Original SP2 (USA) owner. I don't ride her much these days, but I can't part with her. I've had a lot of great miles riding her and met a lot of great people because of ownership. She has been the longest relationship I've had, surpassing my marriage/divorce. Only real problem I've had is the spark unit died. Nothing sings like this bike and still sounds good with the factory exhaust.
Please don't ever get rid of yours. I dailyed mine for years(impractical I know, but truly an experience). I really don't regret much in life, but getting rid of that bike is one choice I really do kick myself for. It was time, I will get another one one day.
@waynekrug2839 I had a blue 05 Firestorm in 2006 with high rise Staintune exhaust. I loved that bike but after I test rode an old SP-1 it just had amazing character and the engine is completely different. I was looking at new bikes but ended up buying my current SP-1 and it needed a bit of love but it is mint now. I work all the time, shift work as well so after riding to work everyday I don't have the energy to go for a ride. I ride 2000km a month. Never say never though
Those bikes were extremely expensive to produce and Honda lost money on them overall but they did race and win was the goal and the quality of those years was the best for Honda.
From the moment you hear those belt driven gears, you know she’s a special bike. 🤙 Have owned mine since 2015 and of my 25 bikes, she and my Ducati 999 are my dailies! Keep her sunny side up and I’d recommend never selling her. These are going to be valuable collectors editions one day soon.
I own #259 of the first year '00. Rebuilt it from the frame up almost 7 years ago. Has 100% compression front cylinder, 99% rear after amost 60,000 kms. Never for sale.
It took me many years to find my Toy. SP1 Former racer, 17 different bikes over the last 50 years. Singles twins triples 4cyl, owned them all. I prefer predictable power, and not have wind up the crank to 17k rpm to get moving. My only complaint the closest track is 5 hrs drive time.
Definittely the RC51 is the most enjoyable to drive, for me anyway. 🏍 I have the VTR SP01 from 2000, that´s how it´s named in Europe, and still in love with it 🤩 very good handling, feel the tork of the V2 motor, it feels like you´re dealing with a 600cc weight wise. It´s a brilliant motorcycle.
Звук "Ватрушки" это песня, даже подвывание шестерён ГРМ в тему! Была у меня VTR1000 sp2, но уже не по силам стала, старею однако, поменял на BMW1200 GS.
I only use the clutch to start and stop or in ridiculous speed limits. Slipper clutch on the SP1 is pretty amazing and must save a fortune on rear end rubber. On occasion though since I bought new 2001 first owner every so often it is like a grabber clutch. No slip on release. Just locks up. Like being on a steam catapult on an office chair.
@@richardlee2488 I’ve ridden vtr1000f. Unless you release that clutch gently or Rev-match, it would always lock up. But anyway, I was always using revmatch on down shifts. Loved the sound. It was quite hard on the track tho, since you’d pull on the brake lever, trying to revmatch properly. It is what it is with a big v-twin. 🙂
@@PoMu4 from memory the f version is fitted with carburetors which should make it more forgiving when cracking the throttle either way. Not sure if they have a slipper clutch either. I've only ridden my own SP1 or should I say SP y which I bought new in 2001. Many people hated them back then but unlike most of the competition they have kept their value. My only regret is the apparent lack of spares back up from Honda.
@@richardlee2488 carbs indeed. In fact, these were the biggest carbs Honda ever fitted on a production moto. No slipper clutch. I still keep looking at SP version, and consider buying in the future. But that’s a sport bike, and I think a sport bike should be ridden like a sport bike. Knowing myself, I’d probably wreck it sooner or later, and that’d be a big shame...
This RC wanted to know where the twistys were and when she could be in her happy place. 8k rpm and up. This is the equivalent of a caged tiger at the zoo or a orca in captivity at sea world. The bike is out of her habitat.
@@ashinoz11 i bought my sp1 brand new when they first came out.had it for 3 years .changed it for a fireblade .with in one mile of riding the blade from the dealer i knew it was a mistake .
