How many people on here own SP's? And how happy with them are you overall? Just asking as I've seen a few for sale 2nd hand already. I know people change bikes often but when buying brand new, it's an expensive move! I have a few things I'd say about mine, but want to wait and see what other people say first
I have an SP for a couple of months now and find it absolutely brilliant. Have tweaked the suspension a little to suit me and it is just awesome on twisty roads and with such a torquey responsive engine it just feels special every ride ...
My mate had had one for a few moths now and he loves it. I have a standard 2013 model and I've tweaked my suspension a little and to be honest the SP are better but not by loads in my opinion. Both bikes far out way my skill as a rider. To be honest if i could afford to make the change I would go for a Repsol SP. With the new Blade out soon then there maybe some pre reg old stock and sensible prices.
I'd love to try one to see the difference between a standard blade and an SP. The power output figures are the same (according to the Honda manual). The only major difference I can see is the blue print balanced pistons, Ohlin's suspension and Pirelli tyres. So in theory the bike should handle much better but perform the same as the standard model.
I don't officially have an SP, however I have modified my 09 to the same suspension + brakes as an SP, and yes awesome upgrades. Brakes the best of them though.
Has mine since March, it looks fabulous, goes very well, handles brilliantly (track day Donington - mega) and sounds the dogs bollocks now I've put Akro on it. Rearsets and K&N the only other mods. Panigale and S1000RR were in the reckoning before got the SP but glad I went Honda. Looking forward to seeing new SP in the flesh but wont be rushing to change the one I've got.
I think both the SP and non SP are the best super sport road bike on the market. honda philosophy is more toward rider enjoyment, fulfillment and satisfaction: concentrate on bike's inherent dynamic, handling, responsiveness and power delivery. I myself don't care about having 200+ PS then putting a pile of electronics to reduce it! nor for other form of traction control. Then again I don't use microwave for cooking. Gas fire and a sharp knife I know nowadays it no longer cuts the mustard when it comes to bragging on and showing off about specifications when you are in a group drinking cafe late or in a pub but I bet you it puts more grin on your face when you manage to surgically cut through corners in twisties without any help and baby sitting from electronics! BTW I don't work for honda!!!
Sorry mate I've been away for a week. To be honest I'm not really getting on with my bike as much as I'd hoped. Coming from an older, less supersport bike, I thought I'd struggle with the ton of extra performance or the riding position. Actually I'm fine with those. My two complaints are: - it's just too quiet. I know this is regulations, and Honda are a bit stuck on this, but I can be doing 20-30 over the speed limit and think I'm crawling along. In a car that would be ok but on a bike if I'm flying I like to get the sensation that I am! This is expensive to sort out as well. - the handling/feel. Don't get me wrong it's limits are way beyond mine, and it must be epic on track, but on the road it's not always confidence inspiring in my opinion. High speed is fine. At low speeds it turns in sharply but feels a bit top heavy. I think the pegs are too high as well which doesn't help with maneuvering. I've not dropped a bike before but it feels like a drop is coming with this one! Like I said just my opinion based on my riding style and experience. I don't mean to knock the bike or cause any offence. Everything else is great. It looks phenomenal and gets no end of attention. Build quality is great, engine is superb.
Simple answer to the sound of the bike is fit an aftermarket exhaust. Mine has an Akro titanium exhaust on it. It's not only probably the loudest bike I have owned but also the standard exhaust probably weighs about 5-7 kilos while the Akro must weigh less than 1 kilo. Handling wise not sure. I have fitted R&G rearsets mainly to get the pegs further back as I have long legs but not sure this would solve your problem other than the fact they are multi adjustable.
How many miles have you covered on your SP? Could it be you're still getting used to eachother? I think it will come good for you in the end, stick with it. I think I'm in the minority in that I quite like the quiet exhaust. I like hearing the engine purr at low rpm The only time I would like more growl is when filtering. Each to their own.
Well over 1000 miles, I think nearer 1500. Got it at the beginning of July so have had a fair bit of time on it. Gonna try and get some winter riding in where possible and get myself back into it. Also get the suspension properly set up. Then after xmas get the tyres changed for something a bit more regular. Then we should be good again
Just under 2500 miles on mine since March, had to replace front and rear tyres (mileage included a track day) but I went for Supercorsas again. I'd be very cautious winter riding on them though. I'm in fortunate position of having a few bikes so SP won't be going out much over the winter.
Nice one. When you say cautious in winter do you mean wet or even just cold? I don't go out of it it's less than about 7 degrees, but if it's that or above and dry then I thought the SC's would be ok.
Yeah both. Surprisingly grippy in the wet when they are warm (summer) but don't warm up enough in winter temps of course.
