2002 Honda RC51 Motorcycle reviews

Great track bike. Super stable with gobs of easy to use power. V-twin puts power down so much better than a spiky 4. Suspension is easy to set up. Many cool parts available. They are a little on the piggy side but still steer very well. Brakes have good feel and power. Smoothest of the big twin superbikes. Uncomfortable if ridden over 25 min with the stock seat. Show less

While not the smoothest in traffic or most comfortable, who buys an rc51 to ride in traffic? Get it on the open road and it hugs the corners as if it is on rails. Likes to cruise at 80+! Downsides are that it eats tires and I have to constantly tighten every nut and bolt because they vibrate loose. Upsides far outweigh the down. Had it 10 months, put 13000 miles on it, and love it. Show less

I have always ridden a Honda 4 cylinder sport bike but after buying my 2002 Honda RC51 new I'm very pleased. This bike isn't the most comfortable sport bike that Honda makes but if you want some performance and want it fast....this is the bike to buy. Its a head turner too. I just recently installed Erion Racing Slip-on pipes and they not only sound alot better than the stock but actually improved the performance too. When you think Honda...think "Performance First" and "Best on earth." Show less

I came off a 996 SuperHawk which was a great V-Twin bike and went to the '02 RC51. I didn't expect it to be much better than the 996. I was wrong! This bike is amazing. The power and handling are exceptional and the stopping power is life saving! I put a set of D&D pipes on (not even for any type of power boost, just for the sound) and I really don't need to make any other alterations. It's great! I've heard complaints about riding "in town" and the "gearing" but I have no problems, she rolls fine in low gears. Also about not being able to see the digital xOMETER's in the daylight but that too I haven't had any issue with. Show less

This machine takes some getting use to but once u learn that u can safly ride 35mph in 2nd gear the in town stuff is a breeze, but don't ride this bike in town (thats for squids) get this bike on the twisties and have at it no need to shift into 6th gear until well after 70mph. She is geared to the moon but u'll soon figure that out then ride the hell out of it, take it home care for it ride again and stay out of town keep this baby in the wind, unless u want to be seen then by u a v max and burn down the stop lights. Show less

18,000 + miles in just over a year gives me quite an insight into this bikes demeanor and capabilites. I agree with nearly all the magazine reviews, loads of potential, but there are some chinks in it's armour. The gearing is to the moon. That makes it difficult to be smooth at slow speeds in traffic. The suspension can be sorted out, but it takes a while. Gas mileage while terrible compared to every other two wheeler "ain't that bad" Two Bros pipes raise power output noticeable. Great bike but bot for everyone. Show less