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The new 2002 Honda VTR1000 SP-2 is an upgraded version of the VTR1000 SP-1 that debuted in 2000 and went on to win the World Superbike Championship. Though the changes made are relatively small, they add up to a major upgrade in competitiveness and street performance.
The central idea driving the development of the SP-2 was to create a true Superbike racing V-twin that would give Honda riders a taste of the winning exhilaration that, until now, only top competition riders could experience. “The SP-2 is designed to be a base machine for the Superbike arena,” says Clive Cooper-Smith, General Manager of Blue Wing Honda. “The main criteria for the Honda development team was to offer a reasonably priced base for enhanced racing performance. With only slight – and less expensive – modifications, it will hopefully broaden the range of amateur motorcycle competitors at this level.”
The SP-2 is definitely an eye-catcher, with its race-ready styling and the gaping ram air intake port positioned right at the nose of its front cowl. The reshaped windscreen, developed for 2000 World Superbike champion Colin Edwards, provides enhanced wind protection at high speeds and a sharp new look, accentuated by sporty new front and rear indicators.
The SP-2 isn’t just about good looks. Superbly responsive road and racetrack feel is provided by the giant 43mm cartridge type inverted front forks, which adjust to any conditions for a comfortable and confident ride. Lightweight, high performance four-piston front brake callipers grip wide-diameter 320mm floating rotors to provide strong, responsive braking in both the heat of competition and the pressure of heavy traffic.
HRC’s Superbike racing efforts have contributed immensely to the development of the SP-2, such as with the new 12-jet fuel injectors which provide a stronger blast of high-end performance and a smoother, more relaxed response when you’re on the street. Couple that to the SP-2’s power 998cm³ DOHC 8-valve V-twin Superbike engine and you have a motorcycle that delivers world-class performance and translates its high-spec racing technology into real-world racing enjoyment.
Even the frame of the SP-2 is the result of a thorough racing-led redesign, delivering both less weight and increased stiffness for enhanced control. This weight saving approach extends to the massive new press-forged aluminium swingarm, weighing in at 700g less than its predecessor, and the new Works-developed integrated remote reservoir damper, which handles suspension duties under all conditions.
With the new 2002 VTR1000 SP-2 from Honda, the technology and design of a championship Superbike hits the street, allowing you to experience the incredible handling and performance – and the exhilarating thrill – of a true racing machine.
“Not everyone can be a Superbike champion,” says Clive Cooper-Smith, General Manager of Blue Wing Honda, “but with the new SP-2 you can feel like one by experiencing the thrill of riding a top performing Superbike.”
| Specifications | VTR1000 SP-2 |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC 90° V-twin |
| Bore x Stroke | 100 x 63.6mm |
| Displacement | 999cm³ |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 : 1 |
| Carburation | Electronic fuel injection |
| Max. Power Output | 99kW/10,000rpm |
| Max. Torque | 102Nm/8,000rpm |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final Drive | ‘O’-ring sealed chain |
| Dimensions | (LxWxH) 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) |
| Wheels | Front 17 x MT3.50 ‘U’-section 5-spoke cast aluminium |
| Rear 17 x MT6.00 ‘U’-section 5-spoke cast aluminium | |
| Tyres | Front 120/70 ZR17 (58W) |
| Rear 190/50 ZR17 (73W) | |
| Suspension | Front - 43mm inverted cartridge-type fork with adjustable spring preload, and compression and rebound damping, 1300mm axle travel |
| 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 |
| Rear - 220 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads | |
| Dry Weight | 194kg |
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
