Can anyone tell me the significant differences between the RC1 and the VTR1000F and perhaps even a little info on the difference between the VTR1000F and the SP series?
I've just purchased a brand new VTR1000F and it doesn't arrive in the country until early Jan 2006 so I'm reading as much on the internet about it in the meantime while I wait.
Hope I've made the right choice in motorcycle... I'm 5'4" - female - and it's my eighth bike...
I can't speak on the VTR1000F, but you should always sample before you buy. Heres some info on the RC/SP
I'm sure you could find someone on this board in your area that would let you ride it.
__________________
05 RC51 (My first bike) More pics
There is a huge difference......I believe the VTR-1000F is more of a sport-cruiser. Kinda like the Yama FZ-1. Not a superbike....but still sporty. The RC51 is a superbike....It was made to hurt Ducati's on the track and did it's job. The RC isn't the most comfortable bike...and as a daily rider..it isn't the best either. I have never seen or heard of a female that has purchased an RC. My girlfriend rides mine...and doesn't like it. She says it is too heavy, and the hydro clutch she can't stand. So it sum it up....RC=basic race platform that will leave you with sore wrists and back....but with a smile, and the VTR-1000F=everyday bike that is more comfortable and more practical. However.....I would be cool to see a female tearing it up on an RC51. Hope to shed some light........keep the rubber side down.
__________________ The true RC51 owners know the heritage and history of what the HRC stamped into the engine cases mean.
2001 RC51-CF High Mount Jardines, Power Commander IIIr, Vortex Rear Sets, GP Shift, Scotts Steering Damper, Corbin Saddle, Goodridge SS Front Lines , Galfer Rear SS Line, Renthal 15/41, DID GOLD 520, 4mm front fork drop, and a happy rear ride height.
1997 916s-Loaner Bike.....Just The Termignoni Ti Full System.
I've had both, well still have the RC. The Superchicken was more of a sport tourer, with still a sporty feel. It's not a bad bike at all. I had a 98, and the steering always felt really loose, and I didn't feel all that comfortable taking one hand off on the freeway at 75. Hopefully it got fixed or you can just put a steering damper on it. Much like every other honda(sportbike), there is barely any room for storage. You can get hard luggage for it, so it would make a world of difference. Last tad bit, gas mileage isn't great. I averaged, after my pipes, jet kit and filters, 29 in the city. But on the highway, I was averaging 42mpg. I liked mine, and you should like yours. Nothing sexier that a female, especially a 5'4" female, riding a v-twin.
__________________
2001 RC51
Swingarm mod
Flapper mod
PAIR mod
I've been on both extensively, and still have the RC. I'd buy another VTR but not if I had to give up the RC. I'll compare both out of the box, vs the really modded bikes you see here
The VTR has a hell of a motor, it's a joy to just wind on the gas and go. It's also cool to launch it out of a bumpy turn and feel the flex in the frame. Now the bad, it's not a sportbike and never will be. Brakes are fine but it will not steer, you'll run wide and miss apexes. The suspension is prehistoric. Anything greasy on the road and the rear will spin and slide.
The RC out of the box will out handle the Firestorm (Canada) stock no problem, and if you make some or all of the changes you see noted in the other forums to it the bike will transform. I know guys that poured years of effort into VTR's and never were satisfied. And of course a current 600 i4 will still dust them both.
I think the Superhawk is a great bike. It's not a full on hardcore sportbike like the RC though. The RC has a better suspension and a little more guts. That said, I've never had a problem keeping up on the street.
Nice set of bikes on your list. I can't imagine how you can be tall enough for the Superhawk. Tell us your secret.
Yeah height (or the lack of) has always been a factor for me. I can "tip-toe" the vtr1000f and after 14 years of riding I'm ready to try this bike/size.
It will be tough backing it around in gravel carparks or steep carparks pointing down so I will have to plan my parking a lot - I'm already good at anticipating road surfaces/slopes while riding and stopping in traffic so I should be fine there.
May have to ask for help turning it around on the gravel... I think that'll be my biggest challenge... how embarrassing!!! lol
You will really enjoy the VTR1000F !
Comfy bike to ride...not quite a race replica like the RC51 and not exactly a sport tourer either like a ST1300.... more like a Ducati ST without the mechanical problems at a fraction of the price of a Duc
It's suspension is set up for a light rider (130-145lbs) so you should be fine on it.
(the rear spring might be a bit stiff for your weight tho)
If you put a jet kit and aftermarket pipes it's performance will REALLY increase over stock and make it more drivable around town, at low RPM (below 3000), & a very noticable improvement above 6K RPM!
The stock exhaust really chokes it down and the carbs are leaned out for all that EPA junk!
Also replace the brake lines with stainless steel braided lines & add a set of EBC HH pads. That will really improve the brakes.
Like most stock saddles it is uncomfortable after a time. A Sargent (A+) or Corbin ( B -much heavier) would be a nice upgrade.
It's true it won't be as good of a track bike as the RC51 but I think you will find it a better around town, commuter, & touring bike (despite the 100 mile per tank range). They say the VTR has more low end torque than the RC51. While the RC51 has more power at the top end....it's engine being designed to run best at the upper end of the RPM range (race pace). Haven't seen the dyno charts on that comparison tho.
