2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden (Schuetze Collection)

Description

Please note: This is part of the Damon Schuetze collection.

Typically we ask sellers to include a starting video or allow us to include one when we list a motorbike to ensure the motor is good but the seller had all these bikes professionally prepped for storage and wants to keep them that way. He had the bikes inside his home so they are dry on fuel and ready to add into a collection or get running again (Iconic is happy to help with that). Iconic sold him the GSX-R750RK, the ZX-7RR and the 1986 Suzuki RB50 GAG so we have prior running videos of those in our archives but the rest came from other sources. Adam knows many of these bikes from seeing them in the past as he nearly bought the RC45 from Bob Weaver, remembers the OW01 at a live auction, and a couple of the others. They are from credible sources even before the seller acquired them and again, we’d love to get them prepped to ride again for the buyer if he/she elects to do so.

Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden. 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: JH2SC45334M400960. Damon says, “I believe I got that bike from Bob Weaver as part of the same deal as the 1994 Honda RC45. I needed one to round out the Hondas in the collection!”

The odometer shows 2,033 miles.

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:

Gas Tank Condition: Ok
Tire Years – Front: 5007; Rear: 4207
Tire Life – Front: 100%; Rear: 100%
Tire Pressure – Front: 36PSI; Rear: 38PSI
Brake Life – Front: 70%; Rear: 80%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Brake/Clutch: Age Unknown
Drive Chain Condition: Needs Cleaning
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Age Unknown
Coolant – Level: Low; Unknown Age
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: None Installed

Notes:
***DID NOT TRY TO START***
-No Battery Installed

REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Engine oil and filter
-Tires
-Chain Service
-F/R Brake + Clutch flush
-Coolant
-Battery
-Check Air Filter

Modifications:
This RC51 appears to be stock.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax tires with date codes of 4207 and 5007.

The sale includes two keys.

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, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Arizona title. Have any RC51 Nicky Hayden stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!