Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2004 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. 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. 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. 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.
The WSBK titles were sweet, but many Honda fans have a soft spot for the 2002 AMA Championship as it was won by none other than Nicky Hayden. Honda celebrated the feat in 2004 by building a run of RC51s with some cosmetic updates to commemorate Nicky’s feat. Said changes included the Hayden red white and silver livery, white number plate areas, a brushed aluminum frame and swing arm, and of course, the Kentucky Kid’s signature on the top of the tank.
Manufactured in October of 2003, this example is VIN: JH2SC454X4M400026.
The odometer shows 19,682 miles.
The previous owner was Reg Pridmore, which is why there’s a “CLASS” sticker on both sides of the bike.
Modifications:
Staintune exhaust.
Ohlins H0204 rear shock with Kyle Racing shock link.
Ohlins 30mm NX cartridge kit front forks, Scotts steering damper, Kyle Racing Brembo reservoir kit.
520 chain conversion kit, 15/41 sprockets.
Brembo RCS19 radial master cylinder, ProGrip handlebar grips.
Spiegler braided brake lines, new Honda OEM brake pads, speed bleeders on all hydraulics, swingarm spools, rear wave rotor, and angled valve stems.
TechSpec tank pads.
LED turn signals.
Cooling fan switch.
Not pictured is a Power Commander, Shorai battery, and Samco radiator hose kit.
Recent Maintenance:
The seller states that the below was done in the last two months:
– Cooling system flush with Engine Ice
– Oil/filter change with Castrol Power 5W-40 Synthetic
– Hydraulic systems flush
– New OEM air cleaners
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 Dunlop Sportmax Q4 tires from 2021.
The sale includes three keys, the service manual, wiring diagram, tool kit, Laguna Seca license plate holder, original reflectors, stock parts, wheel balancing stands, and manuals for the Ohlins shock, Ohlins fork cartridge kit, and Scotts steering stabilizer.
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 current through April 2023.
Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
