The Honda RC51 should need no introduction. Even the most causal superbike fan has heard the story of the RC51 duking it out with the best that Ducati had on offer. The racing was amazing, the stories were incredible and the road going versions were a beautiful thing to experience. The RC30 and RC45 before…
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.…
AMA Superbike champion. AMA Superstock winner – in both 600cc and 750cc classes. Formula Extreme winner. MotoGP rookie of the year. MotoGP world champion. Dethroned Valentino Rossi by interrupting his 5-in-a-row championship streak. Three time MotoGP winner and 28 time podium visitor. Scored at least one point in each of his 14 seasons in the…
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 8.22.2020: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc The 2002 Honda RC51 SP2 was the first year of the ultimate evolution of Honda’s gorgeous World Superbike conqueror. Built to play on Ducati’s v-twin field and engineered to within a millimeter of its life thanks to Big Red’s…
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…
Honda spent mega-$ designing their own V-twin Superbike, but reaped the benefits on both the AMA and WSBK scenes. This owner has identified the 2004 Nicky Hayden commemorative as the RC51 for the long term, and has kept it beautifully for the next owner. 2004 Honda RC51 RVT1000 Nicky Hayden Edition for sale on eBay…