FIRESTORM v SP

Jaglifter · Post by **Jaglifter** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 6:50 pm

HI guys.......

Can anybody tell me what the major differences are between the Firestorm and the SP - particularly from an engine point of vew?

Also what are the main differences between SP1 and SP2??

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Jul 04, 2004 11:13 pm

Aside from the SP being injected, it has way more top end than the Storm. It's also a bit of a torture rack to ride all day. As for differences between the SP's, I think the injection is more sorted on the 2, and you get the improved swingarm as well. Oh yeah, and don't forget the direct ram-air setup on the SP which goes through the front of the frame.

Jaglifter · Post by **Jaglifter** » Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:12 pm

Thanks Vtwinvince

The SP seems to be an altogether better engineered piece of kit, but an absolute pain in the butt to to ride!!

I'm very tempted to swap!

Druid · Post by **Druid** » Mon Jul 05, 2004 10:51 pm

Gear driven cams on the SP as well, so different crank, cylinders, heads, cams...At least you don't get CCT worries ;)

SP2 has different s/arm and wheels, revised suspension & shock, and different fuel injection. And it's white

Stratman · Post by **Stratman** » Tue Jul 06, 2004 9:34 am

The SP1 & 2 are completely different to the FireStorm and don't share any common parts at all. Capacity is 999cc rather than 996. Swing arm isn't connected to back of engine for greater rigidity etc. A track tool which Honda used to win WSB twice. If I had a dream garage I'd have one but for 95% of the time the 'Storm does everything I want to do.

Jaglifter · Post by **Jaglifter** » Wed Jul 07, 2004 9:00 pm

Stratman, Druid

Thanks for your advice. It seems to boil down to whether I can live with the discomfort.

Hmmmmm.............

Jaglifter

DaveSP2 · Post by **DaveSP2** » Wed Jul 07, 2004 9:50 pm

I've recently bought an '04 SP2 and don't find it too uncomfortable at all, admittedly it's no tourer but it's no worse than many other current sports bikes. I've done a couple of 300 mile runs and only suffered an aching throttle wrist.
Handling can be a bit lively if you're pushing it on bumpy stuff but in general it's great.
It's very highly geared and benefits from a smaller (15t) front sprocket, or a slightly larger (42 or 43t) rear. This makes it less of a pain in town and other 30mph limits.
The fuelling can be a bit snatchy at low revs but it's not really a problem, I'm told a PCIII smooths things out somewhat but I find it OK now I'm used to it.
If you ever take a pillion the 'seat' is a joke.

PS, There's quite a bit of info on SP's on http://www.honda-forums.com and http://www.rc51.org

Jaglifter · Post by **Jaglifter** » Thu Jul 08, 2004 7:36 pm

Thanks for that. I'm guessing its about as comfortable (or not!) as my son's mates CBR400RR.

Long since given up trying to get the missus on the back (of the bike!!) so pillions not an issue.

Jaglifter

Gizmo · Post by **Gizmo** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:32 pm

I just bought an 04 SP2 and found it reasonably comfortable after a few years on Ducati Monsters. As has been said it can be a pain in the wrist and at times I'd like a cruise control just to give my wrist a break other than that its a very fast road bike covers ground quickly and you can get high angles of lean without scaring yourself. Fuelling is a bit snatchy around town ( its supposed to be worse on an Sp1) and it can shake about on bumpy roads but not worryingly so, if it does spin rear up or slide it seems easy to correct.

I'm going to be taking it around Europe soon and can't foresee any major discomfort, a tank bag to lean on should solve wrist ache.

VTR1000.ORG

FIRESTORM v SP

FIRESTORM v SP

SP1/2