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.
This example is VIN: JH2SC45363M301516. The seller acquired it four years ago from a private party in Bullhead City, Arizona.
It is Federally-emissions compliant.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 4,000 miles. The odometer shows 13,422 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that he performed “oil changes with Rotella T6 every 1,000 miles or yearly, new chain 1,500 miles ago, chain adjusted every 500 miles, coolant flushed and replaced with water wetter every 2 years, clutch and brake fluid changed every 2 years. Bike will come with fresh oil change and fluids..”
Modifications:
Fairings are OEM but have an aftermarket decal kit on it to match the 2002/2001 scheme.
Marchesini magnesium 5 Spoke Wheels.
Power Commander III.
Sato rear-sets.
Sato Frame Sliders and Proton indicators.
Ladybird exhaust with Sato mid pipes.
HealTech Gear Indicator and HealTech Speedo Healer.
TYGA carbon fiber front fender.
DHC carbon fiber undertail.
Moriwaki radiator fins.
SP1 gold plated forks with RaceTech internals.
Ohlins HO204 rear shock and TYGA carbon fiber rear hugger.
HRC Replica Billet Upper Triple
Brembo RCS19 brake master cylinder and Brembo RCS16 clutch master cylinder.
RaceTorx chain adjusters and clutch cover.
Puig smoked windscreen.
Not pictured is a TSR clutch slave cylinder.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
“Frame and swing arm “resprayed” gloss black by previous owner, cracked paint is visible on the swing arm upon close inspection.”
“Fairing stay and radiator guards “resprayed” by previous owner.”
“All fairings are OEM but have an aftermarket decal kit on it to match the 200/2002 scheme. Some imperfections can be spotted on decal kit. Nicks and scratches from regular use. Intake guard does have a small dent.”
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes an Adaptiv Radar Detector + Visual Alert Kit as well as the OEM passenger seat.
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax S21 Hypersport tires with date codes of 1217 and 3417.
Currently located in Houston, Texas, this Honda is offered on a clean Texas title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
