Honda RC51...? - ApriliaForum sponsored by AF1 Racing, inc.

Rick T Reloaded · 03-13-2006, 01:48 PM

Ok, I have my buddy's '03 RC51 in my garage sitting next to my '02 RSV R. I'm storing it for him temporarily. Aesthetically, there is no comparison - the Italian completely overshadows the Japanese V-twin in this regard (anyone disagree?). However (ok, here we go...), ergonomically, at least for this shorty (5'10), the RC51 is a very nice fit. Seat/peg/bar position is VERY comfortable - just seems everything is the the right place - not so with the Aprilia (even with the new Cycle Cat clip-ons). The Honda seems more ergo-friendly. I found myself wanting to ride the RC51... and see how it does as a daily rider. What little I know of the bike, I understand the suspension is an area needing much tweaking... but I know nothing more.

Do any of you have an RC51? Can you give me some feedback on this bike? Can you provide an A/B comparison between the two?

Thanks in advance!

hank · 03-13-2006, 02:01 PM

I seriously looked at the SP1 (RC-51) back in 1999 when I bought the Mille.

The Honda was HEAVY, tank range was very low and the engine wanted to be in the upper RPM ranges to be any fun, as if it were an I4...

Smoke Eater · 03-13-2006, 02:33 PM

That LCD tach was reason enough for me to not buy the RC51. It's actually a great bike but the Mille kills it in all regards.

MDRSV · 03-13-2006, 02:38 PM

I have the same dilemma, I want to get another twin. I like my ZX-10's power and handling but the fact is I'm too tall for it. I need a bigger bike that fits me better. Until I get a dealer near my house with a decent shop a Priller is out and the same for Ducs. The RC has been updated with better injection and is lighter than the original verson you rode. It was updated in 02 for sure. It may have new ones too.

Fustern · 03-13-2006, 03:06 PM

I looked at them too, and the horrid fuel range, overheating issues, lcd tach, and their desire to be revved really high to be happy turned me back to Aprilia.

Jughead · 03-13-2006, 03:11 PM

I had a 2002 sp2.

after coming off a duc 996

Yes, it was more comforable. The seat height isn't as high.
Very smooth motor.

Needs a steering damper, feels funny without it.

Suspension is fine for street riding.
I did one track day. It felt great, I was pushing as fast as I could go before I felt the tires start to slide (stock Dunlop 208's).

Accident in intersection ended up totaling bike.
Was thinking another rc51 or leftover mille.
Just wanted something different.

farva03R · 03-13-2006, 04:04 PM

if your on the track you'll have to get the suspension worked on and the rear especially sorted. if not it will toss you. i rode my brothers RC and i made the decision to purchase a twin. the parts are costly for the RC, at least on ebay.

i found the RC to be comfy on the street yet i have no idea about the track. its got a big tank and carries alot of fuel if memory serves me right but its it up quickly as well.

if memory serves me correctly the 02's were updated with bigger valves, different swingarm and rear suspension parts.the engine is pretty smooth. it does honda reliability.

Rick T Reloaded · 03-13-2006, 04:59 PM

I found this: http://www.rc51.org/forum.htm

... but find out you have to be a PAYING member to even look in their discussion board!

I wanted to browse and learn a few things about the bike. I learned the site is outdated (No reference to the SP2

) and these guys, or at least the admin, are elitist pigs! (More so than the Ducati guys...

) "Pay or go away!"... Yeah alright...

Unbelievable.

farva03R · 03-13-2006, 05:39 PM

http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/

good group of guys on this board and usually alot of parts forsale for the RC. alot of info on there as well. hope that helps.

MilleR Time · 03-13-2006, 05:56 PM

as mentioned.. they're really rev-happy. they lack a ton of bottom end for a v-twin, they lack traction in the rear completely, and they're heavy (buddies weighed 478lbs in race trim with carbon Sato cans.) but they're cool bikes.. something timeless about them. i wouldnt be ashamed to own one, if i wanted another twin.

go_modem_go · 03-13-2006, 06:00 PM

I nearly went for a VTR as well (not the SP, it was a VTR1000F), first bike I looked at when I was time to get some bigger than my SZR. Ergos fitted me much better than the Falco I looked at later. Never test-rode the Honda for long though, just around the block.