@Neil Lambourne didn't test ride it? When I bought this I had a Firestorm VTR1000 and was looking at the latest 2008 Fireblade, the new design and thought yes this is what I want until I test rode it!!! Got off and went no thanks.
Swapped my 2012 bmw s1000rr a year ago today for my sp1, never looked back great bike ride it all the time and a great investment they are only going up
After my rc51 was stolen I thought I might try a 954 Blade as they are generally considered the best for the road. wow, it was very nice and much lighter but I knew almost immediately that I could never get the pure riding experience the rc51 had given me. Back with an rc51 now and will NEVER change for anything else, pure motorcycling heaven😁 (even if it is annoying at speeds under 50 mph, it just wants to go, go, go!).
Your not wrong. If you like your wrists it really wants you to keep the pace up. Hanging off the side is also fairly important to muscle the SP1. They reworked it for the SP2 but not ridden one of those either. By all accounts the 1 is built by HRC and the 2 Was assembled by Honda. The full kit bike class SP w had different geometry again and is virtually unrideable except at race speeds. I wonder if you could get a test ride from a dealer?
The sv1000 has the same growl. I have gpr straight thru on the vtr and it sounds great. But on the SV i have akrapovic with mufflers and it sounds even better. Verdict: V2 cant be beat.
I've got a question for you Superhawkers. I have a '98, and I absolutely love everything about the bike, however, the handlebars absolutely kill my hands. It puts so much of my upper body weight on the heels of my hands, its actually painful. There are lots of options for installing different bars, risers, etc, but in order to change the position enough to make them comfortable, the fairing either has to be removed or cut. I really don't want to cut it, as the Honda plastics are no longer made. The other option would be to remove the fairing, but this bike is funky looking as hell without the fairing. Though about polishing everything under the fairing, but I would still have to install another headlight assembly. There really is no easy solution. Do any of you have any thoughts on this subject?
Grip the tank with your knees. Scoot closer to the tank to sit upright. I only have this problem when i'm riding in cities. I scoot closer to tank and place feet accordingly. I have arthritis in all my joints. I will have to change to a more upright bike eventually but for now i can manage. It has a very comfy feel. Compared to my Sv1000 the honda seat is a godsend. I get numb b*lls in the sv. That never happened on the vtr :P
Can't remember who made them but adjustable clip ones were available back in early 2000s. I got mine back in 2001 and have no intention to sell it but paying the price of ethanol fuel. Missfire as you come out of a junction or bend can be really alarming. Automatic reaction is open it up. Engine catches and Holly s#!t. Throttle response was sharp when new. But currently it's a rodeo. Hopefully the injector cleaner will clear it soon.
I've got the same, and also a beautiful girl has the same. Today we went for a walk, the girl and me❤. She was the reason I bought it, because she lend me bevor her's vor some days. I'm a lucky man, two fantastic bikes and a beautiyful girl. Hope nobody is jealous.
Original SP2 (USA) owner. I don't ride her much these days, but I can't part with her. I've had a lot of great miles riding her and met a lot of great people because of ownership. She has been the longest relationship I've had, surpassing my marriage/divorce. Only real problem I've had is the spark unit died. Nothing sings like this bike and still sounds good with the factory exhaust.
Please don't ever get rid of yours. I dailyed mine for years(impractical I know, but truly an experience). I really don't regret much in life, but getting rid of that bike is one choice I really do kick myself for. It was time, I will get another one one day.
@@xXSoiledTrousersXx
Honest question: Why is it impractical?
I rode mine daily for years and loved it. Even washing it after every ride. Never part with my beast!!!
I have the 05 Friestorm here in Springfield. Be great to catchup and go for a run. Compare the bikes. Hit me up champ.
@waynekrug2839 I had a blue 05 Firestorm in 2006 with high rise Staintune exhaust. I loved that bike but after I test rode an old SP-1 it just had amazing character and the engine is completely different. I was looking at new bikes but ended up buying my current SP-1 and it needed a bit of love but it is mint now. I work all the time, shift work as well so after riding to work everyday I don't have the energy to go for a ride. I ride 2000km a month. Never say never though
Those bikes were extremely expensive to produce and Honda lost money on them overall but they did race and win was the goal and the quality of those years was the best for Honda.
