Honda RC51
Built from 2000 to 2006, with a manual gearbox.
- 30-day volume
- $11k
- 30-day new listings
- 13↑ 550% on the prior 30 days
- For sale now
- 16
Get notified about new Honda RC51 listings
About 3 a week across 2 sites.
Honda RC51 listings16 for sale now
Honda created the RC51, or VTR1000SP, for one reason: to win the World Superbike Championship. The series rules favored 1,000cc V-twins, so Honda shelved its V4 program and built this gear-driven, 90-degree V-twin to challenge Ducati's dominance. The plan worked, with Colin Edwards winning the championship in 2000 and 2002, cementing the RC51's place in racing history.
The bike's direct connection to its racing counterpart makes it a must-have for many collectors. It's a homologation special from a brand famous for its inline-fours, making it an outlier in Honda's lineup. The RC51 was produced as the SP1 from 2000-2001 and the updated SP2 from 2002-2006. Both versions are desirable, representing a specific and successful era for Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).
Buying Tips
- Check for original bodywork and exhaust. Many RC51s were fitted with aftermarket parts, and finding original OEM fairings is now difficult and expensive.
- The SP2 model (2002-2006) features a revised frame, a longer swingarm, and improved fuel injection, making it slightly more user-friendly than the raw SP1 (2000-2001).
- The V-twin engine requires valve clearance checks every 16,000 miles. Ask for service records, as this is a labor-intensive job that owners might skip.
- These bikes run hot, especially in traffic. Ensure the side-mounted radiators are undamaged and that the cooling fans function correctly.
- Inspect the frame and swingarm for any signs of crash damage. Look for scraped frame sliders, non-original bar ends, and mismatched paint on the fairings.
60 Honda RC51 vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 16 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings across 100+ marketplaces, auctions and forums, plus thousands of dealers. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Honda RC51 cost?
Over the last 12 months, Honda RC51 sold for a median of $12,550 across 5 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $10,500 and $16,500. There are 16 currently for sale.
How many Honda RC51 listings are for sale right now?
There are 16 Honda RC51 listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.