For the info on your rear fender cover - Put loctite on the bolt that holds the mechanism for the release as that can vibrate undone and then the cover will fly off down the road or you won't be able to get it off. the other piece of advice that some owners do is use some kind of wire or ribbon and put under the bolts of the cover to have a solid anchor so if it DOES come off, it will still be attached to the bike. Had mine come off and the bolt came loose! thankfully I saw it in my mirror and was able to stop on the highway and retrieve it!
I absolutely love my 02 SP2. Yea the seating is very aggressive and makes it hard for long rides BUT the smile it puts on my face when I fire it up every time and the way the bike performs makes it well worth having to stop more frequently. The great thing is living in CT I’ve got amazing roads that it really shines on.
@Clarence W They HAD to make them for World Superbike homologation as Ducati was crying to the WSB that it wasn't fair that the Japanese bike were 750 cc inline 4s and the Ducs were 749 cc twins. So WSB told Duc they could run 1000 cc twins against the Jap 750 cc inline 4s. Ducati dominated the WSB for the next year. Honda was smart..."Ok, we'll play that game." BOOM! In comes the VFR1000R SP1 (HRC51). They beat the Italians at their own game in one year. I'd say that's frickin' brilliant. No need to make a bike that costs way too much to build when they can't sell their CBRs due to insurance gouging. They lost money on every RC51 they sold but had to do it for homologation rules.
Honda sadly don't have enough motivation for producing the firestorm,as the CBR 1000 RR-R,is being released this year and that's a 1 litre bike that will put out 214 HP,everyone will flock toward this bike,negating the need for a sports V twin.
I had one of these many years ago. The engine was... just the best. The sound, how it delivered power, just great. Ultimately I had to sell mine because I liked going on long rides and this one wore me out after an hour.
There is a rubber gasket that goes in between the solo tail cover and the seat, that makes it snug. Pain in the butt to install everytime, and sticks out a bit, but it definitely helps.
Pro tip for the back pain: tank pads. You can't hold properly without tank grips/pads. Also jeans don't have the same grip to the tank as leather. This will be the key to save your back. But if you don't go to gym or don't exercise actively it's going to take a while for the muscles to build up, I'd say you might need to go to gym to get that core stronger for less fatigue.
Agreed....I've ridden sport bikes for 30 years and have never felt uncomfortable. In fact, I prefer a more "aggressive" position - it constantly reminds me of the bike's purpose. If I want some some rest, I'll sit in my living room's leather reclining chair....
Beautiful bike lad . I've an old honda 2 a honda cbr 600 f3 and I would not change it for the world so hang on to that one you have class bike . I would love one . Keep her between the hedges as wee say back in belfast .
New rider here! Awesome content really like the way you talk about bikes, not like a lot of the other dudes where it's like you need 150phs to be cool. Really shines a different light on the hobby!
I just got my hands on one, same color as yours, just wish I had the fuel gauge, gear indicator, and rear seat cowl like you have, like you said, those things are hard to find, especially in that color. All that aside, I absolutely love this thing. I get a bunch of waves and finger points from other riders. Great video man!
Not directly connected, but if you want to tune a RC45 somewhat, the HRC kit cylinder heads are non-VTEC early VFR-800 heads that are gas flowed & ported for the 750, albeit in a Magnesium alloy.
@@markmcgrath5642 thank you and I shall. I am old enough now to avoid overtly stupid behavior, hence felt it was time to buy one. Wanted one since I saw my first in the fall of 03. Big fan of twins, especially oddball Hondas. I have an 88 hawk that this will match well with. Another bike that is incredible if you get out of the spec sheet and into the saddle. RC chassis Hondas are just special
@@seanjacobs7021 wow. very similar to my story. Wanted one since '03. Nicky became my favorite rider. Now a father of three girls.lol Found an '03 for sale 5 hours away in Virginia and i had to have the bike I always wanted. And its everything I ever thought and hope it would be. good luck bro! have fun
@@markmcgrath5642 Thanks again, and I'm glad to hear you got your wish. This does kind of feel like meant to be bike and I can't wait. No doubt you'll find me on the forums once I have this baby in the garage. Enjoy that southern riding, too.Saw my first RC51 in the flesh in J-ville NC and rode a lot in that part of the world. Some great motoring down there. Beats the Maine riding conditions by a ton
That thing hauls like crazy. Love your excitement and I know because I ride one too ;) I even have a gear indicator and shiftlight-build for it. Take good care of her.
