Riding Video:
Cold Start Video:
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: JH2SC45384M400064.
The odometer shows 12,405 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and the following work:
-Electrical Repair on rear lighting
-New Front Brake, Rear Brake, and Clutch Fluid
-New Coolant
-New Front and Rear Rosso IV Corsa Tires
-Paint touch up
-New CDI Converter Box
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New Ok (<0.15V)
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: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 60%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 34/25
Tire Date Code Rear: 25/24
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.9V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.6V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 74 Miles, throttle is slightly snatchy at low rpms, fueling with Power Commander could use some adjustment.
Modifications:
Ohlins forks.
Ohlins shock, rear braided brake line rear, aftermarket rear master cylinder reservoir.
Sato Racing high mount exhaust.
Sato Racing rearsets.
Sato Racing titanium kickstand.
Scotts steering damper.
Carbon fiber radiator shrouds.
Aftermarket LED taillights and tail tidy.
Carbon fiber front fender.
CRG levers, aftermarket grips.
Zero Gravity windscreen.
“Flapper” mod.
Aftermarket turn signals.
Aftermarket tank protector.
Stompgrip tank pads.
Braided brake lines front.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa IV tires with date codes of 2524 and 3425.
The sale includes two keys, and a pillion seat.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title on Planned Non-Operational registration.
Have any RC51 Nicky Hayden stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
