Description
Click here for an instaVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2006 Honda RC51 SP2.
A full photo gallery for this RC51 is available here for your perusal. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you require additional photographs!
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 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.
RC51s are commonly modified with tail tidys, flush mount signals, and aftermarket exhaust, but this bike is spec’d as it came from the dealership. It has just 6,812 miles and it’s adorned with the rare black/silver/red livery with black wheels. There are a few scratches throughout that are shown in the photos – the rear wheel, the swingarm, front left turn signal, and the tail. In addition, one of mount brackets for the front right fairing is stripped – we’ll throw in a matching screw if you choose to replace the bracket. The registration has lapsed, however the seller has committed to cover the renewal fees/penalties if the buyer keeps the bike registered in California.
