5 Things I Hate About My Honda RC51 

Your temp is up because you aren't riding fast enough. 100 plus will do it.

How to solve the complaints: Start engine. Place in first gear. Slowly release clutch lever. Find long, winding road. Twist throttle. Forget about complaints.

Things i hate about the rc51: i dont own it

Honestly if you have a speedo and a tach you don't need a gear indicator

Hero RR, hates 5 things about the RC51 Loves a million other things about RC51

The RC series is a rare gem in the motorcycle world, they should make a throwback series of this model.

The drain is on the stand side to drain with the angle:)

Add a computer fan to the Rectifier. Minimal weight, 3D print a shroud

Everything you found is Cuz Race Bike... It was designed as a race bike by the engineers first, street bike second.. Youve been spoiled by those VFR's and CBR's... Lol

I bought a new SP2 in 2002, still have it. No rectifier issues, does not run hot (I'm in Florida) Stays between 172 and 190. I think your bike is running way lean. I do wish Honda had used front mounted radiator though, side mounts limits engine mods. Bad points? Weight, side radiators, seat. My modified RC is plenty fast, handles great, just not all that comfortable anymore for my 66 year old body. About 1 hour is all I can take in the seat. Never lost my rear cowl, mine fits flush. I would suggest a good dyno tune, light battery, remove sound dampening around airbox , gearing change (1up/1down) and the usual flapper/ pair mod to start. Also soft limiter mod. That will transform the bike. After that light wheels, suspension upgrades, SS lines, brembo radial master cylinder.

sometimes i find myself in my garage just looking at my RC. Ive had mine for a while and i love it more every season

Drain plug is always on the side of kickstand so it can drain from the lowest point. You don't need to remove the fairings. To fill unscrew the fairing bolt and pull fairing back. Use pliers to crack open the fill cap and use funnel to fill. On the bottom undo the clips that hold the fairings together and pull apart. You don't need to remove them.

A couple of ideas...you can purchase Spal pusher fans and mount them to each radiator. Additionally, there are carbon fiber air scoops that are mounted between the fairing, and radiator to draw moving air into the radiators. You could also switch to engine ice, water wetter, or Evans those are all pretty decent fluids to reduce operating temps. You could get a full ecu reflash, and have the fans come on at a lower temp. And, if you wanna go full baller status, you could buy the radiator relocation kit. This also helps you lose weight, because you only have one radiator, but its centralized in the traditional location, so you would be getting a lot more air thru, and around the rad. Phew.....! You should be able to find all these tips, tricks, and maybe parts on the Rogue51 forum. Enjoy!

These things are awesome. My buddy had one growing up. Was my favorite bike to ride. They sound sooooo cool

Sold mine 3 years ago. Regret it almost daily.

But either way the RC51 is an amazing bike Because it’s Honda

I like that you answered all of your complaints with the logical solutions. Also, manage engine temps? Looking at the gauge doesn't cool the engine.

Proud owner of the Kentucky Kid edition here.

The only legit complaints about her is her weight and how hot she runs. I live in san Antonio texas so, I removed the thermostat! It made a HUGE difference, she now runs at 178 degrees on the highway. Low 200s in traffic. TAKE YOUR THERMOSTAT OUT, ITS NOT LIKE YOUR GOING TO RIDE HER IN THE MASS WINTER. TAKE OUT THE THERMOSTAT BRO IM TELLING YOU.

I have 2001 hornet 600 I had issues with it getting to hot . What I did was got a actual racing radiator . Flushed out the coolant and runs a lot better and stays cooler . Love your videos look forward to the next one

On the hot temp, I had that problem. My friend that races his told me to use distilled water and appropriate amount of water wetter per gallon. It's awesome. I always ran 100 degrees Fahrenheit over ambient temperature. And yes when it hits 210 the fans kick in and actually cools the bike even in stop start traffic

Honda really needs to bring back bikes like the RC51 and SuperHawk in a modern version. Would appeal to younger riders and old (nostalgia).

consumption would be my only major problem dude! gas is extremelly expensive in greece

