Well, I should be getting my check for my stolen R-1 this week. I'm still torn over what to replace it with. On one hand, I would love a new R1 (mine was a 2000), but it will most likely be redesigned for 2004. THEN, I find a brand new 2002 RC-51, no miles, on sale for $8995. So here is my plan, ride the RC for 1 year, then sell it for what I bought it for. Then by a 2004 R1.

I saw the thread comparing the two, but has anyone here actually made the switch from 4 to 2 cylinders. If so, please answer the following:

1. Is it slow? Is there really a huge difference in power? I know it is a "different" kind of power, but I don't want to be getting smoked on an on-ramp by a 600.

2. Gereral pro's and con's, were you happy with your choice?

3. I know we got the re-design in 2002, is the 2002 RC-51 the same as a European SP-2?

4. Is it hard to wheelie? I know it's heavier, so I need to know. It's sounds squidly, yes, but I gotta be able to loft a minger every once in awhile.

Thanks guys!!

Get the RC51, it's a badass bike.

Never owned an RC, but friends have them...We trade.

Jump to neither is slow! They are just different. The RC is real damn torquy down low. Around town...No reason to shift...rap and it goes! You will not get passed by a 600 unless in a curve possibly. Nothing corners better than a 6!

The RC is a bit heavier, and the bodywork just looks clunky compared to the R1 or 954, but I love the sound of the RC!

No, it is not like the SP, ect. For what I can remember, the throttle bodies are larger, and they redesigned the wind screen!

Lofting a twin is no problem! Just be real careful in 1st and 2nd! REAL CAREFUL!

It's a HONDA...You won't be dissapointed!

Originally posted by battles2a5
Well, I should be getting my check for my stolen R-1 this week. I'm still torn over what to replace it with. On one hand, I would love a new R1 (mine was a 2000), but it will most likely be redesigned for 2004. THEN, I find a brand new 2002 RC-51, no miles, on sale for $8995. So here is my plan, ride the RC for 1 year, then sell it for what I bought it for. Then by a 2004 R1.

I saw the thread comparing the two, but has anyone here actually made the switch from 4 to 2 cylinders. If so, please answer the following:

1. Is it slow? Is there really a huge difference in power? I know it is a "different" kind of power, but I don't want to be getting smoked on an on-ramp by a 600.

2. Gereral pro's and con's, were you happy with your choice?

3. I know we got the re-design in 2002, is the 2002 RC-51 the same as a European SP-2?

4. Is it hard to wheelie? I know it's heavier, so I need to know. It's sounds squidly, yes, but I gotta be able to loft a minger every once in awhile.

Thanks guys!!

The RC51 is a great bike. Lets not compare the HRC RC51 (superbikes) that costs hundreds of thousands more than the stockers.

ANyhoo, yea its a great bike. V-twins sound awesome. They do make power differently. Yet, vs a liter bike, their "torqueness" that everyone talks about doesnt really mean jack. I've never had a problem keeping up with or passing a Duc or 51 at the track.

The 51 in stock form is rather beastly. A few mods like and exhaust, sprockets, and you should be pretty happy. Pretty stable bike too. It should be since its kind of heavy.

The power of the 51 is comparable to that of a 750cc i guess. You will have a blast on it if you get it. It is an awesome bike that was built very well.

Thanks Rover, this is the kind of info I need. Did your friend have his geared? I hear they are way ovegeared for the street, and most guys go down one in the front and up one in the back. So I'll probably get a 520 kit and exhaust right off the bat.

Any more info from anyone??

Thanks again fellas

bump

Definitly put one tooth smaller on the front sproket.

It is a sweet bike looks great fit and finish is pretty good all around. My buddy did heavy mods on his and I rode it all through the process and best thing he did was put on a smaller front sproket and Carbon fiber single side shark exhaust system from germany I believe. Dam thing wheelies great. Comes up very smooth. The bike will virtually nerver get left behind as long as there is a good rider at the helm. Ya it doesn't pull as hard as the one at higher speeds but hands great. ONe thing though I DID NOT LIKE WAS the amount heat that comes up around your balls gotta keep a full tank of gas in it or it gets hot. Bike runs fairly hot but sounds great. You will not be dissapointed!!

