Honda sp1-sp2

[neatbik]

Are they reliable?
And what changes were made from the sp1 to the sp2?
Cheers

[Mr Nice Guy]

Super reliable, over engineered.

Better fuel injection (+ few bhp), uprated suspension, braced swingarm... pretty much it. Fantastic bikes.
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Suzuki GSX-R750K4 ~ Mivv GP

[Seb]

Brought myself an SP1 a few weeks back.

The differences are pretty much covered, the fueling is a bit better (But apparently still pretty woeful without a power commander) and the engine gains ~5 bhp, beefier swing arm, lighter 5 spoke wheels and a few little tweaks to the frame.

I got lucky with mine and had Ohlins front and back from the get go (Although admittedly it was setup by a complete nutcase and was nigh unrideable at any real pace until I got it sorted), but apparently the stock suspenders leave a bit to be desired on UK roads.

Biggest issue coming from an Aprilia is the stock gearing, I'm generally slipping the clutch at anything below 25 and getting stuck in tight traffic gets very tiring, I'm hoping to get some Stomp grip on it ASAP and that should help a ton.

The fueling really is absolutely shocking below 4000 rpm, granted I've got an open harris system which likely doesn't help matters at all. A power commander is pretty much priority 1 for me at the moment, above 4000 rpm where the fueling is fine, the motor is surprisingly smooth for a twin, and feels far less agricultural than my old Rotax lump did.

Hit 60+ down a smooth twisty road and it suddenly makes perfect sense though, at decent speeds it's even fairly comfortable although the fairing doesn't really offer any weather protection.

It's worth noting the tank range is pretty bad, I routinely have to fill it up before I hit 100 miles, and if I'm sticking to back lanes I'll often get the fuel light going as early as 80 miles. Apparently a power commander does wonders for the tank range though.

I'm utterly sold on it personally, the noise is highly addictive, and even if it's no way near on par with a current litre IL4, it still feels utterly savage and almost as hateful as the Honda team that designed it

https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1337/1bdt1920cu2.jpg
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Tristan.]

[DynaMight]

Yeah good bikes. Bit tubby and underpowered compared to the latest 1000cc IL4's but oh well.

Fuel range and usability below 4k rpm is much improved with a power commander. I generally get the fuel light about 110 miles and on a motorway trip I once got to 143miles before reserve I get no real jerkiness below 4k rpm now, can happily potter along at 2k rpm. Worth every penny.
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My bikes are at https://www.bikepics.com/members/dynamight/

[neatbik]

Cheers for that guys, im certainly getting more and more tempted. I reckon i need to find a dealer with one i can test ride next. The thing that sparked my interest in them is the noise they make, absolutely stunning

[Seb]

[DynaMight]

Mine doesnt have stock gearing, one less on the front. Thats another must have mod too, you can still use the stock chain...unless your current one is close to knackered.

I dont remember it being much worse on standard gearing mind. I did ride it for about a year like that.

I didnt see you at Bude the Sunday before last did I? I noticed the bike but didnt click until afterwards. Were you having some grub with Jim and Andy from SWB?
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My bikes are at https://www.bikepics.com/members/dynamight/

[fatmatt]

Seb that bike looks stunning in that pic mate
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewtomsphotography/

[Seb]

[EddyJones]

How much can you pick a decent sp1 up for now?

Would love to get one but think I may be better going for a 600 rather than jumping straight to a 1000, albeit a twin

[Seb]

I really wouldn't advise getting an SP1 as your first big bike unless you really are miraculously smooth with your throttle hand. My Aprilia RST1000 was leagues easier to ride and ultimately made almost the same power and torque, it just delivered it in a very different way

I'd have had no real issues with a fairly inexperienced rider having a go on the old Futura, yet I barely trust myself with the SP1 yet
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Steve-D]

Giz a go Seb
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www.southwestbikers.com
Tristan The said 'Dunno what my pace will be like, fastish slow puncture on the rear and if I go too fast I risk my 'keys' falling out'