[JRT]

Howdy All,
I grew up on dirt bikes and 3-wheelers, but I have not been on a bike in many years.
I took the BRC two weeks ago and did very well in the test, I only had 1 point marked against me, now I have my license and I am ready to ride.

I have a buddy with a 05 RC51 in great shape; low miles, good mods, a pretty good price tag and I considering buying it.
I have looked around at different bikes like the SV650, F4i, and 600RR thinking that I should start off smaller, but the RC is a good deal on a great bike that I can grow into.
Furthermore, just about every bike I see has either been laid down, dropped, and beat to hell and back or has other problems from sitting to long.

I am 40 years old with a Mustang GT that I do enjoy driving rather spirited from time to time.
The RC kind of scares the shit out of me so I think I would tend to take it easier on the bike and I do believe that I can handle it if I just stay level headed and ease into riding it.

So what do you all think; thanks a bunch for reading my novel?

 

[SubSailor]

The RC51 is a really nice bike.
It has a nice broad power spread and plenty of torque.
It will also haul ass on the top end as well.
Plus it has that great 90 Deg. V-twin sound and cam whine from those spur gears.

I only ask you don't treat it as a throw away bike like the 600s.
These bikes are much too nice for that.

 

[JRT]

SubSailor, thanks for your reply.
The fact it is a V-twin and a sweet bike with lots of torque are a few the main reasons I am considering it.
I plan on keeping for a long time and it is a bike that I can grow into and my skills increase.
I just can’t help but wonder if it is a little too much machine for the first street bike.

 

[SubSailor]

That's a tough call and only you can be the best judge of your skill level.
You've ridden dirt bikes, so you're not ignorant of how bikes operate.

The RC51 is not ferocious, but it does have a lot more torque (and weight) than dirt bikes.
Just take it easy, use your head, and get used to it.
As time goes, you'll feel more confident and comfortable.

I would never suggest a large bike to a person who had never ridden before.
Too much possibility to get hurt. Better to learn on a smaller bike develop skill sets.

 

[Juandi824]

welcome to the rc51 world i just got a 2000 about two weeks back

it has a lot more power than my brothers kawi zx6r which is what i was used to riding now he wants one

 

[JRT]

Thanks guys.
I have decided to buy the bike, I will get some pictures up once I get her home.

 

[PiasanoRacer]

It doesn't make sense for me to revisit every point Sub brought up about the RC51. He hit the nail on every point. I will revisit one item that I think is worth bringing up again: weight. The RC51 is heavier and not as nimble at very low speeds as the 600/650 crop of bikes you previously mentioned. Depending on your size/strength this fact needs to be kept in mind when negotiating situations like parking lots/parking spaces, stop and go traffic and my favorite: low speed turns. To mention just a few. Once at speed, it truly is a force to be reckoned with. My '03 is affectionately referred to as "The Sled" by the guys I do track days with. In the corners it does all the work. I just hold on. It's that stable. As long as you are aware of this one characteristic (Which, by the way, is common with most larger/heavier bikes. Just ask your friends who ride Harley's), the RC is an exceptional bike for either street or track riding. Welcome to the "club!"

 

[JRT]

Thanks PiasanoRacer.
Once my new gear gets here and the weather warms up some the first thing I am going to do is find an empty parking lot and get the feel of the bike in low speed turns.
As long as I am not an idiot I have no doubt I can handle it at cruising speeds, but the weight of the bike and the power it puts down does concern me.
I just need to take my time and learn the bike and not be a moron about riding to fast, but I think I will be ok.