I refurbished a 2004 rc51 in 2012. He's absolutely correct in a lot of items. The fairings and plastics are no longer made, so youll need to find a used set and paint them using color rite paint. These bikes are HEAVY! My CBR 954 was more powerful and lighter. They get HOT going slow like the old ducatis. The suspension is very soft if you weigh over 150lbs. The clutch is hydraulic, which is why it feels more numb than a cable actuated bike. The cams are gear driven, and it's the absolute best sound ever on a motorcycle in my opinion. Overall its a good bike for sound and nostalgia reasons.
When I got out of the military in 2015, I rode from San Diego to Tulsa in 3 days on mine. I miss that bike but I don't think I could handle that ride in a week these days.
Had a friend with one when they were a few years old. Major over heat problems for sure also Wiring issues, one big one being a no start issue. Even with fairings off there is nothing you can reach or repair major dissembly is necessary to work on anything. If you don't like the way the Corbin looks it will be way more comfortable than the original and worth keeping. If you want the original to be more comfortable, you won't be. Not worth getting unless it is just for having the original parts supply. Corbin seats are hard to beat on anything, they are always a big improvement over stock
I had an RC51 brand new back in the day, while is was a pretty good bike, it could not compete on the streets with an R1 or Gsxr1000, I ended up selling it and got a Gsxr1000.
The RC-51, Aprilia RSV1000 MIlle, GSXR 750 and CBR954RR were on my short list when I went to buy a supersport back in 2014. I wound up getting a 954 because it was the first viable opportunity to present itself. I've also heard that those side radiators on the RC51 will bake you in summer traffic. Would still buy one if I still rode supersports though.
5th gen VFR has the side radiators. When the bike hits 200 degrees, you will cook. The solution is simple, lane filter and pass all that stupid traffic.
I had one back in the day. I dont believe your HP numbers. It gave me nightmares but is was fun to ride, amazing track bike. Hot day your NOT KIDDING. I got a 600RR and it was far, far superior and I kept that bike for 6yrs and it responded to every mod like no other bike ive owned. It got stolen and I got a 1000RR and never looked back down from liter bikes.
I thought these were awesome bikes back in the day but if I were in the market for a vtwin that will make your wrist and back hurt today and I sure am not being almost 67 I think I would hunt for a well kept KTM RC8. Now that is an engine. I know since I have a 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R I purchased new in late 2014.
Would love to hear more about the real difference in experience between an SP1 and SP2! Forums all wax poetic about how the SP2 fixed the throttle snatchiness and such but is it really that big of a difference? There are a ton of reasonably priced SP1's in my area but I've been holding out for an SP2 mainly because people say it's a better ride.
My opinion is the sp2 is for a certain rider and I don't think its better so to speak. Just depends on your riding style-experience. The SP1 is the balls to the wall bull ride. That makes some riders better due to taming the beast. I had other sportbikes that I would not call better or worse, slower or faster but I will say I learned my bike and could make it perform much better than other riders that are not used to it.
1/ They are heavy,,,,I fitted BST wheels on mine, made a big difference 2/ Suspension is average...I went with Ohlins on mine 3/ 133 hp, dont think so probably more like 115-120, after a decent exhaust and power commander. 4/ SP2 does have larger throttle bodies but only needed on a full on race bike, otherwise the smaller SP1 TBs are preferable 5/ They are hard on gas, low 30s mpg. 6/ Engine upgrades are hard to come by, the HRC cams had a nasty habit of snapping. Cant mill the heads to up the compression ratio due to gear drive cams and cast in cam carriers. I ended up selling mine and buying a Ducati 999R, better handling, feels way lighter,150hp with exhaust. Honda RC51 is very reliable stock, the Ducati was a pain in the A** to work on. Got too old for that mularkey, ride a Harley now
I refurbished a 2004 rc51 in 2012. He's absolutely correct in a lot of items. The fairings and plastics are no longer made, so youll need to find a used set and paint them using color rite paint. These bikes are HEAVY! My CBR 954 was more powerful and lighter. They get HOT going slow like the old ducatis. The suspension is very soft if you weigh over 150lbs. The clutch is hydraulic, which is why it feels more numb than a cable actuated bike. The cams are gear driven, and it's the absolute best sound ever on a motorcycle in my opinion. Overall its a good bike for sound and nostalgia reasons.
This is an excellent video from somebody who really knows what they're talking about.
Love my Rc51. Had my first 100 mile ride last week on it. My back and thighs and wrist still hurt a bit. But man what a machine 😅
Definitely is a fantastic bike. Definitely can see how a long ride could leave you sore for a few days
When I got out of the military in 2015, I rode from San Diego to Tulsa in 3 days on mine. I miss that bike but I don't think I could handle that ride in a week these days.