It's always hard to roast your fav bike, but thanks for the try haha, nice vid as always 😎

That's a really sharp looking bike. I have always hated digital temperature gauges. As long as it isn't overheating, it is fine. Most cars and motorcycles do not number their gauges and put a normal temperature range on the face. When I had my 2000 VFR, I saw a lot of people going crazy because the coolant was over 212F. Cooling systems are pressurized and can take more than 212F. I think that the VFR got upset up around 245-250F and something started flashing. My Z1000 doesn't even have a temp gauge. Never cared about gear position indicators because I ride the bike in a rev range. I don't lug my bikes and want them to be able to pull away. If the bike is revving too high, I shift up and if the bike is revving too low, I shift down.

Thx 4 the videos, informative as always

Literally just finished a 1 month review on an SP1 for my channel. I loved it so much I just bought a Castrol liveried SP1 for myself ♥️

It is an amazing bike, I love it. Pretty much all of those issues you outlined are the same with my Panigale 1299S. Apart from the rear brake fluid reservoir.

I have an SP-1 in Moriwaki trim. God I love the gear driven cam whir/whine sound...can't wait to ride her again.

Just sold my sp2 a few days ago. All your complaints are spot on! Other than that I loved it.

Nice bike ,but we need more videos about the VFR

RE: running hot: do the SPAL fan mod. Check the "Honda RC51 Fans" page on FB (if you're on FB) and look for SPAL brackets by Will Glancy. SPAL fans can be found on Amazon, model 30103013, a 5.2" Paddle Blade PUSHER fan (you'll need 2). I've seen temps as high as 246 in bumper-to-bumper. After I did the mod (replaced stock rad fans w/ SPAL pusher fans) and used Will's fan brackets, I've never seen more than 220 (and when I do hit 220, the fans kick on and bring it down to 209-ish immediately).

Thanks for another honest review 🇯🇵👍🏻

If you want more air flow to the rectifier/regulator I am sure you can think of a way to do it.

It maybe a dumb question but if you only had to have one bike, would it be this beauty or the VFR800?

The high coolant temps are likely emissions related. It’s relatively common with some cars. I had a 96 Z28 and the factory settings for the cooling fans were ridiculous... turn on low speed at 215F and high speed at over 220F.

I had the Nicky Hayden edition. I loved many things about it but in the end it was too heavy, it ran too hot for me and it was too impractical to perform maintenance procedures on. I think I should have only used it for the track like it was meant for. It was the most beautiful bike I’ve ever ridden and owned though.

You ever try installing a vapor gauge?

i'm pretty sure all rc51's have that trunk lid issue. I know at least 3 of my buddies have had issues with it not latching all the way. this is the case with both the cover and the seat version of that lid. I will ask around at pigfest in a couple months to see if anyone has found a solution. Speaking of which, idk where you're located (sounds and looks sort of northish), but you should come out to pigfest in August if you aren't too far. tons of RC51's on the dragon. I'll be on my vfr though chasing/passing those bastards in comfort lol.

Love the SP2 its on my list of must haves, hard to find in Australia

I get it this is a race bike, but basically the entire video.

The dual faring removal would be a bit of a PITA, roaring fun bike, minimal gages needed I guess, looks beautiful nice job on the various upgrades.

I see a gear indicator, did you add that? I would put a heat shield on the exhaust to stop that heat, I had to put one on my Busa and you can find some nice looking ones... (the exhaust was melting the heal on my boot) I just put some shields on my goldwing because the heat from the left cyl. head was cooking my ankle.

heat wrap ? to keep your feet from burning up.. worth it, what do you think ?

Welcome to the world of V-Twins. Reminds me of my 98 Suzuki TL1000R. Hot as hell. There’s a reason why they called it the TLR (Testies Lightly Roasted).

I'm sure you've heard of it, but if you put redline water wetter in your coolant it may help your temperature issues. I know it works well with cars, not familiar enough with motorcycles to know if it would work as well.

My 2013 CB500F doesnt have a gear indicatior, and its driving me nuts. I constantly have to count shifts or remember how much rpm i have on what speed.

