My VTR1000SP1

This post is where I will document my 2001 Honda RVT1000.

RC51, SC45, RVT1000, VTR1000R, SP1, SP2, how many names can one motorcycle have?

I got to watch these race live during the AMA superbike series when my dad took me to the races at Road Atlanta each year in the early 2000s. I was there the year Nicky Hayden won. It’s crazy to own one of these bikes! This is the post where I will be documenting the progress, maintenance, and everything regarding it!

I purchased this none running February 2025 for $3,300. I mainly note the price for myself to see where prices go for these bikes in the future. I got it to crank for a few seconds but it died. The previous owner, due to family circumstances, put the bike away and didn’t touch it. It had 1+ year old gas, old oil, extremely old spark plugs. .Due to the prices rising for these in good running condition, I jumped on the opportunity because my dad is helping me get it running again!

My dad has been working around mechanics starting at the age of 6 years old when he started working at the local bike shop. He sold himself to the store by showing them he could spoke a bike rim. Growing up, he was always into Chevys and started riding Hondas, and only Hondas, in the 70s onward. He also built shifterkarts from the ground up for both us and a small customer base that he built; of course using only Honda motors. I wanted to brag about my dad for a moment because he’s been a sole inspiration in my life and one reason I’ve stuck with Hondas. Also, I know with him going through the bike, it will hold sentimental value to me forever and know it’ll run well forever!
(I hope to get photos of the kart(s) and setup to document that)

Feb 2025: (24,xxx miles)
– Tested thermostat (working)
– Drained coolant (looked to be old EngineIce)
– Replaced Oil and Filter (10w-40 LiquiMoly & OEM Filter)
Replacing again in ~100-200 miles due to oil being very old
– Cleaned and greased all electrical connections
– Wrapped exposed electrical connections touching engine
– Installed AS3 coolant hose kit
– Installed Kyle Racing SMOG Block Off Plates
– Installed Kyle Racing Flapper Valve Mod
– Replaced (not even hand tight) Spark Plugs (NGK)
– Cleaned engine covers and frame of bike
– Cleaned Coolant CrossOver Tube + installed small Rubber hose as protector as it was rubbing against engine block

Things to be done over the next few weeks: (March 2025)
– Replace Coolant
– Replace Brake/Clutch Fluid(s)
– Replace Brake Pads (Front & Rear)
– Replace Clutch Line with S.S. Line
– Replace Fuel Filter with OEM Unit
– Replace Fuel Return with OEM Unit
– Replace Grips and BarEnds
– Install New (aftermarket) Chain Slider
– Replace Chain & Sprockets
– Replace Front Brake Lines and Clutch Line (Stainless Steel)
– Check/Adjust Valves (New OEM Valve Cover Gaskets Ordered)
– Installed Aftermarket LED Tail light (current OEM has a bunch of messy wiring)
– Electrical Tape exposed sub-harness wires
– Replace Fork Oil (hopefully they won’t need a rebuild for right now)
– Possibly installing new clutch kit

3/09/2025:
I ordered more parts..since the coolant is being replaced and the radiators are out of the way, it makes for a great time to also have the water pump rebuilt.