Honda VTR 1000 SP-1 test
What am I?
She was supposed to become the ultimate Ducati killer. Then rumors spoke of a rather moderate overall construction. Honda VTR 1000 SP-1: tough super sports car or everyday all-rounder? MOTORRAD looked into the question.
Rarely has an order been so clearly defined: Win, win, win ?? take away the Superbike crown from the Italians. The first official results from Slight and Edwards at the official preseason tests of the Superbike World Championship give hope. Honda is back. With this hope, the anticipation increases among us ordinary people. To a super sporty offshoot of these racing machines for road traffic: Japanese perfect, powerful, uncompromising and yet affordable.
Imola, February 2, 9:30 a.m. It is to despair. Thick rain clouds above, ground fog all around, larger areas of ice and snow on the slopes and in the box a delicacy named VTR 1000 SP-1. The first test machine in Europe. 11.30 a.m., it is clear to the greatest optimist: The planned race track test will no longer work. So, plan B ?? out on the country road. Always heading south, looking for the sun.
The Honda welcomes its rider according to the motto "get on and feel good". The seating position is quite relaxed, the handlebars are not too deep, the seat is wide and well padded. With the upper body only moderately bent, the driver feels more likely to be on the VTR 1000 F than on a super sports car. But not only the seating position, but also the size of this Honda is astonishing. With a full tank of 225 kilograms, it is over 25 heavier than a CBR 900 RR from the same company. And it has four cylinders and a catalytic converter.
The conditions are adverse. Wet, polluted streets lead from Imola towards Florence. First straight through the plain, then more and more curvy into the hilly landscape of Tuscany. The SP-1 surprises again. This time, however, positive. Because despite the poor external conditions, the slim VTR weighs its driver in the greatest safety. It takes its course on the greasy ground as if it were a matter of course, announcing the limit area directly and reliably. Not the slightest feeling of insecurity creeps in, no worries about being surprised by the power delivery of the two-cylinder. Everything goes smoothly and harmoniously by hand. Slowly brake, turn in, apply gas? a driving school motorcycle couldn’t do better.
The extremely short-stroke V2 drive presses a whopping 126 hp on the test stand roller ?? measured on the rear wheel, of course. But no trace of brutal outbursts of strength. From 2000 rpm, the two-cylinder pulls through almost gentleman-like. Without jerking and with steady acceleration up to the red area at 10,000 rpm. Both its acceleration and pulling potential are on the same high level as a Ducati 996 PLC. The Honda engine just seems tamer. Few vibrations, low mechanical noises and a rather subdued, compared to a Ducati downright shy sound also contribute to the unspectacular appearance.
Finally the weather is improving, the roads are getting dry, the speed is faster. And the VTR? She drives, this Honda. Without a fuss. The clutch runs smoothly, the gears almost slip by themselves. The fork and strut iron out any unevenness, ensure pleasant comfort and yet leave nothing to be desired in terms of direct feedback and precise wheel guidance. Even when braking hard on a couple of tight hairpin bends, there is no tendency to stamp. Only when you downshift quite harshly into first gear while simultaneously pressing the rear brake does the tail begin to jump slightly.
The special Metzeler ME Z 3 tires, with the additional identifier X, developed especially for the SP-1, also do a good job. The rubbers impress with their high rolling comfort, good damping and neutral steering behavior. The Metzeler tires are also considered to be a tried and tested remedy for handlebar slap. However, despite its enormous engine power and rear-heavy weight distribution, the SP-1 only lifts the front wheel when it is strongly animated and thus rarely confronts its pilot with this problem.
The narrow bar chart of the digital rev counter is more annoying because it is difficult to read. It’s good that the V2 provides a relatively wide usable speed range. On the other hand, the eye quickly gets used to the digital speedometer.
M.ith every kilometer to the south the weather improves, the temperature rises to a wholesome 16 degrees, you feel good. And somehow this rather harmless looking SP-1 managed to distract from its real purpose. Shouldn’t it be the ultimate hit, the answer to the Ducati 996 or Aprilia Mille R? The Honda pretends to be a "good buddy", has a calming effect instead of aggressive, surprises with comfort instead of sporty toughness and is more cautious than nimble or even nervous when changing lean angles quickly. She is a great sports tourer, even if her performance is in the super sporty range. It is a real all-rounder, even if the VTR 1000 F or VFR is already available. It remains to be seen whether the SP-1 can hold its own against the direct competition Ducati 996 SPS and Aprilia Mille R without a sinfully expensive racing kit. This exciting test is currently in full swing in sunny Spain and clarifies the question: Does the SP-1 master life at the limit as confidently as everyday life? In any case, everything is to be expected of this motorcycle.
