Honda VTR 1000F Firestorm

After the success of Ducatl's liquid-cooled eight-valve V-twin superbikes - the 748 and 916 - many Japanese firms were expected to launch competitor bikes. The Firestorm was Honda's first entry, appearing at the start of 1997.

The specification points to a high-tech sports machine. The Firestorm is built around a 996cc liquid-cooled 90 V-twin engine, with four valves per cylinder. Large 48mm (1.9in)CV carburettors, a massive airbox and twin-silencer exhaust system help provide smooth power delivery.

This engine is mounted in an advanced aluminium trellis spar design. The swingarm pivot is actually positioned below the end of the frame, at the back of the engine cases. This design saves weight and provides acceptable stiffness for road riding, although some racers have fitted reinforcing plates between the frame and the swingarm pivot to add stiffness for track use.

The running gear is standard mid-1990s Honda sports fare. The 41mm (1.6in) front forks are adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping, as is the gas-charged rear shock, while the Nissin four-piston front brake calipers are borrowed from the firm's CBR900RR FireBlade.

While the Firestorm is well-equipped, it offers a softer sports experience than something like Ducati's 916. The suspension is designed more for the road than the

track, and while the engine is strong, it has a softer edge than some more committed sports machines.

The Firestorm isn't excessively heavy at 192kg (4221b), but still compares badly with four-cylinder sportsbikes. Honda's FireBlade has always been lighter - the 2002 model is 24kg (531b) lighter than the Firestorm. But kept in a sports touring role, the Firestorm is still satisfying, the low-down torque of the V-twin engine making for relaxed progress, and the neat half-fairing keeping the wind off at motorway speeds.