2005 Honda RC51

Description

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. 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.

2002 was also the year that 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 more than 100,000 miles on the clock 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. Sold from 2000 through 2006, the RC51 was produced during an era in which American riders were at the top of the game and will forever be associated with legendary US-born racers like Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards.

In 2005, Honda mixed things up by offering the RC51 in a silver-accented black livery.

Manufactured in September of 2004, this example is VIN: JH2SC45075M500101. The seller purchased the bike from a friend four years ago.

During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 5,000 miles. The odometer shows 17,876 miles.

Maintenance:
The seller reports that he had the forks serviced in November 2022 by a local Honda dealer. Additionally, he notes that he has changed all of the fluids.

Modifications:
Two Brothers Racing Black Series High Mount Carbon Fiber exhaust.

Dymag wheels. Per the seller, a new replacement cush drive is included; he recommends installing it at the next tire change.

Power Commander III USB, Speedo Healer.

Sargent seat.

Sato Racing rearsets.

CRG forward controls.

Scotts (also Öhlins branded on underside) steering damper. The seller reports that it was “factory serviced in 2021.”

Goodrich steel braided brake lines.

Zero Gravity Double bubble windscreen.

LED headlights.

Proton programmable running lights/turn signals.

Aftermarket reservoir caps.

Sato Racing spools.

Battery tender lead.

Tank pad.

Not pictured is a TST Gen II flasher relay.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Metzler M9 tires with date codes of 2121 and 0622. Per the seller, they have seen “approximately 500 miles.”

The sale includes one key.

The sale also includes the original owner’s manual and tool kit, the passenger’s seat, the stock passenger pegs, as well as some assorted spares.

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 California title with registration current through April 2024.

Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!