I'm a small 1.65m and can't reach the ground sitting on a Mille or Falco

However, the minute I even saw the Falco the VTR was forgotten. After a test ride, there was NO WAY I'd go towards a Honda, no matter how much better it suited my ergos. The Aprilia was also cheaper at the time (one year old dealer bike)

.

jwa1 · 03-13-2006, 06:38 PM

rc51.org is good site. i also was going to pick one up for a daily driver. the only thing is that like other twins they will act brutally in traffic. if you are interested could pm you info on a few in calif. for around 5grand. i almost forgot i am leaning more towars an sv650 just so my insurance co. goes easy on me. even a y2k rc51 is still due to the cc's.

Ratters · 03-13-2006, 08:08 PM

Hmmm, I sat on one in a shop cause it was a Honda V-twin and looked pretty cool. I could barely fit. 6'2" 200lbs. The Aprilia fits me like a glove. Eh. I think different people feel cramped in different dimentions. My ZX-9r's ergos are just about ideal. Sporty but comfy for many hundreds of miles. I just need a better seat.

2stroke · 03-13-2006, 10:13 PM

Rick, I'd swear you have ADHD.

Rick T Reloaded · 03-13-2006, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2stroke

Rick, I'd swear you have ADHD.

You got me SO figured out!!! LMAO!!!!

(Marilou's hubby's RC51 is in the garage...

)

03-13-2006, 01:48 PM	#1
Rick T Reloaded apriliaforum expert Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 649	Honda RC51...? Ok, I have my buddy's '03 RC51 in my garage sitting next to my '02 RSV R. I'm storing it for him temporarily. Aesthetically, there is no comparison - the Italian completely overshadows the Japanese V-twin in this regard (anyone disagree?). However (ok, here we go...), ergonomically, at least for this shorty (5'10), the RC51 is a very nice fit. Seat/peg/bar position is VERY comfortable - just seems everything is the the right place - not so with the Aprilia (even with the new Cycle Cat clip-ons). The Honda seems more ergo-friendly. I found myself wanting to ride the RC51... and see how it does as a daily rider. What little I know of the bike, I understand the suspension is an area needing much tweaking... but I know nothing more. Do any of you have an RC51? Can you give me some feedback on this bike? Can you provide an A/B comparison between the two? Thanks in advance! __________________ Rick T. Vacaville, CA '02 Mille R (Sold) '01 M900RRS '01 748R

03-13-2006, 02:33 PM	#3
Smoke Eater apriliaforum expert Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 2,183	That LCD tach was reason enough for me to not buy the RC51. It's actually a great bike but the Mille kills it in all regards. __________________ "The early bird might get the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese" 2002 Mille Silver 2002 Scary 150 1992 Ducati 900ss 1972 TR3 350 (nearly restored) 1966 BMW R50/2 with side hack

03-13-2006, 04:04 PM	#7
farva03R apriliaforum expert Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arnold, Maryland Posts: 1,639	if your on the track you'll have to get the suspension worked on and the rear especially sorted. if not it will toss you. i rode my brothers RC and i made the decision to purchase a twin. the parts are costly for the RC, at least on ebay. i found the RC to be comfy on the street yet i have no idea about the track. its got a big tank and carries alot of fuel if memory serves me right but its it up quickly as well. if memory serves me correctly the 02's were updated with bigger valves, different swingarm and rear suspension parts.the engine is pretty smooth. it does honda reliability. __________________ Retired WERA EX 988

03-13-2006, 04:59 PM	#8
Rick T Reloaded apriliaforum expert Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 649	www.rc51.org I found this: http://www.rc51.org/forum.htm ... but find out you have to be a PAYING member to even look in their discussion board! I wanted to browse and learn a few things about the bike. I learned the site is outdated (No reference to the SP2 ) and these guys, or at least the admin, are elitist pigs! (More so than the Ducati guys... ) "Pay or go away!"... Yeah alright... Unbelievable. __________________ Rick T. Vacaville, CA '02 Mille R (Sold) '01 M900RRS '01 748R

03-13-2006, 05:39 PM	#9
farva03R apriliaforum expert Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arnold, Maryland Posts: 1,639	http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/ good group of guys on this board and usually alot of parts forsale for the RC. alot of info on there as well. hope that helps. __________________ Retired WERA EX 988

03-13-2006, 02:01 PM	#2
hank apriliaforum expert Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 10,310	I seriously looked at the SP1 (RC-51) back in 1999 when I bought the Mille. The Honda was HEAVY, tank range was very low and the engine wanted to be in the upper RPM ranges to be any fun, as if it were an I4...

