opinions on RC51's? (i have a potential trade)
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opinions on RC51's? (i have a potential trade)
hey guys so i came across a potential trade of my bike (a 2000 sv650) with all of its mods and some cash for a 2003 rc51. the other guy wants to race in the mini twins class
the bike seems to be in great shape except a 6 inch dent in the gas tank
so what do you guys think of rc51s? im kinda expecting opinions from people who own or have owned
im sure i will get a question about how i ride in order to see if i match the bike
i ride to school 5 days a week and do a freeway trip back home once a week (both ways)
i also do canyons semi aggressively but not stupid aggressive 2 times a week
at the end of august i believe im going to be riding a lot less (but still riding a lot) seeing as how my sister will be going back to school and i get my car back. Until then, this bike will be my primary form of transportation (the sv already is)
as far as the aggressive riding position, thats not a big deal to me seeing as the sv has low clip ons and high rearsets
so what do you guys think?
the bike seems to be in great shape except a 6 inch dent in the gas tank
so what do you guys think of rc51s? im kinda expecting opinions from people who own or have owned
im sure i will get a question about how i ride in order to see if i match the bike
i ride to school 5 days a week and do a freeway trip back home once a week (both ways)
i also do canyons semi aggressively but not stupid aggressive 2 times a week
at the end of august i believe im going to be riding a lot less (but still riding a lot) seeing as how my sister will be going back to school and i get my car back. Until then, this bike will be my primary form of transportation (the sv already is)
as far as the aggressive riding position, thats not a big deal to me seeing as the sv has low clip ons and high rearsets
so what do you guys think?
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Re: opinions on RC51's? (AdeJong 03)
Your SV may have low clip ons and high rear sets, but it still doesn't match the geometry of an RC51.
However, to me, the RC51 actually had a more comfortable seat than my SV (2nd gen). But the things that made the RC51 'uncomfortable' for the type of riding you're describing were the vibrations and the heat. On the freeway, any longer than a half hour, my hands were going numb from the huge vibes in the bars. In the city, the bike was coming close to overheating. I even overheated at night once when it was only like 55 degrees out, three times.
In the twisties I loved the RC51. It had gobs of torque, and felt uber stable in all the corners. It was quite confidence inspiring for me. But all of it's comfort draw backs for around town riding made me rethinking everywhere I went with it.
I'd have to think about the potential for stop and go traffic, or whether my hands were going to fall asleep, or whether I would get too hot sitting on it. Or if I was going to run out of gas and have to fill up with more premium. the RC51 frequently got around 32 mpg, which is pretty good compared to most cars, but falls short of the 50 mpg my SV gets on the freeway.
An 03 is a nice RC51, and would be a sweet bike, other than the dent. And it would definitely feel like a nice step up from your SV, but for the kind of riding you're describing, I just don't think it fits.
However, to me, the RC51 actually had a more comfortable seat than my SV (2nd gen). But the things that made the RC51 'uncomfortable' for the type of riding you're describing were the vibrations and the heat. On the freeway, any longer than a half hour, my hands were going numb from the huge vibes in the bars. In the city, the bike was coming close to overheating. I even overheated at night once when it was only like 55 degrees out, three times.
In the twisties I loved the RC51. It had gobs of torque, and felt uber stable in all the corners. It was quite confidence inspiring for me. But all of it's comfort draw backs for around town riding made me rethinking everywhere I went with it.
I'd have to think about the potential for stop and go traffic, or whether my hands were going to fall asleep, or whether I would get too hot sitting on it. Or if I was going to run out of gas and have to fill up with more premium. the RC51 frequently got around 32 mpg, which is pretty good compared to most cars, but falls short of the 50 mpg my SV gets on the freeway.
An 03 is a nice RC51, and would be a sweet bike, other than the dent. And it would definitely feel like a nice step up from your SV, but for the kind of riding you're describing, I just don't think it fits.
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From: RIP Craig Jones
Re: opinions on RC51's? (AdeJong 03)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AdeJong 03 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i ride to school 5 days a week and do a freeway trip back home once a week (both ways)</TD></TR></TABLE>
You dont want an RC then. Its a poor choice to have one as your primary transport to/from work/school/etc. Yes its cool, but wait until you can keep it around as a 2nd bike.
You dont want an RC then. Its a poor choice to have one as your primary transport to/from work/school/etc. Yes its cool, but wait until you can keep it around as a 2nd bike.
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From: Rock Hill, SC, US
Re: opinions on RC51's? (.RJ)
The RC51 is not exactly a fun ride at all times. The only time I hate riding mine is when I'm in traffic or the speed limit is slow (this bike hates going 25mph it will lug around the whole time).
