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Review of the Honda VTR 1000 SP1 - By Budda Chi
Where were you when Colin Edwards won the World Superbike 2002? As I remember it was one of the closest title races I have seen, in world superbikes up to that time.
Ducati’s had been the dominant bike for a couple of season’s and Honda had-had enough. The whole purpose of build and designing the HRC SP1 Honda was to beat Ducati at there own game. Watching Colin Edwards thru each round consistently score points and NOT fall off, was new to both Honda and spectators alike.
At that time I owned a GSX600F, a levelheaded sports tourer with a quirky look about itself, but I wanted more.
My local dealer’s hate it when I pull onto the forecourt. I can hear the cogs clicking over in their heads “what does he want now?” Surprising to them I was asking for a V-twin, to which they gladly gave me the keys and off I went. Now I must say, when you first sit on an SP1, it has similar feeling to sitting on the Pepsi Max at Blackpool. You also get the same thoughts go through your head, like “ What the f*+K was I thinking” or “ Did I bring any spare underwear”!! Strangely enough it only took about ten minutes for me to fall for this bike… in a big way.
It’s the noise that you first notice, right between the cheeks, humming. It feels well built and sturdy which Honda make a habit of. All the thoughts of Suzuki’s earlier versions of the TL S and R go hand in hand with the word “steering damper”, not so this machine. The name HRC says it all, pedigree, a racing pedigree at that. You never take on an employee without checking his CV, and the SP1 CV spells grip and grunt.
I took my common route to work, as I know the road, and I’ll get to use all of the rear 190/50 ZR17. A38 pass Basset’s Pole to A453 and then A5. The Honda’s torque is amazing. From 3rd @3000rpm to 7,500rpm you’re merely a spectator on the Pepsi Max again, but this time you’re changing gear and going through it again. The digital display leaves no doubt to what speed your doing, and roughly when you should be applying the brakes. Having ridden the Fireblade before, I know the Nissin brake’s are very good, but I’m on a slightly heaver V-twin, and they’re isn’t much difference!
As I approach Dorden I unexpectedly have to slow down for road works. This gave me a chance to reflect on the other issues surrounding this beast. Now for starters, if you're looking for a comfortable chilled out ride, then this isn’t the bike for you. The suspension on the SP1 and SP2 for that matter has two settings, hard and very hard. It doesn’t like potholes and bumps, which means, avoid them – or it’s going to hurt both of you! Looking at the body, you can see Honda’s improvement in providing a sexy, stylish but competitive race bike. The side-mounted rads, with cutouts in the fairing seem to work very well. One thing I didn’t like was the exposed wiring behind the display, which didn’t spell Honda’s usual handy work, and said LEAVE AT HOME IF RAINING. Getting your knee down came natural to the SP as long as you remember this is a VTR not a 4 cylinder. Try to give a wrist full on the apex, and you'll be joining another line. It loves counter steering, but prefers to have it with power on/off race mentality. A Power Commander is a must for this bike, especially as regards to fuel. The tank holds around 18 litres, and you won’t see a lot for your cash. The best place to spot SP’s are at petrol stations, and that’s not knocking it. The HRC SP1 is a supreme superbike.
But if your thinking about owning one, you might want to consider the competition, RSV Mille, GSX1000, Ducati 998 & 999, Suzuki’s TL R or the newer SV1000. 8 out of 10 riders would like to own a SP1 at sometime or another, I’m just one of them who now does!
Budda Chi
GJ
Reader's Comments
lee marriott said :-
got my hands on a sp1 yesterday (18/3/7) and well, i was screamin in my helmet with joy!! the first thing that got me was the stiffness of the ride but i am a gym goer so i over come that being a bit fitter than jo bloggs. after getting it away from the previous owner who was sobbing at having to sell it i decided to see wot it was like at a legal speed on the local A roads in northants and ive been riding it since!! in a not very long st8 i smashed through the 140mph mark b4 hitting the brakes 4 a cross roads, wow!! it handles like its on rails and inspires me 2 b a better biker, im truely happy with it and thats the truth, not only that on a sp1 ur not just another tart on a blade or r1!!! I consider it a realiable duke 4 a fraction of the cost. get one soon suckers!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
luke said :-
my brother had the same bike as the one in the pic it was awsome it did the bestest wheelies and burnouts he used to do around 10 seconds or less down the quater mile, but their no good as a two seater because the second person sits way to hi, if u want a two seater but still powerful GET AN R1.... also r1's arent good for going around corners fast my brother tried and ended up in hospital for about 7 weeks... he pulled out of a local fottball feild popped a mono (to show off of course) and put it bak down and tried to go around the corner and the bike threw him about 20m onto a grass hill and split his shoulder blade and broke several ribs...
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tom Meeson said :-
Got my sp1 just like the pic above two weeks ago ( 23/4/07 ) and i f**king rules. infact just today i nailed my mates R1
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tom Meeson said :-
PS IF YOU HAVE AN SP1 E-MAIL ME AT tom.meeson@lycos.co.uk
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mental micky said :-
finaly managed to buy myself a sp1 after wanting one for 5 years i am trully amazed with the bike the power delivery is awsome the handlig true and confident i fitted a pair of mtc cans and the sound that comes from them is beutiful my wish came true and i am more than happy with the bike
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Budda Chi said :-
Hey boys, glad to hear your enjoying the full metal jacket experience. Im waiting now for my replacement SP due to someone taking me out at traffic lights WHILE STATIONARY!! Oh well 2 weeks in hospital, loss of memory for 12 days, 4 dislocations - and im rearing to go. Testing for the next couple weeks before flying out for gig.
