The MAM Journals-Honda SP1/RC51

[@rvamotorsports4379]

I’ve watched a lot of these type of videos on KZbin about the SP1. I have to say yours is one of the better ones. Well done sir! I Love my RC51.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you. I enjoyed making it and share your love for the bikes.

[@maxbg]

Rare to find one with the rear fender still intact. Well done.

[@theboatshoptb]

Gosh that’s an excellent example of an original RC51! 😍

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Tony . It handles like an original as well 😂Hope you are well !

[@rosco950ss7]

The 996 video appeared in my feed and I enjoyed it so much I went searching for more! I had been out of motorcycling for a number of years and really enjoyed the history, very well told Michael. Loved this Honda SP1 episode as well. Time I got back on a bike I think.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Ross . I am glad you enjoyed it . They are fun to make as well - other than the editing 😂 🤷🏼‍♂️. Hope you get back on a bike soon. Stay safe!

[@the88lundberg]

I have an 2000 Suzuki TL 1000 R and it runs like a clock and it just oozes great build quality. They really did build these old racing bikes well.

[@andrewelburn4555]

I had a SP1 as my second ever bike. I traded in my CBR600 FX at George White in Swindon in late 2001. I paid £8000 and then claimed £1000 cash back under the offer Honda had on at the time. The fuelling was particularly snatchy and I put on a Power Commander and Harris titanium cans. Can you believe that I put panniers and a tail bag on it and rode it to Narbonne in the South of France and had some rides out in the Pyrenees? Fabulous on those mountain roads but not good on the way down due to fuel range and ergonomics. The angle of the exhausts were a problem with the panniers and I ended up melting the rain covers on the cans. I traded it in for an R1 in 2002 for that year’s trip. The Yamaha seemed like a tourer but comparison. I still wish I had the SP1, but alas I was not able to keep all my old bikes. I still have the small plate from that bike though , it was WX51LWD

[@michaelmam]

Fantastic Story Andrew . Real world motorcycling 👍

[@pistolpete6114]

I loved my RC51! I remember list price was $10,200 and there was a dealer in San Francisco who had it for $15K! I went to my local dealer who had 2 on order. I put down a $100.00 deposit and waited no more than 10 days. I bought it with a $500.00 discount. I drove the bike into work in SF and, at lunch, I drove to the SF dealer and told him to go Fu*k Off with his $15K price. I love your videos, just super.

[@antonvanveen8824]

one of the great things on the RC is that if you make a mistake on gears when going through a corner you can be in any one of 3 gears and still survive. My bike has allowed me to survive when I was first learning how to ride. It is a much better bike than most riders, it on the street will make most 4cylinders blush as the Torque is incredible and the HP is usable. I have forged aluminum, Marchesini wheels, Ohlins fork and shock with big springs, Dan Kyle shock link, ABM brakes, Scott dampner just to name a few. I have ridden each change cumulatively, the difference is incredible, synergistic and a big upgrade from stock. I can send you a pic if you have an email. I think you 'lll like it

[@michaelmam]

Sorry Harry . I didn't respond fully . You can find me on Facebook- Michael Mam and send me a pick to there?

[@vanduc996]

Hello again Mr Mam, another great video, really enjoyed it, thanks for taking the time to create it. I've owned two Sp1 in my time, and while ultimately not quite as satisfying an overall machine as my 996, it's still an absolutely lovely bike to own and ride. I would happily buy a third Sp1 or 2 some day. The fact that my two riding heroes Mr Dunlop and Mr Rossi both rode and won on this machine make it one of the all time most desirable motorcycles to me personally

[@michaelmam]

Thank you ! Certainly had some great riders . Edwards , Hayden, Dunlop and Rossi ! I didnt know Rossi won on one so thank you . I thought they had a DNF in the susuka 24 ? Which race did he win on it ? 👍

[@vanduc996]

@@michaelmam Rossi crashed out their entry at Suzuka in 2000 but he and Edwards were victorious the following year

[@michaelmam]

@@vanduc996 Thank you !

[@flyingpig7203]

Loved my RC51. Put 60k miles on mine before I sold it. Even did a 1200 miles in 24 hours on it once. Did a few track days on it too. I miss it. But definitely not a comfy daily rider.