Other then riding around town this bike is fun and everyone likes it. Its not as bad as everyone makes it sound for long trips, I took it on a 4 hour ride to the beach just a few weeks ago without any problems.
The overheating hasn't been an issue for me. The most mine has seen was 239 on the way to the beach (100 degrees + humidity made it feel about like 115). It didn't stay there long but did get up there. Other then that the AVG temp around town in the 100 degrees has been 220 for me.
The bike is overall a good bike, not exactly a street bike but once you put it in some twisties you will know why people love this bike so much. Its much more stable then my friends ZX6R, a little harder to flick into the corner but coming off it will tear it up!
I recent wrecked mine and looking to have it together in a few weeks.
Other then riding around town this bike is fun and everyone likes it. Its not as bad as everyone makes it sound for long trips, I took it on a 4 hour ride to the beach just a few weeks ago without any problems.
The overheating hasn't been an issue for me. The most mine has seen was 239 on the way to the beach (100 degrees + humidity made it feel about like 115). It didn't stay there long but did get up there. Other then that the AVG temp around town in the 100 degrees has been 220 for me.
The bike is overall a good bike, not exactly a street bike but once you put it in some twisties you will know why people love this bike so much. Its much more stable then my friends ZX6R, a little harder to flick into the corner but coming off it will tear it up!
I recent wrecked mine and looking to have it together in a few weeks.
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From: RIP Craig Jones
Re: opinions on RC51's? (Slidin'Sidewayz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slidin’Sidewayz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I recent wrecked mine and looking to have it together in a few weeks.</TD></TR></TABLE>
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From: Rock Hill, SC, US
Re: opinions on RC51's? (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Wasn't totally my fault, deer ran out and I grabbed too much front brake, too quickly.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Wasn't totally my fault, deer ran out and I grabbed too much front brake, too quickly.
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From: RIP Craig Jones
Re: opinions on RC51's? (Slidin'Sidewayz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slidin’Sidewayz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Wasn't totally my fault, deer ran out and I grabbed too much front brake, too quickly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Sounds like it was your fault then.
ALL new riders will never put themselves to blame in the event of a single vehicle accident. It was the road conditions/other driver/wildlife/motorcycle problem/etc. Ultimately you are in control of the handlebars.
How many times have you gone to a parking lot and practiced emergency stopping from 40, 60, 80 mph? The RC51 has very nice brakes - if you dont abuse them.
Wasn't totally my fault, deer ran out and I grabbed too much front brake, too quickly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Sounds like it was your fault then.
ALL new riders will never put themselves to blame in the event of a single vehicle accident. It was the road conditions/other driver/wildlife/motorcycle problem/etc. Ultimately you are in control of the handlebars.
How many times have you gone to a parking lot and practiced emergency stopping from 40, 60, 80 mph? The RC51 has very nice brakes - if you dont abuse them.
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From: Rock Hill, SC, US
Re: opinions on RC51's? (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Sounds like it was your fault then.
ALL new riders will never put themselves to blame in the event of a single vehicle accident. It was the road conditions/other driver/wildlife/motorcycle problem/etc. Ultimately you are in control of the handlebars.
How many times have you gone to a parking lot and practiced emergency stopping from 40, 60, 80 mph? The RC51 has very nice brakes - if you dont abuse them.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea I agree, just over reacted to the situation. Happened so fast I guess and just overreacted. I've only practiced hard stopping a few times but practice and something actually happening is two different things..lol It could have been prevented by a more experienced rider, but ya live and learn. Life goes on, well in this case it does.
Sounds like it was your fault then.
ALL new riders will never put themselves to blame in the event of a single vehicle accident. It was the road conditions/other driver/wildlife/motorcycle problem/etc. Ultimately you are in control of the handlebars.
How many times have you gone to a parking lot and practiced emergency stopping from 40, 60, 80 mph? The RC51 has very nice brakes - if you dont abuse them.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea I agree, just over reacted to the situation. Happened so fast I guess and just overreacted. I've only practiced hard stopping a few times but practice and something actually happening is two different things..lol It could have been prevented by a more experienced rider, but ya live and learn. Life goes on, well in this case it does.
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Re: opinions on RC51's? (Slidin'Sidewayz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slidin’Sidewayz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Wasn't totally my fault, deer ran out and I grabbed too much front brake, too quickly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
for fusksakes! he did take blame for it! the deer also helped him crash.
Wasn't totally my fault, deer ran out and I grabbed too much front brake, too quickly.</TD></TR></TABLE>
for fusksakes! he did take blame for it! the deer also helped him crash.
