Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 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: JH2SC45462M200113. The seller acquired it ten years ago from the original owner, his riding buddy.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 12,000 miles. The odometer shows 30,192 miles.
Maintenance:
“Fluid changes, valve check completed within last 2k miles, multiple tire sets, batteries all done at a local shop.”
Modifications:
Two Brothers exhaust.
Pair flapper mod, gearing/chain with speedo healer.
Power Commander.
The front fender and rear cowl have been painted BMW jet black.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes “small chips/scuffs from riding, but the bike has never been laid down. There is one gouge in the left side fairing, beyond that the normal rock and paint chips.”
The sale includes one key.
This sale also comes with the passenger pegs (removed to accommodate the aftermarket exhaust), pillion pad, owner manual, tool kit, some aftermarket turn signals, and a Noco battery tender.
Currently located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in April 2022.
The California DMV website says that it would cost $136 to make registration current through April 2023.
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