Got a guy that wants to trade me his 03 RC51 for my 03 954?
I've never ridden an RC51, are they good bikes?

 

Great bikes. Its one of those bikes you really need to ride for yourself. I would get with the guy,swap bikes and take a ride.

 

Keep the 54, unless you are a fan of v-twin bikes. I've never ridden one but I don't really care to, there was a guy that rode with us last year that had an RC51 and it annoyed the **** out of me, could have just been the rider though... But seriously, I think that you'd enjoy your current bike a lot more than that one, but give it a test ride if he'll let you to see how it suits you.

 

I would say trade straight up for the RC51... it's a little more rare... a little bit different. The vtwin sounds very different, but you'll notice that the 4 cylinders have instant power where the twins have more of a linear power band...the pro would probably benefit for a vtwin where an average rider would probably be fine with the 4 banger...

You definitely wanna take it for a test drive and see if you can live with it, but once you hear the sound of those two huge cylinders (500 CCs each!) slammin up and down you'll be hooked for sure.

 

ask him if he wants to trade for a 929

 

Don't do it dude- unless you like to ride wearing mittens....my hands were numb within 5 minutes on a test ride. Also, even though they weigh about the same they corner a lot different.

 

I would really like to check one of those RC51's out. I have seen very few of them, I like the way they look and sound. I followed one for a while when I was up in the mountains riding this one time. It seemed tphandle pretty good and I am pretty sure he was a better rider due to the fact he was haulin *** through the corners. The only time I would catch up with him was in the straights. That is where the 954 pulled prettygood on that RC51. I have no clue what those 51's do in a straight line, but it seemed very capable in the corners.

 

Sorry to bring up an old post fellas but I'm selling my RC51 right now. Take a look if you are interested let me know. Thanks!
Josh
https://cbrforum.com/m_570660/tm.htm

 

Big fan of both bikes (havehad an opportunityto ride both), but the 5-4 is probably a better streetbike.
You definitely need to ride the RC first.

My RC likes: V-Twin character & uniqueness (love it when people hear it and can't figure out what it is), that sound (of course with some aftermarket cans) and the torque.

My RC dislikes: Not as comfortable as the 5-4, smoothness (hey, it's a V-twin) and the lack of storage space.

I would like to have an RC a couple of years down the road, but for now.....I'm rolling with my 5-4.

 

P.S.RC'sare good bikes. Rock solid reliable, but they are a different flava. Definitely need to ride one first.