Awesome. For the small few persons that live for this stuff, thank you for sharing. The camera work and sound are awesome. One of my dream bikes for sure. I hope to own one someday. This is aces in my book.
I raced an RC51 for years, big old lump with a few handling issues but once sorted a lovely thing to race and can give many a four cylinder a red face...
Thanks Jetstream, I ported the heads, carbon air box giving an extra 4 litres of capacity, lighted fly, wheel, removed the cam quietening gears, race cams, power commander, full Akrpovic system and some other bits and bobs, she dyno'ed at 146 bhp, iv seen the big girl pass R1's on the straights, lots of fun and sounds fantastic.
teamfab wow I would've loved to have a chance to ride that beast. It's already a lot of fun with just a few aftermarket parts, I can only imagine how awesome it was with some actual engine work done. And yep there are hardly any bikes that sound as good as the RC!
Well said, check out my video of my mechanic warming mine up in the paddock a few years ago, I still have her, she lives under a cover in the back of the garage in happy retirement lolol
RC51 is all about torque...and it has it in spades, watching you call on the throttle you can almost feel the torque! The fact that you're holding back somewhat for the sake of clean careful passing (getting off line a bit), yet still lapping riders really shows how great handling (and forgiving) a bike that RC51 is. Great machine, and GREAT riding man!
Thanks! I agree the RC51 is an amazing bike and I've never ridden anything more fun around a track. It actually does handle really well despite the reputation of being a "pig". I wouldn't call it nimble but the front end grip is amazing...I was able to get all the way down to my elbow every track day and not once did I come close to losing the front end. And this is all on stock suspension!
Nice. just had a badass ride on my 03 today. So much fun. I need to find another rc for a track bike. I'm getting too fast for the highway. Lucky for me today, the Chp didn't turn around.
Thanks! Yes, it makes a great track bike. Very fun and turns heads for sure. Handles great too even with stock suspension. One recommendation I have though is a 1/4 turn throttle. The amount you have to crank the throttle to get to 100% always killed my forearms at track days. My race bike has it now and it's a HUGE difference. I'll run one on all my bikes now.
Damn I miss my RC51.. had the 2004 model but had to sell it as was moving back to the UK from Italy and didn't have anywhere to store it (Which I do now but finding one for a reasonable price is impossible)
Great ride 👌. You have a way to handle it through the unexpected rider who laid her down. Did you scrape those pegs. Ouch!!! I dod that at the Ca. S.BIKE school. And they looked at me to downshift and no scraping. He hit his feet on his pegs. They don't want no accidents. Your bike seems scary in the corners. My heart skipped 💓
I scraped the pegs a few times on that bike but learned pretty quickly to use my toe sliders to gauge when I was close to the lean angle limit of the bike. Superbike School is something I've definitely been wanting to do! So much to learn there.
That was great to watch really good and responsible riding not like some of the other riders... Looks like you may have almost lost the front or rear at the one left hander but you kept it...
Thanks! Nice catch, I did almost lose the front through turn 2. Even the photographer commented on it later when I went to get my pics. That corner is so fast and long it's easy to overheat the left side of the tire.
It only makes steering more difficult/feel stiffer unless you put the low speed damping all the way down (the knob). However, the high speed damping saved me a bunch of times...it instantly stabilizes the bike if your front wheel comes off the ground out of a corner or something and you set it down crooked. Must have!
Wonderful. The sound of that bike! I've just picked up a beat up Nicky Hayden to rebuild. It runs, the motor and gearbox are fine but as for the rest? Butchered.
