No Reserve – 2004 Honda RC51 Nicky Hayden Edition Bodywork

Description

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.

The seller notes, “This is complete bodywork set for the RC51 VTR1000SP, it will fit all years 2000-2006. This is freshly painted in the 2004 Nicky Hayden colors. This is all OEM bodywork and tank, except the front fender and solo cowl cover are Tyga GRP reproductions. The tank is an original 2004 Hayden tank, and the original signature decal on the top was preserved, so the color match outline is a bit more pronounced than they originally were. The upper, lowers and tail are a mix of other years OEM plastic and everything is painted to match 2004 Hayden scheme. New bodywork and tanks are not available now or are very limited, you can put your original bodywork away and use this and still have your bike look 100%. I originally had two Hayden tanks and made two complete sets, I had planned to keep this one for my 2004 RC51 as a back up set but the bike will be going into long term storage so I am letting this 2nd set go to free up some storage space.”

Inside of the tank:

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Panorama City, California, this bodywork is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any RC51 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!