RC51 - Who can convince me not to buy one?

[RRdvark]

Need a change so I am selling the 600RR and a used RC51 has caught my eye.  Any current/former owners want to chime in on the good and bad of the RC?  What if I want to go on a long trip?  Is it even possible to use the passenger seat?  Long-term reliability issues?  Can you see where you are going if you put a tankbag on it?

[Flying W]

Great bike with no real issues but you fitting on the bike comfortably can be a real issue.. I ordered a 2000 when they first came out sight unseen (dealers were each only getting two in my area) Nice bike but at 6'2", 200lbs it killed me to ride it even to work (only 18 miles). Really cramped ergos even compared to the  98 CBR 900rr I also had at the time which I rode on a 10 day trip with friends and didn't suffer too much. Ive thought of buying another and making a naked bike out of it just because I like the motor so much...To bad Honda didn't use this motor for more than just the RC as its powerful and with the gear driven cams sounds great.

[Justin]

Sorry, I tried to come up with a reason to convince you against this and failed.

[akahige]

It's ugly and slow and it will make everyone hate you.






















Yeah. Sorry. I can't think of any good reasons either.

[RRdvark]

I wonder how its ergos compare to the 600RR?  At 5'11" I am okay on the 600 - just the wrists get tired after a while.  You sit more on the 600 though where it sounds like you sit in the RC51 (at least from the reviews I can find).

[jfusaro]

Dropped almost 20k on a brand new Multistrada, what can I possibly say to you  

[Grainbelt]

I wonder how its ergos compare to the 600RR?  At 5'11" I am okay on the 600 - just the wrists get tired after a while.  You sit more on the 600 though where it sounds like you sit in the RC51 (at least from the reviews I can find).

This site is the best way I know of to compare ergonomics, and both bikes are available.

http://cycle-ergo.com/

[RRdvark]

That site was very helpful - thanks Grainbelt...

[Fourstring]

Depreciation on ten year old bikes is enough that a Duc 999s wouldn't be that much more scratch.  Best I got.

[Justin]

Depreciation on ten year old bikes is enough that a Duc 999s wouldn't be that much more scratch.  Best I got.

I'd take the RC-51 myself. Honda reliability with less maintenance. And the sound  

[DosEquis00]

I'd take the RC-51 myself. Honda reliability with less maintenance. And the sound  

+1 as the RC-51 is a great bike to own.  

[Andrew]

Does it come with a spare RR & stator

[DosEquis00]

Does it come with a spare RR & stator

11 years going strong on the original RR and stator.

[Andrew]

11 years going strong on the original RR and stator.

The point is to talk the OP out of it, but alas some never understand  

[Desmo Demon]

Sorry, I tried to come up with a reason to convince you against this and failed.

I'm a Ducati guy and I still can't think of a reason to talk him out of the RC-51......I'd like to have one, too.

[DosEquis00]

The point is to talk the OP out of it, but alas some never understand  

No the point is he wants the bike so he needs push.

[Kneescrubber]

160 miles per tank, maximum. That alone eliminates it for serious Sport Touring. I almost bought one last summer. Good deal but couldn't justify selling the VFR. I've ridden several friends RC's on SMR's but I just can't see doing a trip on one.

[Justin]

160 miles per tank, maximum. That alone eliminates it for serious Sport Touring.

Bah, can add a small tour tank over the back seat .. since it's useless for a passenger anyway  

[swingset]

It's an ass-killing bike for distance, but god damn is it a fun bike when you're where you want to be.

Of everything I've ever ridden, the RC has most perfect power band I've ever experienced it has no holes or wonky spots from 0 to fun. I absolutely LOVE that engine, and damn it sounds great with a good pipe.

[Justin]

OK, we as a group really suck at talking people out of bikes.