2002 Honda 999cc SP-2

Registration no. BF52 CCO Frame no. JH2SC45A52M201372 Engine no. SC45E-2203404

• Limited edition 'homologation special'
• Good service history
• Present ownership since 2019
• Recent service

As its nomenclature suggests, the SP-2 was a development of the first model in the series: the SP-1. Faced with Ducati v-twin-mounted Carl Fogarty's domination of the World Superbike Championship, Honda had responded with a v-twin of its own - the VTR1000 - which would form the basis of a new WSBK contender - the SP-1, also known as the RC51. Like the all-conquering Ducatis, the SP-1's engine was a 1,000cc 90-degree v-twin, but unlike the Ducati, which used a tubular steel trellis frame, the Honda employed the industry-standard aluminium beam type, complemented by suspension components of the very highest quality. In the capable hands of 'Texas Tornado', Colin Edwards, the SP-1 achieved its goal first time out, winning the World Superbike crown in 2000 to bring Honda its first Championship victory since 1997.

As well as the WSBK Championship's short circuits, the SP-1 proved capable of mastering true road courses in the hands of Isle of Man TT maestro, Joey Dunlop. Fitted with a WSB-specification engine and swinging arm, the SP-1 gave Joey his 24th TT win (in the 2000 F1 race) a victory in difficult road and weather conditions that the modest Irishman later declared, 'was probably one of my best wins'.

On the WSBK front, Ducati struck back in 2001 courtesy of Troy Bayliss, prompting Honda to introduce the revised SP-2. The updates worked, enabling Colin Edwards to secure his second World Superbike Championship in 2002. In 2003 the WSBK rules changed to admit four-cylinder machines of 1,000cc and Honda switched to the FireBlade. More expensive to produce than the volume-selling 'Blade, the SP-2 lasted for only a few more years and was last catalogued for 2006.

Supplied new by Sutton Motorcycles of Sutton Coldfield and first registered on 1st September 2002, this rare and collectible Honda SP-2 was purchased by the current vendor on 2nd July 2019 at circa 22,400 miles from the same owner as the SP-1 in this sale. He rode it home and since then has done nothing with the machine. Smaller control levers have been fitted (the originals are with the bike, as are the original alloy kick plates).

The Honda was serviced by Thunder Road Motorcycles of Bridgend on 18th January 2022 at 22,446 miles and is MoT'd to 12th January 2023. Accompanying documentation includes the original service booklet (regularly stamped up to 2015); a quantity of expired MoTs; sundry bills; and a V5C Registration Certificate.
Offered with key