RC 51

[Mike Duluth]

Got a hankerin to buy an 04 honda rc51. Any thoughts on the bike good or bad, I know they are torque monsters, but that's about all I know. It is on ebay, take a look, what do ya think it's worth?

[Aprilian]

With the right muffler, they are the best sounding twin in the world!

[Chris]

they are very uncomfortable, and LOUD as hell with the "right" muffler on them.

[Ray916MN]

According to the latest issue of Motorcycle Consumer News:

06 - $7360
05 - $6506
04 - $6195
03 - $5210
02 - $4355
01 - $3980
00 - $3725

[Greg]

Loads of personality: looks, sound, spirit. No other bike like them, I always thought they were cool.

Though $5210 seams high to me for a 10 year old bike ....

[Mike Duluth]

Looks like I picked one up in Louisville. I have someone going to get it this Sunday, I will  get it on my spring run to the Gap. Please, if you know anything about these things, keep the info coming, good or bad. The bike sounds a bit spooky to ride.

[pkpk]

A 10 year old model probably won't get to 205 mph like the ones out of the crate. 

[Greg]

A 10 year old model probably won't get to 205 mph like the ones out of the crate. 

there's a joke that might be a little too "inside baseball" for some. Clever though, Paul 

http://cbrforum.com/forum/off-topic-6/205-mph-ticket-107/

http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?p=513259

[Ray916MN]

The RC51s have held their value well, but then again they pale in value compared to their RC brethren. RC30s are not solidly over $20K and RC45s are nearing $30K. With this in mind, I think these have held their value better because they were developed "specifically for racing" and were successful in racing. Sold alongside the 954RR and 1000RR CBRs, they were special in comparison, somewhat the way an "R" model Ducati is special in comparison to other Ducati superbike models. Unlike Ducati, which regularly produces "limited edition" race models, Honda does so infrequently, so when Honda produces one, they get valued at a premium.

[carlson_mn]

I only know one guy who rode one and he said it was a "not good" street bike not because the bike is bad but because it just is a bit much to ride on the street.  Not real sure what that meant but looks like some others have said it's probably just uncomfortable.  That can be subjective.

I second that they are one of the best sounding bikes in the world and they look great.  However, be prepared to look for gas often.  Those and the VTR1000 are thirsty bikes.

[pkpk]

I had a Superhawk and can vouch for the pathetic fuel range.  Managing fuel was too much of a distraction on those long Wis rides.

[tk]

Riding to TWISTAR a few years back we had an RC 51 in our group. It ran out of fuel a couple miles this side of Arcadia. The range on these bikes is almost as bad as the Superhawk. They are uncomfortable but no worse than my 2000 Ducati 996.  On the plus side they look very cool and they sound even better!

[Mike Duluth]

I know about the milage on these big v twins, seems most of them have a short range. This bike is more of a novelty for me, don't have the money to keep a Duc going, so this will be the closest thing in my stable.

[carlson_mn]

haha

[Plus_P]

Hopefully my bud Matt will get out with us for a few rides this season, and he'll have all kinds of info on the RC for you. That's what he had prior to the CBR, including street and track time on it. RC was on my shopping list prior to getting my Falco...guess I'm just a sucker for a V-Twin? I'd definitely have one in "the (mythical) collection", but at this point it would have to wait for the Motard, ADV and Touring slots to get filled first. Anyway, keep yours low-mile, and I'll check back, mmmm, Spring of '15 .
+Wade