Email: buddachi@hotmail.co.uk
WEB: www.myspace.com/buddachi
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
emily coldwell said :-
i reall like this bike i hope to ride it when im older
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jeff Owen said :-
Bought my sp in november 2006 so only just getting chance to ride it properly...i'm not valentino rossi and my experience isn't all that great but this bike just inspires you to ride better..wants you to push it and it will tell you when ur on ur limit...feel so much more confident on this than i did on my GSXR600 K2...it's got 207 race replicas on it at the moment and just wondering if any1 considers these the best tyres for the bike??? but seriously...go buy 1...u will NOT be disappointed!!!! go...now!!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
lee marriott said :-
hi sp1 nutters!! well its been 3 months now since getting my hands on the hrc sp1 and im sorry to let u all down but guess wot..... im still in f'~~#king love with the thing!!!! im mean proper love.. the one that makes ur heart miss a beat and go soft in the leg department!! ive fitted a pair of scorpion exhausts, a power commander3 (usb) and a set of k and n filters so far!! (rows wid de misses) the machine goes like s#@t off a shovel so much so my misses wont come out on it anymore (shame dat) but hey ho i just have 2 suffer it solo. it will always be a harsh thing 2 b on round town but anywhere else it is a true pleasure.. i rented a airstrip out the other day and tore into 170mph and had 2 back off so ur guess is as good as mine wot it will terminate at :-) wont be selling it soon chaps... email me at lee.marriott@yahoo.co.uk with any of ur comments or tips...
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Bill said :-
having got back into biking after 25 years, I got myself a 650 bandit,just to accumalate a years no-claims.armed with said bonus, I then scoured the classifieds for a suitable upgrade,nothing took my fancy, untill I spotted the SP1,I had to have one,picked it up last sat,think I'm gonna keep it for ever...
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tom Meeson said :-
Well im using knee sliders like there bog paper now and im constantly wiping the tarmacs arse the sp1's handling did throw me at first i think it's the full race set up that im not used to. 2 people up she dosn't like at all she gets hot and bothered at the lack of will you have in the wrist and the brakes seem to cause m'lady to nut the crap out of £400 worth of lid! guess there too good sum times:) i love killing every car on the road and seeing the owners face at the ol middle finger hee hee oh shit red light :o.
anyway i can't wheelie the damn thing any tips?
and whats this gig ur doin budda chi?
respect to all of us
sp love
-Tom-
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Seaneeee........ said :-
I got my 53 plate SP1 6 weeks ago after having a blade for a year. Oh my god, if only I'd known what I was missing I would nevewr have bought the blade. Just got some Yoshi RS 3 Ti cans and it sounds incredible, power commander next I think. Amazing bike, I love it. Still draws attention amidst the plethora of Gixers, R1's and Blades. There all great but the SP1 is that little bit special.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Shug said :-
Just changed from 2001 blackbird to 2000 Sp1 and I miss my warp drive armchair.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Goran M. said :-
Hi....honda sp 1 lovers !! I have this amazing bike for nine months now. I bought it from first owner with 23.000 km. The bike is like new. I put two Leovinci sbk alumminium oval slip on silencers...the sound is amazing. I m from croatia...and this bike is very rare,because of its high price. Where ever you go...pepole cant stop looking at this bike. I will keep it for a very long time,i guess...my thought is that as the years go passing by....it will allways had its price. It is only bike with the "sign" of the famous HRC.I am proud that i can taste and feel a little of HRC speciallity. Best regards to all vtr sp 1 lovers !!!!!!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mick haydock said :-
like bill its been a long time between rides but i was lucky enough to come across the sp1 and i havent looked back its an awesome beast of a machine. i wont be selling this one!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tanktop said :-
Yes just got one a week ago after four years of a TL R and its better, not by miles but enough for my meagre riding skills to do my favourite roads just ten or so miles an hour faster .... in alot less comfort but who cares when your trying to hang off the seat thinking i am some superbike rider (dream on. Yep every one should have at least one v twin in their life .... dare you!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lee Jones said :-
Got an sp1 two weeks ago,have had Ducatis etc, but this machine has a nice feel about it, plus it goes like stink,theres are no word to come close to what i think of this bike. awsome comes second..............its the real deal.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Got my 2002 sp1 about 3 months ago,and what can i say? WOW!! this bike is the dogs round bits!!.The sound is amazing and it goes like the wind had a play about with an audi rs and left it for dust and when i looked down at the speedo WHOOPS 150MPH!! this bike gets to high speeds very easy!!.As for fuel ive not found it to bad if you thrash it everywhere then yes this beast drinks!!,aside from tht the twicty throttle at low speed is my only gripe so maybe a Power Commander is needed!.One thing is for sure i will never get rid of mine it's MINT you could eat your dinner off it!! 1 owner 10,000 miles love it!!.Now go buy one fools!! Hrc is in my blood now so theres no turning back!! VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM :)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Almost forgot heres mine!!
