Rc 51 rvt

If you ride a RC-51 on the street, you will probably hate it.

If you ride a RC-51 on the track, you will probably like it as long as you've never riden a newer I4 on the track.

A good friend had one & let me ride it on occasion. On the down side, it's an overweight, underpowered machine that steers like a dump truck. On the up side, they have lots of soul & character, especially if you put some Sato cans on it. Simply put, there's a reason they don't make them anymore. Off the track, a 5th Gen VFR is completely superior to the RC.

If you're wanting a sporting V Twin, buy a SV1000. It is superior to the RC in pretty much every conceivable way. If you're looking for a race track weapon, buy a Triumph Daytona or Ducati 848.

To answer the original question, except for comfort & MPG, the RC-51 will slaughter a 2nd Gen VFR in pretty much every measurable level of performance you could think of.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

Thanks for finally answering the original question but the reason the Honda stopped production of the RC had nothing to do with it's weight, power or handling. Honda continued to sell the RC long after they stopped racing it cause they could, Unlike the SV1000 (03-05) that Suzuki had to give away. The SV1000 with it's conventional forks, cheap ass shock , spindely frame and less than powerful brakes was designed and produced to compete directly with Honda's 996 Superhawk another V-twin sportbike that went by the wayside when the RC came out. Honda built the RC for one reason, to beat Ducati at their own game. I might add that many purpose built racing V-twins back then were indeed a little heavy. They had to be. Many of the components needed to withstand the additional 50-60 hp added for competition. Remember the TL1000R? Another Suzuki turd. Dropped from the line up for it's lack of competetiveness. I think the altitude may finally be getting to you KC

 

blackhonda hasn't responded to any of these posts...

 

Thanks guys for all your inputs on it. I just posed the question in a fashion that I would have a baseline to go from. All your answers/opinions are welcome and I thank you for them. As stated I am looking to get a liter bike and I love Hondas so I was thinking an older 04-07 cbr rr or any of the other hondas mentioned in this thread. I have been seeing a few rc 51s for sale in my area and I like to be different. So by not seeing 1 at every biker gathering I attend has sparked my interest. I am a street rider so after reading some of these posts it's probably not for me. BTW I have no plans of ever getting rid of my vfr, its a happy marriage, till death do us part

 

Well, I guess you sure told me...

This is where I ask you if Honda makes V Twin sport/race bike any longer. You see, you said "To beat Ducati at their own game". They may have for a season or two but last time I checked, Ducati still makes a full range of V Twins that are pretty much bad ass. Other than the Goldwing, what does Honda make that's worth owning these days? That statement DOES NOT include dirt bikes since I know nothing about them.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

Hey black, if you like it, look into it! Otherwise, feel free to ignore this pissing contest. Me, on the other hand, I am tuned in!:tongue:

Btw I lean towards mr RC...

 

Sure, I'll throw in my $.02....

Never owned an RC51, so I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer the specific question. If what you're looking for is a Honda V-Twin that matches up reasonably well with a VFR as a street bike - consider a SuperHawk. Not a great track bike; but the ergos are along the same lines as the VFR, it has plenty of power for the street, and you don't see them ever day.

On the other hand... I have owned an Aprilia SL1000 (Falco). It was all-day comfortable (like a VFR), had a ripper of a motor (with a Factory Pro chip mine dyno'd 119 at the wheel), and if you replace that POS rear shock with a <insert your favorite brand here>, it would handle very well. Better fuel mileage than an RC51, too.