Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition. 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: JH2SC45434M400109. The seller purchased this motorcycle from a private party in San Jose, California.
The odometer shows 14,748 miles. The seller reports they have put less than 500 miles on this example.
Maintenance:
The seller states all maintenance is up to date, which includes rebuilding the front brake calipers, flushing the fluids, and installing new air filters. The seller has included documents of the service work that Sportbike Development performed on this motorcycle in 2022.
Modifications:
RP Tuning high-mount exhaust.
PCV with a tune from Jett Tuning Camarillo.
Frame sliders.
TSR rear sets in GP-shift configuration.
RC Component wheels.
Öhlins rear shock.
Proton 500 turn signals.
Integrated tail light.
CRG adjustable levers, CRG bar-end mirror, and Domino Racing grips.
Scott’s steering damper with Heli Bars clipons.
Vortex sprockets.
MRA windshield.
Progrip tank pad and Techspec tank grips.
Not pictured: Scott Wolfe’s fairing stay and K&N air filters.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road 6 tires with date codes of 0222 and 4321.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Collinsville, Oklahoma, this Honda is offered on a clean Oklahoma title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