Check the forums on how others secure the rear cowl cover. Usually people just use a small piece of rope/string so that it doesn't fly off. With the hot bodies undertail, the latch isn't super secure.
I'm a Honda boy since my mc22. I've had a 2007 triumph daytona 675 which shits on every supersport ever, But for some reason I can't place I enjoy my cbrs more so I sold it. I wish I hadn't though, it was actually incredible. If the sp2 or vtr1000f is a chainsaw, the cbr600rr is a samurai sword, the Daytona is a surgical knife through butter. If you haven't ridden one, do it.
Is there any other bike that doesn´t look at least somewhat dated after 21 years - can´t think of one. An absolute classic in the real sense of the word, HRC for the road, can´t ask for anything more :-)
I had a SP1. I only had it a week and took it to the Isle Of Man, big mistake! I hadn't been riding long and it scared the living daylights out of me! The suspension was set far too hard and I was getting bounced out of the seat. I traded it as soon as I could, but I wish I had kept it. Was an amazing machine, I just wasn't experienced enough at the time to get the best out of it. I'd have another one tomorrow.
Bro! I think the RC is stunning! Its a beautiful bike and you know it! Dont doubt yourself saying is not! Its uniqueness is probably why i love the looks! It separated itself from all other Japanese bikes of the time and even today!! Enjoy that beauty
also just a quick FYI you really should lockwire your axel nut... racetorx titanium axle nuts are designed without a thread lock insert ! as titanium work hardens it would of been impossible to have the malleable tabs that bend on the OEM rear nut ...so unlike some other titanium nuts on the market that utilize a nylon-insert that would be single application ...we designed it to be utilized with lockwire...
Looking into buying a bike myself. Doing research. Had to pause at the fire station to see a town name Bc I thought that looked like route 6! Lol right in Fairhaven. If I buy a bike soon let’s ride!
I love mine! Mine's an 00 and take it out when my fiancee wants to ride, or my 01 tl1000r. Both are good for double up riding. When I'm by myself and may be misbehaving I'm out on my 08 1098s. I love twins! Next for the stable is going to be a R1, second of third year of the cross plain engine.
I have a TLR and I'm about to get the fabled RC and I'm super excited.. It's an sp1 but it's a childhood dream bike.. I got my TL and soon an RC .. I understand your love for the big twin and the power . Nice bike you have there .. Oh and I have a vfr to lol It's a 84 500 vfr intersepter v4 lol not the 800 though
2:05 I also think they're narrower than the cbr's. I just dont get how V twins are torquier than other liter bikes being they're all liter bikes. maybe bc the twins have longer strokes..
I bought mine,a 2000 VTR Firestorm,modded to put down 148 BHP at the crank,feels awesome with the what seems like limitless torque delivery throughout the rev range,the only gripe I have is the lack of a fuel gauge,but intend having one fitted soon.You certainly won't be dissappointed if you get your hands on one.
Have you tried the 790 Duke? If not , try and do a review of it. You'll prolly like it. I don't know if its your type, but so far everyone who tried it seems to be very impressed by it.
