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 September of 2002, this example is VIN: JH2SC45333M300002. The seller purchased this example from the second owner 11 years ago.
The odometer shows 15,259 miles. The seller has put roughly 5,000 miles on this example.
Maintenance:
The seller states they have changed the oil, replaced the fork seals, and installed new tires.
Modifications:
Chrome rims and polished swingarm.
Custom 2-in-1 Exhaust, with Sato Racing muffler.
Power Commander.
Scott’s steering damper and chromed fairing stay.
Puig tinted windscreen.
Keiti tank pad.
Hot Bodies under-tail tidy.
Pillion seat cowl.
Aftermarket levers.
Aftermarket rearsets.
Flush mount turn signals and frame sliders.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop GPR tires from 2022.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Bakersfield, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration good through January of 2024.
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