Description
9/27 Update: Some commenters on Facebook have pointed out that this bike has 2012+ Honda CBR1000RR wheels with custom spacers.
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2001 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 February 2002, this example is VIN: JH2SC45452M200104.
The odometer shows 32,353 miles.
Modifications:
9/27 Update: Some commenters on Facebook have pointed out that this bike has 2012+ Honda CBR1000RR wheels with custom spacers.
Erion Racing dual exhaust.
Vortex levers.
Pro Grip Superbike grips.
Aftermarket rearsets.
Aftermarket taillights and tail tidy.
Flush mount front turn signals.
Tank grip pads.
The sale includes the stock slip-ons and the passenger seat.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone tires with date codes of 0518 and 1219. We note that the front tire is on backwards – we’ll fix that for free if the seller does not want new tires put on.
The sale includes three keys.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean California title with planned non-op registration.
According to the California DMV website, it would cost $136 to make registration current through July 2023.
Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
