Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 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. 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!