My Advise = Rc51 = Gaypride and Boring.

I've owned an '00 Superhawk and sold it a month later after rtealizing the mistake, well a friend got an RC and I had to try it out top see what big red did to improve on their vtwin sportbikes, well it felt just like my superchicken but with a couple more ponies, bland and boring v-twin power is all I can say.....

You'll miss the extra power of the R1 but the 51 is a fun bike. I rode one for an hour one afternoon and loved the way it turned and sounded but I kept missing the R1's smaller feel and POWER(not to mention the extra weight the 51 has), but like I said all that extra power was missed...... Good luck on selling the RC for what you payed for it, there is all kinds of used ones on traderonline.com in the $7300 range piped and all... Just a thought for you but if your gonna get one and know your trading up in a year I'd buy used...

Originally posted by battles2a5
Thanks Rover, this is the kind of info I need. Did your friend have his geared? I hear they are way ovegeared for the street, and most guys go down one in the front and up one in the back. So I'll probably get a 520 kit and exhaust right off the bat.

Any more info from anyone??

Thanks again fellas

Yep...One tooth lower in the front I believe...

RC51:no :no R1:rock :rock

Originally posted by KNEEDY R1
RC51:no :no R1:rock :rock

I don't know man....To each his own! I would take back the ZX6R and the ST1100 in a heartbeat...Of course...I would have to keep the R1 also! I would also buy a new R6...Gotta keep yourself happy!

That's a really good price. The RC is a great bike, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The only thing that kept me from buying it was the horrendous gas mileage--around 25MPG, and an abrupt on/off throttle transition. Apart from that it handles really well, and is PLENTY fast.

Oh yeah, no passenger seat. So as long as that doesn't bother you... and the mouse pad they glued down for a seat.

I concur with SpidermanSS. The resale on the RC tanks for some reason. I don't know why. BUY USED.

Remember they upped the throttle bodies = SHITY GAS MILEAGE

I would almost wait to see what happens this year...There is rumblings of a RC211V type knockoff...We'll see!

Might be why the 2002 models are so cheap!!!

People talk about bike weight all the time...I really don't notice, but then again, since the ZX-6R, I haven't been on the track...That might be something different. However, if you are not a track kinda guy, you wouldn't notice that much either...If you do, goto the gym and bulk up!

My ST1100 was around 700 pounds, and I noticed, but it was no problem! I've even ridden wings, and they are really nimble also!

Originally posted by battles2a5

1. Is it slow? Is there really a huge difference in power? I know it is a "different" kind of power, but I don't want to be getting smoked on an on-ramp by a 600.

Power delivery is WAY different. The power stroke of the twin is heaps different - reads more friendly. I know guys with pshyco 51's on the street 160 RWBHP worked the ass out of 'em and they stand by their statements of "It's still easier to ride then a 4"

2. Gereral pro's and con's, were you happy with your choice?


The RC51 SP1 or 2 run hot - the one I rode ran 160 - 200 most of the time. sitting in traffic was like sitting on a Bar-B-Que.


3. I know we got the re-design in 2002, is the 2002 RC-51 the same as a European SP-2?


I believe the difference is between the Asian module and the rest of the world - we have a VTR RC51 SP1 or SP2 and you have a RVT RC51 SP1 or SP2.


4. Is it hard to wheelie? I know it's heavier, so I need to know. It's sounds squidly, yes, but I gotta be able to loft a minger every once in awhile.


I was always to scaried to wheelie it. They stoppie like nothing else tho.

I've got an RC and an 01 R1. They are such insanely different machines, but you will like both of them. As said earlier, the RC's seat sucks, the thing feels like a barbecue when it is warmed up, it hogs gas, and the gas tank is gigantic. The brakes are awesome, and it corners well. Suspension is stiff as hell. I am thinking of selling mine and getting an 02 or 03 R1, because I love the feel of the smaller bike. RC is cool as hell though, you'll get more attention riding one of them than anything else. Throw an ohlins shock on it, revalve the forks, and you have a serious machine on your hands.

