Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2000 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.
With 133 horsepower, 71 ft-lb of torque, and Honda reliability, it was an absolute gem. Cycle World thinks this is one of the best used bikes you can buy, and we’d have to agree. This was Honda’s take on the V-Twin replica racer, beating Ducati at it’s own game with multiple World Superbike Championships and a AMA Championship.
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 March 2000, this example is VIN: JH2SC4545YM000199, Engine #: SC45E2006305. The seller acquired it a year ago from a friend.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 1,000 miles. The odometer shows 35,635 miles.
The previous owner “used it as a track bike, it was not street legal at the time and had race plastics with no lights. I converted it into a street legal bike with new street fairings and operating lights.”
Modifications:
New aftermarket fairings.
Jardine RT ONE 2-1 full exhaust.
Power Commander.
15/40 520 chain kit, Driven Racing sprocket nuts.
SP2 wheels, Racetech fork internals with gold valves.
GP shift.
Adjustable clip-ons, adjustable CRG levers.
Tinted windscreen, mirror block off plates, Proton front turn signals.
ProGrip tank protector.
Not pictured is a Speedo Healer, Yoyodyne slipper clutch, JE pistons, and Moriwaki cams.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes:
1) small nick on top left of tank
2) undertail has crack
3) scuffs on top right of swingarm from previous rear tire hugger
“I flushed all fluids myself a few months ago. Front and rear brake fluid, clutch fluid, coolant, and engine oil are all new. Brake pads are nice and thick.” The seller notes that the “low fuel indicator will not go on. I always zero out the trip indicator and fill up around 100 miles. Never had any issues doing this. I would suggest buying new tires if the new owner is an aggressive rider. Tires are not bald, just aged.”
The sale includes “paperwork including original sales slip from dealership back in 2000 and 2 original keys.”
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3 tires with date codes of 5014 and 4315.
Currently located in Fontana, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration current through May 2023.
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