My 02 954 has 20,000 miles on it and i love it!! It's the best all around bike i've ever ridden. I've done sport touring (up to 5 days) on the bike as well as a track day (which i'm now addicted to - awesome fun). It's a beautiful machine and i'd pick it over a 1000RR, GSXR, ZX10R, or R-1 any day. there is simply no other machine that stirs my blood but for one. There is one bike that for some reason has had my fancy since it's introduction and my curiosity has only gotten stronger year after year. The HONDA RC-51. Even though the 954 is a superb streetbike and a more than competent track machine, i like the 51. I've never ridden a 51. I've never ridden a v twin sportbike. Only In line 4's. I need some advise. If i don't trade i'll likely keep the 954 till it has 100k on it (which would be fine)

 

working at a shop i have gotten to ride pretty much every bike that has been produced. I have found out that the RC51 is generally one of those love it or hate it bikes. I thinks its a great ocasional ride but I've got to have have my rmp's. The low end torque is phenominal and you cant beat the sound of the twin. The handeling is also wonderful in the corners. The more I talk about it the less I can find wrong with it. You mentioned that you are getting the track bug, the rc has proven itself in that area as well. I say if the price is right make the change.

 

I'd say the RC is an overweight, underpowered, pig compared to your 954. It is a better STARTING place for a full on superbike, but the 954 will beat on it in stock form all day long. Personally, I'd stay with the 954. Unless the deal was simply too good to pass on, I'd stay. IMO

 

I had a simular delima when I bought my 954, I too love the RC but saw a 954 for a price I couldnt refuse. After I bought my 954 my buddy bought a RC and I had a chance to ride and compare. Personally I think I made the right decision, not trying to knock the RC but I enjoyed my 954 a lot more, I still love the RC51 and its so much fun to ride. The thing I notice most about the RC was that it really turned heads, even from other sportbike riders, but I am glad I stuck with my 954, theres only 3-4 in the city and it too looks just as good or better than most bikes out there and I can still keep up or blow away most of the riders on the newer bikes.
Now I have another delima; my wife told me I can sell my 954 so I can upgrade to a newer bike (CBR 1000 of course) but I dont know if I want to do such a thing because its an amazing bike. what to d what to do

 

Keep the 954 I was going to sale mine to buy my wife a new car, but I changed my mind I am going to sale my lightning instead. I have a porsche 944 to get around in for a while if its too cold on the bike.