I've had my VTR sp-2 (that's what they're called here in the UK),for almost 2 1/2 years and have never had a problem with overheating,but then again UK bikes are fitted with a separate temperature gauge.;-).Regarding the rectifier,that was one of the first things I replaced,I fitted one from a Yamaha R1 which has cooling fins and have had no probkems.

The last 30 seconds made everything you said before that sound like "blah blah blah". That bike sounds INCREDIBLE!!!!

Hey great vid. Honda's rectifiers are super big compared to other brands, especially RC and VFR serie's and even worst thay have problems, same with de cooling system, side radiators aren't as bad as people think but the liquid flow systems is the bad thing, if are running just a little low on cooland the temps are gonna rise and cool it down will take a while and further more the thermostat shows some problems when making the cooland flow at least that what I have experienced in my VFR and read in forums about all RC's and in the particular case of vfr's the little oil cooler radiator is just too little RC51 has 4 lines, VFR 6th gen has 3 lines and 5th gen only 2 lines, terrible idea. Edit: Oh I totally forgot you already have a VFR, what I'm telling you about? Here enviroment temps are about 30 C to 36 C (83F to 97F) high humity and while moving temps are ok (184F) but in jamming or really low speed temps are fatal (224F to 231F)

drain on the left side as the bike leans to that side?,header wrap the left side link pipe to reduce heat radiating,defo swap the volt reg for a mosfet they run a lot colder, I have a low budget vtr1000 drag bike motor tuned to rc51 power sp1's and 2 are so expensive they have become a cult classic and way out of my 'fun toy' price range I may be wrong but I recall reading valentino rossi said the sp1 (possibly the 2?) was his favourite factory stock production bike ?

Cool video 👍 👍. I tried alot of Auto Tunes. My Kawasaki ZX12R picked 20hp. After Dyno Tuning. Also getting better mileage. Be Safe Out There 🤜🤝 😎

My 02 VFR800 get so hot especially during summer like in 220° while at the stop light. Then drops to like 190° once I start riding.

Okay, given all of the pre-qualifications which you repeat often enough, the key ones being: fantastic bike, love this bike and race bike...I'll assume the bike is not for sale. 1) Fluids changes on a race bike had better be frequent and so you remove all the plastic anyway. It makes perfect sense to drain oil on the low side and add it on the high side. 2) Rear brake fluid reservoir access. There should be no need to access the reservoir between fluid changes. If it's leaking fluid, fix the leak. 3) Runs hot. Does it run within the factory specified operating range? If it does then it isn't running hot and if it doesn't get it fixed so that it runs within the factory specified range. 4) Mileage sucks, OMG it's a race bike! And, why would anyone want to do 130 nonstop miles in the saddle of most any sport bike let alone a race bike. 5) Exhaust heat on your ankle. I'd ask where you'd have the Honda engineers route the pipe? I suggest adding a heat shield either to the pipe or your ankle...LOL. 6) The rectifier issue is a good one to be aware of...thanks! 7) Loctite the rear cowl access hold down bolt as you suggest. It's not fast enough! Are you serious? Fast enough for what? If you can ride it at it's limits on a race track as it was designed to be ridden, don't worry there are plenty of faster motorcycles to choose from and you'll get a handsome sum of money for your increasingly rare RC51. Thanks for the review.

“Excellent bike”. Must be the understatement of the century 😂 😂

I have a 2000 RC51 with about 55,000 miles. I bought it new in April of 2000, and I have never had a rectifier issue going on nearly 20 years on the original. On my 97 VFR yes, but not the RC. You must be standing at stoplights in hot weather to hit 220 degrees because even at a very average speed the temp should quickly drop into the 180 range. I get an average of about 42 mpg. I just ran a tank completely empty at 179 miles so that is how far a tank will go doing highway miles anyways. My frustration is aimed at the hard to see "Low Fuel" indicator in certain lighting conditions, Honda could have made it a bit more obvious. Other than that, your high pipes are to blame for the hot ankles as I haven't experienced any crazy heat from my titanium Moriwaki pipes (not routed as high as yours but higher than stock). I truly love my RC51! Keep up the cool vids!