LOL ya we all do it every so often (stalling in parking lot). Exact same reaction too
Mine is due to the Quickshifter Easy, it cuts the Ignition, sometimes if I am not gentle enough it turns it off. Funny though.
The day I collected my first rc51 I stalled it at traffic lights - how embarrassing 😂
Someone teach him how to blip fir downshifts 🙄
Shouldn’t have sold mine..live to regret until today 😢
From the moment you hear those belt driven gears, you know she’s a special bike. 🤙 Have owned mine since 2015 and of my 25 bikes, she and my Ducati 999 are my dailies!
Keep her sunny side up and I’d recommend never selling her. These are going to be valuable collectors editions one day soon.
Gear driven cams, no belt on the Honda. I will be keeping mine forever
Fantastic bikes, and the SP2.
I own #259 of the first year '00. Rebuilt it from the frame up almost 7 years ago.
Has 100% compression front cylinder, 99% rear after amost 60,000 kms.
Never for sale.
It took me many years to find my Toy. SP1
Former racer, 17 different bikes over the last 50 years.
Singles twins triples 4cyl, owned them all.
I prefer predictable power, and not have wind up the crank to 17k rpm to get moving.
My only complaint the closest track is 5 hrs drive time.
Definittely the RC51 is the most enjoyable to drive, for me anyway. 🏍
I have the VTR SP01 from 2000, that´s how it´s named in Europe, and still in love with it 🤩 very good handling, feel the tork of the V2 motor, it feels like you´re dealing with a 600cc weight wise.
It´s a brilliant motorcycle.
Dream to own this bike
Звук "Ватрушки" это песня, даже подвывание шестерён ГРМ в тему! Была у меня VTR1000 sp2, но уже не по силам стала, старею однако, поменял на BMW1200 GS.
Rev her up on those downshifts 🎉
Annoying innit.
I only use the clutch to start and stop or in ridiculous speed limits.
Slipper clutch on the SP1 is pretty amazing and must save a fortune on rear end rubber. On occasion though since I bought new 2001 first owner every so often it is like a grabber clutch. No slip on release. Just locks up. Like being on a steam catapult on an office chair.
@@richardlee2488 I’ve ridden vtr1000f. Unless you release that clutch gently or Rev-match, it would always lock up. But anyway, I was always using revmatch on down shifts. Loved the sound. It was quite hard on the track tho, since you’d pull on the brake lever, trying to revmatch properly. It is what it is with a big v-twin. 🙂
@@PoMu4 from memory the f version is fitted with carburetors which should make it more forgiving when cracking the throttle either way. Not sure if they have a slipper clutch either. I've only ridden my own SP1 or should I say SP y which I bought new in 2001. Many people hated them back then but unlike most of the competition they have kept their value. My only regret is the apparent lack of spares back up from Honda.
@@richardlee2488 carbs indeed. In fact, these were the biggest carbs Honda ever fitted on a production moto. No slipper clutch.
I still keep looking at SP version, and consider buying in the future. But that’s a sport bike, and I think a sport bike should be ridden like a sport bike. Knowing myself, I’d probably wreck it sooner or later, and that’d be a big shame...
This RC wanted to know where the twistys were and when she could be in her happy place. 8k rpm and up. This is the equivalent of a caged tiger at the zoo or a orca in captivity at sea world. The bike is out of her habitat.
ROCKSTAR
One bike wish i had kept the most.
If I ever get that thought in my head I just go for a ride and that puts it to rest!!! Only happened once in 15 years so it is safe!
@@ashinoz11 i bought my sp1 brand new when they first came out.had it for 3 years .changed it for a fireblade .with in one mile of riding the blade from the dealer i knew it was a mistake .
@Neil Lambourne didn't test ride it? When I bought this I had a Firestorm VTR1000 and was looking at the latest 2008 Fireblade, the new design and thought yes this is what I want until I test rode it!!! Got off and went no thanks.
