Description
1/11 Update: The seller will be providing a size 46 Alpinestars riding jacket with the sale.
Click here for an VINData 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, 2002, this example is VIN: JH2SC45313M301343. The seller has owned the bike for four years.
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 1,000 miles. The odometer shows 27,429 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “I had basic services and all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch reservoir) changed. Front fork seals recently replaced due to one weeping.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 4422/3122
Tire % Front/ Rear: 95/95
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 32/34
Brake % Front/ Rear: 50/45
Hydraulic: OK <1.5% MOISTURE
Oil: OK
Coolant: OK
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery:12.9V / 14.2V CHG
Notes:
• RUNS
Modifications:
Max Torque Cans exhaust.
Öhlins rear shock.
CF Motosports rear sets and custom heel guard.
Modified license plate holder, swingarm spools.
LED turn signals.
Frame sliders.
Zero Gravity windshield.
After market brake lights and tail tidy.
Affixed digital watch.
Not pictured: Dynojet Power Commander III.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires with date codes of 3122 and 4222.
The sale includes one key, the owner’s manual, a rear seat, as well as a size 46 Alpinestars GP Plus riding jacket.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“OEM Fairing restoration however tail top piece line is off.”
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 registration that expired in January 2020.
Per the California DMV website, it would cost $312 to make registration current through January 2025.
Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
