Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2005 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 the year that 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. It’s not uncommon to come across RC51 specimens with more than 100,000 miles on the clock that are still going strong.
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 September of 2004, this example is VIN: JH2SC45125M500001. The seller acquired the bike six months ago from a private party in Oceanside, California.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 100 miles. The odometer shows 1,683 miles. Per the seller, “My street riding days are coming to a close and it is just way too nice to track it.”
Maintenance:
The seller states that he had the fluids and tires replaced and a safety check performed at his local Honda dealer.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us buff and detail the bike and perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition:OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear:2022/1919
Tire % Front/ Rear:90/90
Tire Press Front/ Rear:36/36
Brake % Front/ Rear :90/90
Front hydraulic fluid:OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid:OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid:OK
Oil:OK
Coolant:OK
Low Beam:OK
High Beam:OK
Turn:OK
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light:OK
Plate Light:OK
Kill:OK
Horn:OK
Fork:OK
Shock/s:OK
Final Drive:OK
Battery Standing Voltage:12.7
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM:14.5
Notes:
– Slight paint damage on swingarm (RH top)
Modifications:
Akrapovič exhaust.
Power Commander III.
Carbon fiber rear hugger.
Puig windscreen.
ProGrip tank pad.
Swingarm spools.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires with date codes of 1919 and 2022.
The sale includes two keys, the original owner’s manual, the factory tool kit, as well as the original passenger pillion and gasket.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration current through February 2025.
Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
