Honda RC51 (RVT1000R) reviews

What a great bike!!! OK, so I love Honda, and I'd love to tell you every Honda is great. . .but the RC51 - WOW. I've owned many bikes, some very fast. . .but none as much fun as the RC51. Lots of torque - smooth V-twin power - awesome V-twin rumble - solid Honda chasis and handling. Everytime I ride this bike it makes me smile. This may not be a great bike for long trips, but for local stuff, errands, daytrips, etc. you couldn't find a more fun way to get from point A to point B. (And I just love the look I get from people when that V-twin rumbles, actually. . .explodes, to life!) Show less

This is a monster of a machine and a pig by some standards. This machine is heavy to push around and if you need to pick it up. I have owned nothing but inline fours to this point and have always enjoyed the power to weight ratio offered by those machines. (GSXR 1000, 929RR, etc.) However, in my years of riding (over 25) I've noticed the machines able to stay with me were the twins. I'm not talking staightaway speed here. That combination of low-end torque and maneuverability allowed those riders to actually keep me in sight. Then there's that sound! It seems to touch you deep down, much like the feeling one might get from hearing a V-8 engine purr. This machine may be a pig in the garage but on the street she is nimble, powerful, forgiving and reliable. If you are looking for flat out speed this is not the machine for you. If you are looking for a head-turning sound, over-the-top handling characteristics and reliablity second to none, then welcome to "Twin-Heaven"! Show less

This is my second bike and the RC-51 has been an awesome ride so far. Rode to Baltimore Inner Harbor and back to Wilmington, DE and the comfort level was great - no pains or aches. The seat is firm and very comfortable. This bike has plenty of power and stops on a dime. Great alternate to the car commute. Show less

Just bought the RC51 and love it. I've been riding twins a while, just not a Honda twin. Love the sound, the manageable power and the steller handling. Suspension setup is critical with this bike. Show less

I have owned a number of bikes including 2 VFR's, the most recent being a 2002. While the VFR was a wonderful machine, I did not have the soulful experience I have with the RC51. Each time I ride the RC51, it feels better and a part of me. I appreciate the torque and the unbelievable sound of the v-twin. The ride is not particularly comfortable, with a significant amount of stress on the hands and wrists. However, I did not expect anything less but as I become more comfortable with the RC51, the stress is lessened, perhaps because of a more relaxed riding style. I love the colour scheme for the 2004, notably the white tail section and silver swingarm. These characteristics I believe are an improvement over the 2003. I do not have anything negative to comment on the RC51. It is a spectacular motorbike and a bargain when compared to the Ducati 999 and the Aprilia Mille Factory. If the RC51 was of Italian origin, no doubt the price would be double. Show less

My first V-twin sportbike, and WOW!!! This thing is a blast! This bike is for curves, and dragging your knees at the track. What a sweet powerband. No, it's not the fastest or quickest by a long shot. But through the canyons, I want no other bike between my legs. And the sound it makes at 9,000 RPM with my Yoshi mufflers is so sweet I would pay just to hear it. Anyway, I am madly in love. Show less

First of all, when you look at this bike and its amazing details, you realize that it is made with precise engineering and high quality parts...Magnesium heads and clutch cover, Stout frame, heavily braced swingarm, and hydraulic clutch are awesome. '01 RC51's are rare...Unlike the hundred's of R1's and GSXR's you see out on the road. The RC51 is unique. This bike is smooth. Forget what you've heard about v-twins. The 2001 RC51 runs very smooth and you can be going very fast, but the motor doesn't feel like it's straining like other bikes do. Extremely stable. I was surprised at the stability this bike has. Very calm and smooth at high speeds. The 2001 RC51 runs very cool. 180 degrees on the highway. I've heard of guys with the '02 and up models running warm. But the '01s run nice and cool. Most people don't realize that most inline 4's run the same temps and hotter. The seat is hard but that can easily be fixed with an aftermarket seat. Overall this is a great bike. High quality, reliable, good handling, and a very strong Vtwin motor. Show less

When you first ride this bike you realize it is the most stable and smooth bike you have ridden. The smooth power has you going twice as fast as you think you are. Then you roll off the gas to set up for your first sweeper, the engine compression works as a brake and the bike laughs at you and says "is that it thats all you got?". Then the magic happens... the bike seems to train you to ride all over again. Is it fast yes, any new sport bike is. If you want a wheelie monster, go look somewhere else for that. This is a true machine aimed at performance of sweeping curves and it will be in your blood for ever. I don't think it's the best bike that is or ever will be built, but it will remain in my possesion for years and other models come and go from my garage. Show less

I have always ridden a Honda 4 cylinder sport bike but after buying my 2002 Honda RC51 new I'm very pleased. This bike isn't the most comfortable sport bike that Honda makes but if you want some performance and want it fast....this is the bike to buy. Its a head turner too. I just recently installed Erion Racing Slip-on pipes and they not only sound alot better than the stock but actually improved the performance too. When you think Honda...think "Performance First" and "Best on earth." Show less

I have ridden just about every possible street legal liter bike out there and I have been a Honda loyalist since 1993. I have owned Honda 900's, 929's and 1 954 and I finally broke the in line 4 trend and bought this incredible V twin bike. I am not a speed freak since the only place to go top speed is on a track but, I ride canyons regularly and I can say that this bike is absolutely confidence inspiring. My first tight sweeper was magical. I felt much more at ease in a steep lean angle on the RC than with any 900. The power delivery throughout the turns is smooth and not so jumpy when you get on the gas through the apex. If anybody is wondering what liter bike eats up a decreasing radius turn like a 600, this is the bike. It isn't the most comfortable bike but who wants to go touring on a superbike. If you get the chance, don't pass this one up. 5 stars all the way (except comfort). You wont regret it. This bike will also be a collector's item soon since this is the last year of production. Happy riding!! Show less