Thinking of buying an SP2/RC51, advice please

buckers · 11-27-2007, 5:17 PM

Hello

I've just joined the forum and would like the benefit of your advice. I'm selling up my Triumph 675 Daytona that I've never really got on with, despite lots of suspension fiddling. Its way too flighty at the front and hard at the rear (ooh my nuts) - not confidence inspiring at all in the cold, wet and bumpy North West.

It seems the 675 is set way too hard for me from stock (I'm 145 lbs). I rode my bro's SP2 at the weekend (stock settings) and wow, what a difference. It was still hard but more planted at the front and didn't kick me out of the seat. I loved the engine too, what a bike!

So, my questions.....

1. Is it your experience that the SP2 is set up hard - and can it be easily altered using the stock equipment for my weight (the 675 couldn't, spring is too heavy). I thought the sp2 was good, but still a touch harsh at the back.

2. How well do SP2's wear over time? I'm taking a big loss on the 675 (bought for £7200, selling only a year later for about £5000). My swop choices are:

a) buy new 07 (local trusted Honda dealer) for £8k (or £3k plus mine)
b) buy 1400 mile 07 for £6.5k (or £2k plus mine). its got a datatool4 alarm, otherwise standard. dealer 200 miles away.
c) a 12000 mile, 2003 in white, with power commander and alarm for £4895 (or straight swop).

I am guessing the engine is good after 12k miles, but what about other consumables. Is the new bike the wisest choice in your opinion (I'm intending to keep this one a few years at least)? Thanks for any help!

MACI4LIFE · 11-27-2007, 10:34 PM

i'd go for b

when it comes down to it. it's all about how you like the ride. It sounds like you've made your mind up already and don't need our help. Besides, how can you go wrong with a honda?!?!

MACI4LIFE · 11-27-2007, 10:39 PM

btw, you shouldn't have a problem with the set up for your lighter wieght, but just in case, you can try following this magazines recommendations. scroll down to the 05 rc51 ( probably the closest you'll get for comparrisons sake.

Sport Bike Motorcycle Suspension Settings - Sportbike Review - Sport Rider

Maholli · 11-27-2007, 10:39 PM

I agree with MAC4LIFE your already sold on the RC so I would go with the better deal.. B...

. Its already broken in plus you don't have to pay for the 600mile service and its got the datatool4.. Also like everyone else has said before the RC is mean't to be kept stock and there is alot of "free" mods you can do to it.. There more you "mod" it out the more the back will reward you back..

UncleJesse954 · 11-27-2007, 11:10 PM

rc51 owners seem to be attached to their bikes like no other. tell this guy what you think of your rc51s guys. let him feel the love hahaha.... yes if this question keeps coming up i might just get one too. probably not but you should

zerogara · 11-27-2007, 11:44 PM

It sounds to me that you are getting ripped off by the dealer-man first because the 08 is listed for that much I think, and the other two used ones seem overpriced. Why do you have to trade in? Put your bike o eBay and you'll probably get more for it if it is in good shape.

The bike hasn't changed much since 02 so you are looking for one in good shape and the modifications and accessories done to it. A good used example with PCiii, good pipes, mods, may be even better than the new one.

I would say not rush it, since the weather is not very good for riding right now. By end of January peoples' finances and cabin fever make them want to buy a bike more agressively. By that time you may have found a deal on a good RC from someone who is frustrated about selling it all winter long

Springs are pretty cheap and easy to swap, but never do a change harder or softer on either side without going the same direction on the other.
The fork spring rate you can play a bit on its progression by altering the oil height. A tiny bit of oil more leaves a smaller air pocket which when compressed it adds to spring rate faster than before. Very critical adjustment that people overlook. Have you heard the clause "ohhh, I changed oil 2 years ago with good BelRay oil, it doesn't need a change". It may not need a change but it does need checking.
The rear spring is pretty easy to do a swap and some of the aftermarket springs may actually shave you some weight as well.
I've heard positive things about that little Triumph, don;t be so hard on it. Maybe it just needs to be set up right. How are your tires doing? Have you thought of switching brands to something the Tr community suggests is a better set for the bike? Abused tires may make any suspension feel horrible.
The RC is a great bike, and its power is very unique to 2-3 other V2 liter bikes, but the only reason to move up is if you were running out of power with that Tr, and it doesn't sound like the case.

