RC-51 ENVY

[TarzanBoy]

So, I saw an RC-51  the other day and it made me want to upgrade to one!   Now, I don't really need a liter bike, and nor do I need to pay the in$urance rate$ on a liter-bike.   What other sport bikes around are there that are as diminuitive as the GS500, BUT have at least 80-90hp?  All the 600's I have seen look oaf'ish compared to the rc51/superhawk

[Alphamazing]

You kidding? The RC-51 is a heffer! It's pretty portly and wide. Why don't you check out the Ducati Monster line? The old 750s and 800s and the new S2Rs should get you started.

[GeeP]

There's an SV-650 with your name on it.  

[blue05twin]

Take a look at the MV Agusta Brutale.  Thats what I want to get next year (the wife is complaining that I'm riding her bike to much).  I just cant seem to justify speeding that much on a motorcycle.

[leo]

I have a future eye on the YZF-600R. They are tamer than an R6, by how much I don't know, but the horsepower is in the range you listed. I've read good things about it.

[pantablo]

You kidding? The RC-51 is a heffer! It's pretty portly and wide. .

thats the truth! RC's are huge. The superhawk is a narrow bike though. maybe tarzanboy is getting them confused?

[Jake D]

I'd love an RC.  I'm with the TzB all the way on that one.  

I wonder if they would be as tricky as an in-line 4 liter bike or if the power would be a bit more managable.

[Sir Smapty]

I have 3 candidates for my next bike.  
1. Honda Interceptor
2. SV-650
3. Honda Magna 750

Sport bike wise, the interceptor is the only thing that I really like right now, and it's not even considered a full fledge sport bike.

[TarzanBoy]

I saw an sv650 in person and it definitely seemed a little taller and larger than my gs500.

The bike I saw that I *think* was an RC-51 definitely had a shorter front/headlight than my GS.  I can't say for sure which bike it was... but it did have the RC-51 fairing that says RVT on it

[raylarrabee]

I have 3 candidates for my next bike.  
1. Honda Interceptor
2. SV-650
3. Honda Magna 750

wow, those are 3 completely different bikes.  What kind of riding do you usually do?  If you stick solely to city streets, short distances, or twisties, the SV would probably be the way to go.  If you are only doing highway/cruising, the other two will suit you well.  

If you're going to mix it up--highway/touring/twisties/etc, than the VFR is probably your best bet out of those 3.  I just bought a 2000 VFR last weekend, and so far, I love it.  Sporty w/o having punishing ergos;  plenty fast; plenty nimble.  It isn't the best at any one thing, but the VFR is known for doing everything well...plus, it looks sh*t hot IMO.

but hell, I'm biased now.

[raylarrabee]

I saw an sv650 in person and it definitely seemed a little taller and larger than my gs500.

The SV has a pretty similar seating position and seat height to the GS, and it's actually 20-30 lbs lighter than the little G.

[pantablo]

meet mr rc51:








this years color:




badass bike. manageable power except if you're hard on the throttle, it'll buck ya.

[Destro]

I'd love an RC.  I'm with the TzB all the way on that one.  

I wonder if they would be as tricky as an in-line 4 liter bike or if the power would be a bit more managable.

Stop wishing and start buying!!

http://www.kcsbforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10337

[Lukewarm Wilson]

Keep an eye out for the new naked 600 suzuki is putting out same motor as GSXR 600 but slightly detuned for better low and mid range cant remember what they are calling it bbut pretty sure the letters GS are in there some where.

[PatrickInNC]

I've ridden the RC51, and I really like it. I was interested to see how it compared to my Ducati 998. It is ALOT wider and not as flickable, but if I wanted a v twin superbike, cheap, this would be it. There are ways to make them handle better, with some suspension mods.
I agree with some of the others though, an SV or a ducati monster is an awesome upgrade from the GS. Have you ever ridden a monster? If not then do it! I love mine. My friend who had a GS said that would be the bike he would upgrade too after his GS. It has about enough of everything. One downfall to them though is power, which some people on this board seemed to be really infatuated with. Its got plenty for me, and I've torn up a TON of Jap supersports on it in the twisties, but my 750 has got 60rwhp. Thats it, and alot less than a SV. Still all I need plus I think mine is prettier . I love the ducati line for its uniqueness, and that they are not as common, however, i guess if i want it to stay that way, i shouldn't go around recommending to everyone now should I?
And if you are going to ask about insane service intervals, and un reliability, DON'T, just myths. Never had a hiccup out of mine. I bet you would never have a hiccup out of a rc either.

[cheesy]

I've ridden the RC51, and I really like it. I was interested to see how it compared to my Ducati 998. It is ALOT wider and not as flickable, but if I wanted a v twin superbike, cheap, this would be it. There are ways to make them handle better, with some suspension mods.
I agree with some of the others though, an SV or a ducati monster is an awesome upgrade from the GS. Have you ever ridden a monster? If not then do it! I love mine. My friend who had a GS said that would be the bike he would upgrade too after his GS. It has about enough of everything. One downfall to them though is power, which some people on this board seemed to be really infatuated with. Its got plenty for me, and I've torn up a TON of Jap supersports on it in the twisties, but my 750 has got 60rwhp. Thats it, and alot less than a SV. Still all I need plus I think mine is prettier . I love the ducati line for its uniqueness, and that they are not as common, however, i guess if i want it to stay that way, i shouldn't go around recommending to everyone now should I?
And if you are going to ask about insane service intervals, and un reliability, DON'T, just myths. Never had a hiccup out of mine. I bet you would never have a hiccup out of a rc either.

A very good friend of mine has an S2R.

the thing has a bent subframe from the factory.  Duc offered him $1000 if he'll live with it.  There's apparently two oil filters... one that screws inside the engine and is plastic, and the plastic cracked on it.  It was in the shop for two weeks over that.  The brake lever cracked on him as well. Here's the kicker... the oil cooler line cracked.. and there were no replacement parts available.  He's been without it for a month now with no ETA in sight.

SO what does he do.. goes and buys a new 2004 999..  As he's riding it home from the dealer (I was behind him) and noticed his back tire was like wet... or something... we pull over and oil is leaking out from somewhere...  not the airbox drain, not the drain plug, filter, or pressure sending unit.  

He took THAT back (with 20 miles!!) and ended up getting an 05.



no problems with THAT one.... yet....

[PatrickInNC]

the oil stuff sounds like bad dealer prep to me.  As for the hard parts cracking. Maybe this had to do with shipping? Who knows. Thats pretty bad. Everyone knows someone thats had a lemon from any mfg. though. I just heard about the first R1's in Englad and all their recalls. Honestly, I no of very few people with problems with ducati's.Especially the Monster line. Stinks about your friend though. What is the dealer saying about all this? oopsss.... sounds like we are thread jacking. It also sounds like your friend has some money for ducati's. Ask him to buy you one

[JetSwing]

yup. ducatis are bunch of pos. my friends yellow monster is just a big fat slow duck...

[PatrickInNC]

You mean your friends "RIDING" makes his Yellow monster a slow duc? Lets be real here. Thats like saying that I need a 168 rwhp GSXR 1000 so I can ride faster.

So what do you think? Is there a Vtwin in your future? Do you have any dealers to ride a RC/SV/Ducati? Go try them out. They are loads of fun.
-Patrick

[JetSwing]

i'm sorry...i just got wrapped up in duc bashing. no, really. ducatis are fine italian machine.