I am considering picking one up in the next couple of months (I am in the research stage right now). I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these bikes? I was at the Honda Dealer last week and saw a Black/Gray 2005 model and fell madly in love with it. I am just getting into the biking hobby and would be using the bike for long rides on the weekend...Just enjoying wide open roads...Nothing crazy... Let me know what you guys think.
a new rider? If so run away from this bike. Too intense. Start with a Suzuki SV650 or a Ducati air-cooled twin. Much less power. There are many threads on this board; search Suzuki SV650 or Ducati Monster for more info. Even if you were Carl Fogarty the RC51's ergos are not meant for long rides.
get the rc 51...u will love it. it is a bike you will need to respect but will not hurt you if you are level headed. just be carefull and have fun. and get some good pipes for it so it sounds *****in!
Hey man. I used to ride with a guy that had one in college. I had a CBR 929 and when we would get on it on the straights, he would just not quite pull with me. It was a sweet bike though and the cool thing about it is that it looks and sounds different (better) than just about everything out there. Everyone and their damn dog has a screaming inline 4. The V-twin in the 51 is one of the only seriously powerful vtwins out there and it's got a really cool sound. It's the only Vtwin I would consider since most of the others give up way too much in power output. Don't listen to the people that tell you it's too much bike. What bites you on liter bike will bite you on a 250. It's not the power that is going to get away from you, so pick one up and enjoy the heck out of it.
If you insist on getting a liter bike as your first this would be a good choice. The twin power is a little easier to control than a I-4. This will probably be the last year for the RC so if you want one new, now would be a good time. They haven't really changed it all since 2002, so if you find an older one you wouldn't be giving up anything other than warranty. I will probably ride twins from now on after owning them along with I-4's and a Triumph triple. For me the twin is the most fun to ride and sounds the best as well. However, I find myself curious about the new Kawa ZX6RR. It has a redline of 16500 rpm. I can just imagine what that sounds like with an open pipe.
Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I am aware of the fact that it is not as "quick" as the other liter bikes, but that is not what I am after. I know that as a rider without a ton of experience I should buy a "beginner" bike, but I am not a small guy. At 6-3 with an athletic build I can't help but thinking I look a little silly on some of the smaller machines. I am not looking for the fastest, meanest thing on the street, just something that I would enjoy and not mind paying for. The kind of riding I would be doing is mostly small group excursions on some of the open highways around my home town (there are plenty of really nice highways around the part of Louisiana where I am from and they generally don't have a lot of traffic). Any experience with riding one? Any feedback from owners that you might know? Any other tips, pointers, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again.
Sbj, Is this really going to be the last year for the RC? The dealer in my hometown did not mention that, I will have to ask him. Do you know where I can confirm this? I liked the silver/red combo, but the black/gray put the bike over the top in my mind. If this indeed will be the final year of production, that is something that I need to know. I may have to pull the trigger sooner rather than later... Thanks.
The new Kawa is the closest thing I've heard to an F1 car. Awesome..... Agree with you on the twin being better than a 4 as a first bike, but I think it is still too much bike for a novice and the ergos make Ducati 999s feel like cruisers. As for this being the last year for the bike I can see that as Honda only built it to go WSB racing; now that 4s are allowed no reason to have it around. Solution? Buy the RC51 and a used SV650. Use the SV650 to learn (and fall) on, then use your RC51.....
No offense, but have you gone and sat on other bikes? Todays litre machines are the same size, if not smaller than their 600cc counterparts. Twins in particular are very narrow and usually have lower seat hieghts, with the possible exception of the Aprillia which is like sitting on a tall fence. The RC51 is a great bike however, very unappreciated due to the percieved issues with the powerband and its brick hard seat. Both can be rectified very easily, plus its incredibly reliable.
I can't confirm it, just more of a guess based on where the bike fits in its range. As was mentioned, they are not using it for racing now, and the bike has not been updated for several years. The VTR1000 Superhawk is probably on its last legs as well, nine years without an update is an eternity in sportbikes. I'm actually suprised the RC is still available now, although the tooling required to produce it should be paid for by now. However many they sell is just more profit. In truth Honda probably makes more on an RC51 than they do a CBR1000RR, which receives updates every two years and retails for less. The first year (MY2000), the supply was limited to something like 1500 RC51's, and people paid several thousand over sticker for them at first. In the subsequent years their sales have levelled off to around a thousand bikes/year (read that last year source unknown). If you like black twins, I would like to suggest the Ducati 749 Dark. Same price, slightly less power, comfortable, and reasonably practical. If you have an extra $6k the gloss black 2005 999 is simply awesome. The new Ducati superbikes have a surprising amount of legroom for tall riders.
RC51 might be a little intense for what you want to use it for. I'm 6'3", and I haven't ridden one, but sat on one that a friend of mine had for sale. I found it a little small. Then again, most bikes feel small to me. Ever considered a sports touring? I fit pretty well on a BMW R 1150 RT.
