Quick Question from Newb

Kelbor · 03-26-2008, 11:48 AM

Hey Guys and Gals -
I know this is a weak first post but here it goes. I am doing some "research" before buying and have a quick question. This is mainly for the diehard RC51 riders who have owned more then one. Ok...so the SP1 (2000 and 2001) and the SP2 (2002-2006) are baiscallay the same ride save a few upgrades and changing from Carb to Injected. Is there a noticable diference between these engines? Handling? etc. What is your opinions on the matter. I now ride a 05 GSXR that is fuel injected and love not having to deal with the carberators but then again, I have not had to mess with my injectors yet either. Hit me with our input.........Thanks

Hedgehog · 03-26-2008, 3:59 PM

Hi Kelbor, welcome from another newbie.
I've only had an SP2 and haven't yet had a chance to do many miles on it. However, from the research I did before I bought, it would seem that the SP2 is the more user friendly bike (although we are talking pretty marginal differences here I believe). Both bikes are injected (I'm 99.9% sure of this) and the fueling on the SP1 was pretty awful (apparantly). It's not perfect on the SP2, but should prove to be smoother at small throttle openings. I guess a power commander and some time on a dyno would sort either bike. The swing arm is different on the SP2 (slightly less stiff I think) and the ride generally slightly more refined (a few engine, chassis and suspension upgrades thrown in), always remembering this ain't no cruiser or tourer!
The SP2 makes slightly more power (all of 3 horses) has marginally more torque and is a touch lighter.
It seems really there isn't a lot in it - depends on budget and whether you're looking for new or used as to what would be the "better" bike.
Obviously the black ones are best

Hope this helps a bit.
Cheers,

Hedge.

Kelbor · 03-26-2008, 5:43 PM

Hey - thanks for the input. yeah, would not mind a newer one but at the price I am thinking I am more in the ballpark of a '02 or '03. I would love to find one all rashed up with a salvage title (this would be a second bike for me so I am kinda thinking a 'project' would be fun). Good to know about the fuel injection though. Anybody else have comments of inspiration???

rokitt51 · 03-27-2008, 12:49 AM

Both the SP1 and the SP2 are fuel injected bikes. The SP2 is supposed to be a lil more user friendly. the swingarm was one of the major upgrades from the 1 to the 2. The SP2 is supposed to atomise the fuel for better response. Supposedly breathes better also.

skwyd · 04-03-2008, 5:02 PM

I have had biked from 1976 to current with EFI and Carbs and when I started my search I only was looking for an SP2. There were many changes from the SP1 to the SP2 and one big one for street riders was putting fans on both radiators not just one. They already run hot so that was just a no brainer to me. I absolutely love my 05 and have already put about 4-5K into 'extras'. They are a "race" position bike, but if you like that, then you will love them. The sound aint bad either.