Description
Additional photos of this 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition 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. 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 of 2003, this example is VIN: JH2SC453X4M401202. The seller is the third owner – he acquired it seven years ago from a private party in Texas, who purchased it from the original owner in Arizona.
Since then he’s covered roughly 1,500 miles. The odometer shows 10,298 miles.
Modifications:
Marchesini forged wheels, red Galfer stainless brake lines, Galfer rear wave rotor.
Sato titanium exhaust and hangers.
Carbon fiber rear fender, battery tender lead, swingarm spools.
Carbon fiber tank protector.
Kyle Racing radiator fans, carbon fiber radiator fins.
Power Commander 3.
Tail tidy, aftermarket tail lights.
CRG short adjustable levers.
Aftermarket turn signals.
Attack rear sets.
Headphone adapter for a Valentine One radar detector (radar detector not included).
The OEM windscreen was painted black on the inside by a previous owner.
41 tooth rear sprocket with Speedo Healer to correct the speedometer reading.
MRacing carbon fiber mirrors.
Not pictured is the flapper valve mod with Kyle racing flapper valve cover.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes one blemish, a scratch in the tail section.
The sale includes the original tool kit and two keys (one pictured). No stock parts are included.
Currently located in Clifton Park, New York, this Honda is offered on a clean New York title.
Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