http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/4100/mintysp1sa2.jpg
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
theroy said :-
just swapped 04 r1 x cash 4 a sp1 hope i wont be gutted is it unleaded i heard it was 4 star plus tablets its all standard 9000 miles and spotless any tips on tyres handling etc would we appreciated roberttaylor68@hotmail.com
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Got my Power Commander today and what a difference!! unreal,this is a MUST!!...So much smooooother.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
tom meeson said :-
lloyd how much did your power comander set up cost you overall? i've been out on sp nearly all day today and i still can't get the damn thing to wheelie ( i think i need bigger testicles) any opinions on tyre choice and pressures? im runnin diabalo's with a 180 rear, 35 psi at the front / 42 at the rear .
stay safe and tell me how to wheelie please
-Tom-
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Hi tom!! total cost for me was £110 for the power commander(good old ebay)and £23 for the dyno run to setup 100%,as for the tyres thts what i use and psi is the same handles very well,although i'm going to try the corsa next!...Also you ask about wheelie's thts one thing i dont like to do as this can damage the clocks and i'm keeping the bike forever and dont want to flip it lol...Ive had the front up a couple of times very easy when opening up in first and second!! All i can say is find your balance point like when you first wheelied a push bike :)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
tom meeson said :-
haha i also intend to keep it for life (hence r&g crash protectors being drilled through my precious fairing) just out of interest how does it damage the clocks (i'll back off the wheelies for now) i got you e-mail but deleted it by mistake so if you could e-mail me again it would be great to be intouch where abouts are you from? i'll hit the power commander on your recomendation next
ride safe -Tom-
tom.meeson@lycos.co.uk
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Hi tom!! ive sent you mail :) also i got the dyno run wrong the £23 was just a test to see if it needed setting up but lucky for me the power commander was mapped for my bike nice!!...The bhp was 125 standard!! which isnt bad at all,the tester said i should leave it as is which i intend to do :)...speak soon..-Lloyd-
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
lexie! said :-
oh my god this bike is so hot but it isnt as good as the honda fireblade my boyfriends just had 1 n its fit as! love this bike though i may have 2 invest in one
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
said :-
boss bike
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jaye mccready said :-
beltter bike better in white fast as f#!~
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tanktop said :-
Well 1200 miles later and its still greaaaaat fun. My arse is that numb it doesn't matter. Must admit though low revs around town and bumps aren't recomended. Power commander now there's a thought .... any one recommend some road legal but noisy cans ... had some on the TL and blew my lugs off .. wouldn't mind some for this little beauty.
Ride well my friends
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Thomas eastwood said :-
MY FIRST BIKE WAS A VTR FIRESTORM 2ND BIKE WAS THE VTR SP2 WHICH I SOLD TO A MAN OVER FOR THE NORTH WEST 200,SO LAST MONTH I WENT AND BOUGHT THE VTR SP1,WHAT A BIKE,AS NICE TO RIDE AS THE SP2 BUT A WEE BIT THURSTY ON THE FUEL,HEY WEE CANT HAVE IT EVERY WAY.GREAT BIKE AND FURTHER MORE IT,S A HONDA SURE YOU CANT GO WRONG.ANY HOW ANYONE THINKING OF BUYING THE SP1 ( GO FOR IT )
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Rob Daines said :-
Hi, have owned my sp1 now for 2 years, have had so much fun, what a bike!!! wife is forcing me to sell, so its got to go. 2000 (w) red and black propper colour, email robdaines@tiscali.co.uk for more details, thanks
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
lembo said :-
hi sp1 fans i got my bike in november 2004 its nastro azzuro race paint which i havent seen on another in my 3 odd years of having it. which makes it stand out alot. it has a power commander arrow titanium cans piper cross filters wavey discs ohlins damper etc etc oh and 132 bhp at the back wheel. i have not rode another bike like it ive got a smile on my face every time i take it out people have tried to get me to sell it namely the missis .but i would rather shove wasps up my bum .its a complete animal and i love it so happy riding to you all and thanks
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Spike said :-
Hi,Got my Sp1 back in May ,still cannot get over the grunt it has , love to wave at the so called fast cars as i pass .Got a pair of parelli Diablows on her , which have saved me more than once .With a set of race cans on her , what more can you ask for ,Speed , beauty and handling .One very happy biker. This baby I will be keeping.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Oh i miss riding my sp1 grrrrrrrr hurry summer time,or at least some better weather!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
dac said :-
hi guys am thinking of buying a vtr 1000f silver colour 1998. never had one before anything i should especially look out for before parting with the readies. they want £1995 for it 31,000 miles on the clock. live in dorset so may reflect the price? also am 5'6" tall with slim build will i have a problem at traffic lights ect?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
slim jim said :-
Dac that is far to much money,unless youve got the mileage wrong? plus its not an sp1,i call the firestorms a poor mans sp1.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Danno1 said :-
Hi all well finally after several years of Ducati and breaking down every time i went out there reign is over. She finally gave up and blew up the other week. So I looked for an sp1 found one at a dealer and pick it up Sat and i cant wait. The reviews below are awsome looking forward to picking it up.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Richard said :-
OK all you SP-1 riders; here's a question for you. I'm a middle-aged (did I just admit that) biker that's had a break for 10 years up until 12 months ago, when I bought a CBR600. I love the bike (Castrol GTX colours) it's dead easy to ride & so far I don't go balls out when riding, all though I just can't resist taking it to its limit in a straight line nearly every weekend. I want something both different and gutsy with torque because I might want to go for a European pad-about on it in the summer. I know it's not the ideal tourer but I like the look and individualism of the SP-1. The chap down the local dealership wants to sell me Fireblade, he says it's a better bike. He has a SP-1 but is doing his best not to let me buy it, but I don't want to be like a lot of the others out there. Can you do good mileage on an SP-1 or is it a sunny day blaster? Anyone had any niggles with theirs??
