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: JH2SC45474M400159. The seller purchased the bike two years ago from us here at Iconic!
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 150 miles. The odometer shows 28,486 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has replaced all of the fluids within the last three months. He adds that “I have not checked the valves on this bike at all, RC51’s are usually rock solid for 50K+, but I think 30K miles is a valve check time so that would be due soon.”
Modifications:
Carbon fiber Yoshimura exhaust with stainless steel mid-pipes.
Power Commander 3 paired with a Speedo Healer.
Frame sliders.
Aftermarket turn signals.
Aftermarket levers.
Aftermarket rear sprocket.
ProGrip tank pad.
StompGrip tank grips.
Speedmetal swingarm spools.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires with date codes of 5014 and 5115.
The sale includes one key.
The sale also includes the original owner’s manual, factory tool kit, as well as an RC51 service manual and the passenger seat.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in March of 2022. Per the CA DMV, it would cost $209 to make registration current through March of 2024.
Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Additional Information
Location
Santa Monica, California
Year
2004
Make
Honda
Model
RC51
Mileage
28,486
VIN
JH2SC45474M400159
Title
Clean
Title State/Country
California
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
VIN Report
https://cyclevin.com/JH2SC45474M400159.pdf
Total Bids Placed: 39
Auction has ended.
Highest bidder was: m***********c
Bidder Name
Bidding Time
Bid
Auto
m***********c
June 21, 2023 2:59 pm PDT
$8,100
e***********n
June 21, 2023 2:59 pm PDT
$8,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
e***********n
June 21, 2023 2:59 pm PDT
$7,800
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
m***********c
June 21, 2023 2:59 pm PDT
$7,700
e***********n
June 21, 2023 2:59 pm PDT
$7,501
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
b*****f
June 21, 2023 2:59 pm PDT
$7,401
e***********n
June 21, 2023 10:52 am PDT
$7,300
s**********1
June 21, 2023 10:43 am PDT
$7,200
c****4
June 21, 2023 10:43 am PDT
$7,125
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c****4
June 21, 2023 10:17 am PDT
$7,100
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b*****f
June 21, 2023 10:17 am PDT
$7,000
c****4
June 20, 2023 9:18 pm PDT
$6,850
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b*****f
June 20, 2023 9:18 pm PDT
$6,750
c****4
June 20, 2023 9:15 pm PDT
$6,450
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
b*****f
June 20, 2023 9:15 pm PDT
$6,350
c****4
June 19, 2023 2:00 pm PDT
$6,250
d*****8
June 19, 2023 2:00 pm PDT
$6,150
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
d*****8
June 19, 2023 1:59 pm PDT
$6,100
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
c****4
June 19, 2023 1:59 pm PDT
$6,000
d*****8
June 19, 2023 1:57 pm PDT
$5,300
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c****4
June 19, 2023 1:57 pm PDT
$5,200
d*****8
June 19, 2023 10:37 am PDT
$5,100
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g****a
June 19, 2023 10:37 am PDT
$5,000
d*****8
June 19, 2023 10:37 am PDT
$4,900
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g****a
June 19, 2023 10:37 am PDT
$4,800
d*****8
June 18, 2023 12:09 pm PDT
$4,700
c**4
June 17, 2023 3:33 pm PDT
$4,600
a**********s
June 17, 2023 3:33 pm PDT
$4,500
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
a**********s
June 16, 2023 8:39 pm PDT
$4,151
j******3
June 15, 2023 10:00 pm PDT
$4,051
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a**********s
June 15, 2023 10:00 pm PDT
$4,000
j******3
June 15, 2023 5:53 pm PDT
$3,500
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o***d
June 15, 2023 5:53 pm PDT
$3,400
j******3
June 15, 2023 5:51 pm PDT
$3,300
o***d
June 15, 2023 10:46 am PDT
$3,200
a*******e
June 15, 2023 10:46 am PDT
$3,101
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
a*******e
June 15, 2023 8:11 am PDT
$3,100
b*****7
June 15, 2023 8:11 am PDT
$3,000
Auto This was automatically placed for a bidder with a higher proxy.
Continental US: Iconic has several private shipping partners that criss-cross the country for us. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
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$2,000 for Los Angeles, CA to Canada is a ROUGH ballpark, please contact TFX for an exact quote including shipping and customs.
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