[Buyer's Advice] 2000 VTR1000 vs 2005 VTR 1000 vs 2007 Hornet 919
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,269
From: moncton nb canada
Why not an SV1000, TL/TLS/TLR, or any other fuel-injected v-twin? Granted there are some in here that will say they own a Ducati, Aprilia, other sport bikes, but in the end they'll still keep the VTR, but there is nothing like the simplicity of a FI bike that allows you to easily tune it without removing the carbs 19 times to get it just right.
my superhawk was my first vtwin. it got me hooked. i bought my 1098 and didn't see the need to keep my rc51. i was wrong and should have kept it.
so i still have the hawk and 1098. i mostly ride my aprilias in the dirt with my son, but for street bikes, i prefer the superhawk over the 1098. it is much comfier, user friendly, etc... it is more enjoyable to ride. i am not even going to insure my duc for the road this year. the fact that i am getting older has an large impact on this situation.
in your situation regarding your two up riding, the comment about looking at a vfr is a solid recommendation. that is a nice bike.
VTR virgin
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 447
From: Auckland, New Zealand
Heresy I know, but a Suzuki RF900 is a surprisingly good bike two up, and a pretty good handler. Plenty of those for cheap $$ around here. I owned one for 16 years and have fond memories. None of the VTR's character or the VFR's sophistication, but a damn good solid torquey stable bike.
If you do go with the VTR, then fitting a Ventura L-bracket and grab rail combo will make your pillion feel more secure. I leave mine on simply to make it easy to put the bike up on the race stand.
If you do go with the VTR, then fitting a Ventura L-bracket and grab rail combo will make your pillion feel more secure. I leave mine on simply to make it easy to put the bike up on the race stand.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 342
From: CA, South of Heaven
I love my SH, I'll never sell it, but my friend has an SV1000 which I rode extensively. I admit it's a great bike out of the box. Ok, suspensions are crap like on the VTR1000f and need upgrades, brakes are way better, shifting is dead on, and the engine a bit more responsive. It's the FI....and man, I'm tired of the carb **** I have to deal with every few yrs. If you can squeeze the budget for it, my take is go for an FI bike all the way. Cheaper to maintain and once you get used to the simplicity of a PowerCommander, can't look back.
Who are you?
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 731
From: Las Vegas, NV
If you think those can't go around a corner, then I don't know what you think the Superhawk is capable of, because those are superior to the Superhawk in terms of cornering. In fact, if you're having that many issues, the fault lies in you as the rider and not the bike.
The SV1000 has some wonky front suspension in stock form much like the Superhawk does, but sorting the suspension on it and getting a ZX10r or GSXR rear shock helps to instill confidence in riding it just like valving the suspension helps on the Superhawk.
Though we have established that the OP doesn't have those bikes within his budget, don't spout nonsense like that.
The SV1000 has some wonky front suspension in stock form much like the Superhawk does, but sorting the suspension on it and getting a ZX10r or GSXR rear shock helps to instill confidence in riding it just like valving the suspension helps on the Superhawk.
Though we have established that the OP doesn't have those bikes within his budget, don't spout nonsense like that.
Last edited by Just_Nick; Mar 15, 2016 at 10:17 AM.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 932
From: Auckland, new Zealand
If you think those can't go around a corner, then I don't know what you think the Superhawk is capable of, because those are superior to the Superhawk in terms of cornering. In fact, if you're having that many issues, the fault lies in you as the rider and not the bike.
The SV1000 has some wonky front suspension in stock form much like the Superhawk does, but sorting the suspension on it and getting a ZX10r or GSXR rear shock helps to instill confidence in riding it just like valving the suspension helps on the Superhawk.
Though we have established that the OP doesn't have those bikes within his budget, don't spout nonsense like that.
The SV1000 has some wonky front suspension in stock form much like the Superhawk does, but sorting the suspension on it and getting a ZX10r or GSXR rear shock helps to instill confidence in riding it just like valving the suspension helps on the Superhawk.
Though we have established that the OP doesn't have those bikes within his budget, don't spout nonsense like that.
BTW the OP came round the other day and hopped on my Hawk for a sit. He knows my views and can make up his own mind.
Thread Starter
Member
Squid
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 39
From: New Zealand
Well guess who bought a VTR today? 
Managed to get a 2005 VTR 1000 in red with 43,000 kms on the clock. Pretty tidy for its age/mileage.
Took it for a 100km ride after picking it up and am very impressed. Love the sound with the Two Bro's pipes on it...
Slightly sore as I'm not quite used to the riding position, but with time that'll improve.
Thanks to everyone for all of your help/suggestions along the way!
Managed to get a 2005 VTR 1000 in red with 43,000 kms on the clock. Pretty tidy for its age/mileage.
Took it for a 100km ride after picking it up and am very impressed. Love the sound with the Two Bro's pipes on it...
Slightly sore as I'm not quite used to the riding position, but with time that'll improve.
Thanks to everyone for all of your help/suggestions along the way!
Thread Starter
Member
Squid
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 39
From: New Zealand
Edit:
And then rim tape, maybe a seat cowl, shorty levers.
Oh no it's happening already.........
Last edited by The End; Mar 21, 2016 at 01:29 AM.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,544
From: New South Wales Australia
There ya go mate!
4 years in and still going, have a long list of things to do and parts are backing up.
You are in fine company with your fellow countrymen.
Keep us informed !
4 years in and still going, have a long list of things to do and parts are backing up.
You are in fine company with your fellow countrymen.
Keep us informed !
Thread Starter
Member
Squid
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 39
From: New Zealand
The new modded seat is much more comfortable and grippy, however wouldn't fit a seat cowl on the top.
Bike is currently at the dealer I bought it from getting the front end sorted...something is wrong with the brakes.
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 16
just jumped into a 2001 VTR here in NZ, more fun
and usable power than my 85 GPZ900, but the GPZ probably a faster top end. Did you buy a VTR in the end, or was just looking, I am in CHCH, looking for advice to tidy some paint and parts.
and usable power than my 85 GPZ900, but the GPZ probably a faster top end. Did you buy a VTR in the end, or was just looking, I am in CHCH, looking for advice to tidy some paint and parts.
Last edited by trollope; Dec 12, 2024 at 01:07 AM.
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Nov 15, 2011 11:10 AM
