Topic: RC-51

[Rocking-M]

If they total me Duc, I'm really starting to think about an RC-51. Anyone on here ever been atop one?
Riding position for a fellow 5'10"? Might have a stiff leg for a while that will keep me off a bike. 

[333]

I rode one for a very short distance, so I didn't get the chance to open her up.  I did, however try to power wheelie and couldn't.  Maybe the 6-7 blocks wasn't enough to get enough of a "feel" to successfully try that.  Seems to me that it shouldn't have been that hard to do.

[Rocking-M]

what about the riding position?

[azuredesign]

I ride with a younger fellow periodically who is about 6ft 2 and loves his bike. He constantly rides on one wheel, and keeps that front wheel up for ridiculously long periods of time.

[GroovieGhoulie]

This is from a buddy who had one.  I have no personal experience.

Seat is very uncomfortable, like less than an inch of padding.  Not good for long stints.  The riding position is a bit cramped in the legs with a reach to the bars.  He said it was a perfect trackday toy, or any other time you don't spend much time on it, but it wasn't comfy to ride.

The torque was unbelievable.  He was used to a progressive powerband and turbine like increase in torque as the RPMs climbed since he was a four-cylinder rider, and it surprised him a lot.  Said the torque curve was so flat, the "sensation" of acceleration wasn't there, but before he knew it, he would be over 120 and he would "feel" like he was only going 60.

Said the fuel injection mapping was off and it didn't like low-RPM part-throttle.  Kinda stumbly and jerky he said.  Driveline lash too.  Said it loved WOT, and you could tell it was "racebred" because it only liked to Run, not putter about.  I've heard this from other RC-51 owners as well.

Can't remember much more than that.  I wasn't in the market, but if I was gonna get a twin, I would get a Ducati.  He agreed.  Bear in mind this is opinion only, so...

[okie]

My son had one and loved it.  I rode it about 30 miles and had absolutely NO desire to get back on it.  It had insane power and "wheelie" was just one one twist of the throttle away.  The first ride, I killed it 3 times before I got out of the driveway.  I never got it over 130, but it got there in a big hurry. For me there is more to riding than brutal performance.

[Rocking-M]

Ah ha, sounds like a lot of track set up but not for long hauls.
The ST has the same powerband but at least it is comfortable for me on a long haul.
It's a shame that Honda didn't make the Superhawk with  FI.

[DarkRider]

All the RC-51 is is a more race tuned version of the SH. If you are looking at bikes like that you would probably be better off with the Superhawk (aka the Firestorm here in canada)

[Rocking-M]

The problem I have with the Superhawk is none were FI, all used carbs as near as I can tell.

I have the Ducati ST which used the same engine as the 916 and later the 996, runs like a scalded dog,
and is fuel injected. I like the valve train on the Rc and Hawks a little better (easier maintenance), but not at the expense of losing
the Fuel Injection. I suppose an RC51 with converti bars might be the answer.

[FunJimmy]

Rocking

I’ve owned an RC51 since 2004 and have logged over 15000 miles on it.
That mileage is predominantly sport touring and track days.

A lot of what has been criticized on in this thread is somewhat correct.
As a mid 40’s rider of 5’10” and 180 lbs the riding position feels quite committed.
To improve the all day ergonomics, I purchased a Corbin seat (used Corbins on every bike except my CB550) and installed adjustable clip-ons. The riding comfort is much better and I can ride forever, and even longer if the road is curvy.
Is it the comfiest bike I’ve owned? No, but it’s the best track bike and spirited sport bike that I’ve ever ridden, that’s for sure. 

Other mods are Sato carbon slip on mufflers, Power Commander and 43T rear sprocket. Now she really rocks!

Check out www.rc51.org for more info.

Cheers
FJ

[fuzzybutt]

BMW K1200R. comfortable and fast as hell. and with the paralever front and telelver rear suspension theyre amazing handlers

[tramp]

as with all things, age has a lot to do with comfort
sounds like a incredibly fast bike

[Rocking-M]

hey Funjimmy, thanks for the review, sounds just like what a lot of folks do to the
ST4's to make them more comfortable on trips. I'll sure keep it in mind.

[FunJimmy]

sportbikes are a young man's game

Or a fit man's. 

FJ

[Rocking-M]

sportbikes are a young man's game

Or a fit man's. 

FJ

  I'm still pretty fit except for the one leg. 

[MRieck]

 I rode one for a week while I worked on it.....I liked it. The front end is very stiff and 1st gear is tall but slip the clutch and gas it and you are cool. It sucks to work on.

[Sam Green Racing]

Hurry up and buy it Robbie, I have two working legs and Maxton is only 3 weeks away.

Sam.

[Rocking-M]

the insurance company is dragging their good legs, something about having trouble getting a price list
for ducatis. He's going through the Charlotte dealership now for pricing.

[Sam Green Racing]

I had a sit on a 51 outside my local pub, it didn't feel much bigger than my VFR400 NC30 which I had at the time.

The guy offered me a ride on it but I'd had a pint and wouldn't chance it, I could plant both my feet flat on the ground.

It was in Castrol colours and sure did make me want one.

Sam.