RC51 is a great bike. I've had mine since they first came out in 2000. I agree it's geared a tad too tall, but I have never re-geared mine because its never been a huge issue with me. The fuel injection wasn't perfect in the earlier years, but I believe they got that sorted in later models.
I also agree it is setup very stiff, but for the way I ride, it's perfect for me.
The RC's never took off sales wise like say a GIXXER or R1, but I attribute that mainly to the younger generation wanting their 160 HP crotch rocket to look cool on. The good news from this is that you can pick a used one up fairly cheap and they are great bikes. Extremely stable and well balanced in corners. Lots of torque, etc. The only real issue I have w/ the RC51 is that it's heavy. You don't notice so much when riding it except when really trying to pitch it around and when pushing it around the garage.
I bought a new 2006 R6 last year because it suits me better and really can carve up the corners (although the RC51 can still hang), but I couldn't bear to get rid of the RC51 and will probably be my Sport-tourer (with the emphasis being more on the Sport end).
--xTalon
