Faced with Ducati v-twin-mounted Carl Fogarty's domination of the World Superbike Championship, Honda responded with a v-twin of its own - the VTR1000 - which would form the basis of a new WSB contender - the SP-1, also known as the RC51. Like the all-conquering Ducatis, the SP-1's engine was a 1,000cc 90-degree v-twin, but unlike the Ducati, which used a tubular steel trellis frame, the Honda employed the industry-standard aluminium beam type, complemented by suspension components of the very highest quality. In the capable hands of 'Texas Tornado', Colin Edwards, the SP-1 achieved its goal first time out, winning the World Superbike crown in 2000 to bring Honda its first Championship victory since 1997.

As well as the WSBC's short circuits, the SP-1 proved capable of mastering true road courses in the hands of Isle of Man TT maestro, Joey Dunlop. Fitted with a WSB-specification engine and swinging arm, the SP-1 gave Joey his 24th TT win (in the 2000 F1 race) a victory in difficult road and weather conditions that the modest Irishman later declared, 'was probably one of my best wins.' There would be two further TT victories that week, bringing Joey's total to a surely unassailable 26, before he was tragically killed at a relatively insignificant meeting in Tallin, Estonia a few weeks later.

This SP-1 is one of a limited edition of only 26 machines commissioned by Honda dealer, Tippetts Motors of Surbiton, Surrey to commemorate the great man and celebrate his TT victories. The machines were prepared by Russell Savory's RS Performance. In addition to the SP-1's already class-leading standard specification, the Joey Dunlop model came with gold-anodised OZ wheels; Lazer exhaust system; Power Commander; carbon-fibre rear hugger; WP multi-adjustable rear damper; Goodridge brake hoses; adjustable rear-sets; paddock stand 'cotton reels'; Dunlop GP208 tyres; sponsors' decals; screen name logo; and number patches. New fork yokes were fitted, carrying two plaques: one (with signature) commemorating Joey's 2000 F1 TT win; the other a numbered plaque referring to Joey's respective TT victory. The example numbered '26' was auctioned in aid of the Joey Dunlop Memorial Fund.

Commemorating Joey's win in the 2000 Lightweight 250 TT, this particular machine is number '25' of the series as confirmed by its top-yoke plaque and the letter on file from supplying dealer Doble Motorcycles dated 7th March 2002. The machine has been signed by Linda, Gary and Robert Dunlop. Last taxed to 30th November 2008, 'SP02 JOE' is offered with copy Tippetts sales brochure, SORN paperwork, Swansea V5/V5C documents and a quantity of Joey Dunlop related (copy) literature and IoM postcards.