Since y'all ask, I'll tell you the differences between the RC51 (SP-1) and the VTR1000 SP-2. The main problem with the RC51 was the jerky on/off nature of the fuel injection. The SP-2 has sorted that by increasing the size of the throttle bodies from 54mm to 62mm, and changing the 4 jet injectors to F1 type 12 jet mister style injectors.
The second complaint with the RC51 was the harsh ride and suspension. Honda has addressed that with a redesigned swingarm directly off Colin Edwards SP-1; Extended engine hangars to increase rigidity and allowing them to soften the the shocks a little; revised fork and rear shock settings; revised steering geometry and a wider diameter steering stem; and finally lighter 5-spoke HRC wheels. The cumulative effect according to Bike is to eliminate all jitters from the ride and accomodate the rider "into" the bike instead of "on top" of it.
You also get the official HRC World Superbike sticker kit which the dealer will apply for you when you purchase or at any time in the future, and the absolute best feature......A VIP Paddock pass to every round of the SBK series. That's not such a deal from here, but imagine how that would influence your decision if you were living in the UK or Europe. I think that sound you hear is the sound of Ducati's falling sales.
As for the difference between the RC51 as we know it and the SP-2: The 2002 RC51 is unchanged except for colour, and the 2002 SP-2 is as mentioned. Price differece in UK is about £1,500 so if we get it, the price should be about $16,500.
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