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Bee1Biker said :-
Its a very powerfull bike that I ever had.Strong like bull,fast like flash,though its need a little bit time to reach peak of its power this bike is absolutely great.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Ricard,You wont go far wrong getting the sp1,the guy saying the blade is better is only saying tht because he cannot ride one hahahaha,buy it"" set it up, ie power commander new cans and filters and this bike is even more of a dream!! as for range i get well 100 miles on full tank and comfort wise im 6ft and 14 stone and 37 years of age and been out on it all day and come back without one stiff bone hahahahah,only the one between my legs hahaha,thts the sp1 affect!! buy buy buy!!! let me know how you get on!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
marco said :-
finerly got my hands on one of these,i have been riding(after a 7yr lay off)a triumph t595 daytona,very good handling,but a little short of top end speed(150mphish).so after 6mths on the trumpet,a new a more exciting bike was needed,a low and behold managed to aquire the above mentioned sp1,2000 on a w micron carbonfibre cans(which if i do say so myself sound f**king awesome)power commander,k&n filters,dinojetted(stage5kit fitted)down 1 tooth on front sprocket,and down 2 on rear sprocket,which makes mine bloody quick,and hasn't stopped putting a smile on my face since she arrived,triumph handled a dream,but the sp1 is just on rails,entry&exit speeds are musc faster due to the way this bike feels beneath you,will make all ridders better due to the way you feel connected to the bike,and the feel you get back from the road,this bike is the best(for me)i have ever ridden,and i've owened a lot of bikes trust me,the sp1 is not top of the pile when it comes to speed,but be rest a suered it certenly is the best all rounder,my advice buy one now and live biking to the maxxxxxxxxxxxx
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Pinky said :-
Hey Marco,1 tooth on front sprocket,and down 2 on rear sprocket,does this make the speedo not read right? and will i need a healer?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Alan Goddard said :-
Its now 2008 and I've had my SP1 for 20,000 miles and 4 years - and I still love it. Its tractable enough to allow you to be lazy with the gears and has loads of oomph to get you past that line of traffic in the morning. With the SP1 I've adopted a different riding style - bum hovering on/off the seat and lots of engine breaking to slow up into the corners - its almost worth going to work for! Reliability has been good, the cost over the 4 years has been 1 front disc, 1 rear shock, 1 chain, 1 front sprocket, 2 sets of brake pads, 2 front tyres and about 6 rear tyres. My favourite passtime is destroying BMW driver's egos - have fun.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tom Meeson said :-
Sweet Jeebus I'm back. The SP1 TAUGHT ME A LESSON WHICH ENDED IN ME LIVING IN HOSPITAL FOR A WHILE..... but i'm better now and my SP is back and running better than ever some new ART carbon cans are on to cause total loss of hearing and some K&N'S to increase air flow plus some other trick bits.
Any of you lot had your suspension set up for you???? tom.meeson@hotmail.com
stay safe and GET THAT KNEE DOWN :)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jeff said :-
I have had my SP1 for 4 years now and have done best part of 20,000 miles on it and just cant stop riding it, i have done 500 miles in a day a few times with no pains and i am 53 years old! I have had bikes since i was 16 and have had a Honda CBX 1000 six cyl since 1984 which i still ride and it is still a fast bike i do love to pass modern bikes on it but the SP1 is just a real riders bike,simply a joy to ride,i like the way the power comes in, yes even from low down it just needs throttel control,to smoothe it would take away its character, i hope i will be riding my SP1 for many years to come,if i manage to keep my licence!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Hi guys!!! had my sp1 now for a year and i love it!!! next week is service time and i had to replace the front part of my clocks,which melted in the sun!!! got my self a set of scorpion cans with removable baffles! Which sound the dogs round bits!! Bike has now done 14,000 but hope to put more miles on this summer!! Like ive said before i'll never get rid of my sp1 ,even had ago on new blade and couldn't wait to get back on my sp!!! This bike is so complete!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
At last got mine setup for the cans im using,and what a difference its made!! this bike is unreal!! warp speed Mr honda!!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Phil E fom Stoke said :-
I agree, I took mine on a track day and wow,the SP1 is the doggs. The grip and cornering speed, onc out on the straight it's bye bye to all but the brave boys. I own a Pan European as well and ask myself constantly why have I got the SP whn the Pan gets on with it. When I go out on the SP I know why.....WOW...
Over the past few months I have learned to grip it with my legs as Colin Edwards did and the difference is mind blowing, hanging off the side at Mallory was just sheer pleasure. Am on at Oulton Next week, I am hooked on this bike and track days. I have never been on anything better
racing is what the SP was meant for trust me...
