A friend of mine is offering me a 2004 Honda RC51 for $6000. It has never been laid down or wrecked and only has 4000 miles on it. She bought it for her boyfriend who she recently broke up with and wants to get out from under the payments. I have never owned a bike that big or that fast. I have been looking at the Honda CBR600RR as my first sportbike purchase. I am actually not that experienced at all. What do you guys think I should do?

 

seems like a pretty good price for a used bike.. for a starter bike? i wouldnt take it..

Now in my mind, I love RC51's. those babies have so much torque and power - so if i was an inexperienced rider, i would actually probbly pick up that deal. But a good choice for you to do is garage it and take MSF class (they equip you with a bike to learn with) and this is how you learn all the control. in about 2 weeks or so you should have the hang of the controls.

all these new honda's are unforgiving. they only weigh 300-400lb and have 140hp+. If your going to learn on a RC51 for a first bike, a minor mistake may be more unforgiving then a older honda.
All I can say is if you dont let your ego get the best of you while learning to ride and adjusting to that powerful of a bike.

do some research up on RC51's too - see what they are selling for in your area and also make sure that one is running in good condition..

 

Here's what I would do:

Check and see what a bike in that condition is listed for in your area. If it is worth more than what she is selling it for (enough to justify this) I would buy it because if its a great buy, then it wont be available long, especially a somewhat rare honda as the RC. After I bought it, I would do one of 3 things.

1. Get it, Re list it for the actaul value and flip it for a profit.

2. Get it, Take the MSF and slowly and cautiously begin riding

3. Get it, and trade it or sell it for a smaller sport bike

 

K just checked Kelly Blue Book:

In Florida the retail value for this bike in very good condition and low miles is over $8 grand


There is a 2005 with 3,500 miles selling in Tampa for $10,500

 

That's a SICK deal for an experienced rider. If what you say is true about shorty wanting to sell it cause her man is a douche then get it. That might be the Hayden replica. One word of advise, garage it and buy a cheap beater too. That's not a bike you want to learn on. I speak very highly of 51s for riders that can handle them. I split time riding my cousin's from FL. to N.Y. Almost bought a couple just not comfortable to ride every day in traffic. 51s are so much fun to ride, handles, stops, and power is dope. What it comes down to your going to get what you want but if you can't own two bikes don't buy the 51. Good luck.

 

go to rc51.org for every question you might have

that bike is not for beginners

buy it for 4
sell it for 8 and get yourself a 600

 

i would buy the bike and keep it. the first bike i owned with no exp. was a 1000rr and im still alive dont go with a smaller bike u will regret it!

 

if you want that bike then buy it. just realize what you have and be carefull. dont go ***** to the walls as soon as you get it. alot of people start on 1000s and alot of people get hurt on them. respect the power of the machine and you will be fine.