[SynisterRC]

Hey guys! I'm new to this board I have been on the R6 forum and Sportbikes.net but have fallen in love with the RC51. I was wondering what your opinions are on this animal. I want to get rid of my new bike payment but I also want a bigger bike I can pay cash for.

I started riding dirt bikes ten years ago, three years ago I progressed to a FZR600 and then last year got a new 07 R6. Many people tell me the RC51 is not an amateurs bike. I don't consider myself an amateur but respect the opinions of the more experienced.

I don't ride hard I am more of a cruiser, I don't do the high speed burst, wheelies or erratic swerving in and out of lanes. I do however take it to the drag strip on occasion. Most of my friends call me a p*ssy. But when riding around with the girlfriend the 600 seriously feels as if it struggles I'm 205lbs and my gf's only 125lbs. I love the look of the RC and want the power of a liter bike. Do you think the RC is right for me or should I look at a 929 or 954?

[sheepofblue]

RC may be a poor choice for you. The RC is a very purpose built beast that was created for the race track with few compromises for road use. Thus for cruising it will not be that comfy, for two up . I really like my RC but for the road I think it would be an absolute beast compared to my RR. Though I have only put about 200 road miles on it with the rest being track miles.

[SynisterRC]

I'm begining to notice this from other reviews I have read on the internet as far as comfort and riding for 2. The RC just sounds so cool with that twin! They are getting hard to find, I'm having a lot more luck finding 02-03 954RR's in the range I want to spend.

[jrivas]

dont be alarmed on the whole " track bike only" deal there synisterRC, yes it was made for the track but if you like riding, you can adjust. my 02 is a daily rider, the previous owner left it track ready for me but i have never taken it to the track. i will tell you this, it just wont be as fun riding an rc with someone !! this beast is meant to be riden "solo"! the rc 51 will not dissapoint you, and is very underestimated my many, but once you hit the road and listen to that puppy roar, you will see what all the fuss is about on this forum!! get an rc!!!

[imhambone]

i just got an 05 rc about 5 months ago and it has been my best bike yet. ive had a 03 600rr, 02 gsxr 750, but they dont compare to the power the rc has. yeah you give up a little comfort but if you want a real comfortable bike go buy a goldwing, j/k. im thinking about selling mine. i got an 05 with nicky haden replica fairings on it. the previous owner crashed it and i fixed it up (cosmetic damage). i love it but kids r on the way soon. its probably too much for you though. let me know

[rokitt51]

Originally Posted by SynisterRC

Hey guys! I'm new to this board I have been on the R6 forum and Sportbikes.net but have fallen in love with the RC51. I was wondering what your opinions are on this animal. I want to get rid of my new bike payment but I also want a bigger bike I can pay cash for.

I started riding dirt bikes ten years ago, three years ago I progressed to a FZR600 and then last year got a new 07 R6. Many people tell me the RC51 is not an amateurs bike. I don't consider myself an amateur but respect the opinions of the more experienced.

I don't ride hard I am more of a cruiser, I don't do the high speed burst, wheelies or erratic swerving in and out of lanes. I do however take it to the drag strip on occasion. Most of my friends call me a p*ssy. But when riding around with the girlfriend the 600 seriously feels as if it struggles I'm 205lbs and my gf's only 125lbs. I love the look of the RC and want the power of a liter bike. Do you think the RC is right for me or should I look at a 929 or 954?

"I don't do the high speed burst, wheelies or erratic swerving in and out of lanes."....... Dude any bike is for you. You seem pretty responsible in your words. Im 6'3 and was very comfy on my RCs. Not the fastest things out there, but surely a joy to ride and play with.

[-Z-]

Originally Posted by SynisterRC

I don't ride hard I am more of a cruiser, I don't do the high speed burst, wheelies or erratic swerving in and out of lanes. I do however take it to the drag strip on occasion. Most of my friends call me a p*ssy.

If your friends are giving you hell for being a calm and controlled rider, I think you might need new friends more than you need a new bike.

[espn_2]

GO get 1 men.. I'm Just got 2 month ago i love it.

[SynisterRC]

Thanks guys I really appreciate all of your opinions! Now all I have to do is sell my Yamaha and I'm golden!

I'm sure I'll have something new by June and I'll post pics!

[supra90turbo]

I agree with the first few responses. The RC51 is my daily rider and while it's probably the most fun bike I've ever ridden, 2-up sucks and as a 'cruiser' it's really not that good. Pretty tough to ride around town, stiff as hell, really jerky down low and jerky when you're trying to cruise (i.e. <5% throttle)

That said, it all makes up for it when you hit a good set of twisties, keep it between 6,000-10,000 rpm and really hang off of it.

I don't wheelie like a stunna, but this bike has the natural propensity
to float a wheelie during acceleration like you see the GP riders do.

As uncomfortable, stiff, and unforgiving the bike is; I never regret buying it for a moment. I've put 1600mi on since I bought it, and that was only so far this season, and I'm in MA!

I can't wait to track it.

(oh, and it's not a drag bike. if you buy one, ride it like it was intended)

[Chal De Cecco]

If you think of taking along a passenger, then I suggest you get another bike based on all the wise input so far. This is a great bike to ride if you are experienced as you can go horridly fast with the excellent steady platform the RC supplies. Mess with the weight distribution and that engine will overtake the suspension in quick order and you will be in trouble. This is why this twin more than holds it own with the majority of the inline fours out there. It truly is a dragon slayer........

[SynisterRC]

How will my height fair with the RC, I'm only 5' 6" I had to lower my 07 R6 just over 1.5" to be comfy.

[skwyd]

You may have to lower the RC as well, but the first thing you would do is set up the suspension anyway. I absolutely love my 05 and just spent a week in Southern California riding and going to the AMA races. I put in a few 300 mile days and it was great. First recommendation I have is lose the stock rear sprocket to take the edge off of the incredible torque. I am 6'2" and a lardbutt, but I dropped my rear down to a 40 tooth and it is stil a great ride with plenty of torque. Like said above though, this is not a drag bike, but mine likes the road just fine.

[1badfish]

I bought an 04 RC Nicky edition two days ago and so far, I love it. Missing the raw violent HP that the 954 had but once i get her broke in I'll be able to tell better. A bit of lurching at low speeds. PCIII I guess will help there. Def. not a bike for just cruising around, though my girlfriend says it was more comfy than the 954 due to the flat seat. Neither is made for 2 up riding really.

[jzanutto]

I bought mine to commute and have fun with. They are just as uncomfortable as any modern sportbike I think. Mine has a powercommander and the power is smooth and linear.

I bought Heli bars for mine and it takes the pressure off the wrists. Slightly larger diameter grips helps as well.

[lanbrown]

The RC51 was made for racing and nothing more. It was more of a mass produced bike compared to the bike it replaced, the RC45. It still was not as mass produced as the rest of the sportbike line that Honda offered.

[Grover130]

The RC loves open roads. Stay away from in-town traffic and you'll love it.