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
showlove said :-
The sp1 is a bomb, i live in nigeria and there are 3 sp1 n 2 sp2 owners. it's a really quick bike that loves to be manhandled n shows class on the curves. mine has braided brake hoses, venom race cans( not legal in europe n the usa), electroplated wheels(gold) n a commander stage 3. this bike chews the rear tires like a child attacking a spool of candy floss.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
mike said :-
i just got a sp1, first impressions were great and riding it back flat out straight away is a sign of a good confidence boosting bike.
but its not that quick in straight line, my zx636 was quicker, it sounds like thunder with the race pipes, looks sweet, the only other problem is riding it slow and monouvering it is very hard work, i just hope i can get used to that asap so i dont end up selling it. i wanna keep it at the mo
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Mike is the bike standard? i doubt a zx636 would beat in in a straight line,ive pi**ed r1's and blade's.Also you should get PC and new cans,sorted the low down snatcher throttle lol,mine goes like a rocket now!! The only way tht 636 would beat it is on twistys tht are tight and bumpy.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Rochelle said :-
My brother has a bike exactly the same and the fastest we can go over here in guernsey is about 30 miles per hour. over here there is this very long straight road so one day, no lie, he went 100 miles an hour on it and said he had a job to hold on! when he stopped some bikers followed him down the road and said nice show mate! true story my bros only 22!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ren W, Bikes And Travels Webmaster said :-
Hi Guys.
Sorry about the new number thingy when entering comments, but I get 20 or 30 automated entries every day that need to be cleared etc.
Big big big thanks for all of your comments. I love reading this stuff, it's mad!
Cheers, Ren.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Had the best day on my sp1 yesterday!!! roll on weekend for some more scratching!! Id love to see a section on here where we could post our pics ;)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
colin bulpitt said :-
best bike ever
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Terry Lake said :-
Had my sp1 for 6 years and still love it.Its got a Harris full race exhaust system, harris rear sets, Ohlins front and rear shocks and steering damper,braided hoses, and a power commander. It still keeps up with the newer bikes today. Never selling it.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
steve mendrys said :-
well its aug 08 now had my SP1 for 7 years from new just done 129,000 miles yes 129,000 still runs like new like the rest of you I WILL NEVER SELL It just remember CHANGE the oil ever 5,000 and filter ever 10,000 and it will run forever....steve.mendrys@mac.com
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
deanna potter said :-
my dads mate has got a honda vtr 1000 sp1 it is a wiked bike i have been on the back of him it was awsome i love my bikesand hopefully when i am older i will have one of these bike it will b emy dream come true
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
pete said :-
its a case of can you ride cant you are going thru mid life crisis want to show off to girl friend buy a tractor sorry mis spell harley wanna die buy zz want to really scare yourself buy any thing with more than 120hp we can all talk but we aint no valentino LOVE the sp1 LOVE the 900rr you pays yur money and increases your life policy
SONiK
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Brian said :-
I bought a SP1 and loved it.
I had the rear shock sorted.Bought Akroprovic full system.Power commander and really set it off with a pair of carbon dymag wheels.
a few more bits and I had the bike of my dreams.
Reg w2 bjr my initials.
I sold it to move to Thailand had a great time but now returned and you know I want my bike back.
Or similiar.
Looking for a sp1 with the right bits at the right price so if you know of one
brianthaihomes@gmail.com
Proberly the best bike ever built in my opinion for what it counts for.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
steve b (NZ) said :-
Hi all, I have just purchased my 00 sp1 (08/08) and there is true love. I was looking at getting back into riding after a 10yr break ( had kids) by getting a VTR 1000 firestorm, then I spied a sp1 for sale and fell in love, it took 2yrs of waiting but it was worth it. My last ride was a VFR400 and I thought this might have been to bigger step to take but now I have got some k's under my belt I'm learning to ride this piece of art work, it beggs you to go fast and fills you full of confidence, I take it out every chance I get and always come back with a huge grin on my face. I'm doing my fisrt track day in Dec and hoping to get some tips from more experienced riders, I love the power of this machine and will have more once the pipes and power commander are fitted. Safe riding to all and go the mighty Honda :)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Geoff said :-
I have a 2001 SP1 & I am looking to change the exhaust system. Does anyone know of a full race system with only a single out pipe?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
clell 63 said :-
just bought an sp1 after a break of about 5yrs last bike was cbr1000 been droolin over this bike 4 the past year now.its here next week but wont be on the road till about april.is it normal 2 b scared of this bike?will have 2 go through the learning curve again is the bike forgiving enough 4 a clumsy 45yr old.i cant wait 2 start ridin this beauty any advice on this would be welcome thanks
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
RWG said :-
Just a note to give an open minded opinion on this great bike SP1, I have been ridding since 1975 seriously, a lot of road miles & some track time to boot. I have a small collection of bikes 10 in total, all bar 1 is used regulary on road or track, I like big Vtwins. I have 7 Ducati,748r, 916 sp3, 749r, 851, 888 to name a few, these have been in my possesion for a long time, the latter two have been used mostly ridding to track days, none of them have ever brocken down!!! just to clear that wives tale. Well SP1, I bought this bike purly on merrit, it is fast,sharp and responsive when on song! however it should be considered compulsary to have a power commander fitted, limited distance 90 miles on fast runs, quite firm ride, thats it. Go find your best road, ride it like a twin and its there with the best of them. The best bikes I have ridden are 748r, 999r rearly something special but SP1 new 10k + can now be had for as little as 2.7k absolute bargan. If you are thinking about it, I would say BUY BUY BUY. enjoy your ride what ever it is.
