Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2002 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 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. 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 February of 2002, this example is VIN: JH2SC45472M200430.
The odometer shows 31,754 miles.
Modifications:
Beringer brake and clutch master cylinders. Relocated starter button, kill switch delete.
Beringer calipers, aftermarket rotors.
Micron dual exhaust.
Aftermarket grips and levers.
Ohlins shock.
Kawasaki ZX-14 front end.
ProGrip tank protector.
Motofairings windshield.
Tail tidy.
Flush mount front turn signals.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album upt op for photos of all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us install a new battery, rebuild the forks, change the oil, give it a deal, and install new Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires with date codes of 4620 and 1721.
The sale includes two keys.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Michigan title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
