It’s a tough one to call but I reckon the SP2 was my favourite motorbike, ever. Certainly the one I have felt most passionate about, and the one bike I really miss. Our relationship ended prematurely on my way into work one morning. The SP2 was not a practical bike by any stretch of the imagination and after the 18 months of back and wrists aching, the mangled mess was replaced by a smooth and comfy R1.

A motorcycle reviews database would not be complete without a report on Honda’s absolutely awesome, Ducati killer...

Honda launched the VTR1000 SP1 in response to Ducati’s dominance in World Superbikes. The 1000cc v-twin Ducati 916s of Carl Fogarty and Troy Corser kept showing up Aaron Slight and Colin Edwards on the Honda RC45 750cc v-fours. The Ducatis had more power out of the bends and had more grip, until Honda got wise. The 1000cc v-twin SP1 won straight out of the box and made for the most exciting racing the world has ever seen. The SP1 had one slight update after a couple of years and became the SP2.

I bought the SP2 in early 2005 after spending a month test riding the current crop of 1000cc sportsbikes. I wanted something with character and the SP2 had it in bucket loads. I had owned a Ducati before so I knew I could get on with the lazy V-Twin engine, but I didn’t want the reliability issues I had suffered with the Italian. The 05 Yamaha R1 seemed too soft and soulless so the rumbly Jap superbike was definitely the way forward.

My only modifications were to fit crash bungs and to replace the standard exhaust cans with Micron race cans. The free flow exhausts made the bike sound incredible - deep and booming enough to set off car alarms as you ride down the road. No dark screen, no anodised bits and bobs, the SP2 really was pure “race-bike for the road” and I wasn’t going to spoil its style.

The fully digital dash makes you feel like you’re riding a World Superbike, the rev counter grows in digital blocks across the dash in perfect harmony with the responsive throttle.

Handling is exactly as you would expect, razor sharp with masses of grip (on smooth surfaces). I did a few track-days on this bike and it performed impeccably, keeping me right in the middle of the Fast Group. BUT, out on the road, if the surface wasn’t great I would have real problems keeping it stable.

The riding position is right over the front wheel with the clip-ons well below the top yoke. The rock hard seat and track biased suspension makes this Honda no tourer, not to mention the poor tank range or the impossibility to ride smoothly at slow speed. But, the performance and handling are awesome, and that v-twin sound....

On the subject of performance it has to be borne in mind that the SP2 is a race bike. The 1000cc v-twin may not be putting out as many horses as an R1 or Fireblade, but it puts them all out low down in the rev range. This means you’re on the power much earlier and with less effort. Imagine waiting at traffic lights alongside a GSXR1000. He’s ll dressed up in fancy blue & white leathers and virgin knee sliders. The lights turn to green, you twist the throttle and you are gone in a flash, instantly. Unless the Gixer rider was sitting at the lights with his revs over 12,000rpm, he’s history. Also, as your weight is so far forward, more power is put down before the front wheel wants to come up.

The SP2 will always have a special place in my heart. She had so much character and was immensely rewarding to all the senses when ridden hard. Around town and commuting - forget it.

Russ Stevens