It looks like Honda got mad – real mad. Honda prides itself on manufacturing the best sport bikes, and it just couldn’t take it anymore. In the last two years, Yamaha’s R1 and R6, and Kawasaki’s ZX-9 have, let’s face it, embarassed Big Red.
Honda’s response for 2000 is a 1-2 punch, the CBR929RR and the RC51 V-Twin Superbike. The 929RR looks awfully trick, but the RC51 simply blows us away.
You can get this thing for $9,999? You have got to be kidding. We’re going to let Honda’s official photos and specs speak for themselves, but, if you want an RC51, we strongly suggest you get to your local Honda dealer with a deposit check real quick.
RC51 Profile
Honda’s Text:
The all-new Honda RC51 is destined to dominate Superbike racing the
world over.
This incredible V-twin introduces a new chapter in Honda’s storied racing
legacy. Now, affordable world-class racing performance is available to
enthusiasts seeking the most powerful, best-handling production-based Superbike.
Features & Benefits
Exclusive Features
ï The RC51 ram-air engine is engineered to dominate Superbike competition.
ï Prodigious power is produced across a broad engine-rpm band, peaking
with 130 bhp at 9500 rpm and 71 lb./ft. of torque at 8000 rpm in street-legal
trim.
* ï Completely new twin-spar extruded aluminum frame features a modified
Pro Frameô design utilizing a combined swingarm pivot that incorporates
both engine-crankcase and frame-mounted swingarm pivot points.
* ï Advanced, high-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) with
two injectors per cylinder and electronic digital ignition maximize power
output and offer immediate throttle response in any gear.
Behind the Windscreen View
ï Distinctive bodywork features a dual-headlight design, a narrow-profile
fuel tank and a single-piece tail section.
ï Three optional HRC Racing Kits upgrade the RC51 engine and suspension
for race track competition.
Engine
ï 999cc DOHC eight-valve 90-degree V-twin engine is specially designed
to withstand the rigors of Superbike competition.
ï Centrally mounted ram-air intake duct routes cool, pressurized air
directly through the frame’s steering head structure to the 10-liter airbox,
improving intake efficiency while slimming the aerodynamic profile. The
ram-air duct doubles as a front cowl stay, shaving 12 ounces off of a conventional
mounting system.
Frame
ï Each cylinder head features large, 40mm intake and 34mm exhaust valves
with a 24-degree included valve angle. This provides a short, direct path
for the air/fuel charge entering the combustion chamber and results in
high power output.
ï Gear-driven camshafts utilize three-axis drive gears to maintain
accurate valve timing and durability at sustained high engine speeds.
ï Innovative head gaskets minimize distortion caused by head bolt tightening,
improving sealing performance and maintaining combustion pressure for consistent
high power output in competition conditions.
ï Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system ensures high-rpm
durability, and allows 16,000-mile valve maintenance intervals.
* ï High-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) delivers fuel
at 50 psi to two injectors per cylinder, mounted opposite each other in
huge, 54mm throttle bodies. Fuel is delivered through four nozzle tips
in each injector, producing a very fine spray and a highly combustible
air/fuel charge for maximum combustion efficiency and power output.
ï Cast aluminum pistons are screen-printed with solid LUB-Coat finish
to minimize friction between the piston and cylinder wall.
ï RC45ô-inspired aluminum composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure-formed
from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The
lightweight composite sleeves provide better wear resistance and superior
heat dissipation compared to conventional sleeves.
ï Nutless connecting rods feature bolts threaded directly into tapped
holes in rods. Design is lighter than conventional bolt-and-nut combination.
Carburized rods provide strength and durability under high loads.
* ï Crankshaft center lubrication system carries oil to main and connecting
rod bearings through passages in the crankshaft as well as conventional
journals, allowing lower main gallery oil pressure and a smaller oil pump
design, consuming less horsepower at high engine speeds.
ï Electronic CPU provides digital 3-D fuel injection and ignition maps
for each cylinder, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings
for maximum power and throttle response.
ï Iridium-tipped spark plugs require less voltage and maintain ignition
performance in demanding conditions.