[@TheVaughan5]

Not built for slow riding that’s for sure but as you know get it over 70mph and she comes into her own. Not the fastest but in a class of its own, just bought another one 😊😊

[@peterruff9845]

Thoroughly enjoyed this👍 It was a pleasure to meet you today at Kings Africa twin Pete

[@michaelmam]

It was nice to meet you Pete ! Thanks for watching one 👍

[@DJ10ROCS]

Fantastic review mate, really enjoyed it, and the video deserves a ton of views! I was lucky enough to begin ownership of my SPY mid 2020 & I'm in love with it! The SP1 has been my dream bike for a long time, since I bought my first big bike a Firestorm back in 2008! I work at Ducati Manchester where my bike generally lives (no garage at home) & she gets so many admiring comments and I know the sales team would love to get hold of her!!! Watching your 996R video now...! 👍😂

[@michaelmam]

They are very special bikes . Glad you are enjoying yours !!

[@motruthhunter]

I am 68 years old and just got back from a 1.200 mile ride on an RC51 Sp2. That bike is for real men (not for wimps).

[@TheVaughan5]

So right. Some of my mates couldn’t get on with the bike but I loved it more than any other I’ve ever owned.

[@XxL3GiTxSNaKExX]

Great video!! I have an ‘01 and absolutely love it

[@michaelmam]

They are special bikes . A unique part of Honda’s history ...

[@craigb0123]

I own the Y as well. It is not boring at all. It will kill you if you are not at least very experienced, to expert. My Ducati 999 Superbike is much more forgiving, easier to ride, and ergo's are far better. But the RC51 has it's place in the world and I consider myself very blessed to own one (I just rode mine today!). The way I ride (very hard) I am only getting about 20 MPG out of it!!!

[@jonathanstyles5033]

Excellent review, nice to see an unmolested example. I was lucky to own a similar OE example for 3 years from 2004, once the Dunlops were binned and replaced with Bridgestones, it was one of the nicest bikes to ride. I know now that I shouldn't have sold it!! Cheers!

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Jonathan . I think we have all had bikes we regret selling ! All part of the fun .

[@TheVaughan5]

They’ve been going up in price in the last few years and I’ve a feeling that once COVID lockdown nonsense is over they’ll continue to rise even more, Get another one now😄

[@rogerwredford]

Good, informative review, Michael. I had one of these SP-Ys in 2002, when I was in my late 20s and it was a great bike to ride, but you had to be committed or it felt like a pig... that bit about it being unashamedly race-oriented is spot on. More comfortable to ride the faster you were going. I even used it to do the odd commute from Manchester to Birmingham back then... insane given its tank range, but I was young and foolish. Anything on or around the speed limit was an ordeal, as the fuelling on the early models was awful at anything other than 3/4 to full throttle... not healthy for your licence! They really need a Power Commander on them for regular use, as without they are borderline unrideable in traffic or town etc., but hey, that's not the point, is it? They really do benefit from being grabbed by the scruff of the neck and shown who is boss. I would say, out of all the bikes I have owned, and that's quite a few, this was my all time favourite. Such great memories of it back then... the whole superbike era in those days, and Joey's win at the TT lending mystique and caché to it. It was always deemed "a man's bike"... Honda's sledgehammer to Ducati's 916/996 scalpel. I recently bought a standard SP-Y again (well looked after), and whilst I was delighted to get it, I have to say as a man with a 20 year older body than before, I am questioning my sanity, as I think it's a zeitgeist bike for me now. Too uncomfortable to ride for long, and certainly less rewarding when you aren't gunning it with the exuberant, devil-may-care attitude of a 20 something... Good bike to keep though, as a piece of Honda history and an investment... did I really say that?! I must be getting old...

[@michaelmam]

Thank you for sharing your experiences Roger .We have come to very similar conclusions . Definitely a bike that responds best to a committed riding style which partially explains why I have such low mileage . There are fast , easier bikes to ride , but I have always kept it because I love the way they have been put together and think they are part of Honda history and special. I certainly didn’t buy it as an investment 😀

[@Smeeheeee]

I probably saw you on the motorway back in those days! I also used to commute on my SP-1 from Brum to Manchester. One time coming back to Brum I was hit by a piece of leaf spring that a truck has discarded and another truck flipped it into the air right into my path. I nearly bled to death on the hard-shoulder near Stafford... Looking to buy another one now, but at nearly 50, am I nuts? 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@rogerwredford]