Great content and great bikes. I call it my easy bake oven bike. If you ride on a hot summer day you will feel it.
Ah yah definitely I’ve been there lol
Very good info in your video sir. Thanks for making it for us
Just found your channel. I was the 69th like :) You seem like you have knowledge and I like the smooth delivery. Good job! Subscribed
Thank you!
Had a friend with one when they were a few years old. Major over heat problems for sure also Wiring issues, one big one being a no start issue. Even with fairings off there is nothing you can reach or repair major dissembly is necessary to work on anything.
If you don't like the way the Corbin looks it will be way more comfortable than the original and worth keeping. If you want the original to be more comfortable, you won't be. Not worth getting unless it is just for having the original parts supply. Corbin seats are hard to beat on anything, they are always a big improvement over stock
I had an RC51 brand new back in the day, while is was a pretty good bike, it could not compete on the streets with an R1 or Gsxr1000, I ended up selling it and got a Gsxr1000.
One of my All time favorite bike 🔥🔥🔥 Almost bought one but got a 04 R1 instead
The RC-51, Aprilia RSV1000 MIlle, GSXR 750 and CBR954RR were on my short list when I went to buy a supersport back in 2014. I wound up getting a 954 because it was the first viable opportunity to present itself. I've also heard that those side radiators on the RC51 will bake you in summer traffic. Would still buy one if I still rode supersports though.
5th gen VFR has the side radiators.
When the bike hits 200 degrees, you will cook. The solution is simple, lane filter and pass all that stupid traffic.
Good content keep doing it ❤️
I had one back in the day. I dont believe your HP numbers. It gave me nightmares but is was fun to ride, amazing track bike. Hot day your NOT KIDDING. I got a 600RR and it was far, far superior and I kept that bike for 6yrs and it responded to every mod like no other bike ive owned. It got stolen and I got a 1000RR and never looked back down from liter bikes.
I thought these were awesome bikes back in the day but if I were in the market for a vtwin that will make your wrist and back hurt today and I sure am not being almost 67 I think I would hunt for a well kept KTM RC8. Now that is an engine. I know since I have a 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R I purchased new in late 2014.
Would love to hear more about the real difference in experience between an SP1 and SP2! Forums all wax poetic about how the SP2 fixed the throttle snatchiness and such but is it really that big of a difference? There are a ton of reasonably priced SP1's in my area but I've been holding out for an SP2 mainly because people say it's a better ride.
I’ve rode both like I was saying they in all reality are really similar and if your not really getting on the ride you probably won’t notice
My opinion is the sp2 is for a certain rider and I don't think its better so to speak. Just depends on your riding style-experience. The SP1 is the balls to the wall bull ride. That makes some riders better due to taming the beast. I had other sportbikes that I would not call better or worse, slower or faster but I will say I learned my bike and could make it perform much better than other riders that are not used to it.
It's a race bike homologation.
It's meant to be ridden hard not sit in traffic.
Owned my SP1 for 6 years with zero issues. No tank leaking.
Yup exactly.
Also perhaps it was replaced under warranty
Great video 👍 I was initially interested in maybe buying a RC51 until I found out they’re not fuel injected.
not sure where you read that but the RC51 is fuel injected
@@navscyclesthanks for the heads up! I googled it & yup you’re right!
1/ They are heavy,,,,I fitted BST wheels on mine, made a big difference
2/ Suspension is average...I went with Ohlins on mine
3/ 133 hp, dont think so probably more like 115-120, after a decent exhaust and power commander.
4/ SP2 does have larger throttle bodies but only needed on a full on race bike, otherwise the smaller SP1 TBs are preferable
5/ They are hard on gas, low 30s mpg.
6/ Engine upgrades are hard to come by, the HRC cams had a nasty habit of snapping. Cant mill the heads to up the compression ratio due to gear drive cams and cast in cam carriers.
I ended up selling mine and buying a Ducati 999R, better handling, feels way lighter,150hp with exhaust.
Honda RC51 is very reliable stock, the Ducati was a pain in the A** to work on. Got too old for that mularkey, ride a Harley now
This was a real informative video for those who don't know what this bike is. I will never sell my RC51,
that bike that year the Hayden edition is my dream bike. looking for one if you know anyone.
Whats your budget? I have one
Do I spy an FD RX7?
If you’re referring to the red car that’s my Miata. I don’t think my rx7 was in this video
@@navscycles OH OK THEN. well good vid.
I got a Mondial Piega, lighter, faster, better handling what Honda should have built!