Honda RC51

The Honda RC51, also known as the RVT1000R (in the United States) or VTR1000 (Europe and Australia), is a V-twin motorcycle produced by Honda from 2000 to 2006.

Mechanicals and chassis

The engine is a 999cc dual overhead cam V-twin unit with two fuel injectors and four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered to the rear wheel by a close-ratio, six-speed transmission. The chassis is constructed from aluminium alloy, being a twin-spar design.

The RC51 is a racing superbike which benefits from gearbox sprocket changes for street use. Factory RC51s were highly geared for top speed performance.

History

The RC51 was designed as the motorcycle to be used by Honda's racing teams in the Superbike World Championship. The 2000–2001 models are designated SP1, while the 2002–2006 models are designated SP2 (the latter having updated fuel injection and suspension systems).

1988–2002 In 1988, new rules in superbike racing allowed V-twin engines up to 999 cc to compete. Prior to the rules change, 750 cc four-cylinder motorcycles were the dominant force in production based competition. During the first two years of the World Superbike championship, Honda won the series with their RC30, powered by a 750 cc V-4. In 1990, however, Raymond Roche secured Ducati's first world title aboard the Ducati 851. Throughout the next 11 years, Ducati would go on to win 8 World Superbike Championships with their V-twins (Honda won two and Kawasaki just one).