Considering buying an 888 Sp5.

econti

Gonna throw my 2 cents in the mix - I don’t have a SP5, just a regular 888, and it is far from original. 415 looks great and probably rides amazing, originality be damned. Most of the original condition bikes I’ve dealt with are actually fairly clapped out and only look nice as artwork. A friend went through 3 NOS rear brake masters on his bevel 900 just because they had the right date code on it, before giving up, just buying a new one and subsequently being able to ride the thing

desmophil

Some things to look for:

Crank cases cracking
Swingarm cracking (mine was on the inside and got rewelded)
Brackets for the tank pivot had made grooves in the pivot pin and the bracket holes got bigger. I had to get the bracket and pivot redone (can’t source anymore).
The inserts in the suspension pivot are very brittle and a special size
I don’t believe that ohlins makes anymore the brainded hose for the reservoir on the rear, and the parts from the front ohlins are also rather scarce (but RedFox does a kit). SP5 does not have this problem.

RTD

A short update on my search for an 888 SP5.

I Followed Bridgland’s suggestion to contact Pro Twins about a bike of possible interest, and this has proved quite fruitful.

They have recommended a bike that appears to meet my requirements, and discussions are underway about my purchasing it.

I’ll provide more details when I know more.

Thanks to Chris, and all who have contributed, it has helped tremendously.

Tom.

KevB

RTD If it’s the SP5 currently at PTs (milky headlamp) it’s a lovely thing! 👍️ Was chatting to Pete about it last weekend when I popped in… looked completely original and in lovely condition; even the grips are as it was delivered. Very nice and if I was in the market for one I think it would be an easy decision. Good luck! 😃

Bridgland

RTD Don’t let Pete try and talk you into a spare engine! 😉 ……He has a Corse one from their old Battle of the Twins racing days, sitting under the bench at the back.

Chris

RTD

Thanks for the responses, its good to know what other people think about a bike. Is the solution to a milky headlight replacement, and if so are they available? Any other observations to be aware of?

I don’t think I’d be able to do justice to a Corse engine, if ever, and I’m sure the SP5 unit will be more than I’m likely to need, legally of course! I think it will remain under the bench.

Please keep any advice, views and comments coming, it is all welcome and needed.

Many thanks.

Tom.

Bridgland

RTD the headlight is the same as the 900/750ss of the same vintage. I know many people have been able to clean the milkiness quite well with a handmade “large cotton bud” type of thing. If no luck, I have a spare one.

Chris

RTD

Bridgland

Thank you, that’s most helpful. I’ll see how the negotiations work out and let you know! Tom.

mike

Last year I cleaned both my 916 and 888 headlights, which were starting to look a bit milky using some steel wool, a pair of magnets and soapy water.

Obviously being careful not to be too aggressive with the steel wool, but wrapping one magnet in the steel wool dropping it into the headlight, then using the other magnet on the outside of the headlight to gently clean the inside of the glass. Worked a treat!

RTD

Thank you for the responses regarding the bike at Pro Twins, and I find it extremely useful to know what other people think about the bike, in readiness for purchase.

So, if any of the knowledgeable people on here find themselves at Pro Twins, I should appreciate very much having any further advice, recommendations, views and comments about the bike, in the lead-up to purchase.

I look forward to any contributions, and thank you all for what has been provided already, I would not have this option without the help provided through the forum.

Many thanks.

Tom.

KevB

So spill the beans… are you an SP5 owner yet…?

RTD

KevB

Hopefully, almost!

I’m arranging things with PT, and hope to take possession of the bike within the next week or so.

I’ve found insurance cover, funds transfer and suitable transport not to be straightforward, but hopefully matters are now in hand.

In the interest of not tempting fate, I’ll leave it at that for the time being, and provide more when the bike is in my garage!

Thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point.

Regards,

Tom.

RTD

As promised above, an update on my quest for the right 888 SP5.

I am now the registered keeper of the bike previously located at Pro Twins, and discussed here before, which is now ready for my familiarisation inspection and use when the weather is suitable.

I can’t thank enough Brett, Rob and Pete from Pro Twins, for all their help in obtaining the bike, it’s preparation for use following a period in-storage, and providing expert advice on getting it ready for transport.

Also, I must thank all the forum members who have provided knowledgeable assistance in my search for a suitable bike, including guidance on what I should consider when evaluating options; many of whom are known to Pro Twins.

No doubt I’ll be contacting the Forum and Pro Twins again when I need advice or help about the bike!

I have attached a couple of photographs showing overall views of the bike, for those who are interested.

Thank you to the forum for providing access to the people with the detailed knowledge of this special series of bikes, which is necessary to identify the right bike.

Regards,

Tom.

fabSP4

Great news , enjoy it and take good care of this amazing example of the brand history
Happy for u

guillaume69

Wonderful bike, wonderful news! Congratulations ! 👍️

I hope you get decent/dry weather soon enough, lest you die in frustration… 😎

KevB

Cracking bike! 😃 Congrats, and if Pete has given it the all clear you should be good for long while… 👍️

Bridgland

Perfect and they know the 888 models really well.

Lovely bike.

Tom - where are you based as we are getting a nice collection of 888s among the DOC members and I feel a 888 gathering is in order?

Chris

RTD

Thank you all for the appreciative comments and kind words, they are welcome and valued.

As soon as I saw this bike in the flesh, so to speak, I felt sure it was what I was looking for, and when all three of the front men at Pro Twins were impressed by its condition, it was confirmed.

I live in the North West of England, where unfortunately the weather has not been good of late, and is not forecast to improve in the near future, and at this time of year may persist for some time to come. So sadly, the bike will remain inside until conditions are suitable for an exploratory first venture on the road, in the meantime I propose to get to know the bike better and clean all the areas I may have missed first time around.

Having said that, the weather in the South East of England when we collected the bike was atrocious, which made loading the bike and transporting it home an interesting experience accompanied by significant delays, but, we made it nevertheless.

I’ll watch the forum, and the DOC, for any proposed 888 gatherings in the future.

Thanks again all.

Tom.

mike

Thanks for sharing Tom. I live in central scotland, so not a million miles away from NW England. These forums are a bit quiet these days, so do feel free to keep asking any questions that come to mind..

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