I've always loved this bike, but the weight scares me..... hahaha. I don't like heavy weight bike since I'm a small dude, if only we have the 400RR here in The States..... Oooh-wee!! Ya'll don't know! I'll take an NSR250 though. :)
Dam that does sound awesome. The same reason I love the Ducati’s. Except with a Honda you have legendary dependability. I would probably get one if it was more of an upright sitting position. Thanks for the video
you're so fortunate. to have those bikes. great collection but overkill imo, but thats just me. These bikes are great and I'm envious haha. kudos tho. I just dont like the high pitch whining sound it makes
Have you ever thinking about making a review of zx14r. I would like to see you reaction of that bike... Btw i love so much V4 and V-twins bikes, like the vfr800, vtr1000, tl1000, Sv1000s. Ducati and Aprilia are awesome but expensive.
I’ll tell you what it’s like to ride the RC-51 - makes you feel like Colin Edwards. 😂😂😂 "Damn I'm really killing my own argument" Your sure are best bikes on the planet :-)
I just want to ask you I mean I've been a fan since the get go I've been I've been with you since you had a 98,000 subscribers is it worth the pain and suffering no pain suffering but playing these videos
Proud owner of a sp2 since 04!
Still brings a smile riding mine.
For the info on your rear fender cover - Put loctite on the bolt that holds the mechanism for the release as that can vibrate undone and then the cover will fly off down the road or you won't be able to get it off. the other piece of advice that some owners do is use some kind of wire or ribbon and put under the bolts of the cover to have a solid anchor so if it DOES come off, it will still be attached to the bike. Had mine come off and the bolt came loose! thankfully I saw it in my mirror and was able to stop on the highway and retrieve it!
thats actually a really good idea
I absolutely love my 02 SP2. Yea the seating is very aggressive and makes it hard for long rides BUT the smile it puts on my face when I fire it up every time and the way the bike performs makes it well worth having to stop more frequently. The great thing is living in CT I’ve got amazing roads that it really shines on.
Honda should really consider making them again!
Probably won't be the same emissions are getting stricter and stricter
I want them to remake this and the Magna both lighter & with more hp
@Clarence W They HAD to make them for World Superbike homologation as Ducati was crying to the WSB that it wasn't fair that the Japanese bike were 750 cc inline 4s and the Ducs were 749 cc twins. So WSB told Duc they could run 1000 cc twins against the Jap 750 cc inline 4s. Ducati dominated the WSB for the next year. Honda was smart..."Ok, we'll play that game." BOOM! In comes the VFR1000R SP1 (HRC51). They beat the Italians at their own game in one year. I'd say that's frickin' brilliant.
No need to make a bike that costs way too much to build when they can't sell their CBRs due to insurance gouging. They lost money on every RC51 they sold but had to do it for homologation rules.
Honda sadly don't have enough motivation for producing the firestorm,as the CBR 1000 RR-R,is being released this year and that's a 1 litre bike that will put out 214 HP,everyone will flock toward this bike,negating the need for a sports V twin.
@@drbvr23 Just can't get over the whole "we make twins so it's not fair, but we ain't gonna make no damn inline 4's I promise you that!" argument xD
I had one of these many years ago. The engine was... just the best. The sound, how it delivered power, just great. Ultimately I had to sell mine because I liked going on long rides and this one wore me out after an hour.
Sat in my bed with headphones and God that sounds nice. That rundown sounds awesome !!
Can you do full pov with no talking. I freaking love this bike sound!!
You are so lucky to own this great bike, congratulations 👊👍
There is a rubber gasket that goes in between the solo tail cover and the seat, that makes it snug. Pain in the butt to install everytime, and sticks out a bit, but it definitely helps.
I have an 03. Really love the bike and am right with you on the evaluation, review
Its that asphalt black paint man!i love it! My 04 vfr has it, only negative is how hot it gets in the texas sun
Back in the day one of the funnest sport bikes I rode on the street was my buddy's SV1000. Torque monster! This seems even better.
I love the RC51, the look, the history, and that sound! My favourite is the original red, silver, and black.
Its my as well and finally a proud owner
@@hedgepethracing9590 congrats!
As far as securing the rear tail lid, just put some Loctite on the latch housing nut so that the nut doesn't vibrate out. Cheers
Rc51 was the first-liter bike I ever rode. AMAZING!!! I've always wanted to own one.