@@Smeeheeee Bad times on the hard shoulder episode...ouch. We probably did pass, they were few and far between back then, still being the thick end of the price range, and I did indeed see one or two passing the other way at that time. As for getting one now....hmmm. I have ridden mine far less than I should and I just find it too lairy at this stage of my life. That being said, I haven't put a PC on mine yet, though intend to, and that should take the edge of it. I've had to face the fact that, though I am more or less the same size and shape as back then, the joints are more creaky and the back is more fragile, so the committed riding position gets a bit much after a spell in the seat.... and whisper it, but I do a bit of yoga.... So much stuff from that era is imbued with a heavy dose of nostalgia for me, and sometimes that can cloud your judgement. It's not a bike I ride anywhere near as much as my modern crossover bike, but one I am glad to have in the garage. Probably one of tha last of the truly analogue sportsbikes, before they gave in to engine modes, ABS and all that mallarky. For me, "sport" mode is your wrist fully rolled back, "street" is your wrist half rolled back and "rain" is your wrist barely rolled back... job done.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@@rogerwredford Nearly 4 years later... I didn't buy one in the end, but bought a Fireblade instead. That's gone now, and I have a Ducati 748 for the track (not nice on the road for obvious reasons) but I'm going to see another SP-1 in a few hours to potentially make a deal... I'm definitely nuts but it's not as extreme riding position as my 748 is, so there's that 😁 Edit: Used to be SmeeHeeee but lost that account I think

[@Ronnach16]

Wonderful series Michael! You’re a gifted and engaging storyteller. I hope at some time you might have been a teacher. Too many km on my version to be as shiny as yours but a fun bike in any condition. I’d add ‘purposeful’ to your ‘handsome’ description of the SP, a word that always comes to mind when staring at it in the garage. And ‘beautiful’ does apply to every inch the 996R. Many thanks and warm regards from eastern Canada. Look forward to future postings. Steve

[@michaelmam]

You are very generous Steve! Thank you. I do try and make an approachable story of the videos and enjoy doing them. Have fun, stay safe.

[@paulcavacuiti4176]

Hi Michael, this is a good video with accurate details. I also owned an SP1 (y) from new in 2000 and kept it for many years before selling it but have since had two SP2’s which I promised myself back in the day but could never afford to part ex to as the SP1 went through a phase of not being worth very much!

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Paul. Values are definitely on the increase in the UK, particularly for original specification bikes. I actually hope the market doesn't get too hot. It can put people off actually using them at all , and a lot of people are clearly enjoying using them enthusiastically!

[@paulcavacuiti4176]

I totally agree with you on that. I purchased the last SP2 about two and a half years ago and prices were relatively strong then but have definitely risen in the last six months as a lot more people seem to be jumping on the collectible wagon for both models.

[@prowler916]

I’m 42, driving for over 10 years, had (in chronological order) a Ducati Hypersport 1100 Mark1, a ‘92 Fireblade 900 RR, a “Factory Full Power” ‘08 CBR 1000RR (195hp), couple op CBR 1100XX blackbirds and a VTR-SPY ‘00. Used it on track day one time (average a 1 time/year track day) but my wife mistakenly signed me up for the highest level (guys with bikes max 1 year old, full race spec, 3days/week on the track) I’m not the best rider ont the track, but I learn quickly and am very competitive, I rode all day somewhere in the middle… quite surprising with my lack of experience, but the bike is just so great, it made up for my short comings. But indeed, although being one off the best bikes… it’s really, really not a beginners bike, and in (slow) city traffic it’s a hand full…

[@michaelmam]

I agree . I get the usual “man up” comments when I point out that SP’s are not the easiest to ride but I have ridden enough bikes to know an easy one when I find it …

[@TheVaughan5]

Being a handful in slow traffic is somewhat of an understatement because it can also feel unbearably hot. That said, as we know it wasn’t made for commuting. On the open dual carriageway curvy roads it’s an absolute dream. It’s not the fastest out there (so what if you value your licence or more importantly life, that’s irrelevant) however the riding experience is way above anything else I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned around 15 bikes, mostly sports types. For me nothing else will do, simply not interested.

[@michals1108]

This is great channel hopefully will have more attention, looks like you know what you talking about :) Please do more maybe about history of bikes ?

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Michael . Although I had only planned a series of 6, I am enjoying making them and have begun work on the final one for this series and the first two of Series 2 . Suzuki have very kindly loaned me a new Hayabusa and I will be editing it next week . It is quite a bike ! 😂

[@michals1108]

@@michaelmam cool wish you the best

[@andyjota8906]

I love your style and the way you present the info its great you are teasing the facts out my old memory I find myself sometimes just in front of you and sometimes just behind...LOL I aint growing old gracefully lol

[@michaelmam]

😂 Glad you enjoyed it Andy 👍

[@theaustralianconundrum]

@@michaelmam How many bikes have you had that I have had?? Must be dozens. Crikey were these things uncomfortable and heavy. They did look great and still look wonderful as of 2023. Cheers.

