Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition. 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. It’s not uncommon to come across RC51 specimens with six-figure odometer readings that are still going strong.
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.
This RC51 (VIN: JH2SC45444M400023) comes from a long-time friend of Iconic who has had the bike for ten years.
The odometer shows 18,318 miles. It’s offered with a clean California title with registration current through August of 2020.
Aftermarket upgrades include stainless steel brake lines, Harris grips, Strada 7 Racing windshield bolts, Sargent seat, and a Power Commander.
A recent service comprised of an oil change, new chain, and a new fuel pump. The seller also replaced some discolored turn signals with new OEM units. The sale includes the tool kit, manual, and two keys.
The only significant cosmetic issue we can note is excess wear on the left side of the swingarm.
The RC51 is one of our favorite Hondas in history because it looks good, it rides great, and it has a wonderful history. The Nicky Hayden edition bikes are even better, and this one’s ready for you to ride!
