What to know about a Honda VTR1000 Firestorm?
In terms of corrosion-related issues, always check the exhaust downpipes (especially the front one) as they are prone to rusting through and cracking and the rear gasket also likes to blow. If the exhaust studs are rusted solid, you are in for a nightmare trying to replace this…
Why does my Honda Firestorm make a rattling sound?
Like so many Hondas of that era, the Firestorm suffers from cam chain tensioner issues. It is usually the one on the front cylinder that starts to wear first, so listen out for a rattling sound on start-up or when the bike is at a constant revs such as tickover.
Why does my motorbike make a tickling noise?
If your exhaust is nice and sealed, and you’ve got a tick that drops off as the bike warms but rises with revs, check when your valve clearances were last inspected, and if they’re due have them looked at. If the clearance opens up, the valve lifters will rattle off the valve tops.
How big is the fuel tank on a Honda Firestorm?
The best advice is to avoid any bikes with manual tensioners fitted. Early Firestorms have a peanut (16-litres) for a fuel tank and when the bike records mpg figures in the mid to low-30s, this isn’t great news.
What are the reviews of the Honda Firestorm?
With 34 Honda VTR1000 Firestorm owners’ reviews on the site right now and an overall score of 4.4 stars out of 5, the Firestorm has been a very popular bike with buyers. As with many bikes of this sort of vintage, the main drawback appears to be in its level of equipment – but you have to balance that with the price of the bike you’re buying.
In terms of corrosion-related issues, always check the exhaust downpipes (especially the front one) as they are prone to rusting through and cracking and the rear gasket also likes to blow. If the exhaust studs are rusted solid, you are in for a nightmare trying to replace this…
Like so many Hondas of that era, the Firestorm suffers from cam chain tensioner issues. It is usually the one on the front cylinder that starts to wear first, so listen out for a rattling sound on start-up or when the bike is at a constant revs such as tickover.
When did the Honda Firestorm fuel gauge change?
The Firestorm only received one major update in 2001, which was aimed at curing a few of its owners’ woes. Early bikes came with dials only on their instruments and a fuel warning light, later bikes carried an LCD fuel gauge, but the major change was the introduction of a larger fuel tank.