V-twin opinions
Discussion
Evening all, just popped over from the Porsche forum to ask an opinion (please don't throw anything at me).
I've been an inline 4 sort of guy, and have been off bikes for 3 years now (since i sold my last 'Blade).
Having recently ridden a TL thou (R) i think i need to get "back in the saddle" and really liked the torque of the V-twin. Therefore, i'd like to hear opinions from anyone who has any of the following bikes, or something similar:
VTR1000
TL1000R
SV1000S
SV650S
Do you love it, hate it, has it been reliable, does it eat rear tyres, etc.?
Thanks.
VS
I've been an inline 4 sort of guy, and have been off bikes for 3 years now (since i sold my last 'Blade).
Having recently ridden a TL thou (R) i think i need to get "back in the saddle" and really liked the torque of the V-twin. Therefore, i'd like to hear opinions from anyone who has any of the following bikes, or something similar:
VTR1000
TL1000R
SV1000S
SV650S
Do you love it, hate it, has it been reliable, does it eat rear tyres, etc.?
Thanks.
VS
Hi dude...... begs the question "what are you gonna use it for?" If it's track work then I can recommend the 748 - (need lots of tlc) I had one for 18 months & did a lot of Euro trackdays & it never missed a beat. If it's more tourey/pillion then the SV1K or the VTR would be a good choice. I've had a VTR & it was a good all - rounder used it on track and road with no probs & they don't need much tlc. However, Wozza (from Men & Motors etc.) joined us in France on one & stacked it - he didn't rate it as a track tool but said it was good for road riding.
Don't forget the RSVr - also a good combination of track/road biking and there's lots of spangly kit to put on them (see www.rsvr.net).
Consider your height too... for some reason the big VTwins are particularly tall (rsv mille, TLR and SP2)....
Not going for something more Teutonic to compliment your stable then?
Don't forget the RSVr - also a good combination of track/road biking and there's lots of spangly kit to put on them (see www.rsvr.net).
Consider your height too... for some reason the big VTwins are particularly tall (rsv mille, TLR and SP2)....
Not going for something more Teutonic to compliment your stable then?
verysideways said:
Having recently ridden a TL thou (R) i think i need to get "back in the saddle" and really liked the torque of the V-twin. Therefore, i'd like to hear opinions from anyone who has any of the following bikes, or something similar:
VTR1000
TL1000R
SV1000S
SV650S
hi, good list.
i've owned a sv650 for a cpl of yrs - a great bike - it's a modern version of the moto morini (of which i have had a few). i went from the suzuki to my 1st ever harley - don't laugh, not a harley in cruiser/chopper style, but the xl883r, based on their flat tracker speedway bikes - is very basic and i really like it. nice and slow and comfy/relaxing to ride. sounds bloody good to and looks different.
the suzuki's cafe racer position was proving uncomfortable for me, is only reason i sold it for the harley.
v twins are the perfect engine confoguration for a bike. great torque characteristics, nice and slim and the engine can be viusally delightful on some bikes.
i'd try an sv1000 - a mate has one, loves it.
from that list you can't go wrong really, they're all good bikes - depends if you will consider a non jap bike, i guess.
enjoy!
ttfn and safe riding.
Thanks for all the responses so far - keep 'em coming too.
So, i'm 5'7", came through TZR, CBR4, CBR6, Thundercat, 'Blade, and loved the TL1000R i rode last November in the US (was out for thanksgiving).
I won't be doing any track work on the bike, but i am the sort of person who will ride to Wales on A roads, spend a day doing twisties (not knee down generally) and then ride home to Berkshire.
Also, Hayling Island is a nice day out and back. That's my idea of fun these days (getting old, 29 soon
). Might be two up quite often as well, though the g/f has her eye on an NC30...
So no R6, no R1, no GSXR. Loved the 'Blade for it's usability, what a storming all rounder. That's why i think a TL thou R or SV thou S will be ideal.
VS
(Oh, and i have ready access to an 883 Sportster whenever i like)
>> Edited by verysideways on Thursday 24th February 19:35
So, i'm 5'7", came through TZR, CBR4, CBR6, Thundercat, 'Blade, and loved the TL1000R i rode last November in the US (was out for thanksgiving).
I won't be doing any track work on the bike, but i am the sort of person who will ride to Wales on A roads, spend a day doing twisties (not knee down generally) and then ride home to Berkshire.
Also, Hayling Island is a nice day out and back. That's my idea of fun these days (getting old, 29 soon
). Might be two up quite often as well, though the g/f has her eye on an NC30... So no R6, no R1, no GSXR. Loved the 'Blade for it's usability, what a storming all rounder. That's why i think a TL thou R or SV thou S will be ideal.
