| Author | Message | ||
     Crashm1 |
So as you guys know I was thinking about a new bike last fall. In case anyone forgot the dilema the choices were Ducati 996 or 998, a Honda RC51 or an Aprillia RSV I finally decided on one. And the curtains draw back ...... hello curtain please! I went for cheap and reliable. Well that and stupid fast. | ||
| Xbullet |
i can't see a pic....lemme guess..... RC51? | ||
| Crashm1 |
I'm trying again. Jeez it would help if I was computer literate.  | ||
| Crashm1 |
Hey! It worked | ||
| Interceptor |
I have always wanted to ride the RC51, looks like a lot of fun! | ||
| Jandj_davis |
If I didn't care about fuel economy, that would be my bike. I don't think I have ever heard a more visceral yet ear pleasing motorcycle in my life. | ||
| Tx05xb12s |
That's a beautiful bike. Congrats. I'd love to have one too in addition to my Buell. | ||
| Dsergison |
"fuel economy" WTF? worst excuse to base a bike choice on, EVER. | ||
| Tommy_black_shark |
Really a great bike, and you'll be glad you bought the RC instead of a Ducati when valve adjustment time comes around. I have a 2000 model that I got when they first came out and it still gives me a thrill. Since very little of my time is spent on the high banks I went a tooth down on the counter-shaft sprocket and it has even more zip. Also, the addition of Heli-bars made it a competent sport tourer. Of course not as competent as my 12X. Good luck! | ||
| Doerman |
Crashm1: Congrats. It is the second best Honda in my book after the Hawk GT! And since they haven't made a GT for 20 years or more, this choice is great. You'll have a lot of fun on that bike.  Dsergison: The VTR has the same motor configuration and a 3.6 Gal tank (not sure about the tank capacity on a RC51). You will have to think about gas around 90 miles since it gets less than 30MPG when you are on it. That is inconvenient,especially here out west where distances between gas stations can be considerable, A | ||
| Macbuell |
I've always loved those bikes although I hear they are very uncomfortable, especially the seat. | ||
| Xbullet |
Hey! I was right!!! | ||
| Crashm1 |
I've only gotten to put 300 or 400 miles on it but so far it's pretty damn sweet. It's completely different in it's power delivery than a Buell, the powerband starts at 7k and it just pulls like mad till 11 grand. Oddly enough it has way more engine braking then the Buell which is causing me some corner entry problems, I need to learn more smooth. The chassis feels even stiffer than an XB (I think) and lightyears ahead of the tubers, there doesn't seem to be any flex at all. I keep going into corners I know from the X1 harder and harder and I can't get it to misbehave and I'm starting to get scared of pushing it farther on the street. I'm already 10 to fifteen miles an hour faster on roads I know. The bike feels fine and eager to go but there is a limit to street riding and I think coming close to tripling the recommended corner speed is it or slightly over. The rear shock is taking a while to sort out, I can't seem to find the sweet spot for compression dampening. The ergos aren't bad so far for me but I tend to move all over the bike so maybe it's just awful on the freeway. I have noticed it's thirstier than ye olde X1 though. It sounds like the average if you are thrashing on it is about 29ish and highs of about 40 on the freeway cruising. Supposedly it does better on fuel mileage with a Power Commander because it's programmed a little too rich from Honda. I like the noises from the motor, the cam gears whine and the exhaust note is definitely way up there in aural appeal, even stock. From what I understand the RC and Superhawk engines share all of four part numbers. As far as the purchase decision the Duc 996S I was looking at last year still wouldn't start, it needed it's 12K service right away and it was 3 grand more than the RC. I couldn't find a RSV in my price range anywhere near me. I looked at a Superhawk too but decided it wouldn't be much different than the X1 so then the fuel mileage played a factor. Plus I really like fuel injection better than carbs. I thought about a GSXR750 for a minute but I really do prefer V twins. Thus the Honda won. | ||
| Rick_a |
Those metric twins have a great sound. I like the Superhawk...under-appreciated and two big 'ol carbs  | ||
| Tommy_black_shark |
The Superhawk has two GREAT BIG HONKIN' carbs with a cooling line running right through them. Can't compare with a RC though. If you drop the counter shaft sprocket by a tooth you will move the powerband down a bunch. Gas mileage will get better as well since you won't have to rev it as much. | ||
| Statik |
rc51 hp ? | ||
| Tommy_black_shark |
I seem to recall it was right around 120 at the wheel stock. | ||
| Statik |
nice. | ||
| Crashm1 |
Statik, 122 to 125 stock and 133 to 138 with pipes and a power commander. It may be a little too much actually. I'm finding it a bit hard to reprogram my head for the change in acceleration from the X1. You wouldn't think 25hp would make that much difference. |
