Honda’s SP-1 is not just another Firestorm, it has been completely re-designed with the assistance of the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) to win World Superbikes.  Not only did it win World Superbikes, it also won the Le Mans 24 hour, TT Formula 1 and Susuka 8 Hour races, all in its debut year.

There has been a sharp increase in interest in V-twin sports bikes, growing in popularity inline with Superbike racing around the world, the VTR’s, Ducati 996’s and Aprilia’s RSV Mille creating a battle of the twins situation that has caught the viewing publics attention.

The SP-1 is the production-racing version of the VTR1000F, which was introduced in 1997. The power plant is a 999cc fuel injected liquid cooled V-twin with 8 valves that has substantially changed from the firestorm engine. 90% of the parts are different from its F model brother. 

Twin side-mounted radiators allow a compact design for high-speed stability, coupled with volatile performance and responsive handling, many will enjoy this sports bike.

Its narrow frame encourages flicking the bike from side to side in the twisty bits, and even thought it weights 200 kgs this is not a problem.

This bike is basically straight off the racetrack and into the showrooms at a price many can afford. Twin 320mm discs brakes with 4 piston calipers on the front are outrageously powerful, with one finger being all that will ever be required to slow and the rest gripping the bars to stop you going over them.

Most of the power lives between 6,500 rpm and the 10,000 redline with maximum power coming in at 9,500 rpm although there is plenty available for ‘normal’ road riding at less frantic engine speeds.

With a recommended price of £9999 but available in the UK at a heavily discounted £8399 it is competitively priced. SP-2 now available.

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Last updated 16/03/02