RWG
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Danno1 said :-
Hay up does anyone know the best suspension set up for my sp1 i am 13 stone average rider. I just want to get the optimum performance that i can out of it cheers Dan
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tanktop said :-
Well many more miles and smiles ... what a blast the fine machine is ... only problem I have come across is F1 light has come on .. rectified the fault but it still wont go off .. running like a dream so that's a bit frustrating.
Looking at the 2 now .. never did fit pc or cans.
Knees down arse up and eyes open my fellow jaunters.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
steve b (NZ) said :-
It's Dec and I have had the SP1 on the track for the first time (Ruapuna Race Way/ Christchurch NZ) my god was it fun and fast, knowing that there's noone coming the other way when you muck up ya line is brilliant and I intend going back to learn how to get that knee on the ground. With the scorpion pipes an pc3 fitted it's now much friendlier to ride and the fuel savings are amazing, the fuel light was coming on at 180km but now around 240km, recommend having one fitted if you haven't done so. Ride safe and enjoy
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
RWG said :-
Happy new year to all,
Note to (steve b NZ)
I have just been granted our residence visa through immergration, long time applying, I now have untill 09 December next year to move over. I can not bear to think of selling my bikes, have you heared of any body importing them in to NZ from UK!
Cheers
RWG
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd. said :-
Got a few extras for my sp1,updated those ugly indicators to the sp2 style and also changed the fairing brace to an sp2 aswell,looks the dogs round bits now!! Havnt done many miles on it this year only 1200!! but lets hope and pray next summer will be better!!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
steve b (NZ) said :-
Note to RWG,
With that list of fine machines I'd be upset at the prospect of selling them. I have heard of people bringing their bikes with them from the UK (a man with an RC30, very cool) but dont know what channels they went through to achieve this, as they are your personal bikes I dont think there'd be an issue bringing them with you as there are plenty of Ducati's over here. I would assume you would just need to get them into a container for shipping, might be a bit exspensive is all. Good luck and we maybe welcoming you to our country shortly.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
jj mcdaniel said :-
just got my sp1(exactly like the pick)hoooly crap, this thing doesnt whanto top out, and it sticks like crap on a wool blancket. took my mates 999s for a blast yesterday,,,what a waist of mony and it keeps braking down. my sp1 is still all arignl, any sugestions on whats the best end can to stick on??? im adickted to the V2win, will never touch any thing else ever again... You sp1 riders are on to some thing. WHEL DONE!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
LEE THOMAS said :-
I HAVE OWNED MY SP1 ABOUT 2 YEARS NOW IT IS THE BEST BIKE I HAVE HAD IT BEATS THE R1 GSXR APRILIA I PUT A SET OF RACE CANS ON AND HAD A VAST IMPROVMET IN POWER NOT THAT IT NEEDED IT AND THE SOUND IS AWSOME IT EVEN SETS CAR ALARMS OFF AT QUATER THROTLE AND THE ADMIREING LOOKS IS GREAT THERE IS A LOT OF JELOUSE RIDERS OUT THERE SO JOIN US THEY ARE BECOMING RARE NOW
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd said :-
I WANT TO RIDE IT NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW CANT WAIT FOR THE SUMMER!!! THIS WILL BE MY 3RD YEAR AND I STILL LOVE THS SP1!!! AWESOME TOOL,I WILL NEVER HAVE AN INLINE 4 AGAIN!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
lozza said :-
My Collin Edwards rep sp1 has been my baby for the last seven years. Every time i get on it i smile like its my first time on it.
True, the suspention is rock hard, and yes, you have to be focussed every time you ride it, but having said that, when you ride it as it was meant to be ridden, i.e, focussed and not afraid, it gives you back a real sense of achievement. I have ridden everything japanese, german and a few italian bikes but everytime i get back on my bike i feel like i've come home!
Anyways, enough gushing over it, i'm planning a spanish tour and must get back to route planning petrol stations for every 80 to 100 miles!!!!
