Honda RC51

Hey everyone!  I'm looking at possibly getting a RC51 in a few months and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this bike?  Experience such as ownership or riding it, and/or how it would compare to a F4i - breaking, acceleration, handling, and so on. Some background on myself:  Currently I have a 2001 CBR600F4i, my first bike.  This is my second year of riding.  The reasoning for an interest in the RC51 is because it's a V-Twin.  I like the way it sounds, don't get me wrong, those inline 4s sound good as well.  But there is just something about that rumble of a v-twin on a sportbike - you just don't hear that very often.  Any input would be great.   Thanks in advance.  

I understand....there is just something about a v-twin.

An RC51 is going to have about 120rwhp stock which is about 20-25 more than your F4i with around 73ish lb foot at the rear.  Everybody I talk to that owns one or has ridden one has only good things to say.  It will be a little heavier than your F4i requiring a little extra effort on turn in but once in it tracks like its on rails!  The torque will give you great drive out of the corner.  Extended rides on the street can get cramped but I've heard good things from owners who have put heli-bars on.

The great thing about the RC is that there is plenty of aftermarket options.  The best exhaust I have seen is from Sato with a map from Dan Kyle, gains of 9-13 hp.  If you have the dough and the wish, there is ohlins suspension, marchesini wheels, brembo brakes, high compression pistons, cams, etc to make it into a "mini-duke".  It is a really good stock and great with some tweaking.

I own a Superhawk, the RC's "little bro" and am looking to buy an 05' with the black paint scheme so I have been researching the bike and the parts for some time.

Here are some good sites to check out:

http://bigvalleyhonda.com/moriwaki/moriwaki.html

http://www.kyleusa.com/catalog/honda_rc51_2000-2005_47392_products.htm

http://www.rc51.org/

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=1131

http://www.satoracing.com/sliponrc5102low.htm  

Good call enp83.  Gearing changes should be one of the first mods to the RC.  I've seen a few combinations but a popular choice is 16/41.  To really get the true experience from the RC an exhaust should be in your future plans.  The sound with the sato's on is aural sex...um what...did I say that aloud?  The sato link in my first post has a sound clip that should play automatically, so make sure to have your speakers on.  It gives you an idea of the sound but it is so much better in person.  

Yeah just a couple weeks ago, I passed a RC going in the other direction and that bike sounded sweet!!  Not sure if it had the stock cans or not.  But after hearing that bike cruise on by; it sparked a greater interest in it than what I already had.  So you guys think that this is a good bike to move up too after riding a F4i for a couple years?  

Oh yes...just take it slow until you adjust to the new power of the bike.  You'll love the extra torque and grunt down low.  As long as you get comfortable first before getting aggressive on the bike you should be fine.  

So what do you think the market value is for a brand new RC?  I know that the MSRP is $11,999, but are dealers really going to charge that much for this bike seeing how the 1000cc inline 4s, which have better performance, cost pretty much the same?  

Had a Superhawk for 14,000 miles and never had so much fun on a bike.  The RC51 is better yet!  

If you want a V-twin with your level of experience I'd look into an SV650. Great bike, it will teach you a lot.  

Yeah I'm not planning on selling my F4i anytime soon.  When I mentioned that I would be thinking about getting a RC in a few months, I meant that it wouldn't be until fall or even spring of next year.  Till then I will be sticking with my F4i.  Also, I wouldn't sell my F4i to buy a SV650.  I have nothing against the SV, because I hear only but really good things about them.  But the reason I wouldn't get one is because I want a Honda.  I plan on sticking with Honda when it comes time to purchase a new bike.  Every Honda I've sat on, just seems to be made for me.  I've sat on many bikes and the Honda's fit me best and they feel just right  The next closest bike that isn't a Honda that fits me best and feels right is the new Ninja 6R.  

I bought my rc last sept.  I have no regrets.  Bike has good power, real stable, and has its own style.  Very easy to ride fast.  It definetly needs some new cans and a power commander to smooth out throttle a bit in low rpm traffic situations.  You will need to learn throttle control, as you would with any 1000, even with 'only' 120 rwhp it will spin the tire.  Good luck.  

I also forgot to add info on riding position.  The rc is very weight foward.  Traffic riding will leave you with a sore rear and numb hands.  This is not a slow speed city bike.  Hope that this helps you make a decision.  

You might want to ride a V-twin before you get one. It's a love hate relationship. I love mine and will never sell but some just can't ge used to the power delivery.

The preferred gearing is 15/41 or 15/42.