I have an acquaintance in Washington state with an RC51 we swapped bikes on a ride I let him ride my old Katana 1100 what I liked about the bike was how light and responsive it felt and the sound compared to my old Katana😃

I've owned half a dozen motorcycles, one which was a Honda that handled great, looked and sounded fantastic as well, and was easy to work on. This Honda looks and sounds fantastic as well, and I was thinking about buying one, but this video is exactly what I needed to steer me back to something simple and more convenient.

Are the wheels different front and rear? Can you give the info on those wheels bro they look good!

Having no odo and temp is an issue. I have a SP1 and baby is it hot, I've seen 220 on a warm day. Going to upgrade the fan to a Spal and also a second one as well. Mabie not as fast as a gsxr but he holds his own next to modern 600s. Oh you forgot to mention the cast iron seat ;) But if your getting on it your hanging off anway! Ride em like ya stole em! Gonzo

The tuning is okay as long as it isn't stumbling anywhere in the rpms. That's a cool old bike dude!

It does have a gear indicator. When the Neutral light goes out it's in gear!

I don't get bored when you talk, even when you talk too much, i love listening to you

We should link up some time. I'm right in New Hampshire and have a 6th Gen vfr and a sp1 rc51 much like you! Well, getting the rvt tomorrow but I have high hopes for it.

Love the video. I'm sure the reason why it runs hot is because of the side mounted radiators. Your buddy's 1000 radiator is forward facing. So the 1000's radiator placement allows for more efficient operation compared to side mounted radiators

i thought it was annoying that i couldn't display temperature and the clock at the same time on my 2002 ninja 636, but not seeing the tripometer and the temp at the same time, especially on a bike that tends to run hot and not sip but gulp fuel like crazy would be a major concern to me.

I think they do inherently run hot, but if you get it tuned on a dyno and fatten up the fueling it will cool down a bit.

I dunno, I’ve had my RC for 12 years now... same rectifier. She’s an 03.

Do you think a tune would help the bike run cooler? Possibilty of it running lean?maybe even have the fans turn on sooner.

What is the Name of the exhaust? And where I can find some good parts for the bike. Google doesnt provide many infos

When the fuel air mixture is close to perfect, it runs hot. Learned from an old air force mechanic. Your average bike runs rich to keep cool, yours however runs as close to perfect air fuel due to being a race bike. It was designed that way.

I would definitely heat wrap the hot foot pipe area it would actually be racing inspired and correct as well as cheap and not intrusive to the pipe

Fuel gauge issue is agreeable. Rest is all something you got to accept and adapt my friend 🙂 Ride hard ✌️

On my gsx650f I need to remove both fairings to access the oil filter with an oil filtet wrench. Also, I took my bike on a 6 hour long ride on the interstate and I needed to stop every 100 miles because I was getting pretty uncomfortable. I could ride 150 to 175 miles before empty but I wouldn't want to on a long trip. For day to day riding it would be annoying to fill up though I bet.

Ceramic coat your lower exhaust pipes, wrap them, run Engine Ice coolant, and use fully synthetic oil. All should help reduce engine/exhaust temps that you feel. You can also install a thermostat that kicks on the fan at a lower temp to cool the engine earlier, but there's debate on how much below stock temp you should go on the thermostat. I'd recommend no more than 10 degrees less than the stock thermostat.

Replace one fan with a spal 30103013 5.2" Paddle Blade Pusher Fan (then you will have a push-pull) to keep it from going OVER 220 ever. With the stock pull-pull setup, the faster you ride the more the fans fight natural air flow. After overheating at road Atlanta I switched to a push-push, then I started overheating in traffic lol, so now one push one pull is perfect. Also fans don't turn on until 220, so if you want lower temps you will still have to add a switch (tap black wire in fan relay in the tail).

I recognized that area. 105 right by Cervelli farm.

It would be nice if you could another carbon fiber rim for the rear. Would look SICK... Expensive though. Thanks for sharing. No gear indicator though? Can see the gear number in red in your vids, lol...

