In a long line of homologation race machines, the Honda RC51 stands out as a unique accomplishment. Ever the engineering powerhouse, Honda played with the rule book and utilized a Me Too philosophy to break the Ducati juggernaut in WSBK by developing a Japanese take on the Italian machine. Since twin-cylinder machines had a distinct…
We often like to claim milestone motorcycles were designed to “break all the rules” but in the case of the RC51, the bike was designed to the extent of the rules – quite literally. Known formally as the Honda RVT1000R, the RC51 was a significant departure from the earlier (and successful) RC30 and RC45 formats.…
Honda built the RC51 to access the displacement advantage afforded two cylinder Superbikes in the FIM World Championship, and Colin Edwards went right out and snapped it up. Here’s a lightly ridden and slightly tarted up SP2 from the mid-Atlantic area. 2003 Honda RVT1000R / RC51 for sale on eBay Honda’s L-twin packed a real…
Update 10.20.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc The incredible Honda RVT1000R – perhaps better known by its more popular moniker, the RC51 – was a motorcycle built out of need. The need was not in the showroom, but on the racetrack. WSBK rules changed in 1998, allowing twins to have…
Update 8.27.2020: SOLD IN JUST 3 DAYS to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc This 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 is a U.S.-market bike that was dressed up from new with European-market bodywork that sets it well apart from the red-black-silver and all-black bikes that were standard here. It also means the bike…
Update 7.06.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dcc Honda’s reply to the WSBK rules change put Ducati on notice, at the very least. The RC51 was updated to SP2 spec in 2002, largely on revised chassis and suspension. RSBFS reader Mike’s RC51 is presented in alternate white livery (never offered in…
Update 7.28.2019: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc Dennis has 3 very low mileage bikes listed right now: 2000 Ducati 996 with 280 Miles [SOLD]2001 Honda RC51 with 286 Miles [SOLD]2000 Honda CBR929RR with 236 Miles Thank you for supporting the site, Dennis, and good luck to buyers! -dc Honda has…
Aprilia made neat black Haga and Edwards commemoratives on the 2003 RSV1000R, and continued applying the signature decals on the early 2nd generation Factory. Rather than the black and Alice livery, the 2004 is an adult multi-grey, with the R’s blue wheels. The Factories had excellent components and this one shows just over 2,200 miles.…