Thinking about picking up a 2000-'01 RC51. Opinions?

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by RotaryRocketeer, Sep 15, 2014.

  1. RotaryRocketeer

    RotaryRocketeer New Member

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    Does anyone here have any personal experience with these bikes? I saw one in person the other day and fell in love, that sound is intoxicating. The early models seem pretty affordable and I've found a few that are very clean examples.

    Is there anything to look for in particular aside from normal wear items and general bike maintenance concerns?
     
  2. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    You are going to two of them to stay in the V4 forum!
     
  3. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    The RC51 is a beast, I love it but cannot ride few hundred miles without stretching.
     
  4. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Thats the bike I always wanted after watching Hayden ride his way back when....after not having a bike for 10 years went to wheelsinmotion here in Chatsworth and they had one for sale ...let me take it out for a spin......if I had a full time chiropractor on call it would be perfect but for every day riding...crossed it off my list after 1/2 hr on it. Thats when on the way home saw a 6 gen VFR pass me ..that was it, that night found VFRWORLD and was sold . RC51 for a second fix once in a while would be great..sorry for getting off course
     
  5. RotaryRocketeer

    RotaryRocketeer New Member

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    I have the same vision Duccman. I'm on the young side at 25, so I think I could deal with the ergos for a few more years. By no means does the addition of an RC51 mean getting rid of the VFR. I just kinda feel like Jesus wants me to have one, and what Jesus wants Jesus gets. Scuba, do you own one? Just wondering what I'm looking maintenance/reliability wise.
     
  6. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    RR.....Ya I'm a bit older....praise the lord..if he wants you to have one...
    DO IT.....
    Baddest bike ever...always wanted one untill before my second VFR ... went to my local Suzuki shop and they had a new
    94 Duc 900SS...forgot all about the RC
     
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2014
  7. nookiaz

    nookiaz New Member

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  8. RotaryRocketeer

    RotaryRocketeer New Member

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    Ducatis are legit and I concede to them their due respect. But let us not forget, the RC51 was designed to dismantle the duc in competition, and for one sweet year it did just that.

    I'm just kidding (but seriously, that happened.) :potstir:
     
  9. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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  10. RotaryRocketeer

    RotaryRocketeer New Member

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    Very nice! I'm gonna bide my time and get one with just a little less on the odometer though.

    I found one for sale locally that has "VTR" emblazoned on the bodywork where others say "RVT." It's very clearly an RC51 and not the weird step-cousin Superhawk, but I'm wondering if it might be a Euro or Oz market model. Weren't they called VTR1000R's everywhere else in the world?
     
  11. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    Talked to salesman at my local Honda dealer that has a 2004 and he said that is an average price for a 2002, the lack of left hand exhaust worries me.
     
  12. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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  13. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    I agree after closer scrutiny.
     
  14. cornerexit

    cornerexit New Member

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    Don't buy the '01, it doesn't have spool mounts in the swingarm (super lame!) so go with the 2000 out of those two. But I would suggest getting the '02. That year got the throttle body upgrades, swingarm, and screen. Great bike. Kyle Racing sells a set of clip-ons for that thing that will transform it from a rack to a bike you can do 400-500 mile days on. Once I changed the seat, clip-ons, and got a good set of rearsets (sato) it transformed the riding position into something very comfortable.
     
  15. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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  16. RotaryRocketeer

    RotaryRocketeer New Member

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    Just the kind of input I'm looking for. Thanks! I just love the bikes in general, so I think I'm still shooting for a 2000 model over the '02. I'm no professional racer or anything. This bike would only see street and twisty duty.
     
  17. RotaryRocketeer

    RotaryRocketeer New Member

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  18. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    I know its bad to da bone....wish I had some extra green backs layin around.
     
  19. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    A friend of mine knows more about that bike than most anyone. He owns RC 51.org site. He is closing it down soon after many years. There is a ton of info there and he is a great guy. Parts, mods, R&D info, maps, electronics, really anything. Just go to the mod page and you will get the idea. I don't know anyone in the country that has more info than Mike.
    http://rc51.org/
     
  20. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    PS, Mike works for Dan Kyle out in California and has a lot of after market parts for it. Power commander, Ohlins, Brembo ect. You will not find bullshit bling crap there, they are serious race developers.
     
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