Description
Click here for an VINData 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 October 2003, this example is VIN: JH2SC453X4M400955. The seller purchased the bike three years ago from a private party in Woodland Hills, California.
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 15 miles. The odometer shows 19,132 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states, “Engine has 15 miles since a complete overhaul performed by me (factory Honda m/c technician with over 40+ years experience as tech and machinist). Factory specification front suspension rebuild was just completed by me. Bike has always run Motul 300v and it will require an oil change in 400 miles (currently has Honda break-in 10w/40 oil). Rear Showa shock works as it should and shows no leakage nor pitting on the shaft. I have every receipt for the engine overhaul parts, all are factory Honda with the exception of the the pistons.
Just wanted for the bidding audience to be aware that I owned and operated a Motorcycle Shop in Thousand Oaks, California for nearly 10 years until I sold it. When I owned the shop I would perform all the machine work for 5 dealerships in our area – Conejo Honda aka Thousand Oaks Honda, Thousand Oaks Yamaha Kawasaki KTM, Simi Valley Honda, Simi Valley Cycles, Mashburn Kawasaki (Simi Valley), and Ventura Harley-Davidson (for the original owner Monty).
I also did machine work for Chuck Graves GSXR Suzuki, Chuck’s mechanic Greg Lundy worked for me for a few months and for several years prior while being the head tuner for Chuck, and for Fred Merkel prior to leaving for Europe. We both worked together for Lynn Abrahms, owner of Racecrafters Intl. in Canoga Park, CA. I owned my own WERA Endurance team accomplishing a #3 plate in Heavyweight Superbike while owner of 1000 Oaks Motorsports.
In addition to the race bikes I have built a number of iconic Hollywood motorcycles, the most recognizable would be the Indiana Jones Ural with side car that Harrison Ford and the late Sean Connery rode. Doug Bingham sidecars in Van Nuys, California installed the side car. After filming the production company brought the bike to my shop in Thousand Oaks where I rebuilt the entire engine, painted the bike, airbrushed on dirt, and made a solid brass license plate frame with Indiana Jones on the top and The Last Crusade on the bottom. It sat in a static display at the front door of the Gene Autry museum in Los Angeles before being auctioned off.
I along with one of my technicians built all the bikes (five ZX-10s) for RoboCop (2014) and for Oblivion (2014) starring Tom Cruise. In addition to these motorcycles I maintained Harrison Fords private bikes – all his Hondas and Triumphs in his personal collection. I also ran the service departments of the largest volume Triumph Dealer in the U.S. (L.A. Cyclesports), and the largest volume dealer for KTM in the U.S. (Thousand Oaks Powersports). I retired from this company three years ago and the reason I have put a partial history of my experience is so potential bidders have an idea of who did all the work on this vehicle, it has been performed on properly and is stunning and reliable in every way.”
Modifications:
Delkevic exhaust system.
LED turn signals.
Aftermarket levers.
Phone mount.
Sargent seat.
Tank pad.
“RK chain and sprockets are brand new with a factory gear ratio -1 on the front.”
Not shown: “Both exhaust ports front/rear have been blocked off. ECU re-flash to 49 state.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires with date codes of 5019 and 2920.
The sale includes two key, and extra Delkevic exhausts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Thousand Oaks, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with Planned Nonoperation (PNO) registration. Per the California DMV website, it will cost $143 to bring registration current through September 2024 in the state of California.
Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
