Joey Dunlop and John McGuinness Vimto Honda TT bikes
Two historic Honda SP-1 motorcycles raced by TT legends Joey Dunlop and John McGuinness in 2000 will be auctioned in November 2026.
Two Honda SP-1 race bikes, ridden by Isle of Man TT icons Joey Dunlop and John McGuinness in 2000, are heading to auction this winter. The machines will be sold at the Iconic Motorcycle Sale during the NEC Classic Motor Show on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Auctioneers expect the motorcycle raced to victory by Joey Dunlop to sell for between £80,000 and £100,000. The example associated with John McGuinness carries a lower estimate of £50,000 to £60,000. These Vimto-liveried bikes have never been publicly offered for sale before.
Historic TT Pedigree
Joey Dunlop piloted his Honda SP-1 to win the 2000 TT Formula 1 race. The 26-time TT winner also secured a third-place finish in that year's Senior TT event. The bike was originally prepared for James Toseland's British Superbike campaign, but Dunlop took over riding duties after Toseland was injured during testing at Cadwell Park.
Dunlop used the machine in warm-up events for the TT. He finished second at Cookstown and qualified on pole position at the North West 200. Both Dunlop and McGuinness, however, found their Hondas outmatched by the dominant Yamaha R1 at the North West 200.
Factory Upgrades for the Mountain Course
In response to the Yamaha's superiority, Honda provided significant upgrades for the TT. The factory shipped over a World Superbike-spec engine previously used by rider Aaron Slight, along with a Showa suspension setup. These modifications were fitted to the bikes for their Isle of Man campaign.
After the 2000 TT, Dunlop's factory-spec machine was converted back to British Superbike trim. The Aaron Slight engine and most of the special suspension were removed. The distinctive red Vimto bodywork was also taken off at that time.
Post-Racing Ownership Journey
At the end of the 2000 season, both motorcycles were sold to Dennis Berwick. He ran them in the British Superbike Championship for the 2001 and 2002 seasons, with riders Peter Berwick and Jason Davies. The bikes have not been raced competitively since 2002.
A collector later purchased the pair and owned them until 2014. They were then acquired by the current vendor. Although not raced, the bikes have been run at selected events over the last 24 years. Iconic Auctioneers will manage the sale on behalf of the owner.