Naked Shot
ï Side-mounted dual radiators utilize low pressure of airflow passing
over outer surface of cowling to draw air through from the inside. Side
positioning allows optimal placement of engine for low center of gravity
and superb handling and permits flow of air to reach cylinders and exhaust
pipes for enhanced cooling efficiency.
ï Aluminum water pump.
ï Air-cooled aluminum oil cooler.
ï Magnesium head cover, clutch cover and left rear sprocket cover.
ï All-stainless two-into-one-into-two exhaust system with two 5.3-liter
canister-style mufflers featuring a buffed finish.
ï New seven-plate clutch design is compact and tough, featuring durable
friction plate material.
ï Smooth-shifting close-ratio six-speed transmission features ratios
carefully matched to the engine’s power band.
ï Durable #530 O-ring-sealed drive chain.
Chassis/Suspension
ï Totally new, twin-spar extruded aluminum frame weighs 25.8 pounds
and features a modified Pro Frame design utilizing a swingarm pivot that
incorporates both engine-crankcase and frame-mounted pivot points. The
frame sideplates extend underneath the swingarm and join to form a D-shaped
swingarm mounting enclosure. This combination provides an extremely rigid
chassis while offering excellent road feel.
ï Tapered and braced box-section swingarm provides exceptional lateral
and torsional rigidity.
ï New 43mm inverted aluminum-slider Honda Multi-Action System (HMASô)
cartridge fork features spring preload, rebound and compression damping
adjustability, and offers precise action and superb rigidity.
ï Pro-Linkô rear suspension features a high-quality 40mm HMAS shock
with integrally cast damper reservoir. Spring preload, rebound and compression
damping adjustability produce superior rear wheel control.
ï Braking system features 320mm front discs floating on seven stainless
steel pins with four-piston calipers, and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston
caliper for exceptional stopping power.
ï Lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels have six U-shaped HRC-style spokes
and feature race-spec 3.5-17-inch front and 6.0-17-inch rear dimensions.
Additional Features
ï Removable aluminum rear subframe.
ï Fuel tank designed with sculpted indents for knees, arms and handlebars.
* ï Unique bank-angle sensor shuts off fuel supply to PGM-FI system
if the motorcycle tips over, but is unaffected by bumps and vibration during
normal operation.
ï High-output, 448-watt AC generator.
ï Smaller, lighter and electrically quieter regulator/rectifier eliminates
interference with sophisticated PGM-FI and ignition circuitry.
ï Improved battery design is lighter, yet maintains output capacity
for a longer period when inactive.
ï Dual-headlight features computer-designed multi-reflectors and two
55W H7 bulbs behind clear plastic lenses, providing a broad lighting pattern
and superb illumination.
ï Lightweight instrument display includes electronic LCD tachometer
and speedometer, LED low fuel indicator, odometer, tripmeter and temperature
gauge.
ï Redesigned front brake lever has a new compact adjuster design and
incorporates the return spring in the master cylinder, reducing overall
weight by 5 ounces.
ï Convenient ignition switch/fork lock for added security.
ï Lightweight, recyclable oil filter cartridge.
ï Transferable one-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty.
ï Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda
Rider’s Club of America. Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside
assistance and much more. For HRCA details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.
Available Accessories
ï Tank pad.
ï Magnetic tank bag.
ï Cycle cover.
* HONDA FIRST-Represents the first use of a significant technology on
a mass-production motorcycle.
Specifications
Model RVT1000R
Engine Type 999cc liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin
Bore and Stroke 100mm x 63.6mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Carburetion PGM-FI with two injectors per cylinder
Ignition Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
Transmission Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive #530 O-ring-sealed chain
Suspension Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork
with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability;
4.7 inches travel
Rear: HMAS Pro-Link single shock with spring preload, rebound
and compression damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes Front: Dual full-floating 320mm discs with four-piston
calipers
Rear: Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tires Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear: 190/50R-17 radial
Wheelbase 55.5 inches
Rake (Caster Angle) 24.5°
Trail 100.5mm (3.96 inches)
Seat Height 32.0 inches
Dry Weight 432 pounds
Fuel Capacity 4.75 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Color Red/Metallic Silver
California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.