VS
(Oh, and i have ready access to an 883 Sportster whenever i like)
>> Edited by verysideways on Thursday 24th February 19:35
You should be fine on any of them - I guess it comes down to personal choice.... Sounds like you're pretty clued up & know what you want - see if you can get a demo ride - most dealers are forthcoming - although the SV650 is a cracking bike it may not be ideal for 2 up riding for an entire day!!
I've got a TLS and really love it. Don't think I could go back to an inline 4 TBH. My bro has a Thunderace and it's top speed is significantly higher but it seems like so much effort! (who needs to do 170 anyway! 
) The brilliant thing about the TL is just it's sheer grunt from anywhere in the rev range.
As for tyre wear, the original MEZ3 rear lasted 1,800 miles! I currently get about 6,000 miles from a front BT010 and 4-5,000 on the rear. I'm currently trying the BT020 rear to try to get a few more miles between changes.
Make sure you budget for plenty of petrol, twins are notoriously thirsty when pushed hard.
I heard a rumour that the 2005 SV will be a full-power version, not the de-tuned lump they've been using. Hmm, think a call to the bank manager might be in order...
Any particular reason you're thinking about the TLR instead of the TLS?
) The brilliant thing about the TL is just it's sheer grunt from anywhere in the rev range. As for tyre wear, the original MEZ3 rear lasted 1,800 miles! I currently get about 6,000 miles from a front BT010 and 4-5,000 on the rear. I'm currently trying the BT020 rear to try to get a few more miles between changes.
Make sure you budget for plenty of petrol, twins are notoriously thirsty when pushed hard.
I heard a rumour that the 2005 SV will be a full-power version, not the de-tuned lump they've been using. Hmm, think a call to the bank manager might be in order...
Any particular reason you're thinking about the TLR instead of the TLS?
Had a VTR1000 'Firestorm' (not SP1/2), was good bike, reliable, fast, comfortable, very Torquey, handling was good (although always felt the front was a bit soft), only real crticisms are that it was a bit bland in the looks dept (IMHO), Gearbox a bit 'notchy' (particularly dropping into 1st on the move) and the main one - dreadful tank range (about 75-80 miles to reserve and then not much reserve!) caused by a combination of small tank and a big thirst.
Overall a good bike, didn't have it long though as I swapped for the (then) ultimate V-Twin Sportbike Ducati 916, (which I've still got).
Depends what you want the bike for, it was certainly more practical than the 916 in every way (other than fuel consumption) but the Ducati is on a different level handling wise.
Performance wise, there's not much between it and a 916 until you're really pushing it when the Ducati wins on a better top-end rush and slicker gearbox.
My mate had a TL1000R, certainly fast but a bit Lardy, he liked it though and had no problems with it.
I like V-Twins and Singles as I like that 'Baseball-Bat-in-the-face' power delivery, coupled with the narrow frame width.
You know it makes sense.
Overall a good bike, didn't have it long though as I swapped for the (then) ultimate V-Twin Sportbike Ducati 916, (which I've still got).
Depends what you want the bike for, it was certainly more practical than the 916 in every way (other than fuel consumption) but the Ducati is on a different level handling wise.
Performance wise, there's not much between it and a 916 until you're really pushing it when the Ducati wins on a better top-end rush and slicker gearbox.
My mate had a TL1000R, certainly fast but a bit Lardy, he liked it though and had no problems with it.
I like V-Twins and Singles as I like that 'Baseball-Bat-in-the-face' power delivery, coupled with the narrow frame width.
You know it makes sense.
If you go the VTR route, Roger at Revolution near Lancaster does a re-build on the front forks (the worst bit on the bike) which transforms the handling. He's also a very nice and knowledgable bloke. If you can't find him via dirctory enquiries, mail Darth at the VTR List. Tell him maggit sent you!
TLR is let down by the rear shock. there is an Ohlins upgrade but is expensive.I Just dont ride on the limit.
Mine is stock apart from the Zorsts. Ive had it for 6 years and I would not part with it. No problems just keep the battery charged.
Try the others if you can and make up your own mind.
Ian
Mine is stock apart from the Zorsts. Ive had it for 6 years and I would not part with it. No problems just keep the battery charged.
Try the others if you can and make up your own mind.
Ian
verysideways said:
Evening all, just popped over from the Porsche forum to ask an opinion (please don't throw anything at me).
I've been an inline 4 sort of guy, and have been off bikes for 3 years now (since i sold my last 'Blade).
Having recently ridden a TL thou (R) i think i need to get "back in the saddle" and really liked the torque of the V-twin. Therefore, i'd like to hear opinions from anyone who has any of the following bikes, or something similar:
VTR1000
TL1000R
SV1000S
SV650S
Do you love it, hate it, has it been reliable, does it eat rear tyres, etc.?
Thanks.
VS
this looks funky ...
www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/products/motorcycles/sports_torque/MT_01.jsp
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