Honda VTR1000 SP-1

Saw it, rode it, bought it. That was me 6 months ago when I saw this bike in a dealers close to home. I'd been after a good one for a loooooong time. 6 months in, and the butterflies are still there everytime I open the garage door ! Once you set up the suspension to suit you style and weight, (and believe me you need to, to get the best out of the bike), The riding experience is extremely rewarding, except around town. The SP-1's fuel delivery and low speed manouvreing are not the greatest, but then again, that's not what you're buying one for is it ? Get it out on the open road and you won't stop grinning until you have to put it away again. The handling is ...  Read the complete review

I have owned my SP1 (rc51) for 6 months now and am still overawed by the power and torque of this V twin monster. I previously owned a VFR750 and although this was a very quick bike which was extremely comfortable the SP1 is more fun. I have had no problems with paintwork or decals and everything is of the usual Honda build quality. The bike is not too comfortable for touring, 2 hours being enough in the saddle at one time. It will manage 120 miles to a tankful but has a very short reserve of 5 litres. It handles like a dream through the corners though and plenty of ground clearance, tremendous torque delivery and it will pick up the front wheel easily. I have fitted a ...  Read the complete review

The Honda VTR1000 SP1 is a very nice looking bike, but not the machine for riding in built up areas. It's not like any other bikes when it comes to tuning, boy you have to be a wealthy person to buy all the HRC parts if you want to compete in competitions and do well. You can get aftermarket exhaust systems and a power commander which will help with the fuel mapping, and maybe gain a few extra horses. Another problem with this bike is the exhaust system layout, there have been reports of the rear shock reaching almost 275 Degrees when used on the race track, which would eventually give rear end handling problems. ...  Read the complete review

Well after an excellent weekend with a VFR800I the other week I can only say how dismayed I was with this week’s trial machine. Its hard to believe that the same manufacturer builds both bikes the finished quality of the SP1 is appalling cheap plastic poor paint finish and peeling decals make me wonder if this is the new quality? We can expect from a bike built in Italy. From a riders point of view the V twin engine is a joy to use with a throaty growl as you pull away and breath taking acceleration as you give her some serious throttle action. Yet as a practical road bike it is a poor purchase too thirsty for the daily commute, and really uncomfortable to ...  Read the complete review