How long do they last

KDA · 08-12-2007, 3:45 PM

I am considering buying a 2003 RC51 with about 15,000 miles on it. Asking about $6,000. Any opinions on the price? How long do these motors last if ridden under normal street riding conditions and taken care of?

TravisL · 08-12-2007, 8:03 PM

While this is of little help, I've known some of honda's I4's and V4's to run in excess of 100k miles. I wouldnt worry about 15k on a honda motor, in fact I'd be more worried about suspension/valve adjustment/maintence ect more than drivetrain woes. Riden responsibly, I cant imagine it not enjoying a long life.

JetFxr · 08-12-2007, 10:25 PM

I know of a rider on another forum that has over 100K on his 03 RC. It's a Honda, don't worry about it.

Mars · 08-13-2007, 8:19 PM

The engine was designed to take superbike racing and to have mods done to it for increased stresses and horsepower. Stock condition street riding, as long as you keep everything adjusted/greased/tightened it should last a LONG time. Your suspension and slectrical components will probably go before your motor. And with 15000 mile valve adjustment intervals the maintenance isn't that expensive!

KDA · 08-15-2007, 8:22 AM

I've found another option. An '02 with 6000 miles. It's been repainted but I'm told not crashed. It's much cheaper than the others I've looked at. One fork seal is leaking. Dealer told me the usual crap about it's common since they wheelie so much and offered to replace both seals for $320. Why don't MX seals blow out every ride??? I'll negotiate the seal replacement in the deal. Anyway, I believe some significant improvements were made for 2003, but think the price difference it worth it. This one does not have an owners manual. Is there a source for an inexpensive service manual for these? Thanks for the responses.

TravisL · 08-18-2007, 10:24 AM

Repaint sorta makes me nervous, and the blown for seal in 6k isnt a good sign either really, it's been ridden hard I'd about gaurantee it. Low miles is nice, but I'd go for condition and the newer updates found on the 03'. Just my .02 cents. Of course I hope to put 100k on my VFR some day

hardcharger · 08-19-2007, 11:33 AM

the one and only update to the RC51 was made in 02 and then it was unchanged till honda stopped making it in 06.

Mars · 08-19-2007, 11:39 AM

I prefer the SP1. More of a pure race bike. Less compromise. I L_I_K_E that it surges at partial throttle. I L_I_K_E that is hops over bumps. I L_I_K_E that it gets hot as hell in traffic. I L_I_K_E that my hands go numb after 20 minutes of riding. And mostly I L_O_V_E that it bends into corners at angles limited only by my own ballz and pulls out of them like a ufcking crocodile yanking a zebra into the river by its face!

hardcharger · 08-19-2007, 11:59 PM

yeah I like them both really, they both have their strengths and weeknesses. I have both a 2000 and a 2003 and I can't really tell ya which one I like more.

KDA · 08-20-2007, 8:01 AM

I ended up buying an '03 with 10k miles. Power commander, Jardine carbon high mounts, frame sliders, stand spools. It looked really clean and well maintained. The gearing had been changed - down 1 front - up 2 in back. Have not really had a chance to ride it yet. Will get a plate and registration today. Anyone have any feedback on the gearing for track day use? Seems like it may be a bit too far from stock. I may be willing to trade the high mount pipes for a set of comparable low mounts. If anyone is interested, let me know. Thanks.