Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2005 Honda RC51 SP2. 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 October of 2004, this example is VIN: JH2SC45215M500029. The seller purchased this bike from the a private party eight years ago.
The odometer shows 18,291 kilometers (11,365 miles). During the eight years of ownership, the seller has put 2,500 miles on this example.
Maintenance:
The seller states they have recently changed the oil and installed a new battery.
Modifications:
SBK titanium slip-on exhaust.
Power Commander.
ASV levers.
Scott’s steering damper.
Sato Racing rearsets.
Tinted windscreen.
Fender eliminator kit.
Progrip tank protector.
Rear seat cowl.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin 2CT tires from 2016.
The sale includes two keys. This sale also includes the passenger seat.
The seller notes that they can have the bike re-crated at their local Honda dealer for transportation post-sale, or they can bring the motorcycle into the state of Washington for ease of access.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located Lake Country, British Columbia, this Honda is offered on a clean Canadian title. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