Love the muted growl from the exhaust. Nice bike.
Think you might be HondaRR, but for reals nice video man. Always wanted one of these since they launched back in early 2000's
I picked up an 05 this past spring, what a beautiful bike with an amazing sound! It’s definitely a long term keeper.
Pro tip for the back pain: tank pads. You can't hold properly without tank grips/pads. Also jeans don't have the same grip to the tank as leather. This will be the key to save your back. But if you don't go to gym or don't exercise actively it's going to take a while for the muscles to build up, I'd say you might need to go to gym to get that core stronger for less fatigue.
Agreed....I've ridden sport bikes for 30 years and have never felt uncomfortable. In fact, I prefer a more "aggressive" position - it constantly reminds me of the bike's purpose. If I want some some rest, I'll sit in my living room's leather reclining chair....
New owner of a 2000 SC51-SP1, Also happens to be my first bike and me being 5'5 and 150 lbs its perfect!
Love this vid! I have an '01 RC51. Love that sound! I also had a VFR but bought the RC51 to replace it.
Dude, I could listen to that exhaust all day!
Beautiful bike lad . I've an old honda 2 a honda cbr 600 f3 and I would not change it for the world so hang on to that one you have class bike . I would love one . Keep her between the hedges as wee say back in belfast .
New rider here! Awesome content really like the way you talk about bikes, not like a lot of the other dudes where it's like you need 150phs to be cool. Really shines a different light on the hobby!
I just got my hands on one, same color as yours, just wish I had the fuel gauge, gear indicator, and rear seat cowl like you have, like you said, those things are hard to find, especially in that color.
All that aside, I absolutely love this thing. I get a bunch of waves and finger points from other riders. Great video man!
It's beautiful and timeless yeah! Sounds like it too.
Bro... your bike is gorgeous! I hope to pick one up like this next year.
I think that is such a cool bike both in looks & sound 👍🏻
Put a bungee cargo net(black) over the tail,looks pretty good and keeps it in place nicely.
Not directly connected, but if you want to tune a RC45 somewhat, the HRC kit cylinder heads are non-VTEC early VFR-800 heads that are gas flowed & ported for the 750, albeit in a Magnesium alloy.
how did you know the word "homologation" but call it a "triple clicker"
hahahahaha
Nice bike man. Well done!
Hopefully taking ownership of an 04 Nicky Hayden edition this weekend. If I do I'll scoot down south and maybe we can rip around some.
Make sure you take good care of her. She a timeless head turner. Ride safely bro.
@@markmcgrath5642 thank you and I shall. I am old enough now to avoid overtly stupid behavior, hence felt it was time to buy one. Wanted one since I saw my first in the fall of 03. Big fan of twins, especially oddball Hondas. I have an 88 hawk that this will match well with. Another bike that is incredible if you get out of the spec sheet and into the saddle. RC chassis Hondas are just special
@@seanjacobs7021 wow. very similar to my story. Wanted one since '03. Nicky became my favorite rider. Now a father of three girls.lol Found an '03 for sale 5 hours away in Virginia and i had to have the bike I always wanted. And its everything I ever thought and hope it would be. good luck bro! have fun
@@markmcgrath5642 Thanks again, and I'm glad to hear you got your wish. This does kind of feel like meant to be bike and I can't wait. No doubt you'll find me on the forums once I have this baby in the garage. Enjoy that southern riding, too.Saw my first RC51 in the flesh in J-ville NC and rode a lot in that part of the world. Some great motoring down there. Beats the Maine riding conditions by a ton
That thing hauls like crazy. Love your excitement and I know because I ride one too ;) I even have a gear indicator and shiftlight-build for it. Take good care of her.
Glad you like the RC. I agree that to own one is a joy.
Check the forums on how others secure the rear cowl cover. Usually people just use a small piece of rope/string so that it doesn't fly off. With the hot bodies undertail, the latch isn't super secure.
