My new baby, 2003 RC51!

dentrecords · 07-30-2007, 4:08 PM

Hello, my name is Mike. I'm an active moderator over on 8thcivic.com and I've just picked up my first Honda bike. I purchased a 2003 Honda RC51 as an upgrade from my previous bike, a 2003 Suzuki SV650S. I'd like to thank the members of this site for posting up quite a bit of helpful information.. your posts (and a test drive) helped seal the deal with the RC

Mods (that I'm aware of):

Sato Carbon Fibre Slip ons
Power Commander 3
Galfer Stainless Steel Brake lines
Corbin Seat
14/41 Gearing DID Chain
Sato Clip Ons
Dan Kyle Shock link
Taller Kickstand (for the raised rear)
Zero Gravity Windscreen
Carbon Fibre Radiator Screens
Flapper Mod
PAIR System Removed
Michelin Pilot Powers
180/55 Rear Tire

http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-1.jpg
http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-2.jpg
http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-3.jpg
http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-4.jpg
http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-5.jpg
http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-6.jpg
http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-7.jpg
http://www.mikelobban.ca/forumpics/rc51-8.jpg

photo2u · 07-30-2007, 4:15 PM

Nice bike friend,

OSIRIS · 07-30-2007, 4:28 PM

Nice choice

BLiZZNECK · 07-30-2007, 5:16 PM

I have always absolutely loved that bike, great choice

one fast fish · 07-30-2007, 7:26 PM

Sweet ride! I had the pleasure of riding next to one the other day and they sound incredible. Enjoy, and keep the rubber side down.

JavyDay · 07-30-2007, 8:28 PM

Nice bike. Congratulations!

MARR · 07-31-2007, 11:17 AM

Sexy bike! You're gonna love it...especially in the twisties...

Mars · 07-31-2007, 2:48 PM

14/41?!?!?! Yikes. So you are up like a total of 6 teeth (effectively). Check here: ROGUE RC51 Common Gearing

dentrecords · 07-31-2007, 3:35 PM

I understand it's quite a bit different than the stock gearing. That's what the bike came with and I'm actually finding it fairly manageable. Perhaps I will change the gearing slightly (15/41) when I need a new chain and sprockets.. if changing the front sprocket is anything close to as difficult to get at as my SV650S was (and I highly suspect the SV was a snap in comparison), I hope I don't have to do that anytime soon

Relic2 · 09-25-2007, 2:57 PM

Congrats on your 51. I have an 02 and it's been nothing but awesome to me. Had it a little over a year so far and can't wait to leave Iraq to get back to riding. What kind of pipes you have on yours and how do they sound? I got some Scorpions and they rumble pretty good and rides a lot better.

dentrecords · 09-25-2007, 4:05 PM

I'm running the Satos. Just for kicks I took my 03 SV650S with a full Hindle Race System out for a spin after riding the RC for a month and it sounds like a toy in comparison.. love this bike!!

Relic2 · 09-25-2007, 5:40 PM

Cool!! Are you thinking about adding a Power commander on it as well? I don't know too much about bikes but I'm learning bit by bit. Do you know anything about upgrading cams on a bike to give it more hp?

Phadreus · 09-25-2007, 6:11 PM

Your-a bike, shes a lookin' nice for sure! Stay safe and enjoy my friend!

DVIII · 09-25-2007, 6:34 PM

niiiiiiiiice

Mars · 09-27-2007, 8:06 PM

14/41 is mad low. I can't even imagine the amount of engine braking you are getting. I run 15/41 and I get rear wheel hop when I downshift and hit the front brakes going into turns. I am actually going back to the OEM rear sprocket for 15/40, which is the best combo for me. How far off is your speedo?

And what is up with the narrower rear tire?

Mars · 09-27-2007, 8:08 PM

btw: where did you get ur SATO clipons and....do they have any more?

aussie-sp1 · 09-28-2007, 10:09 AM

Awesome bike to own. Welcome to the family.

dentrecords · 09-28-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Relic2

Cool!! Are you thinking about adding a Power commander on it as well? I don't know too much about bikes but I'm learning bit by bit. Do you know anything about upgrading cams on a bike to give it more hp?

As per my first post (line #2) it has a power commander

I understand the principle of a racing cam to increase the duration of the lobes being actuated (opened) however I don't think I'm going to get into that..

dentrecords · 09-28-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mars

14/41 is mad low. I can't even imagine the amount of engine braking you are getting. I run 15/41 and I get rear wheel hop when I downshift and hit the front brakes going into turns. I am actually going back to the OEM rear sprocket for 15/40, which is the best combo for me. How far off is your speedo?

And what is up with the narrower rear tire?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mars

btw: where did you get ur SATO clipons and....do they have any more?

The lower gearing, Sato clipons and thinner rear tire (barely thinner) came on the bike as I purchased it. I'm assuming the sato stuff all came from Dan Kyle, but I'm not 100% sure. The speedo is accurate due to a speedo healer being installed. I haven't had any issues with wheel hop, but then again I rev match all my downshifts so I'd never notice any issue anyways.