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Honda RC-51

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Old 02-17-2004, 08:38 PM
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Default Honda RC-51

Does anyone know anything, good or bad about the RC 51? I'm looking at the RC and the CBR 954. Anyone have any thoughts?
Old 02-18-2004, 03:59 AM
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Have you ever ridden a litre bike, ever ridden a twin? How long have you been riding etc. A little background goes a long way. If you're just interested in which is better than which is better at what.
Old 02-18-2004, 04:28 AM
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aside from whether you might kill yourself on a liter bike I'll assume you know that buying a liter bike or even a 600 for a starter bike is a BAAAD idea. But everyone preaches about that.

There is quite a difference between a liter TWIN and a liter inline 4. Mostly it comes down to torque. Twins have gobs of it. Leave it one gear....all day long However most of the liter twins have quite a bit of torque also. If you like the idea of high reving engines, that scream!, you'll probably enjoy a inline 4 better. I personally love the sound of an high performance inline 4. Twins...eh..not so much.

Also, if you want to put on aftermarket pipes, it will cost twice as much on an rc51.

RC51 has a "s2000" like dash. on a motorcycle, I really didnt like the digital/bar tach.

954RR....is a pretty nice bike. It's based on the 929RR , which is a GREAT bike (I am biaas) I will go out on a limb and say the 954RR is more comfortable. I've never taken one out on a long ride. But on long rides, no modern day sportbike is comfortable, there are just degrees of less comfort.

Both are great bikes...and both are Honda. How can you go wrong???? You can't.
Old 02-18-2004, 07:29 AM
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From what I have heard (never ridden the 51), it's not a great street bike compared to the cbr. It has glitchy FI, the seat is poor (although the seat sucks on the cbr as well), and it gets hot in traffic.

I personally would pick a....... NEW R1
Old 02-18-2004, 12:20 PM
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I guess more background would have been good. I have been riding for about 7 years. I have owned two CBR 900s and a CBR 929. Just curious about the 51 because my local dealer has a hell of a deal on a left-over '03. And everyone is out of '03 954s and I don't want to wait, or pay for the CBR 1000's in april.
Old 02-18-2004, 01:08 PM
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The 954 is def. bad ass bike. That being said next to an R6 an RC is my next favorite. If you're looking to wheelie - stay away - bike will barely come up w/clutch dump. If you're looking for a not so everyday bike that gets real hot due to rad. placement, handles extremely well and only gets better the harder you push it, go with the RC. If you want a fast common as a gixxer 600 litre bike that handles well and will last forever go with the cbr. I'd take the twin - put some leo vinces on it - replace the airbox - get a power commander III and some rennsports and just go out and rail all day long.
Old 02-20-2004, 04:16 PM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by suvh8r
From what I have heard (never ridden the 51), it's not a great street bike compared to the cbr.
Old 02-22-2004, 03:08 AM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by slh7d
Old 02-22-2004, 01:29 PM
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I own a 954RR, amazing bike . It's as light as a 600 with more power. Very flickable plus very comfortable.

The question I ask is, can you ride a smaller displacement bike anywhere close to it's limits. I was a AMA road racer for 6 six years ,plus spent much time at my home track Willow Springs so I have a little experience. Most sportbikes I see have the rubber castings still on the edge of the tires but the dreaded chicken stripe loud and proud.



If your tires don't show canyon cheese, go ride a Harley.
Old 02-22-2004, 05:08 PM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by WFO Racer
I own a 954RR, amazing bike . It's as light as a 600 with more power. Very flickable plus very comfortable.


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