Update 8/22: A comment was left that suggested the decal set was not original to the bike. Upon closer inspection we found that the decals are in fact not original and we have discovered signs that the right side fairing was repainted at some point. The seller was unaware of any of this until we informed him today. Please refer to the photo album for the most recent blemish photos of the right side of the bike. We have photos with the fairings removed as well for your reference.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition.
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: JH2SC45464M400167. The seller states “I am a huge Nicky Hayden fan. When this bike came out, I couldn’t afford it. Was finally able to, and got this one thinking I would keep it forever. I hate getting rid of it, as it’s my one and only dream bike, but my OCD about “what if I ever drop this thing?” makes it time to let someone else enjoy the bike”
The odometer shows 3,114 miles. The seller has covered approximately 700 miles during his 3 years of ownership.
Maintenance:
The seller states “Two weeks after I got it I was able to get it into the local Honda shop. I had them complete an overall inspection of the bike. I had them install new fork seals and bushings, new brake pads, new air filters, and had them flush brake and clutch fluids. I didn’t keep the receipts unfortunately, as I never planned to sell.” In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we changed the oil and filter, performed a hydro flush/fill, topped off the coolant reservoir, and performed chain maintenance. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: NEW
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: GOOD
Coolant Quality: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NEW
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NEW
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NEW
Final Drive Condition: CLEANED LUBED ADJUSTED
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 3221
Tire Date Code Rear: 3919
Tire % Remaining Front: 90
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90
Tire Press. Front: 28
Tire Press. Rear: 34
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.3V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.3V
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: YES
Test Ride Distance: 2MI
Modifications:
Flush mounted front turn signals.
Fender eliminator with rear turn signals.
Battery tender lead.
Speed metel rear spools.
Tech Spec tank pads.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Q4 tires with date codes of 3919 and 3221.
The sale includes two keys OEM tool kit, OEM rear seat with rubber gasket, and owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. There are signs that the right side fairing was repainted and the OEM decals were replaced. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
