Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2004 Honda RC51. Please note: VINData incorrectly lists a recorded theft on the bike. Per the seller, “I want to clarify the situation regarding the VIN report showing the motorcycle as stolen. I contacted the DMV and also visited their office in person to double-check. They confirmed that the vehicle does not have any holds or theft records, past or present. The only issue was that the title had been misplaced, so a new one was issued. The DMV representative assured me the title is clear, and there have never been any theft-related holds on the vehicle. To help verify this, the DMV representative provided me with a website where I could check the VIN myself. I’ve attached a screenshot for your reference, along with the link they gave me. https://www.nicb.org/vincheck”
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 2003 this example is VIN: JH2SC45384M400193. The seller states “I bought it from a friend of mine about two years ago.”
The odometer shows 8,674 miles. The seller has covered approximately 35 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states “I recently performed an oil change and I have the bill for it. New battery was installed on April 20th 2025”
Modifications:
the seller states, “The bike is all stock. A sympathetic restoration was carried out to preserve the vehicle’s original character, focusing on careful paint repairs, paint correction, and meticulous restoration of the original decals. The repaired decals were protected with a clear coat to ensure longevity. Every effort was made to retain as much of the original paintwork as possible. MCSR Restorations took great care to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the vehicle’s original finish.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Shinko Advance 005 tires with date codes of 0512 and 2517.
The sale includes two keys, owner’s manual, service manual, Honda riding tips, sales booklets, extra OEM rear seat and Honda tool kit, and Nicky Hayden Honda Racing flag.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Smyrna, Georgia, this Honda is offered on a clean Georgia title. Have any RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