Related articles
-
Track test: 1000 super athletes compared to the slopes
Track test : 1000 super athletes 1000 super athletes compared to the slopes Content of All against one is common, but common. And anyone who, like BMW,…
-
Honda Africa Twin in the top test
Honda Africa Twin in the top test The strenght is to be found in serenity The first impressions of the new Honda Africa Twin when presented were…
-
Honda VTR 1000 test V-Lenz Spring is all about the new two-cylinder. In the spotlight: Honda’s VTR 1000 F. You didn’t like to read it, those responsible…
-
Cult bike Honda VTR 1000 SP What Ducati can do … In the Superbike World Championship, bassy, humming two-cylinder engines drove away the wildly…
-
Comparison test Honda VTR 1000 F against Suzuki RF 900 R against Yamaha YZF 1000 R
Comparison test Honda VTR 1000 F against Suzuki RF 900 R against Yamaha YZF 1000 R Target group Sporty tourers? Athletes fit for travel? Grand Touring…
-
BMW K 1200 RS test comparison against Ducati 944 ST2 against Honda VFR
BMW K 1200 RS test comparison against Ducati 944 ST2 against Honda VFR Three just in case Three motorcycles, three different concepts, one requirement:…
-
2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin review: just the excess ? Chase the natural, he returns to motorcycles: Honda is in turn moving towards the maxi-trail…
-
Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport against Kawasaki Z 1000 SX in comparison test
Comparison test Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport against Kawasaki Z 1000 SX Sporty tourers in a concept comparison Content of A comparison of concepts on the…
-
Top test Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Everything stays different The Tuono is not just a naked bike. It’s a super sports naked bike. She always was. But the…
-
BMW R 1100 S test against Honda VTR 1000 F
Comparison test, BMW R 1100 S, Honda VTR 1000 F Firestorm BMW R 1100 S versus Honda VTR 1000 F The R 1100 S is not a super sports car, emphasizes BMW…
Related articles
-
MotoGP – Moto GP: all about the Indianapolis Grand Prix 2015 –
Track test : 1000 super athletes 1000 super athletes compared to the slopes Content of All against one is common, but common. And anyone who, like BMW,…
-
MotoGP – French GP Moto GP: Lorenzo passes the 2 at Le Mans –
Model history: 25 years of the Suzuki GSX-R 750 Cradle of hyper sports Content of 25 years ago the GSX-R 750 revolutionized the motorcycle world , tea…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Aragon – Qualifications: Marquez on pole at home –
Comparison test, BMW R 1100 S, Honda VTR 1000 F Firestorm BMW R 1100 S versus Honda VTR 1000 F The R 1100 S is not a super sports car, emphasizes BMW…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP 2013: new format for qualifying –
Test of the 600 super sports car Speed monster in the track test The first part of the comparison test takes the current super athletes to the…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP: everything you need to know about the French GP at Le Mans –
Travel enduro in a single test Top test Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere The new edition of the Yamaha Super Tenere penetrates the territory of the BMW R…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Qatar FP3 testing: Marquez on its way –
Top test Kawasaki Z 750 In a class of its own Either no opponents or a lot of enemy, a lot of honor ? In the past, Kawasaki’s Z 750 occupied the niche…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP Qatar – FP1 practice: Lorenzo starts 2013 knocked out! –
Honda VTR top test 1000 F SILENT STAR The VTR 1000 F prefers to leave appearances in the glaring limelight to others, instead promising unexcited driving…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP: Marc Marquez remains at Honda until 2018 – Used HONDA
Top test Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Everything stays different The Tuono is not just a naked bike. It’s a super sports naked bike. She always was. But the…
-
MotoGP – Moto GP: Crutchlow dominates post-race test in Catalonia –
Honda VTR 1000 test V-Lenz Spring is all about the new two-cylinder. In the spotlight: Honda’s VTR 1000 F. You didn’t like to read it, those responsible…
-
MotoGP – 2014 French GP photo gallery: the MotoGP race –
Cult bike Honda VTR 1000 SP What Ducati can do … In the Superbike World Championship, bassy, humming two-cylinder engines drove away the wildly…