Being able to get a racing motorcycle that at some point has participated in the Isle of Man TT is lucky; have the possibility of acquiring two copies that, in addition, were piloted 25 years ago by two legends of the Road Racealmost a divine gift. This is the case of these two VTR1000 SP-1 RC51 belonging to the Honda Vimto Racing Team with which the team played the 2000 season.
Two pieces of TT history
Anyone who is a fan of the Isle of Man TT we assume will know the story that surrounds these two VTR1000 SP-1s. If not, we can already tell you that both belonged to the team of Paul Bird MotorSport and piloted at the time by the same John McGuinness and Joey Dunlop. In fact, the latter would die just a few weeks later in a racing accident in Tallinn, Estonia.
We are talking about the copies associated with the chassis numbers #YM900029 and #YM900030acquired by Paul Bird to compete in the 2000 BSB Championship. After securing a sponsorship deal with Vimto, both bikes were painted in the brand’s striking corporate purple colour. As detailed in the announcement itself: “The bikes were sold at the end of the 2000 season to Dennis Berwick, who had his son and Jason Davies race in the BSB during 2001 and 2002.”
Vimto’s VTR1000 SP-1 in detail
The first example was originally James Toseland’s number one bike and, after the accident that James suffered during testing at Cadwell Park, it was ridden by Joey Dunlop in the warm-up races for the Isle of Man TT. With it Dunlop finished second in Cookstown and then took pole position in NW200. Ultimately, Joey would win the F1 event and finish third in the Senior category.
Interestingly, both Dunlop and McGuiness were beaten by the Yamaha R1s in the NW200, prompting Joey to send his comments to Honda. This resulted in the Japanese brand sending an Aaron Slight WSB engine, and Showa suspension along with Simon Greer and two factory technicians for the TT.
After the race, the factory returned the bike to its BSB configuration, leaving its magnesium/titanium starter motor and other elements. This unit currently comes equipped with a Harris Performance replica factory rear swingarm. The historical archive includes correspondence and other related documents, including a rare HRC SP-1 information booklet.
Also a framed photo of Joe on this VTR1000 SP-1 and two shop manuals. In the case of McGuinness’ VTR1000 SP-1, we are talking about the reserve bike that James Toseland should have used that season. This remained with the BSB setup, and John finished third in the F1 test, taking the first of many podium finishes.
Now they can be yours
Apparently, neither of the two bikes has competed since 2002, but they have participated in relevant motor events, “so they may require tuning before use”they detail in the announcement. After their last season in competition, both units were purchased by a collector who kept them until 2014, at which time they were acquired by the current owner.
Sticking to the initial estimates, the VTR1000 SP-1 that was piloted at the time by Dunlop could reach a final value around 120,000 euros. In the case of the copy that McGuinness used that same season, about 70,000 euros.
Both will be auctioned on next November 15 Therefore, if there is anyone interested in your purchase, you must access the necessary registration to be able to bid on the official website of the event.