Thanks man! The camera setup looks a little goofy in pics but I feel like it's the perspective that's closest to actually riding. I cant believe you caught that moment haha yeah you can hear the peg scrape and the bike almost got away from me. Luckily those slicks are super awesome.
hi great video.i have a question for you. The bike is pretty old today, how is it like to ride, how's the breaking ? any suggestions about modifing the suspension? in many posts i've read that is pretty heavy... i have a 08 cbr 1000, just to have an idea cause i'm going to buy one soon :) thank you, greets from rome
federico gher thanks! I love this bike, but it's far heavier than modern sport bikes and most sport bikes from its era. Ive ridden my friends 1098 and it feels like a dirt bike compared to this. However, despite being harder to throw around (due to the weight) it does actually handle very well. My suspension is all stock-id just recommend having it set up once by a professional and educating yourself on the adjustments. I run slicks on the track so that makes a big difference obviously. I'm able to drag elbow on this bike, so don't let anyone tell you it doesn't handle well! :P That being said, the bike has a FUN factor that makes it worth riding more than anything else. In a straight line a modern 600 is the same speed tho, so don't buy it for the speed!
Speed is not what I'm looking for :) the cbr is the right machine for the job...although the wow factor this bike has is something my cbr will ever have.. i had a 998s but an asshole stole it ( hope he'll die in agony) , so I'm a fan from the v twin era...baylss vs Edwards ;P So, in good hands this bike can still be fun and effective... anything about reliability ? Thank you very much
federico gher oh yeah it definitely has a wow factor. I love v twins as well. Every time I start this thing it puts a smile on my face. It can definitely be effective and has a lot of grunt out of the corners. As far as reliability, it's a Honda! Only thing I've changed is the battery and other consumable parts.
Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure chatting with you!! If you want to add me on fb my name is federico gherbaz, just in case I'll need further info ;) thanx a lot. Ciao
Very nice video. I have a Honda Superhawk (VTR 1000) but I'm looking at adding an RC 51 to my fleet. What kind of exhaust set up do you have? It sounds awesome! Keep these epic videos comin' man!
Joshua Froelke thanks! I run a pair of stainless Yosh RS3s on the track but Sato Banzais for the street. Don't wanna risk messing up the Satos on the track lol. Also have a Power Commander with appropriate maps. The Satos sound way better tho. If you love your VTR you'll really love an RC! They're a blast to ride.
I use to have an Rc51 but it was sadly stolen when I moved to Phx. The assholes stole my whole trailer with bike in it. I am going to download this and use it as my bedtime music. I miss the rumble/purr of the Vtwin.
Wait till you own one, then you'll love it even more! My head is super low actually, look at the video thumbnail-that shot was taken during this video.
+g0ferboy haha thanks man my form can be improved still but I'm working on it. I was able to get my elbow down in that corner a lot. Don't let anyone tell you the RC doesn't handle well!
heh, That bike is one of the only high power twins left from Honda. I love Honda. 45k on my cruiser and it's still healthy, I've got another that's got a lot of lean, but I am still looking for more.
Awesome. For the small few persons that live for this stuff, thank you for sharing. The camera work and sound are awesome. One of my dream bikes for sure. I hope to own one someday. This is aces in my book.
I raced an RC51 for years, big old lump with a few handling issues but once sorted a lovely thing to race and can give many a four cylinder a red face...
teamfab Wow, you're very lucky that you got to race one! Nowadays there are no classes for it, but I can imagine how much fun that was.
Thanks Jetstream, I ported the heads, carbon air box giving an extra 4 litres of capacity, lighted fly, wheel, removed the
cam quietening gears, race cams,
power commander, full Akrpovic system and some other bits and bobs, she dyno'ed at 146 bhp, iv seen the big girl pass R1's on the straights, lots of fun and sounds fantastic.
teamfab wow I would've loved to have a chance to ride that beast. It's already a lot of fun with just a few aftermarket parts, I can only imagine how awesome it was with some actual engine work done. And yep there are hardly any bikes that sound as good as the RC!
Well said, check out my video of my mechanic warming mine up in the paddock a few years ago, I still have her, she lives under a cover in the back of the garage in happy retirement lolol
Effin cool video man.. Perfect POV experience. I find myself dragging knee from my computer chair
RC51 is all about torque...and it has it in spades, watching you call on the throttle you can almost feel the torque! The fact that you're holding back somewhat for the sake of clean careful passing (getting off line a bit), yet still lapping riders really shows how great handling (and forgiving) a bike that RC51 is. Great machine, and GREAT riding man!