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Re: (marmaladedad)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladedad »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wasn't this ad on CL? I think I saw it there.
What's up with the "new" bottom end on the RC?</TD></TR></TABLE>
mototecnica in east la replaced the transmission
the owner said it was popping out of gear in the 3-5 range so had stuff replaced
my mechanic is an rc51 fanatic so im going to have him do a top to bottom run through of the bike before i consider it
also, for the to school thing, school is walking distance but its fun to ride to school so i do it. Its not a necessity
so the most miles would come from canyons and freeway, not so bad right?
slidinsidewayz, did you have water wetter?
What's up with the "new" bottom end on the RC?</TD></TR></TABLE>
mototecnica in east la replaced the transmission
the owner said it was popping out of gear in the 3-5 range so had stuff replaced
my mechanic is an rc51 fanatic so im going to have him do a top to bottom run through of the bike before i consider it
also, for the to school thing, school is walking distance but its fun to ride to school so i do it. Its not a necessity
so the most miles would come from canyons and freeway, not so bad right?
slidinsidewayz, did you have water wetter?
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From: RIP Craig Jones
Re: (AdeJong 03)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AdeJong 03 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">slidinsidewayz, did you have water wetter?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Doesnt matter, they just run [freak]ing hot at low speeds. Running water + water wetter will bring the temps up faster sitting in traffic. RC transmissions/engines are pretty solid, so if its had problems I'd be cautious.
Sounds like you've already decided that you want the bike and you're looking for someone to tell you its a good idea.
Doesnt matter, they just run [freak]ing hot at low speeds. Running water + water wetter will bring the temps up faster sitting in traffic. RC transmissions/engines are pretty solid, so if its had problems I'd be cautious.
Sounds like you've already decided that you want the bike and you're looking for someone to tell you its a good idea.
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From: Southern, CA, USA
Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Doesnt matter, they just run [freak]ing hot at low speeds. Running water + water wetter will bring the temps up faster sitting in traffic. RC transmissions/engines are pretty solid, so if its had problems I'd be cautious.
Sounds like you've already decided that you want the bike and you're looking for someone to tell you its a good idea.</TD></TR></TABLE>
yea well i forgot to mention that my sv is salvage title so thats a really big driving factor for me. i already told the other guy and it doesnt bother him since the sv will become a racebike
im basically going to let my mechanic decide for me
so i guess at this point ill keep you guys updated!
thanks for the input and info guys
Doesnt matter, they just run [freak]ing hot at low speeds. Running water + water wetter will bring the temps up faster sitting in traffic. RC transmissions/engines are pretty solid, so if its had problems I'd be cautious.
Sounds like you've already decided that you want the bike and you're looking for someone to tell you its a good idea.</TD></TR></TABLE>
yea well i forgot to mention that my sv is salvage title so thats a really big driving factor for me. i already told the other guy and it doesnt bother him since the sv will become a racebike
im basically going to let my mechanic decide for me
so i guess at this point ill keep you guys updated!
thanks for the input and info guys
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From: Todays date is, UK
Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sounds like you've already decided that you want the bike and you're looking for someone to tell you its a good idea.</TD></TR></TABLE>
why he even posted this thread is beyond me.
It's obvious the RC51 doesn't fit his needs, and the one he's considering is thrashed, but he will only tell half the story to fish for a "Go for it!" answer.
The RC51 is an awesome bike, it wasn't intended to be a daily rider. good luck, sad to know in 3-4 months, you're going to be looking for another bike, and will hopefully sell the RC51 to someone who will appreciate it more....And that person not be some tool like slidinsideways.
why he even posted this thread is beyond me.
It's obvious the RC51 doesn't fit his needs, and the one he's considering is thrashed, but he will only tell half the story to fish for a "Go for it!" answer.
The RC51 is an awesome bike, it wasn't intended to be a daily rider. good luck, sad to know in 3-4 months, you're going to be looking for another bike, and will hopefully sell the RC51 to someone who will appreciate it more....And that person not be some tool like slidinsideways.
