Honda VTR1000 SP2
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Based on feedback from the V-twin VTR Honda racers, the 2003 SP-2 incorporates many detailed refinements drawing upon the intimate trackside knowledge of Honda Racing engineers. The SP-2 is born from the championship success of the VTR1000 SP-1 which won the 2000 World Superbike Championship, the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race, the Suzuka 8 hour and the TT formula 1 in its debut season.
In setting out to develop the 2nd Generation successor to the SP-1, its development team first consulted closely with the racing engineers at HRC. They singled-out all the major points where improvements could be (and had been) made, and then searched for ways to apply these changes to the production machine in a way that would not only improve upon its established sporting potential, but also make such a dramatic leap in performance that the version could be more viably championed in racing events at near-Superbike levels of performance, without draining the bank accounts of those wanting to race it. Also, while calls for \'greater excitement\' were carefully considered in the configuration, the team carefully side-stepped the sort of all-out performance that might leave the majority of riders behind with a feeling of it being even harder to enjoy. So improvements to its long-term riding comfort and ease of use were also top priorities. A tall order, to be sure, but if anybody could do it, Honda could, and has.
While the SP\'s external looks haven\'t changed that much, its actual feeling of rigidity and responsive control has been radically upgraded. Its most noticeable changes can be seen in its swingarm and the frame\'s stronger engine hanger forgings, which are all virtually the same as that featured on the Works machines. Not so easily seen, though the results can certainly be felt, is the work that was also concentrated on the SP\'s fuel injection settings in order to realise smoother, stronger and more responsive power output.
Incorporating detailed refinements based on feedback from the real HRC racers, the SP-2 should probably not be compared with its predecessor, but instead directly compared with HRC\'s Superbike racers. As always, the main idea behind the SP 1-and SP-2-is to extend the greatest riding enjoyment to the widest possible range of riders. Thus, the SP-2 doesn\'t require the highest levels of riding skill to take advantage of its excellent balance of performance. Its ride is exciting and aggressive, but not too narrowly focused, so it provides far greater riding satisfaction over the long run. In fact, the SP-2 feels so good on a winding road that it makes up for long hours of city traffic just getting to those roads to enjoy it.
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| Engine | Honda |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC 90º V-twin |
| Engine Displacement | 999cc |
| Bore & Stroke | 100 x 63.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 |
| Carburation | Electronic fuel injection |
| Max. Power Output | 133 bhp at 10,000 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 102Nm at 8,000 rpm |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | \'O\'-Ring sealed chain |
| Dimensions and Weight | |
| Length x Width x Height | 2,025 x 725 x 1,120mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,420mm |
| Seat Height | 820mm |
| Ground Clearance | 140mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 18 litres (including 2.5 litre warning light reserve) |
| Dry Weight | 194kg |
| Wheels, Suspension and Brakes | |
| Wheels Front | 17 x MT3.50 \'U\'-section 5-spoke cast aluminium |
| Wheels Rear | 17 x MT6.00 \'U\'-section 5-spoke cast aluminium |
| Tyres Front | 120/70 ZR17 (58W) |
| Tyres Rear | 190/50 ZR17 (73W) |
| Suspension Front | 43mm inverted cartridge-type fork with adjustable spring, preload and compression and rebound damping, 130mm axle travel |
| Suspension Rear | Pro-link with gas-charged integrated remote reservoir damper offering adjustable preload, and compression and rebound damping, 120mm axle travel |
| Brakes Front | 320 x 5mm dual hydraulic disc with 4-piston callipers, floating rotors and sintered metal pads |
| Brakes Rear | 220 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads |
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An image of power
The VTR1000 SP-2 delivers an exhilarating racing-class image with looks to drool over. Its aggressive racing-class response translates equally well to top performance both on the track and on the road.
Mind blowing torque
The SP-2\'s power plant, a 999cm3 DOHC 8-valve V-twin engine delivers a sizeable 4PS increase in maximum power output and a stronger, more breathtaking surge of acceleration. Newly designed exhaust ports feature a Works-derived shape for faster exhaust velocity and combustion chamber evacuation.
Superbike handling
Precise control is assured via the SP-2\'s diamond-configuration twin-spar aluminium frame, which houses a \'combined Pivot\' for the swingarm, which itself attaches to the engine for race-ride handling you expect.
New style swingarm
If there\'s anything that really sets the SP-2 apart from its predecessor, it is without a doubt its all-new press-forged aluminium swingarm which delivers aggressively responsive racing-class performance.
Real stopping power
Wide-diameter, 320mm dual floating front discs stopped by responsive 4-piston callipers provide the necessary bite.
The VTR1000 SP-2\'s front calliper mounts incorporate removable stays that accept a wide range of replacement callipers. Similarly, HRC\'s familiar, five-spoke, U-section cast alloy wheels accept a wide choice of racing slicks and road-legal rubber.
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Other Models
Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade - Honda CBR125R - Honda CBR600F - Honda CBR600RR - Honda VTR1000 SP2
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