Looking at an RC51. Common Problems?/ Thoughts?

[MikeyZ]

I am going to look at a 2001 Honda RC51 with 17,000 miles on it.
Before going to look at it I wanted to do some research into common problems the bike might have/ or anything specific to check out before I buy this bike.
I know generally what to look after on bikes- but anything specific with the RC51s?
So if you've owned one or know somebody who has- please fill me in.

Thanks.

[JohnnyV]

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry Tour)

Half squid has owned close to half of the rc51's sold in New England, he may be able to give you some pointers...

[slammp]

I had an 01 RC51 for several years. Very strong bike. Engine is bullet proof on those bike and they are know to last. Ther really are not any known issues. I would check the condition carefully (tires, chain, etc to see if there are any indications it was beat on -just regular bike specific things). You should know that alot of guys that are sport bike riders don't like the Rc51. The V-twin is completely different than any other sportbike. Pick up is not as quick but the torque is amazing and up over 7k on the revs the thing is like nirvana on wheels. I loved mine. Good luck.

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

Check for radiator damage. They are susceptible to that from minor tipovers. Other than that they are one of the most solid bikes ever built. You can't break the motors.

If its flat black with one headlight, PM me.

[CBR929RE]

the only known issue is that they are kinda pigs in stock form. otherwise just like has been said they are one of the most reliable bikes ever made.

[oVTo]

I have an '00 RC51. The '00 and '01 are the same model, the SP1. In '02 they improved it with the SP2. It's not my daily rider so the mileage is low at about 24,000, but the only problem I've had with it is the bank angle sensor failed when it was a few weeks old. Other than that, just normal maintenance. As slammp said, not a lot of people like the RC51, but I love mine. It has gobs of torque and is fun to ride but can get uncomfortable if you put on a few hundred miles in a day. But since you have to gas up around 100-125 miles anyway that's not a big problem. I'd check the overall condition for crash damage and to see if it looks like it has been taken care of, and ask if they have service records. Try looking through the SP1 threads at http://www.rc51forums.com/.

[xrocket21]

by 17k miles it should have had a valve adjustment.

02+ are better

They are quite uncomfortable

terrible gas mileage

slow and heavy

I love mine

[soloithtz]

I had a friend who owned one great bike lots of torque, however everytime he hit a semi major bump his F1 light came on

[jeantarrou]

I'm on my 2nd SP2, all good information you've already gotten here. It is a bike that is starting to show its age, modern 600's have equal performance and weigh much less. But, the thing has got so much soul, and an incredibly passionate following. I've never had so much fun spending all my money, lots of trick bits to add to the thing...

Wirelessly posted



If its flat black with one headlight, PM me.

Degsy, I just bought this one a month or so ago...

[GTStang]

by 17k miles it should have had a valve adjustment.

02+ are better

They are quite uncomfortable

terrible gas mileage

slow and heavy

It's like having a boiling cauldron between your legs

I love mine

Fixed it for you

Love mine also and the sound of the exhaust is heavenly

[xrocket21]

cliffs on the RC:

-everyone hates them and they suck

-most everyone who sells theirs regrets it


character, etc

[Duffy21690]

Rock solid bike. Honda reliability. A bit of a pain to work on the engine due to the side radiators. But with 16k mile valve intervals who cares? Gorgeous sounding engine. 02 and later is deff worth the few extra pennies for more power and better suspension. Anyone who hates an RC has never had one and/or has no soul.