Thanks! I agree the RC51 is an amazing bike and I've never ridden anything more fun around a track. It actually does handle really well despite the reputation of being a "pig". I wouldn't call it nimble but the front end grip is amazing...I was able to get all the way down to my elbow every track day and not once did I come close to losing the front end. And this is all on stock suspension!
I lived 20 minutes from Thunder Hill. Great track. The RC51 is Amazing and has a Soul.
Damn I miss my old RC51! Those things are just TORQUE MONSTERS!!! Wish I could find another one in as good shape as my '01 was in.
Nice. just had a badass ride on my 03 today. So much fun. I need to find another rc for a track bike. I'm getting too fast for the highway. Lucky for me today, the Chp didn't turn around.
Just love that sound. Nice clean and smooth session.
I have got to get mine out on a track.
Thanks! Yes, it makes a great track bike. Very fun and turns heads for sure. Handles great too even with stock suspension. One recommendation I have though is a 1/4 turn throttle. The amount you have to crank the throttle to get to 100% always killed my forearms at track days. My race bike has it now and it's a HUGE difference. I'll run one on all my bikes now.
I love the wrist action! Twisting it,bringback, shift, nail it!!!
I’m getting an 01 this week!
Quick shifters are for losers!!
Wow, no mistake why that Ohlin's steering dampener is already there. Beautiful video my friend, thank you.
I still have the VTR in my garage, I have to add the RC 51 to make it complete.
4 years old but a great video, nice clean riding! just picked up an 05 rc51 in the black scheme. lovin it.
Thanks! And enjoy the new bike. Black is my favorite paint scheme for this bike...you don't see too many.
Best paint scheme on an RC!
Damn I miss my RC51.. had the 2004 model but had to sell it as was moving back to the UK from Italy and didn't have anywhere to store it (Which I do now but finding one for a reasonable price is impossible)
Thanks for the ride.. I was here leaning into every turn after you warmed up!
just fine! Good ride! Nice bike, love it!
Great ride 👌. You have a way to handle it through the unexpected rider who laid her down. Did you scrape those pegs. Ouch!!! I dod that at the Ca. S.BIKE school. And they looked at me to downshift and no scraping. He hit his feet on his pegs. They don't want no accidents.
Your bike seems scary in the corners. My heart skipped 💓
I scraped the pegs a few times on that bike but learned pretty quickly to use my toe sliders to gauge when I was close to the lean angle limit of the bike. Superbike School is something I've definitely been wanting to do! So much to learn there.
Anyone make a slipper clutch for this bike?
Friggin awesome!!! I have a 2003
That was great to watch really good and responsible riding not like some of the other riders... Looks like you may have almost lost the front or rear at the one left hander but you kept it...
Thanks! Nice catch, I did almost lose the front through turn 2. Even the photographer commented on it later when I went to get my pics. That corner is so fast and long it's easy to overheat the left side of the tire.
How does the Scott’s damper improve steering? Is is necessary?
It only makes steering more difficult/feel stiffer unless you put the low speed damping all the way down (the knob). However, the high speed damping saved me a bunch of times...it instantly stabilizes the bike if your front wheel comes off the ground out of a corner or something and you set it down crooked. Must have!
You know how to ride an RC51 sir
Thanks man! RC51s are so fun to ride.
How do you mount your gopro? Its perfect!
Wonderful. The sound of that bike! I've just picked up a beat up Nicky Hayden to rebuild. It runs, the motor and gearbox are fine but as for the rest? Butchered.
Nice riding and great camera footage. I like the helmet cam mount setup you have and cam resolution. Did you almost low-side at 6:54?
Thanks man! The camera setup looks a little goofy in pics but I feel like it's the perspective that's closest to actually riding. I cant believe you caught that moment haha yeah you can hear the peg scrape and the bike almost got away from me. Luckily those slicks are super awesome.