Thank you!
I'm a Honda boy since my mc22. I've had a 2007 triumph daytona 675 which shits on every supersport ever, But for some reason I can't place I enjoy my cbrs more so I sold it. I wish I hadn't though, it was actually incredible. If the sp2 or vtr1000f is a chainsaw, the cbr600rr is a samurai sword, the Daytona is a surgical knife through butter. If you haven't ridden one, do it.
Gorgeous bike.. love V twins, have owned a Ducati 916, Suzuki TL-R and currently have an Aprilia RSV Factory gen 2 with carbon Akrapovics..🤟🏼
Cool bike, it’s one of my favorites. I all of the honda race bikes are cool. That one is in great condition. RC 51 story is awesome!
Is there any other bike that doesn´t look at least somewhat dated after 21 years - can´t think of one. An absolute classic in the real sense of the word, HRC for the road, can´t ask for anything more :-)
I had a SP1. I only had it a week and took it to the Isle Of Man, big mistake! I hadn't been riding long and it scared the living daylights out of me! The suspension was set far too hard and I was getting bounced out of the seat. I traded it as soon as I could, but I wish I had kept it. Was an amazing machine, I just wasn't experienced enough at the time to get the best out of it. I'd have another one tomorrow.
The RC51 would look so cool with the Castrol or Repsol wrap
The sole purpose of the RC51 was to kill ducks, and it did it in the super bike bracket.
That is an awesome bike, don't ever get rid of it cause you'll regret it. So nice, perfect for street riding due to the great low end torque
Made to win the world superbikes in 2000 and it did with Colin Edward's riding for the Castrol Honda team
Thats a badass bike an ive always loved them !the sound like the best music
it has a front brake. it has a rear brake. you don't see the bike. it has a hard suspension like every sport bike. aight got it. great review
Bro! I think the RC is stunning! Its a beautiful bike and you know it! Dont doubt yourself saying is not! Its uniqueness is probably why i love the looks! It separated itself from all other Japanese bikes of the time and even today!! Enjoy that beauty
Crazy how similar this sounds to a VFR despite the VFR having twice as many cylinders.
I think the RC51 looks awesome !! I did not hear a handling comparison in corners 🤨
Love this bike! Would like one in Castrol colours as homage to Colin Edwards. Honda build quality was epic in this era.
RC51 always turns heads more so than any other. You have to have big balls to ride an RC51.
Man ... i'd love to see this bike whit a CASTROL RACE PAINT.
(Can be some kind of project for your channel)
What is it like?
Pure Bliss!
Sounds like an R1 until you rev it up. I have ridden one in the twisties of California and it is really nice.
I get an ad that goes "you should be driving a Honda" and I'm like "I do!!" Haha
also just a quick FYI you really should lockwire your axel nut... racetorx titanium axle nuts are designed without a thread lock insert ! as titanium work hardens it would of been impossible to have the malleable tabs that bend on the OEM rear nut ...so unlike some other titanium nuts on the market that utilize a nylon-insert that would be single application ...we designed it to be utilized with lockwire...
Looking into buying a bike myself. Doing research. Had to pause at the fire station to see a town name Bc I thought that looked like route 6! Lol right in Fairhaven. If I buy a bike soon let’s ride!
3:45 nice pull, I had Superhawk and loved it, wonder how much more it be like to ride rc51
I'm not grown enough to ride this bike yet, I'm fairly new rider but one day I will jump on one of these!
Wow buddy what a beautiful bike. The sound is orgasmiq holy cow. Nice
The RC51 served its purpose by winning AMA and WSB championships. Nothing wrong with a bike like that except I don't have one!
I love mine! Mine's an 00 and take it out when my fiancee wants to ride, or my 01 tl1000r. Both are good for double up riding. When I'm by myself and may be misbehaving I'm out on my 08 1098s. I love twins! Next for the stable is going to be a R1, second of third year of the cross plain engine.
