HONDA VTR1000F Firestorm (1999-2000) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda VTR1000F was a sports motorcycle manufactured by Honda from 1997 to 2005, powered by a 996cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine. The bike was known worldwide as the Firestorm, while in the United States market was known as the Superhawk.

The first model was introduced in 1997. It featured a Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) suspension and several new design concepts, like a semi-pivotless frame that used the engine as a stressed member and the swingarm bolted directly to it.

Other innovations included side radiators, a single-casting engine case, connecting rods with cap screws, the largest 38 mm intake valves, and the largest carburetors Honda had ever used on a production machine at the time.

The twin-spar aluminum frame was fitted with an adjustable 41 mm cartridge-type fork on the front with 109 mm of wheel travel and an adjustable Pro-Link shock absorber on the rear for excellent suspension performance and handling.

In the safety department, the bike was fitted with four-piston calipers and two 296 mm discs bolted to a three-spoke cast aluminum wheel acting as front-stopping power. The rear wheel was handled by a 220 mm disc with a single-piston caliper.

In the power department, the 2000 Honda VTR1000F Firestorm boasted 110 hp with a peak at 9,000 rpm and 97 Nm (72 lb-ft) of torque at 7,000 rpm from a 996cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine fed by two constant velocity carburetors.

With a dry weight of 192 kg (423 lbs) and six-speed manual transmission, the 2000 Honda VTR1000F Firestorm reached a top speed of 248 kph (154 mph).