Description
This is Lot 287 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale on the 26 & 27 April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available 26 April from 09:00 until 17:00 and 27 April from 09:00 until 17:00, at The International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford.
Lot 287
2001 Honda 999cc SP-1
Registration no. Y974 FHG
Chassis no.
Produced for only two years
Delivered new by Hunts Motorcycles
10 years in current ownership
Faced with Ducati v-twin-mounted Carl Fogarty's domination of the World Superbike Championship, Honda 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 WSBK-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'. There would be two further TT victories that week, bringing Joey's total to a seemingly unassailable 26, before he was tragically killed at a relatively insignificant meeting in Tallin, Estonia a few weeks later. Although the SP-1 was produced for only two years before being superseded by the SP-2, its importance to Honda cannot be overstated.
Currently displaying a total of 21, 743 miles on the odometer, this SP-1 was delivered new by Hunts Motorcycle, Burnage, Manchester and has belonged to the current vendor for the last 10 years. The Honda has covered little mileage since then, its use being confined to fine summer days, and has been kept stored inside a 'bubble' throughout the winter. Last run in October 2024, the machine comes with a quantity of expired MoTs; its original Owner's Handbook; original Warranty And Service Booklet; a current V5C Registration Certificate; and MoT to 23rd May 2025.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams website for all pertinent auction information.
