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 2003 this example is VIN: JH2SC45394M400784. The seller states “I purchased the bike in December 2024. This motorcycle was built by EDR Performance in 2013.”
The odometer shows 10,542 miles. The seller has covered approximately 50 miles during his ownership stating “I haven’t had time to enjoy the bike. I would like to find someone who will enjoy it. I’m still recovering from a broken foot and ankle from getting hit on my Ducati V4S back in September 2024 and I’ll be moving to Boston in a few months and I won’t be able to take it with me.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. The seller states “Motul 7100 Oil change done in January 2025. Fork seals, brake fluid flush, and coolant flush done by Iconic Motorbikes on March 2025. Replaced old Dunlop Q2 tires with brand new Michelin Power GP2 tires in May 2025. Rewired the tail light light to fix a non-functioning brake light in June 2025.” Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: GOOD
Engine Oil Level: GOOD
Engine Oil Quality: GOOD
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: OK,
Coolant Quality: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Final Drive Condition: GOOD
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): NON INSTALLED
Plate Light: NONE
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80
Forks: GOOD
Shock/s: GOOD
Tire Date Code Front: 3424
Tire Date Code Rear: 4822
Tire % Remaining Front: 100
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100
Tire Press. Front: 32
Tire Press. Rear: 33
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.9V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.6V
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: NO
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Modifications:
Per the seller: “Over $20,000 of upgrades on the bike. All work done to the bike has been well documented and available on EDR Performance’s Facebook Page.” Dyno tuned 132rwhp.
Continental US: Iconic has several private shipping partners that criss-cross the country for us. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
California/Nevada/Arizona We are located in Santa Monica, California 90405. On a case-by-case basis, we can transport motorcycles in our van. Please email transport@iconicmotorbikes.com or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to request a quote.
Canada: Please inquire though transport@iconicmotorbikes.com and we would love to put together a custom quote for you with our trusted transport / shipping partners.
Europe and Asia: Please inquire though transport@iconicmotorbikes.com and we would love to put together a custom quote for you with our trusted transport / shipping partners.