Even so, a fantastic bike 👍😁

1992 CBR 600F2 1997 Ninja ZX6R 2001 RVT 1000R RC51 2004 GSXR 750 2007 GSXR 1000 2009 R1 My RC51 is the only bike I regret selling...

That hidden brake reservoir is a blessing in disguise, as it does not give fidgety people an opportunity to mess with the motorcycle. Overall, your Honda RC51 is really hard to nitpick on. Cheers!

The RC51 that I rode felt like a two wheel vibrating furnace. I loved it.

For the rectifier issue make that hole bigger and put another hole on the otherside. Easy way to get more air flow back there. Alos that parking lot looks like every other parking lot in MA lol

what are those bars around the handle bars called and what do they do

You could wrap that part of the pipe with fiberglass tape.

I used to have this exact same bike only with Yoshi’s instead. I miss it so much. I started watching videos and got to day dreaming about buying one again. Then you started talking about how hot it gets. For some reason I don’t remember that about mine but now I’m like man... do I want one if they get so hot like that. Ugh... is it really that bad?? I don’t know why I can’t remember that about mine. I only had it for about 6 months

Get the reverse scoops for the radiators or get a front mount radiator. Both help with the temps. I live in St Pete and did a lot of stop and go which the bike hates... never had a problem. If you get the scoops make sure they are backwards (opposite of a scoop) You don’t want a rear brake reservoir anyways... remove it and replace it with a tube only. Take your tube high enough to fill it. My RC51 did not heat my legs/ankles I had a stock exhaust. I lived in Florida too... can’t remember if the stock bike had heat shields but you can get aftermarket shields... they don’t weigh a damn thing... I needed one for my one of my Ninja’s. I’ve never cared for a gear indicator they don’t matter and you can buy them. When the RPMs are low you shift when they are high you shift. You can feel first and should know your in 6th. I guess I drove mine daily year long so I was used to it but... I had other bike with gear indicators I never ever looked at them. Don’t even need a neutral indicator. I bought mine brand new in 2006 loved it until someone loved it more and borrowed it permanently while I was sleeping.

What's the metal bar infront of the handlebar for? Like crashing or airflow?

Aligning the cowl, I put the cowl on, loosen the two tail bolts (on the sides), adjust the tail into position, secure the bolts.

My RC is super modified. The only thing that is stock... Fuel Tank , Frame, some of the wiring. I"d like to pop a pic and share the fun. Perhaps will do a review.

I ride one every day would say put some straight bars on it makes it much better. Unless your at the track. And your tune must be way rich watch one of my videos that's what it should sound like. Cool video.

I'm still trying to hunt one down in the Bay Area, CA.

Nice bike. The oil drain plug is at the lowest tip of the oilpan, when the bike is leaned over on the side stand,. That's how it's supposed to be done, and how the most oil can be drained. The fiill up is done at highest point on the other side, although the level has to be checked with bike straight up.. Same with my Hornet600. .My 2 cents. Ride safe.

Does the RC51 use a repurposed engine, or did Honda design the engine to be used on another model besides the RC51? I don't know these answers, just wondering if this is why the oil access is put there. Also, you may want to change out your temp sending unit, just to see if that is why your engine temp reads high. It will probably not matter, but may be a cheap fix if it does. Love the videos, would be cool to see something on the smaller class commuter bikes such as the CBR300R if you are so inclined. Thanks!

I put a small pancake fan on my rectifier and opened up the air flow to it problem solved. Did it on my Super Hawk as well.

Oil changes are one thing I love about my Z1000. Or any naked bike for that matter. I can do 5 minute oil changes.

It's a keeper like the 954rr, buy them now when cheap, got a 2004 Nicky Hayden. Blackbird will also be worth something.

I just picked one but, and yes the rear brakes do suck lol. Oil change was a pain

Sorta like my '05 Vrod(gone now) I think it was < 100 mile range. Bad for mountain trips. Anyway, jealous, I'd love to own an RC. Seems nostalgia now but, I'd still like to have one.

Who uses the rear brake?