Honda VTR 1000 SP

[modalx]

2003 VTR SP3

I've done 2000 km on the SP3 from new. I checked out the R1 and 954 just to be sure and settled it once and for all; v-twin power spins my wheels. No question both the multis are great bikes but somehow they are so superbly competent that even the power is kind of unsatisfying. Nope - I want it rough and it has to throb not buzz between my legs to make me smile.

The SP3 is apparently identical to the SP2 but these are quite different to the SP1 and a totally different beast to the VTR1000. The SP3 has noticably more power (and much smoother response) than the SP1 and both are a bit quicker than a basic 916.

Its a bit fatter to sit on than the Ducati and that makes it feel heavier but is about the same weight. The riding position is slightly more relaxed than the Duc but it is still a reach to the bars, the seat is a plank and there is a lot of weight forward. Weight on the wrists is not really an issue once you get going at open road speed but its no tourer. Doing the Coromandel loop from Hamilton is no problem if you have a good chiropracter.

Extremely tall gearing means slipping the clutch to get away. Frankly the SP is a pig around town and the 'Blade is significantly more commuter friendly.

Styling and LCD dash are love it or loathe it items. I love em both.

Thumping torquey power above 3.5k smooths out just over 5k and builds straight and strong to the 10k redline. Fuelling seems well sorted and I've had no problems with snatchiness at low revs. Gobs of pulling power for rollons at any revs in any gear and over about 7k it gets focussed and goes.

The bike is really solid and confidence inspiring at speed and that is backed up by truely excellent brakes. 2 fingers are plenty and the feedback is superb. I put a 180 rear on instead of the stock 190 and it is very agile through the twisties though maybe not as 'flickable' as the 'Blade. You need to be prepared to move around and use your weight a bit more. Power is totally user friendly especially out of corners and that is what this bike is about. A head shake when the front is unloaded under power is all I've had despite 23.5 degrees rake and no damper.

Out of the box though, the suspension is just plain rude - too firm for NZ roads and the front packed down over Coromandel corrugations. The suspension adjustments really work though and 2 clicks less rebound and 1/2 a turn less compression solved it.

The screen gives surprising protection. 6th gear is an overdrive at anything near legal speeds and you use 5th a lot when cruising. The SP3s gearbox is creamy at 2000ks - the SP1 also has a nice box.

Pros:
Engine is a gem
Great brakes
Excellent build quality
Price - compared to Italian

Cons:
Silly in town
Pillion better be light, flexible and tolerant
Fuel economy only slightly better than Concorde
Price - compared to faster inline 4s

Overall: A minimal compromise v-twin sportsbike with personality and performance. Tons of fun.

[wari]

Thats a bloody good writeup modalx ... kickass

[discodan]

Glad you like it. I am pretty set on a Twin as my next bike and if I have the money I'll be putting it on a VTR1000 SP xx. Those bikes sound great and have performance to match, I never have cared about comfort so thats not an issue.

[tlronny]

Its a pity they were (or are !) so bloody dear - at around $27k you can factor in almost any big jap bike !
If they had kept to the low $20k they would have sold shed loads of 'em.

[wkid_one]

Its a pity they were (or are !) so bloody dear - at around $27k you can factor in almost any big jap bike !
If they had kept to the low $20k they would have sold shed loads of 'em.

Gotta agree.

Take the TLR - more power and shit loads cheaper.

For $20k you can pick up most big bore multis which are quicker, lighter and leave you money in your back pocket.

I like the VTR obviously as I owned its little brother - however I wouldn't be prepared to pay a premium for a bike which is heavier and slower than its counterparts - and has the same technology.

[modalx]

Gotta agree.
Take the TLR - more power and shit loads cheaper.

Hmmm. Uninformed comment. :sly:

I'm sure the TLR is great but you want to get your facts right wkid. For what its worth the stock TLR is about 5kgs heavier and 5 rear wheel horses short of the stock SP2. The SP2 has been breathed on by HRC (though not the SP1) and is technologically well ahead of the VTR and TLR. Besides all that there are plenty of riders with questions about the TLRs handling so a blanket recommendation based on price is not really helpful.

Comparing to the multis is not comparing apples with apples.