PS,Tom, wheelies are easy, stay in first gear around 30 mph, back off,then crack the the throttle to around three quarters. Keep your foot over ur rear brake! Her nose will point up and just keep going! I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Dave Hall said :-
Owned my Sp1 from new. Ohlins internals in front, Ohlins rear shock, All set by MH racing Corsham. Micron race pipes, K&N's, Powercommander. Nothing else done. Set up on rolling road by PDQ at Slough. 135bhp at rear wheel. Torque flat from 2,500. Bike is fantastic. I do loads of trackdays on it (& some on my sons GSXR1000) and it doesn't miss a beat. Out on the road it just pulls your arms off from nothing. No need to over do it, but it loves to be revved. Stops fantastic and the suspension works really well on open roads. Bit of rider input and the bike responds in kind, great fun My hero Joey Dunlop last race at TT2000 was on one of these and I'm keeping it with his number on it. Sounds like a Spitfire on heat with big grins all round. Can't think of a bike I'd rather have
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Rimbo said :-
Had an SP1 for a couple of years now and am seriously in love with this bike. Was stuck between buying the SP1 or a Blade at the time and I was literally looking at a Blade for sale when an SP1 one roared past sounding awesome. I took that as a message from Honda and went about getting one. I've taken it across France without any issues and will NOT be selling it ever!! I've got it set up as standard, apart from a set of blue flames (with the baffles removed of course) and just love love love it!! Ride easy boys & girls.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd said :-
Akrapovic pics to follow cannot wait for these bad boys to be fitted!!!! Scorpion's will be on ebay forsale soon!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
timo said :-
put acrapovic titanium full system and power commander usb3 in your sp1 and enjoy...this bike turns heads and gives you satisfaction 100%. its sound of REAL power of v2,not that "flat flat" what you hear from US-shit.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd said :-
CHECKOUT MY NEW GIRL!!!!!!!!!!
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/961/hondasp1sp2.jpg
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
MARKI said :-
NICE BIKE BUDDY
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd said :-
Thanks MARKI !!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Andy R said :-
Had an SP2 a couple of years ago, only way to describe - Awesome... You don't sit on an RC51 you are part of it! Within a few miles the knee was down, something I hadn't managed to do on any of my previous bikes and I've had loads believe me. Superb feedback and very very easy to ride fast. I regretted selling it so when an SP1 came up for grabs in a deal I snatched it, not the same feedback as the SP2 but haven't had enough sunny days this year to set the suspension.. The sad thing is this came to me in a PX deal and I will have to sell if someone makes me a good offer as I now need the cash. Anyone interested, can only be described as near mint condition. (2001 Y R/B, 16K, Art Carbons, K&N, Carbon Hugger etc) Date 29/03/09 andyr1@live.co.uk (north west)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
andy mackay said :-
hello mate ive just bought an sp1 and i like the feel im getting from it
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Steve b NZ said :-
Hi all, note to Lloyd; awesome pic mate, I gotta get me some of those pipe hangers to get rid of the pillion pegs, I'v tried taking passengers but no fun at all so bought a VT750 to take the wife an kids out on.
Had the beast at the track again 2 months ago and finally getting the knee down all the time, was a great feeling overtaking a 1098 through the infield at Ruapuna as well as a R1 and Gixxer 1000, they were a lot quicker down the main straight but always pulled them back in through the twisty stuff, just awesome, can you really get tired of this bike?? I don't think so!! Go the mighty Honda
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Soyas said :-
I have owned a sp1 for 5 years now,only got 6500k miles on it. Nothing done to it except a couple of scorpions, standard tyres the works.
really great bike, to me its fantastic.
My mate has 2002 gsxr1000, fast indeed, left him for dead on acceleration, all bottom end with the v-twin, as you all know. They are FAST if you get the gears and the revs right!!!
130bhp might not seem alot, but if you get it right, alot of fun.
Me I would not sell my bike for the world.
my girlfriend left me as i would not give up my bike for her!!! hahaha
happy biking
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Swift Nik said :-
Keep al ya Dohc inline fours, thats what I say!!!.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
soyas said :-
Richard mileage, roughly just over hundred normally.
today was like 70 though for me, dogged the shit out of it, feeling depressed, came back smiling.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
john said :-
sp1 is a mans bike, bet u cant ride 1, do you go through 2 front tyres to 1 rear?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Mr sheen said :-
John your comment is stupid i bet you dont even have a bike!! lol The sp1 is not a mans bike anyway its the devils machine!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Spikenergy said :-
Bought standard 2002 SP-1 last tuesday. Its a great machine i have ridden all types and sizes of in line 4 sports bike, however this bike is awesome compared to any in line 4 of a similar age.
I intend to keep the bike standard, no need for power commander, i like the rugged v twin feel of this bike and i dont ride balls out so im not worried about fuel guzzling issues.
Its a classic and i wont part with it now.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
AB said :-
This bike is absolutely F#$KEN unbelievable....awesome...!!!!!!!!!will not sell it ever ....!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
leswop said :-
mate I love what you wrote, I own a Sp1 and love it to bits. The first time I laid eye's on one I knew I had to have one. Not being an experienced rider I quickly learnt how to hold on and tuck in. I still can't believe I own one and I shake my head everyday looking at this piece of art which Honda produced. The roads where I live aren't the best but it loves the highways and quick flowing air passing through it's intakes. I would love to share the pictures of it, so I will email it.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
leswop said :-
Lloyd (aka retrodreaming, what's your email... I wanna show you my Sp1..! I think you'll like it.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Lloyd (aka Retrodreaming) said :-
Hi leswop,it's retrodreaming@gmail.com
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
paul love said :-
totally correct!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
andrew m said :-
sp1 rules love it passed test 2 years looking cans at minute any tips looking high rise please e mail me andy.suzy@yahoo.co.uk thankyou bike lookes the nicest bike ever nothing comes close hate the modern bikes now
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
andrew m said :-
sorry suzy.andy@yahoo.co.uk
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Jez said :-
I first had a sit on an SP1 at the NEC bike show in 99' and really wanted one, but the price tag put me off, now 10 years later after many different bikes including 3x Blades, I finally took the plunge in June 2009.
