2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition

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.

The seller of this example (VIN: JH2SC45474M400159) acquired it from a private party in Ventura, California eight months ago.

During that time he has covered just 10 miles. The odometer now shows 28,335 miles.

Modifications:
Yoshimura exhaust and Power Commander.

Frame sliders.

Aftermarket turn signals.

Zero Gravity windscreen.

ProGrip tank protector.

Aftermarket levers.

Cosmetic Blemishes:

The sale includes the passenger seat, owner’s manual, and service manual.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in March.

Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!