I just came back from riding my RC and it was cool low 50's F, it was 68'F at noon, and it was 73'F (23'C) last night at 2am!

Koz
Charleston, SC USA
HRC RC51
BMW K100rs
Suzuki RG500Gamma
Husqvarna WR430AE
Beta Zero Gara 260

buckers · 12-07-2007, 4:46 PM

Well, thanks for the advice.

I went for option B, and she arrives tomorrow!

Gales are forecast for the whole of the UK and possibly some snow, all weekend.

It might end up being a sit and stare weekend, ah well.

So am I welcomed to the fold?

Maholli · 12-07-2007, 5:38 PM

Congrats on the new bike buckers.. Post some pics when you get her...

sheepofblue · 12-07-2007, 6:02 PM

For corruption check rc51.org in the mods area. Yes it is US oriented but most apply to the European model also (think y'all don't have the dual rev limiter)

buckers · 12-09-2007, 1:13 PM

Here's some pics of the new bike! I hope I've done it right

She was riding great yesterday, but the weather was cold and on wet roads today so it wasn't much fun I had a little rear wiggle cornering at only 40mph and I wasn't really pushing it. TBH I felt a bit unstable on my local twisty roads on the Dunlops.

Is this a common experience on the OE Dunlops? Are there better tyres out there? I think my bro's SP2 has corsa iii's, which seemed more sure footed...

Maholli · 12-09-2007, 1:25 PM

top notch looking RC... Im not a fan of Dunlops.. I must say that is one of the best looking RC's around.. Great choice.. I love the black and red..

zerogara · 12-09-2007, 9:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckers

Is this a common experience on the OE Dunlops? Are there better tyres out there? I think my bro's SP2 has corsa iii's, which seemed more sure footed...

Congratulations, very nice looking bike. So this is the 07 model? Is it any different color wise than an 08 UK model?

I've never tried 209s, but IMHO 207s and 208s were crap that were only good for touring on rough roads where their soft walls made you feel more comfortable. I don't know if expert riders can get much out of them but I never had the confidence to push these at all, on other bikes. I like my Metzeler M3s.

There is a riding adjustment period on this bike, especially if you are coming off a 4/3 cyl like the 675. You now have two big 100mm (4") dishes under you and you shut off the throttle from hi rpm to go into a corner it meshes you rear braking up big time. I rode 2strokes for quite a while so I have adopted a 2stroke technique where the clutch is out only when accelerating or cruising. All other times it is in. The brakes on this bike are top notch, but come sloppy and dive hard for a sharp corner and the engine will try to throw you off. You better have selected your exit gear and learn to mildly engage the clutch mid corner after all braking is done by brakes only.

My first few times I got the tail fishing around on tight corners while downshifting and braking. Also, if you have stock gearing and you get into a situation where you stalled but the bike still has some speed on it, be really careful about bump starting it again. Unless you are in perfect and dry race track pavement and jump on the seat to weigh down the rear at the right moment all you will do is lock the rear up.
And this is with 11:1 compression? Imagine the racing versions with 12.5-13:1 compression ratios. Inertia and big pistons are a load traction can not always beat!

MR SP2 · 01-15-2008, 10:17 AM

[quote=zerogara;644952]Congratulations, very nice looking bike. So this is the 07 model? Is it any different color wise than an 08 UK model?

This is the latest 2007 paint job for UK spec. Black and graphite grey with black frame and swingarm.

Mike

skwyd · 01-15-2008, 12:44 PM

Wow almost exactly like my black 2005. I love these bikes. If anyone is looking for a parts bike there is one on Ebay which has only cosmetic front end damage for under 4k USD....not bad for a complete parts supply.

Buckers I LIKE YOUR COLOUR SCHEME BETTER THAN MY US 05 I THINK

Welcome to the fold!