Anyway the VTR will be a great bike for you, last many years, & lots-o-miles
__________________
1978 Ducati 900SD Bevel Head (burned in garage fire)
1882 Ducati 900SD Bevel Head (gone but not forgotten)
2003 Honda VTR1000F (gone but not forgotten)
2003 Honda CBR600RR Race Bike
2007 Honda CBR1000RR Street Bike
Almost forgot..... alot suggest a 520 chain conversion with a 15/43 gear combo (stock = 530 - 16/41)
It's a little overgeared from the factory (more EPA junk???)
__________________
1978 Ducati 900SD Bevel Head (burned in garage fire)
1882 Ducati 900SD Bevel Head (gone but not forgotten)
2003 Honda VTR1000F (gone but not forgotten)
2003 Honda CBR600RR Race Bike
2007 Honda CBR1000RR Street Bike
Tracey, your choice shouldn't get you in to many tricky spots. However many a ridder have said the RC is one of the hardest bike to ride smoothly on. Remeber it was purpose built to be a badass. On the other hand the superchicken was made to satisfy the masses. I have had the chance to ride the ducati st3 the vtr and the fz1, all pretty similar. Since the comparrison is for the RC or the VTR I say with your experience you made the best choice. I also assume your in the UK and this even magnifies the need for a do it all well bike. Oh and cobble stone roads on the RC are nothing short of criminal on the RC. The RC is just a bit to steep a learning curve. Just like any twin don't make sudden throttle changes and the ride will be smooth. Break in should be as simple as keeping the rev's from settling in one spot but use the moderate range. Stay away from the red zone and don't let it run for lengthly periods. Heat cycles are critical. Lets shoot for 4-6, 30-45min cycles. After 600 miles run it out after the oil change.
those are the only ones I've found on the VTR1000F either the Firestorm or Superhawk.
Hope this helps you read up on our bikes!
__________________
1978 Ducati 900SD Bevel Head (burned in garage fire)
1882 Ducati 900SD Bevel Head (gone but not forgotten)
2003 Honda VTR1000F (gone but not forgotten)
2003 Honda CBR600RR Race Bike
2007 Honda CBR1000RR Street Bike
"Nothing sexier that a female, especially a 5'4" female, riding a v-twin"
I wouldn't go so far as to limit it to a twin... Even so, there's a Buell here in Cleveland that rips down the shoreway during the morning rush hour. I've never chased but the petite rider, or at least the gear, has some feminine curves. Not that I'm suprised at at a lady ripping up the road during rush hour but it is impressive to watch her pull away. I'm usually on a K12LT and not one to be pissing off the drivers during rush hour.
Tracey, glad you found this site. I'm not sure whether you found "About" or this first. Good luck with the new bike. From reading here, it sounds like you did good. I mentioned I had an RC51. It's track only so I have no street experience to share.
Please check in here and over at About when you get rolling on the new ride. About has a growing population of lady riders. And, funnier yet, a growing population of sport bike riders of both men and women. Since you have some road time, you may be able to contribute and encourage the newer riders in the group.
It's winter here. Cold and gloomy. I haven't been on two wheels since early November. If you can ride, ride safe. If you're downloading GP vids for your fix, you're not alone. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to all.
I'll post a pic when I get it... I got a red one... I actually like the blue, the yellow and the black as well... they all look pretty darn hot... tough choice...
There is a huge difference......I believe the VTR-1000F is more of a sport-cruiser. Kinda like the Yama FZ-1. Not a superbike....but still sporty. The RC51 is a superbike....It was made to hurt Ducati's on the track and did it's job. The RC isn't the most comfortable bike...and as a daily rider..it isn't the best either. I have never seen or heard of a female that has purchased an RC. My girlfriend rides mine...and doesn't like it. She says it is too heavy, and the hydro clutch she can't stand. So it sum it up....RC=basic race platform that will leave you with sore wrists and back....but with a smile, and the VTR-1000F=everyday bike that is more comfortable and more practical. However.....I would be cool to see a female tearing it up on an RC51. Hope to shed some light........keep the rubber side down.
I met a girl at the San Jose IMS (international motorcycle show) that races the RC51. She was there to promote herself and other female racers by selling callenders.
Thanks Stan....now I have seen a female that owns, rides, and races the RC51. Now the question is how and where to meet her...
__________________ The true RC51 owners know the heritage and history of what the HRC stamped into the engine cases mean.
2001 RC51-CF High Mount Jardines, Power Commander IIIr, Vortex Rear Sets, GP Shift, Scotts Steering Damper, Corbin Saddle, Goodridge SS Front Lines , Galfer Rear SS Line, Renthal 15/41, DID GOLD 520, 4mm front fork drop, and a happy rear ride height.
1997 916s-Loaner Bike.....Just The Termignoni Ti Full System.
Compare RC1 and VTR1000F?
I'm usually on a K12LT and not one to be pissing off the drivers during rush hour.
If you can ride, ride safe. If you're downloading GP vids for your fix, you're not alone. Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to all.
Linear Mode
