Pretty much as it came out the crate with the exception of the SM exhausts. The originals are packed up for safe keeping. The only other non standard bits are the dash surounds which are RSR carbon parts (again originals all boxed up as these disintegrate if the bike gets dropped..), reduced depth rear seat pad courtesy of @Bridgland (oem in a box), an optimate charge point, and a replacement screen (have a Ricambi original in a box... lol). Even the grips are original, but with antivibe covers over the top which keeps the oem ones in one piece as an added benefit... Was thinking of changing the rear caliper to underslung as I have the bits and it looks quite nice but that can wait for when I next change the tyres. Oh and the number plate hanger frame is, you've guessed it, in a box... I like my boxes!
Like I said before, an absolutely gorgeous example! Now that I've built a certain version of my ideal "916" ( a bitsa 996 "SPS" that is considerably lighter and and a bit more powerful than the real thing ) I find myself in ever deeper lust with the original SPS. But that's as rare as, and barely distinguishable from it's slightly more common brethren. So I also lust pretty hard for your SP4. Please never hesitate any time you feel like posting more photos !
She's also a beauty Bridgland ! I applaud your creation. Perhaps I saw it in Practical Sportbikes (RIP) awhile back..? I partially applaud your creation because I'd like to do the same someday and build an SP4S tribute. I wasn't rich enough to buy a proper 996 SPS, but I built something even better. One day I hope to do the same with an 888.
…….and she was in Practical Sportsbikes just as we hit Lockdown. It was the feature bike and before I converted her to a single rear seat unit.
I was walking away and the sun came out. Two things that strike me: I can see what's behind in the mirrors. And I can put a bag of watercress, spinach and rocket beneath the seat. I also have the disc lock beneath the seat. On the 999 I carried it in my pocket until the thought of coming off with it beside my kidney freaked me out.
Having said that - about being able to see with the mirrors - I still look over my shoulder. It's a conditioned reflex. I do it when I'm walking, too. It feels like an integral part of being in control. Like I'm still on the stripped down, no fairing, no flashers, no mirrors bikes I rode for so long they defined motorcycle riding. In jeans and a t-shirt. Fucking fire alarm's gone off.