[@timjkiely]

brilliant video

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Tim . Glad you enjoyed it!

[@booger65man]

You can’t ride your motorcycle during lockdown? What the fuck! Time for a fucking revolution that sounds like...

[@michaelmam]

😂 The video was made in the initial stages of lockdown and all use of vehicles in the uk was for essential use only. It eased over time and I have enjoyed a few good rideouts since.👍

[@franktaylor7617]

Nice recap of the SP1. Most videos are of the SP2 or the differences of the two. I looked at one a couple of weeks ago. We agreed on a reasonable price over text but when I got there ( over 300 miles to get there) that's when I realized it was all Chinese knockoff bodywork. Very disappointing to say the least. Even with a $2k in reduction of the agreed price, I still wouldn't buy it. I wanted or was planning to replace the Superhawk. I just wanted a nice clean example. I didn't want just a bike with little to no collector value. I did return home with a nicely mod'ed DRZsm. A bike that should be in everyone's line up. I'm not sure if I will continue to look for a 51. I once owned an RC30. I bought the last one available in Washington state back in the day. Maybe the 51 isn't in the cards? The Superhawk was extremely cheap and loads of fun. Price matters. A bike that only cost you $1000 can be a little more fun than a similar bike that cost $5000 if the two are doing the same task. The Superhawk fills the twin cylinder slot. The DRZ fills the single cylinder slot. The IL 4's have been filled and so has the two stroke slot. I'm a happy enthusiast even without the 51. Great looking bike mate. Thanks for sharing.👍

[@michaelmam]

Hi Frank , whats meant for you , wont pass you by ? Frustrating that you travelled that far but if it isn’t the one you want I think its better to walk away … Good that you found a nice DRZ! Have fun , thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

[@franktaylor7617]

@@michaelmam I just found another one this evening, although this is an SP1. Waiting for a reply. The add is 3 months old but at least it's local. It was best that I walked away from the SP2. It had lots of nice upgrades but it didn't compensate for the sketcy bodywork and veg nonsensical story of his coming into possession of it. My buddy and I came to the conclusion that it was a wreck at some point. Nope, not the bike for me. The DRZ is a kick. Some much different than the rest of them. It's a lot of fun.👍

[@michaelmam]

@@franktaylor7617 You will find one ! I am beginning to look for a mid size 2 stroke off roader … quite where that thought will take me remains unclear but it will be interesting!

[@okenshield]

If you had to keep the SP1 or SP2 which one would it be?

[@michaelmam]

Bikes like these are very emotive and logic can get lost in the moment . The SP2 , is the better bike but although very low mileage (2000) and I am the second owner , I suspect I would go for the 1. I have owned it from new … fortunately neither will going anywhere soon ..👍

[@rayamatsoleman3985]

need to work on mine don't have the time yet for it

[@michaelmam]

Hope it goes well . Have fun!

[@alvinlaw8890]

The mercurial American who won the Superbike race for Castrol Honda was John Kocinski, not John Kowanski.

[@michaelmam]

Thank you Alvin. You are absolutely right . I struggle with pronunciation . I got it right in some takes but made other mistakes 😂 . The joys of filming ! He was brilliant , however badly you pronounce his name !

[@antonvanveen8824]

@@michaelmam you have a level of class that many do not. Cheers!

[@antonvanveen8824]

my 03 SP2 has almost nothing stock remaining. I should have built another motorcycle LOL

[@michaelmam]

😂. It is a bike that people enjoy modifying and using them properly at track days . I have seen some great engineering on the forums.

[@robert100xx]

Bob on

[@michaelmam]

Hopefully “ Bob on” is positive 😂

[@jaredlutz787]

Ride them in a “positive” way lmao.

[@GRACEORT]

Very boring motorcycle

[@michaelmam]

😂 the review might be but the bike isn’t . Still has a strong following today . Each to their own 👍

[@GRACEORT]

@@michaelmam rode one when I owned the Ducati 916 strada and the comparison was like Superbike/Moped in every department. Even my ZXR750R K felt great in comparison. That Honda Twin engine had no ‘grunt’

[@mbsevans]

Come on guys, get your audio sorted. Get a proper shotgun or wireless lav on your host and then mix down your two audio tracks to a mono dual channel. Your audio goes from dual channel, to a very low left channel during the VO.

[@michaelmam]

Very early video . One of the first 5 . The later SP 1 and 2 video is better 👍