RC51

I too have been thinking about an '08 CBR1000. With the current rebates these bikes have to be the best bang-for-the-buck in motorcycling.

Speedzilla has a good forum on the RC51 if you are interested in hearing the opinion of many owners. Speedzilla started out as a Ducati/Honda sport twins forum.

 

I had an 03 RC51 and I still have a Honda 1000RR (although it's an 05 Repsol) and have much experience with both Vtwins and inline 4s. The Vtwins are incredibly easy to ride and can be enjoyed in any situation. Remember Nicky Hayden got almost all the way to MotoGP on an RC51. The new 1000RR (which I only have about 30 miles seat time on) is an incredible machine. It weighs about the same as the outgoing GSXR 600 but has more horsepower than any Honda 1k ever produced.

Really you will absolutely not go wrong with either bike. Check out Southern Honda for the best price on a new bike (08 1000 for $7283 + lifetime engine warantee...never bought from them but they're overstocked and regularly offer epic prices). $5k for an RC is a pretty good price if it's been well maintained, but maybe keep your eye out for a better bike. I saw a MINT 03 RC trade for $5500 w/2500 miles this year.

Newer technology is always better in a sense, but the older bikes can be just as much fun if you aren't into it for appearance!

 

Your V-4 is going to be more comfy, versatile and useful than the V twin.

I would not trade the Viffer for the RC51 straight up.

 

Tough call. I was hunting for an RC51 or Aprilia RSV1000 when the CBR1000rr deals first popped up. Couldn't pass it up and ended up with the CBR, though it was only around $7,200 for me and I could have got it a lot cheaper if I was willing to travel.

It really depends on what you want out of your riding experience though. The RC51 is going to feel heavy as hell, drink gas like crazy, and no matter what you do, it simply won't be as fast as the more modern bikes.

Flip side is it oozes character out of every pore, the sound of the engine is orgasmic. Its super reliable, awesomely stable etc.

Of course there is the old cliche ''I can't use 100% of either one......blah blah'' stuff, so consider that as well.

The 51 has been around and raced for a long time, it needs some setup work, but all the data is easy to come by.

 

I want a RC-51. It is something of a cult bike.

Like any Honda, it is reliable.

A motorcycle mechanic told me about a Honda. "You can light it on fire, and it will still run."




I miss my old yellow 748 Mono.

 

I think your VFR is your best bet for an all arounder. The RC 51 is a terrific sounding bike and I prefer the V twin torque and sound. I'm told it is kind of heavy and really not comfortable but neither would bother me. To me the Viffer and the RC have character and the CBR is a cookie cutter sportbike. A blindingly fast and ridiculously great package for a sportbike but no real soul or character.

The RC has mostly depreciated and the CBR will drop like a stone in 3 years but you can't look at these as investments.

Good Luck

Jason

(I miss my 748 too!)

 

The RC51 has basically bottomed out and prices for a good one are more or less stabilized in a range between $4000-6000. My local dealer has an '06 with 3000 miles and pipes for $6999. That would represent probably the absolute top of the range price-wise. I cannot recall one that wasn't rashed salvage junk selling for below $4000.

When the CBR came out in 2008 I hated the way it looked but it has definitely grown on me. From all reviews I have read the bike is fantastic, and aside from some examples drinking oil due to faulty rings (replaced under warranty), the bike has been bulletproof. For some reason the newest CBR has not been popular with customers and there remain dozens if not hundreds of 2008's sitting on dealer floors at the moment. Honda currently has $2500 rebates on top of the normal discounting, plus 0% financing if the customer is interested. $8k OTD seems to be about what brand-new ones are selling for this spring, if not a little less. Finance most of the bike for 3 years and you have a $170 payment, or in other words the same my wife can spend in three minutes at a department store.

I have recently been elightened that heavily discounted bikes are like having beer goggles and once you sober up you are sorry. That is probably a good analogy, but the CBR appears to be reliable, comfortable, and faster than 99% of the population needs. A possibility for that elusive do-it-all streetbike.

 

I bought a 2002 RC51 last summer, 8000 miles for about $5,500 plus TTL...
I love the bike, a wanted another twin to accompany my 1098.

Contrary to popular opinion, my RC51 does not feel heavy at all. It is very flickable, actually. Plenty power for all but the most power-hungry. It cannot, however, compete with my 1098's power/handling/braking, no way no how!!

I think it still looks modern. I love it. But.......I may sell it this summer to fund a down- payment for a 2010 BMW S1000RR...In case anybody's interested!

Greg in Houston

 

good advice from all here.
When I bought my 1098s I kept my 2004 R1.
I also kept my 748 mono. I'm glad I did. There's just something so magic about the bike.....