Firestorm vs. SP2

[VTR 1000]

I know they are totally different animals but....

Does anyone have both a Firestorm & an VTR SP2? and how do they compare in ownership/use

I am on the look out for one of the last "all black" SP2's in mint condition to add to the collection and am wondering how Firestorm owners get on with them?

[gilson]

Hi there, there is loads of info on this forum which you can access via searching.

I have owned a firestorm, an SP2 and currently have a couple of track bikes, both tuned Firestorms.

There are differences of course, one is a sports tourer, the other is a race bike, albeit for the masses. Personally, the main difference for ownership and road riding is that the Firestorm is easier to ride and feel more comfortable on. The Firsetorm is less harsh, less focused and one feels more 'in' the storm, rather than on top of the SP2. The SP2 feels more top heavy but that dissapears on the road and it is a marvellous road bike.

As we know, riding fast is 90%+ rider ability, so to feel comfortable on a user friendly bike will be quicker. The SP2 is better built though, which was highlighted even moreso when I had a go on a K4 750 GXSR. I really liked another swap with a ZX-R 600 as this bike was smaller and gave more confidence and something you could give it some stick.

I did like my SP2, but it was more the total package and I prefered to ride my Storm.

they are both reliable Hondas, so nothing to worry about owning them, plus I made a little money when I sold my SP2, although I did spend a lot returning it back to standard. I miss it for sure....

Hope this helps but they are not that dissimilar really, not when comparing to an IL4....

[VTR 1000]

Thanks for that - its all interesting. I am sure I will get an SP2 at some point (might as well skip the SP1 and go for one of the last great V-Twin sports bikes Honda will probably ever produce. I an say I agree with everything you have said about the two bikes, and I do feel very at home on the Firestorm these days (with a few mods.) If only there was a bike between the two (a Firestorm 'RR' effectively with better suspension and swing arm), and not such an extreme race focused road/track machine as the SP's. As you say they are both good bikes (compared to the competition back in the day), and it would be nice to be able to choose between riding one or the other. Its finding a nice original late, low miles example that is going to be a challenge (as I'm a bit fussy, and probably should get out more - dare I admit. my 'Storm has only covered 11k miles from new in '97, but then I do have other bikes for touring and commuting). Thanks Matt

[cheekykev]

Hi, i 've got both, they are so different but in a nice way, they both have that V twin thump that we all love, the Firestorm is easier to ride and even better with a few mods, i love it, the SP2 is a fantstic work of art and handles like a dream in it's standard form without even touching it what so ever, plus it looks the dogs dangleys, love it too, would not like to sell either of them so if you can get both do it

Took me nearly 18 months to find my SP2 after looking at loads of trash so good luck

[Jaglifter]

Hi

I've had both. The Firestorm was my first bike for 30 odd years and it was just the job to get back into bikes.

I've had two SP1s and quite honestly I think the SP is the better tool.

I was put off for ages by stories about the SP being really uncomfortable. What I found was that its actually (for me) more comfortable than the Firestom. I don't know why this is (possibly the seat is lower?).

The SP holds its price very well and its really really well engineered. Ruomour has it that Honda lost money on every one sold.

Both are really good bikes and (for me) the Firestorm is as much as I need for road use, but the SP is a real classic in the making and a joy to ride.