I am aware of the on off fueling and rear shock issues but general impressions would be welcomed. I should have bought one years ago as they are now starting to go for silly money but that shape and gear driven sound track has got me thinking of maybe looking .Thanks guys.
Had a sp2. Heavy bike and good on fast sweeping bends. I found it hard to chuck about.when scratching Great build quality. i would get one again.
i was thinking about getting one a few months back. i still like them and also the rsvr mille. the sp2 sounds awesome but too much money for me for an older bike.
Ridden a few Sp1 and 2, sill love them, I'd own one.. saying that one chap I know well is having a nightmare with his SP2!
Back in the day, everyone I knew sold off their R1`s and bought the SP1 when it first came out around 2000. In fact one of my mates still has his now. I didnt however, and stuck with my 1999 R1. My mate loves his and I dont see him selling it any time soon. Performance wise, its on par with my 996, but my R1 runs rings around it. He`s not had any problems which im aware off. I did notice however the back of his bike is sitting quite low, so i suspect he`ll need a new shock soon.
i love the look of them, dont know if its a common prob but we done a head repair on one, front cylinder front cam eat it self. new head and cam required. good service history and lowish millage.
Thank you for your feedback chaps,the performance side of things doesn't bother me too much as I have a newish ZZR 1400 with lots of performance enhancing parts but an SP1 is an itch that I might have to scratch........... Ozz,my superior Blade went ages ago and t'was a good 'un but I am getting older hence the ZZR.
Just in from washing mine I find mine a lot heavier than my 748s but feels a lot more comfy , it makes the 748s feel like a 250 when sitting on it
my sp1 was bought new and I sold it nine years later, I loved it. rear shock really needs changed to ohlins,front forks had ohlins springs and felt great. I never changed the end cans and with the k&n air filters,pair gear removed and flapper valve removed it sounded really roarty. I could throw the bike into corners knee down no probs but it really must have a steering damper.if funds allow fit ohlins forks and your nearer the bike it should have been, throttle wise I had a power commander fitted and I never noticed the on off attitude. to be honest its the best bike iv owned and I tried to buy it back to keep.
Thanks again guys,have comitted to a Colin Edwards rep SP1 with Akro's with 13K showing from a dealer.I may be in trouble with t'other half but TBH dealt with a lot worse.
Well here she is,hasn't dissapointed but you really have to manhandle her in the twisties,not what I would describe as a flowing ride.Hit some catseyes or overbanding and boy she shakes her head.The noise on the overun is just awesome.Since this picture was taken,I have spent hours detailing,bought some Passo type levers and a nice suede seat cover and a power commander fitted.I have a full Ti Akrapovic system to be installed but have issues getting the engine nuts undone around the heads.A quick detailing note,DO NOT use Wonderwheel alloy cleaner around the rear shock as it turns the shiny finish into what can only be described as a gun barrel black still I feel a new shock may be in order.I took her to Alton cafe and Lommies last Wednesday and had lots of lookers include a member of Hampshire police who was so impressed that he followed us all the way back along the A272 to Petersfield which I note has had to speed limits reduced for our safety.Joy.
One passed me in traffic yesterday on way home. Sounds great. Still a nice purposeful looking tool. Looked great from the back.
