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. 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. 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.
The WSBK titles were sweet, but many Honda fans have a soft spot for the 2002 AMA Championship as it was won by none other than Nicky Hayden. Honda celebrated the feat in 2004 by building a run of RC51s with some cosmetic updates to commemorate Nicky’s feat. Said changes included the Hayden red white and silver livery, white number plate areas, a brushed aluminum frame and swing arm, and of course, the Kentucky Kid’s signature on the top of the tank.
This example is VIN: JH2SC45474M400176. The seller purchased the bike three years ago from the original owner in California and states, “I purchased this for my son, but he’s gone to college and won’t be riding it. I’ve always wanted to keep it forever, but I have too many bikes in my collection. I’m thinning the herd, so to speak.”
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 100 miles. The odometer shows 4,017 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Oil change with Motul 300V and factory oil filter, new Yuasa battery, brake and clutch fluid flush, new tires but older date code.”
Modifications:
Sato slip on exhaust.
Scotts steering stabilizer.
Not shown: Power commander.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ tires with date codes of 2617 and 4217.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Corona, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with planned nonoperation registration (PNO). Per the California DMV website, it will cost $157 to bring registration current through May 2025.
Have any RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
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