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From: where cager live palm springs, ca, ca, usa
Re: (AdeJong 03)
question is how much u gonna put on top of ur sv?
if ur gonna put about a grand then i say dont get it cuz its not a good deal
if its lower than 1g then get it
i have an rc myself and riding on the freeway or city for a long time doesnt bother me cuz i bought me some throttle rocker , the seat is is much comfy than my gix all i hate is the heat on my thigh lol its really a bitch
over all its a fun bike and u will be happy but make sure u check on that bottom end, the frame for cracks n shiet goodluck 
if ur gonna put about a grand then i say dont get it cuz its not a good deal
if its lower than 1g then get it
i have an rc myself and riding on the freeway or city for a long time doesnt bother me cuz i bought me some throttle rocker , the seat is is much comfy than my gix all i hate is the heat on my thigh lol its really a bitch
over all its a fun bike and u will be happy but make sure u check on that bottom end, the frame for cracks n shiet goodluck
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From: spinning DnB till your head explodes,jersey/philly
Re: (tanginamogagoulol)
a couple monthes ago i was in the market for an rc51 and i would of used it for commuting and weekend twisties and im happy i didnt get it. i went with an 07 600rr and im very happy. for a second bike id def go with an rc51. im actually gonna try to keep thr 600 for weekend fun and get a clean sv650 for commuting.
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From: MD
Re: (The Hooligan)
There's a reason I don't ride my RC51 on the street much anymore... Besides that I love the damn thing and will keep it as long as I'm able. There's plenty of downsides like it running hot. I run water + water wetter and the bastard gets real hot in traffic. The thing isn't very comfortable. It isn't light though isn't quite as bad as what everyone makes it out to be. On the flip side I think they look great, they're rock solid in the turns, pretty solid motor with tons of torque, sounds great, and it makes the bitches wet 
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From: Honolulu, HI
Re: (.RJ)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I share an opinion with Graphite.
I'm going to go slit my wrists now.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Now that's some sig material right there
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
</TD></TR></TABLE>
What brand of race fairings are those?
I'm going to go slit my wrists now.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Now that's some sig material right there
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EngineNoO9 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
</TD></TR></TABLE>
What brand of race fairings are those?
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From: MD
Re: (Quiks66)
I think the brand is like cheetah or something. One of the cheaper companies. The fitment is alright. Nothing great but they do the trick just fine. They come unpainted though. They were painted that scheme when I bought them 2nd hand though
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From: Rock Hill, SC, US
Re: (AdeJong 03)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AdeJong 03 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
slidinsidewayz, did you have water wetter?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Nope just antifreeze, haven't had any major over heating issues.
slidinsidewayz, did you have water wetter?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Nope just antifreeze, haven't had any major over heating issues.
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From: Rock Hill, SC, US
Re: (GraphiteAccord)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GraphiteAccord »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
And that person not be some tool like slidinsideways.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea i'm a tool, just worked your mom over last night.
And that person not be some tool like slidinsideways.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yea i'm a tool, just worked your mom over last night.
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From: MD
Re: (Slidin'Sidewayz)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slidin’Sidewayz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Nope just antifreeze, haven't had any major over heating issues.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Noone has ever said the RC51 has overheating issues. Everyone points out that the bike runs really hot. 239 is mother [freak]ing HOT! I chat with friend's and their inline 4's stay around 200 tops most of the time. The fans are working their asses off to keep it from going higher in traffic as well. I've had mine go as high as 245. It's an issue with it being side mount radiators and well the bike just plain old running hot.
Nope just antifreeze, haven't had any major over heating issues.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Noone has ever said the RC51 has overheating issues. Everyone points out that the bike runs really hot. 239 is mother [freak]ing HOT! I chat with friend's and their inline 4's stay around 200 tops most of the time. The fans are working their asses off to keep it from going higher in traffic as well. I've had mine go as high as 245. It's an issue with it being side mount radiators and well the bike just plain old running hot.
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Re: (EngineNoO9)
i have no experience with the bike, but from what people say, a bike that runs 245ish in riverside in summer is going to take all of 15min to overheat at any speed. my vote is dont give up on the ol' sv 
if its the *** getting factor that a fully wrapped race bike gets over a naked, just go down to the uv on a thursday night and park in front of the ville. those quality*** ladies will be all over anything with two wheels.
***my use of quality is very loose and i take no responsibility for any hood rats, skanks, crazies, or any form of disease infested persons be it female or tranny that may approach you based on the fact that you are standing next to a motorcycle outside what is considered by many the trashiest club in the inland empire. and that is really saying something.
good luck whatever you decide
if its the *** getting factor that a fully wrapped race bike gets over a naked, just go down to the uv on a thursday night and park in front of the ville. those quality*** ladies will be all over anything with two wheels.***my use of quality is very loose and i take no responsibility for any hood rats, skanks, crazies, or any form of disease infested persons be it female or tranny that may approach you based on the fact that you are standing next to a motorcycle outside what is considered by many the trashiest club in the inland empire. and that is really saying something.
good luck whatever you decide