Swapped my 2012 bmw s1000rr a year ago today for my sp1, never looked back great bike ride it all the time and a great investment they are only going up
After my rc51 was stolen I thought I might try a 954 Blade as they are generally considered the best for the road. wow, it was very nice and much lighter but I knew almost immediately that I could never get the pure riding experience the rc51 had given me. Back with an rc51 now and will NEVER change for anything else, pure motorcycling heaven😁 (even if it is annoying at speeds under 50 mph, it just wants to go, go, go!).
Your not wrong.
If you like your wrists it really wants you to keep the pace up. Hanging off the side is also fairly important to muscle the SP1. They reworked it for the SP2 but not ridden one of those either.
By all accounts the 1 is built by HRC and the 2 Was assembled by Honda.
The full kit bike class SP w had different geometry again and is virtually unrideable except at race speeds.
I wonder if you could get a test ride from a dealer?
Maybe 23 years ago!
Look 👀 at dat crush ing hi way miles like some candy
😁go man go
There is no thing that sings like one of those. Once infected with the V2 Virus, there is no cure.
I agree, best sounding bike ever
The sv1000 has the same growl. I have gpr straight thru on the vtr and it sounds great. But on the SV i have akrapovic with mufflers and it sounds even better. Verdict: V2 cant be beat.
😎💙👍
I've got a question for you Superhawkers. I have a '98, and I absolutely love everything about the bike, however, the handlebars absolutely kill my hands. It puts so much of my upper body weight on the heels of my hands, its actually painful. There are lots of options for installing different bars, risers, etc, but in order to change the position enough to make them comfortable, the fairing either has to be removed or cut. I really don't want to cut it, as the Honda plastics are no longer made. The other option would be to remove the fairing, but this bike is funky looking as hell without the fairing. Though about polishing everything under the fairing, but I would still have to install another headlight assembly. There really is no easy solution. Do any of you have any thoughts on this subject?
You can change the footpegs to adjustable ones, that will change how much weight is on your hands if your feet are more comfortable.
Grip the tank with your knees. Scoot closer to the tank to sit upright. I only have this problem when i'm riding in cities. I scoot closer to tank and place feet accordingly. I have arthritis in all my joints. I will have to change to a more upright bike eventually but for now i can manage. It has a very comfy feel. Compared to my Sv1000 the honda seat is a godsend. I get numb b*lls in the sv. That never happened on the vtr :P
@TwoSock always a way around it!
Can't remember who made them but adjustable clip ones were available back in early 2000s.
I got mine back in 2001 and have no intention to sell it but paying the price of ethanol fuel. Missfire as you come out of a junction or bend can be really alarming. Automatic reaction is open it up. Engine catches and Holly s#!t. Throttle response was sharp when new. But currently it's a rodeo. Hopefully the injector cleaner will clear it soon.
Go faster ?
TT key ring 😊
Love the TT
@@ashinoz11czcams.com/video/nVDVhOIvNHI/video.htmlfeature=shared ❤ greetings from Spain, thats me 😊.
my RC51 2000 went to Argentina from USA.. its in my channel thoug
I've got the same, and also a beautiful girl has the same.
Today we went for a walk, the girl and me❤. She was the reason I bought it, because she lend me bevor her's vor some days.
I'm a lucky man, two fantastic bikes
and a beautiyful girl.
Hope nobody is jealous.
Damn you have only straight roads 😂
SPのミラーの方がファイアーストームよりも見やすいだと？
Yes the mirrors are good on the SP-1. I had a Firestorm in 2006 but I don't remember the mirrors being good or bad.
Please blip the throttle on down change aaaarrrrgggghhhhh
Lol. My other 3 bikes have Autoblippers so I get lazy
How can this be USA, all traffic is driving on the left instead of the right.
Down under
Nice bike, but your in QLD lol
At least it is good riding weather!
@@ashinoz11 perfect riding weather :P
安全運転だなぁ、海外は飛ばす動画が多いし。4気筒の750より速いバイク！
Moto GP bike