I caught it too haha
hi great video.i have a question for you. The bike is pretty old today, how is it like to ride, how's the breaking ? any suggestions about modifing the suspension? in many posts i've read that is pretty heavy... i have a 08 cbr 1000, just to have an idea cause i'm going to buy one soon :) thank you, greets from rome
federico gher thanks! I love this bike, but it's far heavier than modern sport bikes and most sport bikes from its era. Ive ridden my friends 1098 and it feels like a dirt bike compared to this. However, despite being harder to throw around (due to the weight) it does actually handle very well. My suspension is all stock-id just recommend having it set up once by a professional and educating yourself on the adjustments. I run slicks on the track so that makes a big difference obviously. I'm able to drag elbow on this bike, so don't let anyone tell you it doesn't handle well! :P That being said, the bike has a FUN factor that makes it worth riding more than anything else. In a straight line a modern 600 is the same speed tho, so don't buy it for the speed!
Speed is not what I'm looking for :) the cbr is the right machine for the job...although the wow factor this bike has is something my cbr will ever have.. i had a 998s but an asshole stole it ( hope he'll die in agony) , so I'm a fan from the v twin era...baylss vs Edwards ;P
So, in good hands this bike can still be fun and effective... anything about reliability ? Thank you very much
federico gher oh yeah it definitely has a wow factor. I love v twins as well. Every time I start this thing it puts a smile on my face. It can definitely be effective and has a lot of grunt out of the corners. As far as reliability, it's a Honda! Only thing I've changed is the battery and other consumable parts.
Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure chatting with you!! If you want to add me on fb my name is federico gherbaz, just in case I'll need further info ;) thanx a lot. Ciao
federico gher nice talking with you! I'll add you on FB.
Very nice video. I have a Honda Superhawk (VTR 1000) but I'm looking at adding an RC 51 to my fleet. What kind of exhaust set up do you have? It sounds awesome! Keep these epic videos comin' man!
Joshua Froelke thanks! I run a pair of stainless Yosh RS3s on the track but Sato Banzais for the street. Don't wanna risk messing up the Satos on the track lol. Also have a Power Commander with appropriate maps. The Satos sound way better tho. If you love your VTR you'll really love an RC! They're a blast to ride.
joshua Froelke you might also want to try the Delkevic 300 Downtowns. I have them and they are awesome!!
Bike sounds amazing.
1080 at 60. and preferably no wind noise, to better hear the sp2
Actually picked up a new GoPro so I can do 4k60 and also have a nice stereo external mic with wind cover. Only thing I don't have is the RC51 😄
Nice miss BTW!
Well done Jetstream, announcement! JETSTREAM TO THE NURBURGRING, JETSTREAM TO THE NURBURGRING IMMEDIATELY PLEASE
Polarbear haha I'd love to ride at the Ring! If only I could afford to ship my bike and myself over there.
+jetstream01 I'm in the same boat amigo
Nice!
I use to have an Rc51 but it was sadly stolen when I moved to Phx. The assholes stole my whole trailer with bike in it. I am going to download this and use it as my bedtime music. I miss the rumble/purr of the Vtwin.
Close call @9:44
Rad!!!
I am seriously in love with this bike. Please keep making videos. I am on my way to owning one of my own. Also, get your head lower in corners.
Wait till you own one, then you'll love it even more! My head is super low actually, look at the video thumbnail-that shot was taken during this video.
+jetstream01 Ahh, sorry, didn't notice. Good form then. 13:30 my god you are low.
+g0ferboy haha thanks man my form can be improved still but I'm working on it. I was able to get my elbow down in that corner a lot. Don't let anyone tell you the RC doesn't handle well!
heh, That bike is one of the only high power twins left from Honda. I love Honda. 45k on my cruiser and it's still healthy, I've got another that's got a lot of lean, but I am still looking for more.
+jetstream01 funny, I never added a steering stab... Never needed it....(YET)
Jeez, track surface is sh8t.