WHATEVER YOU CAN DO, WE CAN DO BETTER. AGAIN
Honda’s exotic SP-2 set the track on fire, but not the showrooms
Used Bike Guide
WORDS: JON URRY PICS: HONDA, DUCATI, APRILIA, FLOW
If you like V-twins but can’t stomach a Ducati, look no further.
2002-2010 HONDA VTR1000 SP-2
In 2002 Honda released the second generation of what many still consider its World Superbike folly. Infuriated by the fact that Ducati with their V-twin were dominating the championship, and making their hyper-expensive V4 homologation special RC45 look a little silly in the process, the mighty HRC turned their attention to building a V-twin. The SP-1 was launched in 2000, taking the title in its maiden year, and after Ducati responded by claiming the silverware back again in 2001, Honda unleashed the SP-2. And then, with another title secured, they took their bat and ball and went home (after learning the series was to move to a single tyre supplier – cue toys out of pram etc.), abandoning WSB and instead focusing on dominating GP racing. Point proven. Although there was a slight issue…