All i can say is, what a machine, simply amazing who says Honda's have no character, this bike has it in spades and then some.
I'm never going to sell this SP, if i have anything to do with it, they are getting rarer and rarer these days and always gets admiring comments when parked at bike meets.
Best mod so far is a radial M/C off a 05 Blade, makes the brakes like hitting brick wall... ;)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
joe smith said :-
Just choped my mircon pipes down to the rear foot pegs on my sp1. Its very loud and spits flames out when u slow down ur change gear soooo cool
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
pete mac said :-
hi i have a vfr800 99 was looking to change to a 1000 but not rideing long just passed the test some say sp 1 is not for new riders, im only 5"6 in height how bad on irish back roads any thougts would help thanks
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
PatR1 said :-
HI guys had a few bikes in my life 2001 R1, Dirtbikes Honda XR400, then had a break. Few years ago bought a 2001 VTR1000F firestorm lovely bike handles great , sold it but missed it so much ended up buing another VTR1000F 2007 firestorm. Not as much power as an R1 but useable power in the right hands gives the fast inline4's a beating on the twists... But always wanted an SP1 read so much good things about them and i think this is the next step...
cant wait - Syd AU
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
paul.j.m said :-
av bn riding a cbr 600 and am dyin 2 get an sp1 ur all lucky and i hope 2 be joining use sn. 1 question tho is the sp1 2 much for a new rider
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
leswop said :-
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30486113&id=1376566277&oid=44736442201
Check out my Sp1 it on a Facebook page unfortunately... Hope you can get in and see it..!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
leswop said :-
Don't bother with the comment above with the facebook page... it doesn't even take you to the right photo... if ya wanna see it email me at
leswop@hotmail.com
You will like what you see..! ;)
It goes like a rocket, fells like a rocket and I never want to part with it..! It won a contest a little while back and was described as a modern day classic.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Ian (chch NZ) said :-
28/9/10 I went for a ride on a SP1 on saturday, wow! what a bike.i have been thinking about riding it all weekend. I used to own a BMW GS then a GSX 750. I now take ownership of a SP1 next week. I can't wait to get out on it again.
It's coming into summer over very now so looking forward to some good ride. will keep you guys informed. loved reading your reveiws thanks guys it sold it for me. It just confirmed what i was thinking after riding the SP1 on the weekend.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
chris m said :-
some great comments on this page.i have had my sp1 for 2 months now and i just get the urge to go off on an epic ride out just to spend time with this machine.there is so much low down grunt,which is where the best sound can be heard blasting out of the cans.i have no pc,but i dont think i need one as if you are able to feather the throttle you can escape the snatchiness.steering damper is a must as i have had close calls on other less qualified rides.tcm cans fitted and it runs absolutely stonking,flapper mod not really noticeable so put vacuum pipe back on.not too many mpg,but thats irrelivant for this bike.monster stopping power on the brakes.i intend to keep the bike as standard as poss with the red black fairing as it is a true iconic head turning bike of bikes.i will not sell mine now i have finally got one,look after your machine and it will look after you.ive had bikes all my life and love anything that has an engine,but this is like what its all been leading to-the pinaccle,youve just gone through the gates of bike heaven!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
chris m 9-12-2011 said :-
hey all,it would be nice to see some new stories and comments on here.the site gets plenty of hits.?
i want to get my sp1 wheels powder coated soon and not sure what colour to do them,they are at present dull gold,i want them to come alive and stand out,also the calipers and rear shocka.any sensible comments or suggestions,the rest of the bike is standard paint job(red black),
thanks in advance..
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Rich M said :-
Just managed to get hold of a one owner SP1 in Castrol colours - looks mint
Can't wait until next year its going to get polished to death until then!
:)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Teddy said :-
I'm a starter and wanna get an SP1. Its a pretty old model but think its cool. What do you guys think?
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
joe said :-
I got my sp1 11/12 years ago never looked back my mates hate me they got blades and all sorts. cart touch me on lots roads the best thing is I got some micron exhausts then cut them down to rear foot pegs very loud and spits flames out every gear change or slowing down.love getting it side ways when cold or wet it steps out but always comes back into line. I killed gear box so swinging arm foot pegs and angers break moutings and all the rest gone for powder coating going be best vtr on road.
23/06/2016 11:25:16 UTC
joe said :-
ps sending engine off to see how for can get bored out should be fun when back
23/06/2016 11:28:40 UTC
John said :-
Guys I am looking for an sp1 and info.. love reading the above posts but they all seem to be too favourable. What are the downsides of owning an sp1? Don't get me wrong I love these bikes, always have but I'm coming off a very well sorted firestorm and just want to be prepared.
How are they on the street in standard form? I hear the best upgrades are to suspension and power commander.
Are they that unridable on the street without these upgrades
Thanks
16/08/2018 00:38:09 UTC
said :-
05/08/2021 08:05:06 UTC
TOMMYBEEE said :-
Hi all I have a 2002 sp1 in nastro azzurro play station colour had it two years now I have put some carbon bst wheels on it just had forks re don and a new rear shock , and put some ladybird pipes on it ,
BST WHEELS...
05/08/2021 08:14:23 UTC
Floyd said :-
Are you still out there? He he he..
09/10/2023 20:40:37 UTC
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