First this is too much bike for a novice. unless you have years in the saddle on some extreme sport bikes don't get this. Second This is a Track bike, they are extreme and not really suited for bopping around on weekends. The riding position is gonna kill your back and wrists if you are not ready for it Third The abilities the bike has far exceed my own, I have years under my butt and would never consider this as a weekend touring / sporty bike there are dozens of others that are better suited to what i read to be your riding history. Fourth Anyone putting an inexperienced rider on an RC51 just becase they can afford it is not doing you a service
No offence taken brother! I have gone and sat on several bikes including several Ducs and Aprilias. They all have a different feel. I have sat on Hayabusas and other world beaters just for fun. I would not consider purchasing one of those because I could never conceive of having a use for one, and in my mind are the most extreme. I did consider a Monster 600 or 750 & a Speed Four, but there is not a dealer within 150 miles of my house...I also have sat on the Honda 599 & Interceptor. I really liked the Interceptor and I am considering that bike as well. Reliability is a major concern for me as is not seeing myself on every corner. I am well aware of the ergonomics being "small" for a larger rider, and I know that this is not the kind of bike that I would be comfortable touring on. I should have clarified my intended use a little more - As far as "touring", some friends of mine have Hayabusas, 12r Ninjas, Harleys, choppers, etc. They all get together and ride down to Lafayette, have lunch, and return home. They do this once or twice a month (approximately 160 mile round trip on a nice wide open highway)... Nothing crazy, just enjoying the scenery and comraderie. Other than that, I would be riding the bike around town on occasion. This is just a toy. I have heard some say that this would be too much bike for me, and others say that due to my size I could handle it if I was responsible. What do you guys mean when you say that it would be "too much bike"??? I am not trying to be a smart as*, just trying to get a better feel for why this bike would be more difficult for me to ride responsibly as opposed to a SV650???? Again, thanks for all of the honest and candid input.
My first bike was a brand new ZX-7, at 26 years old. I am now on my forth bike. I now have a Hayabusa w/a full titanium exhaust and chip. I suppose it is better to start with an entry level smaller bike ? However it can be done; if you respect the power and weight. I have thought of buying an RC 51. I am not sure how many serious twins will be available, after California bans the bikes ? Soon it could be now or never. I had a 748 Ducati. I do not like the looks of the current Ducati's. The RC 51 has always appealed to me.
too much bike.... and i don't mean to sound off but there are a lot of folks around the performance and car world who should never be allowed to drive what they can afford. Simple like the tool in Houston who has a habit of removing Ferrari's from the road. the thing is that when someone is driving a car that exceeds his own abilities there is a signifigant amount of engineering protecting the driver from his mistakes. There are airbags traction systems crumpzones and seat belts. misakes come quickly. A motorcycle has, for the most part, NO technology other than praying for a soft mossy roadside to fall into. Motorcycles, especially high end track bikes like this, have power to weight ratio's better than F1 cars and you need to have reflexes refined and experience on what kenitic forces can do to you as you snake around corners to be able to handle it. You are alone against all those forces. Guess what when a mistake happens (and trust me from over 20 years on everytype of 2 wheel's) it is not if you have an accident it is WHEN you have an accident) driving a bike with in your abilities is most probably the best thing. .... also there is a reason Motorcycle permits are "Graduated" in Japan and many other areas. You start small and get to understand the dynamics and speed then pass a test and move up. Japan also has a fraction of the deaths on bikes we do. couple of questions 1 How long have you been riding? 2 is this your first bike ? 3 if so can i be your benificiary on a insurance policy FarmerDave has put together? 4 If riding for any amount of time what have you been on? 5 your earlier "I have sat on..." have you actualy riden any of these?
To answer your questions... 1.) I have been riding off road most of my life, but admittedly not on a consistent basis. 2.) This will be the first bike that I have personally owned, road or otherwise. 3.) Yes. I am 28, don't smoke, have no children or wife, I am rated in excellent physical condition, and a soon to be attorney - so if you play your cards right, with my untimely demise, you could recover enough to buy an Enzo! (Just make the license: THX KJUN) 4.) The only road bikes that I have been on are a 650SV & a VFR. Once again, admittedly I have not spent what would be considered an overly significant amount of time on either. 5.) No. I have not actually ridden any of these. I am going to ride the Monster, Interceptor, 599, and RC51 before making my final decision. I am trying not to go into this blind, i.e. taking the rider's course, etc. I understand the dangers, and I know that this bike might be a little much for me which is why I am asking about it here. But before you jump on me for my honest answers, tell me, have you ridden an RC51? If so, what makes it such a difficult ride for someone who is responsible? What would you recommend instead? P.S. - There is a "new" 2003 959RR for sale @ the same dealer for $8999...a full 2k less than the RC51. Now for some reason, THAT bike scares me... Thanks again for your input.
