Ok, kinda stupid question here, hoping y'all could help me out. Im looking into getting a Liter bike. But my dilema is this, I love the RC51, however i have been doing some reading on the '06 1000rr. Are they the "same" bike. meaning same engine..different bodywork....or are they 2 totally different animals ? I love the sleek look of the RC51, only drawback to it is the huge air intake in the front nose, thats personall preference. But loving the total all around look of the 1000rr. I currently ride an '01 F4I. great bike dont get me wrong. i can throw it around in the twisties. And can smoke my friends '03 600 rr, but im getting older, 30 now, and i would love to have a larger bike. feeling like the 600 class is for the "kids" so to speak. I know if i go to my local dealer, he would give me the run around, and possibly the shaft. I respect the comments made here on the site....so What would y'all ride

 

They are two very different animals. The 1000RR is an inline four that delivers the most power in the upper rev range, while the RC51 is a V-Twin set up, two cylinder that delivers steady power and torque throughout the rev range. They are both wicked bikes, but in my opinion the RR will top the RC51 with a little more work from the left foot.

 

I've got one of each, and I wouldn't part with either one. The 1000RR has more power and torque than the RC51, the suspension is better, it feels lighter and is very flickable in turns, but it sounds like every other inline four on the road. The RC51 has more character: it handles like it's on rails in turns, the race version won the AMA and World Super Bike titles, and every time I fire it up, I know why I never want to sell it. There's nothing like the sound of those two 500cc cylinders firing with the whine of the gear-driven cams.

 

why cant honda combine the bikes for a best of both worlds "superbike" thank you gentlemen for the insight on both bikes.I knew the RC 51 was a V twin, however i forgot the 1000cc inline 4. well then i guess its a toss up and money for me to chose one or the other.

 

If you get the rvt then buy used, its the same bike since 2002. It is also way too expensive for what you get, the 1000RR outperforms it everywhere. But like mini said, its a unique bike and ultimate performance is sometimes able to be set aside for having something unique. Its also has rock solid reliability. I also think it is a gorgeous bike, but the headlights ruin the front end. I've seen examples with aftermarket race upper fairings and custom lights that look bad *** though.

 

I hate you. [sm=smiley19.gif]

 

1000rr wins. I used to have an RC. Nice bike but too clang bang. The 1000rr is just too smooth and fast.

 

I haven't ridden either but if someone was offer me either I would definately go for the RC51...love the rumble

 

Don't hate me too.

On the contrary, I thing the RC51 is well worth the $$. They don't sell as well anymore, so you should be able to get a new one at cost. If you're looking for max speed and acceleration, then, yes, the RC51 isn't worth it. But, considering all the trick componentry and relative exclusivity, it's a deal.

 

Personally I think the RC51 is way better than the 1000RR, now im not talking about performance though. I love the looks of the 1000RR but the RC51 just has that special something that I just cant get enough of. I love the torque it has combined with the feel and sound of that awesome engine, and Like someone else said it absolutely handles like its on rails. My good buddy owned one and let me ride it all the time while my brother rode my F4i. I got rid of my 2002 F4i a couple years back and now this coming tax season I am going on the hunt for an RC51.

To me the RC51 wins on the character and just more fun to ride part. Its more for someone that just really loves the RC51. Like me :-D