2005 Honda RC51 Review

The 2005 Honda RC51 was the sixth model year of the sport motorcycle that Japanese automotive giant Honda started producing in 2000. It is also the penultimate one, since Honda halted production of the RC51 the next year. Available as a lone model, the 2005 Honda RC51 had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $11,999.

Each 2005 Honda RC51 is powered by a fuel-injected, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, V-twin engine, which displaces at 999 cubic centimeters (thus the alternate name RVT1000R) and has a total of eight intake valves (four on each of the two cylinders in a double overhead camshaft configuration). The engine generates 133 horsepower at 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 71 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 RPM. Also, it has a bore and stroke of 100 x 63.6 millimeters (3.94 x 2.51 inches) and compression ratio of 10.8 to 1.

The engine on the 2005 Honda RC51 is linked with a six-speed manual transmission and a chain drive for the bike’s powertrain. Each RC51 has an electric starter for quick ignition. For fuel, the sport bike has a gas tank with a peak capacity of 4.8 gallons (18.2 liters), with 1.2 gallons (4.5 liters) on reserve.

Each 2005 Honda RC51 has an all-wheel disc brake system, which provides greater stopping power than an all-wheel drum brake set-up or front-disc-brake rear-drum-brake system. The brakes on the RC51 consist of a 12.6-inch (320-mm) dual disc at the front; and a smaller, 8.7-inch (220-mm) single disc at the back. For its suspension – which promotes a smooth ride on a variety of roads – the 2005 RC51 uses a 1.7-inch (43-mm) inverted fork at the front, and a twin-sided aluminum Pro Link® swing arm with a shock absorber at the back.

Coming in a Black/Metallic Gray color finish complete with a decal kit, the 2005 Honda RC51 uses an aluminum frame for reducing its weight while retaining a solid and firm build. A full fairing, or plastic shell, covers the bike’s frame, and it is further furnished with an aerodynamic spoiler and fenders. On top of the bike is a two-piece vinyl seat for the accommodation of the driver and a passenger. At the bottom of the 2005 RC1 is a kick stand as its parking device.

At the front of the 2005 Honda RC51 is a digital dashboard that contains a tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, and fuel level and temperature warning gauges. Under-seat and lockable compartments serve as the bike’s storage accommodations. A windshield, set at a low height level, was installed to repel wind. A halogen headlight and a pair of side mirrors were included to provide enhanced visibility, especially for detecting vehicles not captured by normal visual range or providing lighting during nighttime driving.

Each 2005 Honda RC51 has a wheelbase of 55.9 inches (1,419.9 mm), and the seat height for the bike is at a relatively high 32.3 inches (820.4 mm). The dry weight for each 2005 Honda RC51 is estimated at 430 lbs. (195 kilograms).

Primed for the enthusiastic racer, the 2005 Honda RC51 was styled and configured for the motor racing circuit. It also delivers enough pep for the regular ride on paved roads.