03-13-2006, 02:38 PM	#4
MDRSV apriliaforum expert Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 3,483	I have the same dilemma, I want to get another twin. I like my ZX-10's power and handling but the fact is I'm too tall for it. I need a bigger bike that fits me better. Until I get a dealer near my house with a decent shop a Priller is out and the same for Ducs. The RC has been updated with better injection and is lighter than the original verson you rode. It was updated in 02 for sure. It may have new ones too.

03-13-2006, 03:06 PM	#5
Fustern apriliaforum expert Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 548	I looked at them too, and the horrid fuel range, overheating issues, lcd tach, and their desire to be revved really high to be happy turned me back to Aprilia.

03-13-2006, 03:11 PM	#6
Jughead apriliaforum Junkie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 283	I had a 2002 sp2. after coming off a duc 996 Yes, it was more comforable. The seat height isn't as high. Very smooth motor. Needs a steering damper, feels funny without it. Suspension is fine for street riding. I did one track day. It felt great, I was pushing as fast as I could go before I felt the tires start to slide (stock Dunlop 208's). Accident in intersection ended up totaling bike. Was thinking another rc51 or leftover mille. Just wanted something different.

03-13-2006, 05:56 PM	#10
MilleR Time apriliaforum expert Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 879	as mentioned.. they're really rev-happy. they lack a ton of bottom end for a v-twin, they lack traction in the rear completely, and they're heavy (buddies weighed 478lbs in race trim with carbon Sato cans.) but they're cool bikes.. something timeless about them. i wouldnt be ashamed to own one, if i wanted another twin. __________________ Brandon 2002 RSV1000 Mille #261 w/ goodies - sold 2005 Kawasaki ZX10R w/ goodies in transit - stolen 2006 Kawasaki ZX10R - traction control and a boatload of HP.. tuned by Micah! All Your Groupies Are Belong To Us!

03-13-2006, 06:00 PM	#11
go_modem_go apriliaforum expert Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Yurop Posts: 9,761	I nearly went for a VTR as well (not the SP, it was a VTR1000F), first bike I looked at when I was time to get some bigger than my SZR. Ergos fitted me much better than the Falco I looked at later. Never test-rode the Honda for long though, just around the block. I'm a small 1.65m and can't reach the ground sitting on a Mille or Falco However, the minute I even saw the Falco the VTR was forgotten. After a test ride, there was NO WAY I'd go towards a Honda, no matter how much better it suited my ergos. The Aprilia was also cheaper at the time (one year old dealer bike) . __________________ Olivier Black Aprilia Falco SL1000 - EU model 2000, the faster one Yamaha-Belgarda SZR 660 thumper, 1996 Kawasaki KE 175D (x2: 1981 and 1982) Vespa Primavera 125 (x2, both 1974) Honda CB50J (1979) & several other scoots and mopeds...

03-13-2006, 06:38 PM	#12
jwa1 apriliaforum expert Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: s.l.o. ca. Posts: 700	Xxx rc51.org is good site. i also was going to pick one up for a daily driver. the only thing is that like other twins they will act brutally in traffic. if you are interested could pm you info on a few in calif. for around 5grand. i almost forgot i am leaning more towars an sv650 just so my insurance co. goes easy on me. even a y2k rc51 is still due to the cc's. __________________ 2004 factory evo airbox/filter arrow full system/bad ass shorty cans arrow rearsets 520 conv.16/45 titanium axle nuts brembo 19x18 radial master gilles chain adjusters ya thats right. custom gravel colored race stripes

03-13-2006, 08:08 PM	#13
Ratters apriliaforum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Fairfield, CA Posts: 109	Hmmm, I sat on one in a shop cause it was a Honda V-twin and looked pretty cool. I could barely fit. 6'2" 200lbs. The Aprilia fits me like a glove. Eh. I think different people feel cramped in different dimentions. My ZX-9r's ergos are just about ideal. Sporty but comfy for many hundreds of miles. I just need a better seat.

03-13-2006, 10:13 PM	#14
2stroke apriliaforum Junkie Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Cali Posts: 353	Rick, I'd swear you have ADHD. __________________ "It seems like a lot of people do things for money, and that's sad." - Wayne, Wayne's World.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: