★★
“Definitely one of the best 1000cc bikes of its time. ”
Written on: 16/12/2007 by johan flood
Definitely one of the best 1000cc bikes of its time.
With the right chops and changes the Honda VTR1000 Firestorm makes a great streetfighter (cam chain tensioners can give trouble).
(read more)
★★★★★
“Bought my bike as an ex-demonstrator in 98. Nobody...”
Written on: 27/11/2007 by robbo362 (1 review written)
Bought my bike as an ex-demonstrator in 98. Nobody then wanted to ride it so it only had 15 miles on it! Very underrated bike, can easily keep up with my mates on their gixers, blades ect, sure they can leave me on a straight but bring on the corners and I'm right back with them even passing them with the drive out of the corners. I've fitted Ixil cans, a dynojet kit and K&Ns - lovely sound and a few more horsies. Dropped one tooth on the front sprocket, which makes it easier than ever for... (read more)
★★★★★
“my first sports bike went from a gs 500e Suzuki 2...”
Written on: 12/11/2007 by loope
my first sports bike went from a gs 500e Suzuki 2 this firestorm now I want the new Firestorm it look great and it will be a 1200 cc even more power power power ))) (read more)
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Showing 41 - 50 of 58 Reviews
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Knowlesybeast's Comment
Written on: 03/11/2012
Thay are iv got a 99 model I love it so mutch