Honda RC51

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Honda RC51
Image:2006 Honda RC51.jpg
Also called:	RVT1000R VTR1000SP1 VTR1000SP2
Manufacturer:	Honda
Production:	2000 - 2006
Predecessor:	RVF750 RC45
Successor:	CBR1000RR
Class:	Sport bike
Engine:	999 cc liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin
Transmission:	close-ratio six-speed
Rake:	23.3 degrees
Trail:	94.6 mm (3.7 inches)
Wheelbase:	55.9 inches
Seat Height:	32.5 inches
Dry weight:	439 pounds
Fuel capacity:	4.8 gallons, including 1.2 gallon reserve
Related:	VTR1000F "Super Hawk"

Image:Honda VTR1000 SP2.gif

Honda VTR1000 SP2

The Honda RC51 motorcycle is a racing motorcycle powered by a one liter (999 cc) liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin engine. The RC51 is also known in the United States as the RVT1000R, and in Europe it is called the VTR1000. It was designed as the motorcycle to be used by Honda's racing teams in World Superbike racing. The 2000-2001 models are designated SP1 while the 2002-2006 models are designated SP2 (the latter having updated fuel injection and suspension).

In 1988, new rules in superbike racing allowed V-twin engines up to 999 cc's to compete. Prior to the rules change, 750cc four cylinder motorcycles were the dominant force in World Superbike racing. The first two years, Honda continued to win the World Superbike Championship with their RC30, powered by a 750cc V-4. In 1990, however, Raymond Roche secured Ducati's first world title aboard the Ducati 851. Throughout the next 11 years, Ducati would go on to win 8 World Superbike Championships with their V-twins (Honda won two and Kawasaki just one).

Despite having an excellent engineering team and a significant amount of money, Honda was unable to win consistently, particularly because of the V-twins' displacement advantage. In 2000 Honda released the RC51, powered by a 998 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine. That year, it won the World Superbike Championship with Colin Edwards riding for the Castrol team. In 2001, Ducati regained the title, but the RC51 was still a contender boasting reliability, speed, and power. The RC51 won again in its final year of factory-supported racing in World Superbike in 2002.

Honda stopped manufacturing the RC51 in 2005, 2006 being the last model year. Honda stopped official support for Superbike racing in 2003 (though various teams have had some factory support) and the RC51 was replaced by the CBR1000RR Fireblade as the Honda superbike racer (Superbike rules changed to allow 1000cc 4 cylinder bikes in 2003).

1 Engine
2 Drive train
3 Chassis, suspension, brakes
4 Dimensions
5 External links

[edit] Engine

configuration: 999 cc liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin
Bore and Stroke: 100.0mm x 63.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
Valve Train: DOHC; gear driven camshafts, four valves per cylinder
Carburetion: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with two injectors per cylinder
Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping

[edit] Drive train

Transmission: Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive: #530 O-ring-sealed chain

[edit] Chassis, suspension, brakes

Front Suspension: 43.0mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring-preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability, 5.1-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring-preload, rebound and compression-damping adjustability, 4.7-inch travel
Front Brakes: Dual full-floating 320.0mm discs with four-piston calipers
Rear Brake: Single 220.0mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front Tire: 120/70ZR-17 radial
Rear Tire: 190/50ZR-17 radial