Description
Please note: This project is being sold as a parts/track bike only. It is being offered on a Bill of Sale.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 2005 Honda RC51 Project. 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 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. 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.
Manufactured in March of 2005, this example is VIN: JH2SC45175M500057. The owner co-signed for the bike on the behalf of one of his employees in 2005. After the employee left, he had planned on turning it into a track bike so he sourced the bodywork and had a friend of his who works for a NASCAR team make him the custom radiators.
The odometer shows 3,835 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 Internal: Bare Carbon, unlined
Tire Year Front: 0307 / Rear: 3906
Tire Life Front: 0% / Rear: 0%
Tire Press Front: / Rear:
Brake Life Front: 60% / Rear: 40%
Hydraulic Brake Fluid Front: Fail Rear:
Fail Clutch Fluid: Fail
Oil: None
Coolant: None
Low Beam: N/A
High Beam: N/A
Turn: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light: N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Kill: N/A
Horn: N/A
Fork: Ok
Shock/s: Fail
Drive Chain Condition: Rusty
Battery: N/A
Notes:
• Kevlar composite bodywork
• No oil in engine, front cylinder valve train exposed
• Rear shock is leaking
• No electronics tested / State of electronics unknown
• No attempt to rotate motor
• Compression test not possible in current state
*Missing Items*
• Fuel Pump
• Air Box
• Front Cylinder Cam Cover Assy
• Oil Cooler
• Radiator + Hoses
• Intake Duct
• Headlights
• Turn Signals
• Bodywork / Fairings
• Windscreen
• Mirrors
• Silencer Brackets
• Bolts / Fasteners
Modifications:
Opp Racing Kevlar composite bodywork.
Sato Racing mufflers.
Aftermarket heel guards.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax tires with date codes of 3906 and 0307.
The sale includes one key and a selection of parts.
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 Bill of Sale only. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