Want a twin? Get an Aprilia Mille, the "R" if you can. :hellobye

I've briefly ridden an SP1 and hated it. The suspension is too hard. The bike feels so heavy like it's got a 100 lb billet of iron perched on top of the gas tank, and it didnt have anywhere near the midrange of the 'one'.

Originally posted by MilleR-R1
Want a twin? Get an Aprilia Mille, the "R" if you can. :hellobye

Thats what I would get if I was looking for a twin.:yesnod

My $.02 is basically what everyone said above about the great handling...different feel....here is something I didnt see up above.... frame sliders are HARD to put on... you are going to have to cut through the fairings..and then put the sliders on with some molding (for show)....just giving you a heads up since that is one of the more important cheap items that you should put on for sure

I rode a buddy's 2000 model and was disappointed, too.

*The on/off throttle response was abrupt enough to make the bars wag in my hands in a corner 'til I adjusted for it.
I mean literally like an on/off switch.
This - to me - was a major turn-off.

*After hearing all about the mega low-end torque, I was all set to be knocked on my ass.
Well, it didn't happen.
In my opinion, this bike makes no more low-end than the R1.
It is an illusion (I feel) due to all of the throaty exhaust noise and thumping vibes felt through the chassis (and this bike was geared down, had slip-ons, and was equipped with a PC).
It's good, sure, but not any better in that department.

*I agree with the easy ridability - mainly because there is simply less power on tap and it is delivered in a very flat, burstless delivery.
I was expecting at least a small step in the power delivery to make things interesting, but it didn't happen.
I have no problem agreeing with this characteristic being great for cutting laps on a race track, but for riding for fun, it felt boring and a bit bland.

*It felt like an average handler with rock-hard suspension.
No wonder my buddy is constantly fiddling with the suspension clickers.

*I just want you to know that I don't consider myself a Honda man, though I do feel that I am being honest.
A Honda fan would probably love the bike because of the logo on the fuel tank.
I feel that somebody that loves the R1 would likely feel like they made a mistake in buying one of these, though you will have to decide for yourself.

Originally posted by battles2a5
Well, I should be getting my check for my stolen R-1 this week. I'm still torn over what to replace it with. On one hand, I would love a new R1 (mine was a 2000), but it will most likely be redesigned for 2004. THEN, I find a brand new 2002 RC-51, no miles, on sale for $8995. So here is my plan, ride the RC for 1 year, then sell it for what I bought it for. Then by a 2004 R1.

I saw the thread comparing the two, but has anyone here actually made the switch from 4 to 2 cylinders. If so, please answer the following:

1. Is it slow? Is there really a huge difference in power? I know it is a "different" kind of power, but I don't want to be getting smoked on an on-ramp by a 600.

2. Gereral pro's and con's, were you happy with your choice?

3. I know we got the re-design in 2002, is the 2002 RC-51 the same as a European SP-2?

4. Is it hard to wheelie? I know it's heavier, so I need to know. It's sounds squidly, yes, but I gotta be able to loft a minger every once in awhile.

Thanks guys!!

1. It is slower than an R1 but a lot faster than any 600. It has a lot of grunt.
2. I love the bike, it is an awesome ride. I have nothing bad to say about it.
3. The 2002 is the same as the European SP-2, as far as I know.
4. It is very easy to wheelie, the bike hides its weight well. When riding it you will think you are on a lighter bike.

I rode a 51 and a Ducati 996 back to back.I'll take the 51:fact

The RC-51 is slow? Remember that it's comparable to a 750cc I-4 bike. Is a Gixxer 750 slow?

They make around ~130RWHP with the right mods.

I think that it's a sick looking bike. I would get the 51 in a heartbeat if I were you. :yesnod

Ask Quasimojo he just got his last night, I rode it today. It is different, torky, seems to handle pretty good. I dodn't want to trash his new TOY.

To you who say its slow. Thats why there are only a couple of 750s it the AMA superbike class. Need I tell you that the RC 51 were 1, 2, 3 at Daytona two weeks ago.

I never rode an RC51 - but I did get the chance to ride a 996. Very smooth power and plenty of it. I planned on getting a 998 until I found out I couldn't afford one

:lol