I have a TLR and I'm about to get the fabled RC and I'm super excited..
It's an sp1 but it's a childhood dream bike..
I got my TL and soon an RC ..
I understand your love for the big twin and the power .
Nice bike you have there ..
Oh and I have a vfr to lol
It's a 84 500 vfr intersepter v4 lol not the 800 though
I had a 2000 vtr...traded it in for a new yamaha mt-09. The honda's exhaust note was awesome (aftermarket GPR)
Oh yeah that's the video i really need
That bike sounds awesome dude. I want one.
I would Totally Buy this, Hondas are cool, Bikes are cool. This Bike, I like it, It’s pretty.
It sounds great . Thanks for the video.
8:45 are your sure the suspension is set for your weight and riding style?? maybe need replace fluid and/or springs.
Race exhaust pleace (where its under the bike) 😍 good looking bike 👍
Track day?? Hell yeah
G R A I L bike.... you are lucky, enjoy it!
I love your rc 51 I have an older gsxr 750 srad it’s a 1996
2:05 I also think they're narrower than the cbr's. I just dont get how V twins are torquier than other liter bikes being they're all liter bikes. maybe bc the twins have longer strokes..
Sounds so good.!!
i feel you. i have tlr. addicted to vtwin superbikes
I'd LOVE one of these puppies... been one of my favorite bikes for ages. Called the VTR 1000 SP2 this side of the world though. Envious! Enjoy man.
I bought mine,a 2000 VTR Firestorm,modded to put down 148 BHP at the crank,feels awesome with the what seems like limitless torque delivery throughout the rev range,the only gripe I have is the lack of a fuel gauge,but intend having one fitted soon.You certainly won't be dissappointed if you get your hands on one.
My dream bike! I dont care if it is the SP1 or SP2, one day i will have one! But first it will be a CBR600 F4i ^^
Would you prefer this or the 954rr?
Those Sato pipes are mint.
I love the RC, it's special like the RVF400 imo
You should do more track days on it, please upload the vlogs if you do.
Great bike 😍👍👊
I am looking for SC36 Firestorm this year :D
Have you tried the 790 Duke? If not , try and do a review of it. You'll prolly like it. I don't know if its your type, but so far everyone who tried it seems to be very impressed by it.
Great video!
just curious, where do you mount your video camera? yes 4:30 def sounds AWESOME
I've always loved this bike, but the weight scares me..... hahaha. I don't like heavy weight bike since I'm a small dude, if only we have the 400RR here in The States..... Oooh-wee!! Ya'll don't know! I'll take an NSR250 though. :)
When Honda makes a V2 that becomes smooth too
That bike is gorgeous😛
I am not at all Honda Fan but This bike is a total Beauty🔥😘
Dam that does sound awesome. The same reason I love the Ducati’s. Except with a Honda you have legendary dependability. I would probably get one if it was more of an upright sitting position. Thanks for the video
you're so fortunate. to have those bikes. great collection but overkill imo, but thats just me. These bikes are great and I'm envious haha. kudos tho. I just dont like the high pitch whining sound it makes
Please do a 5th gen VFR, thanks!
Is titanium bolt able to go past-progressive with earlier model wheels/fitments
my rear hatch is secured by default. Maybe you have a loose screw or bracket?..
Have you ever thinking about making a review of zx14r. I would like to see you reaction of that bike... Btw i love so much V4 and V-twins bikes, like the vfr800, vtr1000, tl1000, Sv1000s. Ducati and Aprilia are awesome but expensive.
I’ll tell you what it’s like to ride the RC-51 - makes you feel like Colin Edwards. 😂😂😂 "Damn I'm really killing my own argument" Your sure are best bikes on the planet :-)
I just want to ask you I mean I've been a fan since the get go I've been I've been with you since you had a 98,000 subscribers is it worth the pain and suffering no pain suffering but playing these videos
Riding without a Jacket ~ Its all gonna end in Tears