[wkid_one]

Hmmm. Uninformed comment. :sly:

I'm sure the TLR is great but you want to get your facts right wkid. For what its worth the stock TLR is about 5kgs heavier and 5 rear wheel horses short of the stock SP2. The SP2 has been breathed on by HRC (though not the SP1) and is technologically well ahead of the VTR and TLR. Besides all that there are plenty of riders with questions about the TLRs handling so a blanket recommendation based on price is not really helpful.

Comparing to the multis is not comparing apples with apples.

No it is not comparing apples with apples but it is comparing dollars with dollars.

I have ridden the SP1, SP2 and SP3 and found none of them endearing - even tho loving the VTR as a bike. Mind you I also hated the TLR's desire to want to stand up mid corner.

I am sorry - but for the money (regardless of twin or not) the multis make a much better rider and generally better handling due to better weight characteristics.

The Twins unfortunately will be a dying breed if you look at the trends in MotoGP - with even Ducati investing more money in the Big Bang Four than in the SBK - and Honda largely pulling out of the SBK.

Also - due to the nature of the twin engine they are limited in their power thru their inability to reve to the same level of the multis.

Whilst I can appreciate the allure of the twins - I can't justify $28995 of a VTR SP when I can go and buy a bike shed loads quicker and lighter to boot and still have enuf change in my pocket to buy a Power Commander etc to put salt in the wound.

[modalx]

[QUOTE=wkid_one]No it is not comparing apples with apples but it is comparing dollars with dollars.

Mate if it was all about dollars and power no-one would ever buy Italian. Some of us think bikes are about more than horsepower per buck and are actually looking for a riding experience rather than a fashion accessory.

V-twins on the way out? Yeah right. Someone better tell Ducati, Aprilia, Harley....

[tlronny]

Just as a matter of interest - what bikes had you ridden or owned b4 you got the SP ?

[wkid_one]

Modalx:

Your bike ISN'T European and therefore doesn't command a premium price? It doesn't have the edge of the 999 (or the horsepower), nor the looks of the stunning MV, or the fantastic sex appear of the Benelli.

It is just an overpriced Jap bike........lauded coz it is the only bike Honda have perservered with in the SBK - which has ended last season and gone entirely now with the multi rule.

Honda are signalled already the discontinuance of the SP with the 04 being the last bike.

Also - isn't Duke now investing more money in the Big Bang 4 than the Twin - I think so.

Again this is opinion - however I am don't feel justified is spending $28995 on a heavy and underpowered Jap bike - esp when all the latest rocketships are under $24000

[marty]

the bitching threads are over there <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
i thought this was for reviews in here. modalx, i thought your review was very well written. makes for intersting comparison for an rsv/duke/vtr shootout

[wkid_one]

Marty - do a review on yours, and Blu do one on the RSV before you leave.

A TLR one would be a good comparison also (and TLS)....

[modalx]

LOL wkid - you don't know when you're in over your head. The simple fact is that my values are different to yours. That seems to be difficult for you and I don't want you to mistake me for someone who gives a shit so I'm done talking about it.

This thread was supposed to be for reviews - thanks for the feedback guys.

FYI I paid nothing like 28k for it and about the same as the expected price on the 2004 'Blade. As I pointed out, it is still more expensive than many faster bikes but it is also hugely cheaper than Italian twins. Check out the review in this month's Performance Bike looking at the Aprilia RSV Factory where it compares very favourably to that and to the 999. The bike is also a bit different - seems to me the roads are littered with red ones these days.

There is a lot of bullshit and half baked opinions out there (hmmm... and in here) so you have to check it out for yourself.

tlronny - I've ridden countless bikes over the years - actually I worked out I was rebuilding the motor on my first sportsbike (Norton Dominator) 3 years before wkid was born so there's a clue!

[ching_ching]

Yo ModalX,

Good writeup bro, informative, to the point, excellent.

You should be knocking on the door of Motorcycle Trader & News, wirteups like yours wouldn't go amiss in such publications.

ching

[duckman]

Good writeup Modalx,

I've recently been test ridin a few twins (TL1000r, TL1000S, VTR, 996) and even tho I can see why people like the multi's (hi Wkid ), I don't think they will ever dominate the market to a point where manufacturers would stop making twins.

If you like a twin -You LOVE a twin. It's the way it rides and I hope they will be around for ever.