Honda VTR1000 SP-2 (2002 - 2008) review

Close, but no biscuit. A good bike, but a better buy second hand at a good price
The Fireblade is a much better bike, but as something a bit different the SP-2 is a good
Two WSB titles
It is really a few years out of date

The VTR1000 SP-2 was both a blessing and nightmare for Honda. It was designed to win back the WSB title from those pesky Italians (Ducati) but failed to set the world on fire, despite two WSB titles.

The original SP-1 was dogged by terrible fuel-injection and although Honda sorted it, and the chassis, on the SP-2 it never justified its high price tag or set the emotions running like the RC30 or even RC45. But it is still on sale, and at a better price of under £10,000.

The Fireblade is a much better bike, but as something a bit different the SP-2 is a good. Worth the money? Not really: get a Blade.

The VTR1000 SP-2 was both a blessing and nightmare for Honda. It was designed to win back the WSB title from those pesky Italians (Ducati) but failed to set the world on fire, despite two WSB titles.

The original SP-1 was dogged by terrible fuel-injection and although Honda sorted it, and the chassis, on the SP-2 it never justified its high price tag or set the emotions running like the RC30 or even RC45. But it is still on sale, and at a better price of under £10,000.

The Fireblade is a much better bike, but as something a bit different the SP-2 is a good. Worth the money? Not really: get a Blade.

Length (mm)2040
Width (mm)725
Height (mm)1145
Dryweight (kg)194
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)825
Suspension Front43mm inverted cartridge-type fork, 130mm axle travel
Suspension RearPro-link with gas-charged integrated remote reservoir damper, 120mm axle travel
Adjustability FrontAdjustable spring, preload and compression and rebound damping
Adjustability RearAdjustable preload, and compression and rebound damping
Wheels Front17 x MT3.50
Wheels Rear17 x MT6.00
Wheels Made Of'U'-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres Front120/70 ZR17
Tyres Rear190/50 ZR17
Brakes Front320 x 5mm dual hydraulic disc with 4-piston callipers
Brakes Rear220 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper
Tank Capacity (litres)18
Wheelbase (mm)1420
Ground Clearance (mm)140
Trail (mm)95
ChassisDiamond; triple-box-section aluminium twin-spar
Cubic Capacity (cc)999
Max Power (bhp)133
Max Power Peak (rpm)10000
Torque (ft/lb)75
Torque Peak (rpm)8000
Bore (mm)100
Stroke (mm)63.6
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio10.8
IgnitionComputer controled digital transistorised with ele
CoolingLiquid cooled
Fuel DeliveryPGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain
Standing Quarter Mile - Terminal Speed MPH113.63
Standing Quarter Mile - Time11.4
Top Speed164.7
Max Power126.4
Max Power Revs10000
Max Torque72.3
Max Torque Revs8200