[Dave Tracy]

I rode a 2000 and loved it. now its time to get one myself. So I thought this would be a great place to find out what you need to know when looking. Any help is welcomed.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[TMFD]

welcome. i was in your shoes about a year ago. i ended up buying a babied '03. i don't know how much research you've done, (i'm no expert but there are some real rc51 phd's on here) but i did a ton before i bought. if you're gonna buy, get an sp2, '02 or newer. the fuel and chassis upgrades are worth it alone.

mine had 3400 miles when i got it and so far i have put a set of twobrothers slip-ons, a pcIII, flapper valve mod and the 520 conversion. pretty standard mods for the rc51. last dyno was 138hp and 81 foot lbs of torque at around 8000 rpm.

it's a true race bike so the gearing is taller than paul bunyan. get used to sounding like the start of a motogp race when you leave stoplights or have a honda shop do the above mentioned mods for you. they make street life much more bearable but the beast is still there when you want it.

if you're used to in-line fours you'll love changing gears cause you want to, not cause you have to. the torque is amazing and addictive. you'll find you turn into one of those guys dropping down a gear to ride through tunnels. i've had two superhawks, a gixxer 750 and rode many friends machines and the rc51 is by far my favorite.

 

[Allen03RC]

Heck yes! SP2's r nice! I love the sound that a twin makes! If you really want knowlage of the RC ask "SubSailor" I think he wrote the book on RC51. LOL

 

[SubSailor]

Yeah I dig that sound.
That's the main reason I bought it. That and the history behind it.
According to his autobiography, Rossi has one in his garage.
When asked his opinion, he said the RC51 "goes where you point it, and it slides well".

 

[SubSailor]

Heck yes! SP2's r nice! I love the sound that a twin makes! If you really want knowlage of the RC ask "SubSailor" I think he wrote the book on RC51. LOL

I wish, but it's all information available to anyone on the Internet.
But I'll take the comment anyways

If you really want to know who to thank for the SP1 and SP2, he'll be racing again real soon in MotoGP.
His name...Colin Edwards.

The dude is an outstanding test/development rider.
I'd rather have his name on my tank than Nicki Hayden (who isn't bad either).

 

[Dave Tracy]

what to look for!

As I go and look at used bikes what should I look for. I know what to look at but what for the RC-51 should be looked at! What accessories dont work and what are the best ones. I know I want the 02-08, Red.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[TMFD]

hmmm...those are questions that are gonna get a lot of different answer. just remember the rc is a race bike first and then a street bike.

for me, mods that made the power more usable on the street were worth my money. after the sprocket conversion and flapper mod i can take off from a dead stop at near idle speed instead of the 3000-3500 rpms it takes in stock trim. you might want a more comfortable saddle and some bar risers for long trips. sargent makes a nice seat with red trim ($$$). i'm 6'4" so i got some sato rearsets for a little more peg adjustment. a set of nice pipes and a power commander will turn heads everywhere with that beautiful v-twin roar.

the rc is a gorgeous, classic bike and you will NOT see many of them around. a major selling point for me. i think the '05 and '06 only came in black, so if you want a red one get a nice '04. there is a hong kong company on ebay that sells full aftermarket bodywork with OEM, racing replica and unique paint schemes.

keep us updated on your search...

 

[Dave Tracy]

body work

Has anyone bought that body work from Hong Kong?

 

[Allen03RC]

I know a guy here in tx that bought a set. They look very nice, but the paint can chip kinda easy. He showed me what rock chips do to the paint work. But you could put that 3M clear protector on the front and it would help alot.

 

[njracer]

mine had 3400 miles when i got it and so far i have put a set of twobrothers slip-ons, a pcIII, flapper valve mod and the 520 conversion. pretty standard mods for the rc51. last dyno was 138hp and 81 foot lbs of torque at around 8000 rpm.

it's a true race bike so the gearing is taller than paul bunyan. get used to sounding like the start of a motogp race when you leave stoplights or have a honda shop do the above mentioned mods for you. they make street life much more bearable but the beast is still there when you want it.

Unless you like getting screwed by a dealer, all of the above mods listed are super simple to do yourself. Slip-on and flapper can be done in less than 1hr...probably 30min if you have a clue on working on motorcycles. The PCIIIusb might take an hour but it's also a real simple mod you can do yourself.

The chain might be a pain but if you have access to a chain tool, it's another easy job.

BTW, it much more satisfying doing the work yourself rather than letting some $6.00/hr monkey at a dealer do it for you.

 

[SubSailor]

It much more satisfying doing the work yourself rather than letting some $6.00/hr monkey at a dealer do it for you.

One aspect of doing the job yourself is knowing that the job was done right and to spec.

Always take your time and think the task through and be meticulous.
The service manual and parts list are your best friends.

Approach your bike like a race mechanic would.
When removed, degrease and examine every part.
That's how I found a hairline crack on the rear rotor carrier on my Marchesini wheel.
Think professional, be professional. It's kinda zen-like.

 

[Allen03RC]

Hey guys what about the P.A.I.R mod thing? Is that worth the time? Any gains?

 

[SubSailor]

The PAIR system is all about emissions control.
It injects air into the exhaust to ensure unburnt hydrocarbons get used.
There's comments that it might slightly improve exhaust scavenging efficiency, but I have no practical comparison with proof.
Removing it will simplify your bike by removing all that plumbing and will save a few pounds.
Would be interesting to see a dyno comparison with and then without.
All in all, it's just something to potentially break, so ditch it if you want to.

 

[Allen03RC]

What I can do is find a dyno to put it on and test it. With and without to see if its worth it or not.

 

[SubSailor]

I suspect it won't add much, but it would be interesting to know for future reference.

 

[TMFD]

i wish i was one of those mechanically inclined guys who was comfortable with a wrench, but i definitely am not. i can imagine some very cool saturday afternoons, sitting around my garage greasing some rarely seen internal cycle part whilst enjoying a cold one with some classic rock playing in the background.

but the truth is, i don't even change my own oil. i just love to ride. thankfully my local honda shop is staffed with actual friends, one of whom has his own rc51. all i pay for are parts and the random case of beer for after hours work while i hang out and watch. a unique and lucky situation i know, but when i'm leaned over in a sweeper i have much more confidence in a friend with an MMI degree than if i had been knocking around my bike's innards with an open shop manual.