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Fundamentally unchanged from the look of the SP-1, the SP-2’s striking bodywork features only two significant changes. First is a new windscreen that copies the shape of Colin Edwards’ championship World Superbike Works racer. Approximately 30mm taller than the SP-1’s, it provides a wider range of coverage at high (or racing) speeds, as well as an impressive high-performance look. The next notable change is a new set of more compact and angular front and rear indicators, which now fall in line with the other high-performance Super Sports in the Honda range. The new VTR1000 SP-2 will grab everyone’s attention in it’s striking new white and black variation that unmistakably takes its cue from the distinctive look of the 2001 world champion Castrol-Honda World Superbike Works machines. The new SP-2’s powerful 998cm3 DOHC 8-valve V-twin engine has received only minor upgrades from its high-performance SP-1 base model. The SP-1’s 54mm fuel injection throttle bodies have been upgraded with larger new 62mm stacks, the same units used on HRC’s championship Works racers. New 12-jet twin injectors also replace the 4-jet units used in the SP-1 to produce finer fuel atomisation resulting in smoother, more responsive throttle performance and faster, more efficient combustion for stronger power output. The frame’s forged aluminium steering head stem and upper bearings have been increased in diameter for a wider bearing surface area that assures more precise control.

As for the construction of the SP’s diamond-configuration twin-spar aluminium frame, its front engine hangers were changed from cast to pressforged pieces and extended downward in length for a more solid grip on the engine and a greatly enhanced overall balance of rigidity. The frame’s forged rear engine hangers are also newly designed, and these combined changes alone added up to a 740g reduction in frame weight coupled with more assured, race-ready handling. If there’s anything that really sets the new SP-2 apart from its predecessor it is without a doubt its all-new press-forged aluminium swingarm. Designed entirely by HRC for its Works Superbike, this new swingarm delivers aggressively responsive racing-class performance that translates equally well to top performance on the open road. Featuring a simply monstrous-looking, multi-angled press-forged pivot section and right-side arm, and a hefty Yagura-braced extruded boxsection spar on the left, this new design is not only stronger and more resistant to the torsional stresses of intensive road and track riding, it is also, amazingly, 700g lighter than the ‘smaller’ unit it replaces.The new SP-2 also features a host of other smaller improvements that add up to a significant upgrade in its overall performance compared to its predecessor.

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