Firestorm VTR 1000 back on the road

[jjdugen]

Bought this Firestorm as a spares repair, usual thing, CCT failed, front cyl, two bent inlet valves. Head off and two valves from Dave Silvers and she runs fine in the workshop. Did all the usual after a bikes been laid up, found a leaky fork seal after a blip round the block. Fork legs wouldnt split so had to dig the thing out. (Kawasaki ZZR 600 seals are exactly the same BTW)
OK, after a wrestling match with the fork oil seal, she was finally roadworthy and ready for the MOT test. Took her down to the local test station yesterday afternoon, as usual in Manchester, it decided to pour down with rain, not the ideal conditions to evaluate her.

After the initial shock of the total lack of refinement in the power delivery I made it onto the main road to Eccles. At the first set of traffic lights (red, of course) I noted that the tickover was slightly uneven, carb balance job needed. As I (tried) to set off smoothly, it was as if I had just dumped the clutch, even though was gently feeding it in. It lurched forward, threatening to wheelie. A few more red lights and it set off quite smoothly. Thinking that the clutch plates must have been gummed from standing and had cleared I dropped my guard. Sure enough, it did it again. (Not a nice feeling with so much low down torque.)
It would appear that 'they do this sort of thing' according to various forums.
Test passed, back home on a short motorway stretch. Acceleration was smooth and relentless, as I had been promised, and it started to make some sense. But, as soon as I hit a steady state cruise, it began lurching, like a misfire.
I'll get the carbs sorted as they seem to need a proper set-up, but, I am far from impressed. An unruly, noisy, unrefined thing with no saving graces that I can find. Only suitable for those with zero mechanical sympathy and a complete lack of finese. God knows how bad a Ducati is to ride, they are in an even higher state of tune, (more like discord).

Anyone who has one of these things and can give any more info on them, I'm all ears.

[Kris]

If it's been sitting for a while then perhaps your carb jets are blocked. Firestorms use large carbs - IIRC they do need balancing to get the best from them.
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[MarJay]

They aren't shit, they've just got two HUGE carbs that need to be correctly set up for the bike to work properly. IIRC they are something like 42mm or something like that.

42mm carbs are good for passing loads of air and fuel, but aren't exactly good for finesse at low speeds. If you set them up right I'm sure they are fine to use though.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[DrDonnyBrago]

Seems a bit early to judge the bike when it isn't even running correctly yet.

[pinkyfloyd]

[jjdugen]

I'm on the VTR forum as well, I usually sign up to a model forum when I take on something I've not worked on before.
It would seem that there is an issue with clutch grab on these, even the guys who 'know' havn't come up with a definitive solution. I'll take a look at the likely suspects when I'm looking at the carbs.
I suppose I am a bit biased, I infinitly prefer the silky smoothness of a well set up four to the rumblings of a V twin, but I am always open to new experiences and dont have a completely closed mind. Lets see what its like when running properly, 6 miles is hardly enough to make a proper judgement.

[james1988]

It does sound like the carbs need a good clean and balancing. They do like to "cough" back through them (sounds like the jerkiness you describe) but that is mostly eliminated when it's running properly. Invest in a Carbtube (I'm pretty sure that's the brand I bought can't remember at the moment) balancing kit and it will definitely pay for itself in due course. I love my 'storm now it's set up and running properly. I highly recommend some open cans for the lovely v twin rumble.

James

[Chriss]

[ThoughtContro...]

[Chriss]

[pinkyfloyd]

Thats the V Twin engine for you though. Get it wrong and it will bite you.

But then all bikes are like that. Coming off an IL4 onto a V Twin is an experience and it does take some getting used to the difference in power delivery. Hence why not many people who ride IL4's get along with the V Twins and end up going back to the 4's.

Personally though. I love mine. If I was given a "Change bikes" card I would probably swap it for the SP2. But I do love my Storm and its little quirks.
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Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[jjdugen]

OK, I've not updated this as I've been in the I.o.M and then down to Donnington as well as dealing with day to day stuff.
Took it out for a prope run, between the downpoors. Ran like crap, reg/rec has decided to jump ship.
Fitted a replacement Yamaha unit, all electrics now back on line. (This one kept losing its speedo, some lose the rev counter with a faulty R/R).
I put the hunting at steady throttle down to this.
Once more on the road, it accelerates fine, revs out in all gears so no cam timing issues, but, as soon as I come off the throttle to cruise, it starts lurching as if ignition is switching off, or the fuel supply is cutting off.
Needless to say, I have disected the carbs, checked diaphrams, checked float levels, gutted the fuel tap of its diaphram. Checked all vacuum hoses, thoroughly cleaned and checked the choke mech.
I've tried the air screw from 1 1/2 to 3 turns out. Carbs perfectly balanced.
Plugs are a bitch to get out, but once dug from the depth of the earth show good colour, even though i made a point of riding the last, lurchy. half mile home right in the worst area of throttle response (around 3K with a nearly closed throttle).
Most everyone that has had this has either given up or committed suicide, they seem to post for ages then... nothing.
I know all the usual replies, check for air leaks, clean carbs, check HT leads / coils etc. I've done all that and more. I've NEVER been beaten... yet, but this one has taken days of work and I'm no closer. If anyone has found a fix please let me know and you will be worshiped as a God above all Gods.
Cheers

[G]