Walkaround/Cold Start:
Revs when warm:
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.
Like a 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.
This example is VIN: JH2SC45302M200731. The seller acquired it six months ago from a private party in Georgia.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 100 miles. The odometer shows 43,728 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states: “I performed the below maintenance myself (I have been working on motorcycles for 10+ years)
– Fresh fork rebuild (new seals and bushings…)
– New chain and sprockets
– New FA265 HH brake pads
– New lightweight lithium battery
– All new fluids (oil, coolant, brakes)
*According to the previous owner the valve adjustment was done under his ownership at 40k miles, but no documentation was provided*
Bike has no known mechanical issues, everything works exactly like it should. It starts, idles, runs, handles and stops like it should.”
Modifications:
Not pictured: AntiGravity lightweight lithium battery.
Race Tech suspension (Fork and Shock internals), set up for street comfort and track confidence.
Sato Racing billet adjustable rearsets.
MORIWAKI Zero *TITANIUM* race exhaust (slip-on) with Power Commander.
Anodized billet gas tank filler cap
Carbon fiber fenders, braided Stainless Steel brake lines.
Anodized aluminum control levers
– Lightened rear brake disk.
New EK520 ZVX3 chain and sprocket conversion, rear stand spools.
Corbin seat.
Tail tidy.
Battery tender cable.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires from 2020.
The sale includes 1 ignition key.
The seller notes that the sale “includes the rear seat (but due to the exhaust, it doesn’t have passenger footpegs).”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“The bodywork has some scratches and the exhaust has a dent.”
Currently located in Locust Grove, Georgia, this Honda is offered on a clean Georgia title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
