RC51 - Who can convince me not to buy one?

[RRdvark]

So here is what I got so far:

1. Fuel range
2. Uncomfortable (but not more than the RR)
3. Back seat is useless

That is not enough to talk me out of it.  The one I'm looking at might be gone by the weekend though.

[nater]

So here is what I got so far:

1. Fuel range
2. Uncomfortable (but not more than the RR)
3. Back seat is useless

That is not enough to talk me out of it.  The one I'm looking at might be gone by the weekend though.

Get it.  I rode one and they are awsome.  

[falconati]

Very cool bike.  The comfort and tank range are the two biggest issues once you find the right one, I'd just say that you should take time finding the 'right bike' to buy.  There are a TON of these that have changed hands a bunch of times.  Take time to find one with few/single owners that is in good shape.

[Kraz]

Honda?  Better add a clutch basket and a few rear tires to the shopping list along with the stator and RR.  


It's definitely high on the list of bikes I'd buy if I wanted would buy a sport bike... based on not shopping around, and just recalling the local CL selection, they seem to be pretty expensive as they hold their value better than your usual run of the mill 4-banger, not that it's a bad thing in the long run.

The only negatives are that they're not in production and were never made in huge numbers for when it comes to aftermarket goodies, and she runs 50 lbs heavier than the latest and greatest liter class sportbike.  I've never ridden one, but I hear she feels like it.

I say go for it.

[veefer800canuck]

Here, try this:





Any help? No? Well sorry, I guess you'll have to buy it then.

[ST for me!]

I had an '04 and it was a nice handling little bike and the sound with Sato's was great, with a Corbin comfort wasn't that bad, range did suck but the reason I upgraded to a CBR1000RR was the fact of how slow it was. The novelty will wear off, get a literbike if you're in the market for a sportbike.

[dietDrThunder]

I have ridden both and IMO it is considerably less comfortable than the RR. Also, handling is ultra-piggy compared to pretty much every other sport bike since, and the passenger seat is useless. If you ever decide to track it, it will work OK with select suspension and geometry upgrades/changes, but if you're a true Fast Guy® it will be your limiting factor...very difficult to get it to hook up driving out of corners and finish corners at the same time. The later model swing arm helps, but isn't a panacea.

Reliability is stone-axe comparable, the motor is super sweet sounding and feeling. IMO this is one of the great motors ever in a motorcycle.

verdict: great to look at and listen to. Riding? Not so much...

[Josh D]

I don't know why everyone is talking about the RR/stator being a problem.  Is this a RC51 thread or a CB 750 thread?

The passenger seat is not useless (unfortunately), my girlfriend absolutely loved riding on the back of the RC.  We never did any longer trips, only an hour or so at a time.  But, the RC is a hare, not a tortoise.  

It takes a lot to get it sorted out.  Needs regeared, pipes, power commander, steering damper, and (IMO) clip ons helped a ton.  The stock bars have way too much pullback for my liking.  

Once you get it all sorted out, I have nothing bad to say about the bike.  I hope I can re-buy one 20 years from now.

[MGoBlue]

Get it!! If you have the chance to own one take it. You might not own it for long but at least you won't have regrets. A buddy had one for a while and we switched it up alot. One hell of ride. The v-twin is smooth and pulls like a freight train. He was only good for about a hundred miles or so before he needed a break. The bike, when he got it was well used. He at one point had a wire scuff right under the tank causing a blown fuse. Awesome bike but NOT a long haul machine. His wife HATED riding 2-up.
If you need resources about the RVT, check out speedzilla forums. A lot of RC51 guys post there.
http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/

get a literbike if you're in the market for a sportbike.

Um, @ 999cc's the RC is a literbike  



And to the 160 miles per tank comment, if you can ride it 160 without wanting to stop  

[knobnose]

I've had mine 10 years, 30 something k miles.Mostly multi day rides and a few track days. Only changes from stock are gearing, a better seat, slip-ons, and a slipper clutch. Comfortable enough (at 5'7", 150) for 500 mile days with a bit of a stretch at each gas stop.I guess i'm not fast enough to notice it's limitations at the track - it is still much better than I am. They are a hell of a bargain if you find a good one.

[cbsnbiker]

Parts availability?

[RRdvark]

Thanks for all the good points, but the one I was looking at sold to somebody else (<2000 miles, completely stock 2002 model).  None of the others I am finding have the mileage/price/modifications that make me want to open up the checkbook yet.  I'm gonna keep looking though.

[Justin]

Um, @ 999cc's the RC is a literbike  

Nope, it's 1cc short of being a liter bike.

[cbsnbiker]

Nope, it's 1cc short of being a liter bike.

9cc more, and it could be a '70s rock band.    

[ST for me!]

Get it!! If you have the chance to own one take it. You might not own it for long but at least you won't have regrets. A buddy had one for a while and we switched it up alot. One hell of ride. The v-twin is smooth and pulls like a freight train. He was only good for about a hundred miles or so before he needed a break. The bike, when he got it was well used. He at one point had a wire scuff right under the tank causing a blown fuse. Awesome bike but NOT a long haul machine. His wife HATED riding 2-up.
If you need resources about the RVT, check out speedzilla forums. A lot of RC51 guys post there.
http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/


Um, @ 999cc's the RC is a literbike  



And to the 160 miles per tank comment, if you can ride it 160 without wanting to stop  

Get with the times fucktard, the 51 is not a literbike, fucking idiot...

[MGoBlue]

Wow. That was a bit much.  

[ST for me!]

It's the beer, I get that way, I love you man  

[Andrew]

Wow. That was a bit much.  

+1, Guess "St for Me" had a bad day (First week in high school is such a big change for some)

[veefer800canuck]

I agree with MGoBlue, it's a litrebike at 999cc's. He didn't need a comment bomb dropped on him.

Is it a CURRENT 4-cylinder litrebike? Duh, no. If it was, it wouldn't be an RC51, it would be a CBR1000RR.

And I've ridden two of them before, they are wonderful bikes with MUCH more character than any inline-4, although the R-1 with the crossplane crank is better than the rest of the inlines.  

The torque the RC51 packs is much more useful on the street, and they sound way better to boot.


Fucktard? Really?  

[ST for me!]

+1, Guess "St for Me" had a bad day (First week in high school is such a big change for some)

 :lol:Man you're good, take that one on the road!