2000 Honda RC51

Description

Additional photos of this Honda RC51 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 of 2000, this example is VIN: JH2SC4532YM000751. It was sold new in Pierre, South Dakota, then went to the second owner in South Iowa. The seller is the third owner, he acquired it in July of 2022. He is letting it go as he purchased a 2023 Honda CBR600RR.

It is Federally but not California-emissions compliant.

During his ownership, the seller covered roughly 1,200 miles. The odometer shows 7,182 miles.

Maintenance:
“All fluids have been flushed with a new set of Dunlop Q3s with around 700 miles on the tires.” The tires have date codes of 3821 and 3122.

The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.

Modifications:
Second Look tank cover.

The seller has looked under the cover and says it looks brand new.

Battery tender lead.

“This bike has the black rotors up front which was only done for the first year of RVT SP1s. Nothing has been modified on this bike and it still sports its original exhaust, tail fender, windscreen, and all warning labels and data decals.”

Inside of the tank:

The sale does NOT include the stands shown in some photos.

The sale includes a “fuel filter, thermostat with seal, rubber foot shifter, maintenance manual, spare key, passenger seat, never used replacement front seat. Oil for your next oil change and filter, spare bolts and screws, classic bike magazine featuring the first run of SP1.”

Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes “some small nicks in the rims from riding and a very small scratch on the right fairing – you can’t really see it unless the light is on it.”

Currently located in Temple, Texas, this Honda is offered on a clean Texas title.

Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!