Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2002 Honda RC51. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Introduced in the latter-half of 1999 as a 2000 model, the Honda RC51 was a big-bore V-Twin superbike created to put an end to Ducati’s reign of supremacy in production-based racing. The RC51 featured a powerful liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 999cc, 90-degree, DOHC V-Twin paired with a six-speed transmission and an aluminum alloy twin-spar frame. Honda achieved some impressive results with its “Ducati killer” in the form of World Superbike Championship titles in 2000 and then again in 2002 — the same year the RC51 was ridden to an AMA Championship.
2002 was also when Honda made some updates to the original model (known as the SP1). The second generation RC51 (or SP2) benefited from a host of changes requested by Honda’s factory racers, including a taller windscreen, longer swingarm, reduced steering head angle, stronger yet lighter frame, and a power plant that got a few extra ponies. With around 130 hp on tap and a dry weight of 440 lbs, the 999cc V-Twin was good for a top-speed of over 165 mph. The RC51 was also markedly more reliable than its Italian twin counterpart, making it much more attractive to riders on the street.
A true racebike with headlights, the RC51 was brimming with competition-grade hardware and componentry. Even the instrumentation is configured with a race-style rev-counter, and the rest of the running gear is equally track-focused. Sold from 2000 through 2006, the RC51 was produced during an era in which American riders were at the top of the game and will forever be associated with legendary US-born racers like Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards.
Manufactured in February of 2002, this example is VIN: JH2SC45322M200648.
The odometer shows 13,902 miles.
Modifications:
Aftermarket slip-on exhaust.
The sale includes the stock exhaust.
Pro Grip 725 EVO grips.
Pro Grip tank protector.
Tail tidy and aftermarket brake lights.
Red windshield bolts, Zero Gravity windscreen, Team Honda Racing stickers on front fairing.
Flush mount front turn signals, Woody Woodpecker stickers.
Nicky Hayden 69 sticker on tank.
“Honda Racing” stickers under the seat on both sides.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
Inside of the tank:
The seller notes that the bodywork and paint is all original, and that “this bike has sat in a climate controlled display area 98% of its life.” The sale includes one key, the tool kit, passenger seat, and some stock parts.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