Well One of the great things about what I do for a living is these things get dropped off at the office every now and then. (last one was 999) the VFR is one i have always liked because the riding position is not as radical and still is no slouch. It is pretty stable under many conditions the earlier versions had some gearbox issues but for the most part honda's are bulletproof. the big Yamaha TT Suzuki makes some too but there are other people around here that might have better examples. Uro and Art are pretty good and some of the others too. I just would hate to see you spend Large $ and end up on the wrong end of a bad accident. Have seen too many organ donar cards with unlimited credit
Aprilia's from the factory have a 29.5" seat height. this is the same as many of the japanese counter parts. (Mine is at 32" for racing) Now thats like sitting on a tall fence..but she turns in oooh sooo quickly. The RC-51 is a great bike. Though you may want to consider the SV-1000's or 650 especially if you have not ridden much before. I learned how to ride on a Superhawk. Again a decent bike but the chassis flexes a bit when pushed in the twisties. If you are going to spend 11k on an RC-51 you might as well look at the Aprilia. The Tuono or left over Falco would be a fantastic bike. As for the mid-range or power issues I wouldn't worry about it too much until you get more comfortable on the bike. A chip and set of HRC intake plenum stacks will cure what ever ails you. The only thing I didn't like about the RC-51 was the low slung weight. They are incredibly tuff to turn in initially (Gyroscopic force of twin) but once in the corner hold the line well and adapt *ok* to mid line changes. Its swaping left to right that requires a lot of input on the bars.
I second the Aprilia option, only because you get the finest of passion from italy, yet they appear to have the reliability of a honda. I am seriously thinking about getting a used RSV-R. Everyone I know who has ridden on has raved about it..... Of course now that I think about it, for you, I would go with the SV650, I think its one of the best values out there for a bike. New riders love them because they have much more power than 250's and 500's, but its delivered in a much safer, usable way. It will not bite you if you mis-handle it, however as your skills progress you will be amazed at what you can accomplish with it. It is truly one of the best all around bikes every made in my opinion and for 85% of the time, is all the bike you will ever really need. When you are finally able to ride it to its limits, and notice its faults, then you will be ready for a litre machine. I learned on an R6 and regret that to this day, it actually slowed my progression quite a bit, and we are talking 40% of the capacity of the RC51
First bike was a ZX-6 at 21. On my 8th one, 9th soon. It can be done, but I did have a few close calls. It just depends. If you have the maturity to handle it, and the common sense not to goose the throttle when it's cold (so it catches and catapults you 50 feet), you will be ok. Not the wisest decision, mind you, but it can be done. Best of luck, and post pics!
I learned on an R6 and regret that to this day, it actually slowed my progression quite a bit, and we are talking 40% of the capacity of the RC51[/QUOTE] Can you elaborate on this a little more??? Did it nearly scare you away from riding??? Gentlemen, I must admit that I am genuinely torn. I KNOW that the wise and prudent thing to do would be to start on a smaller/slower/"safer" bike, but everytime that I look at the RC I simply cannot help myself. I understand the argument of progression, and I certainly do not want to scare myself out of the hobby by getting something that I simply cannot handle, but I am finding myself rationalizing the decision by telling myself that if I am careful, everything will be fine...the bike will not go any faster or act any crazier than I allow it to...it will only kill me if I allow myself to believe that I am better than I actually am. Who the h*ll knows at this point. I guess I have some more researching/thinking to do. Thanks again for the candid responses. They are all greatly appreciated and considered. Cheers
I have to disagree with this. If this were the criteria for open bike purchase, there would only be a handful of qualified riders in the country. The handliing limits of even the SV are so far above what is safe on the street (and the skills of most riders), that to push the envelope street riding is just making an appointment with the undertaker. People may think they are riding the he!! out of a bike, but watch them get passed on the outside by a better rider. However, I do agree an open bike is not advisable as a first bike, but it is not much more dangerous than a smaller bike, it is all a matter of your wrist. More dangerous, IMO, is misinformation to new riders about the docility and ease of riding a bike like the SV650. ALL of them can bite you badly if you do not respect the danger they represent. This guy has dirt bike experience, and is older (mature). If any new rider could buy an RC for his first bike and be safe, I think it could be him.
Cajun, In terms of slowing my progress, the issue was that it took forever for me to become comfortable in corners with the bike. It was by no means dangerous, but I lacked the basic understanding of weight distribution and throttle control in order to properly use the advantages that the R6 had over a more beginner friendly bike. Due to the power and light weight, I was easily able to keep up with people in a straight line, but would routinely get smoked by everyone in corners. Everything happened so much faster. Like I said, it wasn't really dangerous, I just couldn't use what the bike had for me. Had I started on something slower, understood the basics of throttle control, weight transfer, trail braking etc. then jumping on the 6 would not have been as imposing as it was. Of course I did not realize this at all at the time and still had a blast, however my first track day was quite the experience when a guy on a Kawi 250ex blew past me on every set of corners. I must apologize however, I just re-read the thread in noticed that you said you will spend most of your time cruising around, then it shouldn't make much of a difference as sjb509 said. While not ideal, a litre machine won't really kill you any faster in a straight line. I actually think a Falco or VFR would be better for your intended use, much more comfortable, especially at your height. Oh and sjb509, I was referring to track use more than road riding when it comes to using the limits of the machine, I agree, if you are approaching the limits of any bike on the street, you are only asking for serious trouble. Of course, why own a sportbike if you aren't going to use the sport?
