Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition. Please note: VINData incorrectly lists the mileage as 24k. Per the seller, “Someone or somehow, they fat fingered when typing in the mileage. I got the bike with 14k miles and when registering or titling it they hit a 2 instead of a 1. And it wasn’t corrected.” 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 October 2003, this example is VIN: JH2SC45384M400601. The seller purchased the bike two years ago from New Jersey.
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 3,000 miles. The odometer shows 17,059 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “Fresh oil change, brake flush when new lines installed. A lot of the old tarnished bolts and nuts have been replaced with titanium, aluminum or S/S. Including: swingarm nut, front and rear axle nuts, brake caliper bolts, front fork pinch bolts, chain tensioner bolts and nuts, disc brake fasteners, rear sprocket fasteners and all new fairing fasteners.”
Modifications:
Aftermarket Monster fairings and decals.
Jardine 2-1 exhaust.
Gold levers and bar ends. Aftermarket LED front turn signals.
Gold foot pegs. Chain guard.
Gold wheels. 15/42 520 sprockets and gold X-Ring chain. Gold swing arm spools and nuts.
Galfer braided brake lines, wave rotors and pads.
Aftermarket windscreen.
Dynojet Power Commander 3.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires with date codes of 2414 and 2414.
The sale includes one key, original fairings, wheel stands, solo seat cowl.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Slight imperfections on headlight lenses.”
Currently located in Lebo, Kansas, this Honda is offered on a clean Kansas title. Have any RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
