Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2003 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. It’s not uncommon to come across RC51 specimens with more than 100,000 miles on the clock that are still going strong.
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 October of 2002, this example is VIN: JH2SC45343M301207. The seller purchased this example over two years ago from a private party.
The odometer shows 7,214 miles. The seller states they have ridden this motorcycle 1,860 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller: “Under my ownership, I’ve changed the oil every season, bled the hydraulic clutch, flushed the coolant, and replaced the fan control relay. I have records of every part that was ordered by the previous owner when he restored it, as well as everything I’ve purchased for the bike.”
Modifications:
Ladybird titanium mufflers and midpipes.
Clear film tank protector.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Power 3 tires with date codes of 1313 and 1213.
The sale includes two keys.
Extras:
This sale includes a box of OEM Honda spare parts, the factory passenger seat, service manual, tool kit, owner’s manual, and original exhaust.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
The seller reports that the exhaust mounting bracket on the right side is broken.
Currently located in North Royalton, Ohio, this Honda is offered on a clean Ohio title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
