2001 Honda RC51

JH2SC45391M101095

I bought this bike back in January of this year from the original owner in Phoenix, AZ. I drove to Phoenix and hauled the bike back to NM. I wanted a bike that was pristine, all original, garaged, and not beaten to death by some teenager. I found exactly what I was looking for and decided this was going to be my final sportbike and a keeper! (Yeah right). I began removing parts and pieces and confirmed what the owner had told me that it was all original and had never been laid down. But being the perfectionist that I am about my bikes, I started cleaning, polishing and replacing the parts that were looking old (foam pieces, rubber gaskets and such). I removed both wheels, the gas tank, and the entire front end (the front fork of one side needed new seals). It was winter and I enjoy doing such things, so I decided to go all out and get it to like it came off the showroom floor. Keep in mind that items may not have needed replacing for the average owner, but I'm a perfectionist. So these are the items that were installed: Michelin Pilot Power 2 CT tires ($240)Front fork seals/bushings Honda clutch plates/disks/springs (~$250)Flapper valve removal kitPair valve removal kitHonda OEM hand gripsRussell braided stainless steel front brake lines ($40)Galfer braided stainless steel clutch line ($50)Rear fiberglass tire hugger (black, $60)Undertail with LED brake/turn/running lights (silver)LED rear turn signalsYuasa YTZ12S Yumicon battery ($130)NGK Iridium sparkplugs ($21)OEM brake and clutch leversBattery tender SAE type connectionOEM air filtersSpeedbleeders on front and rear brake calipersHonda HH rear brake pads (front pads were replaced at ~19K miles)I replaced ALL the fluids on the bike (motor oil, brake fluids, and radiator coolant). I checked the valves and they were still within specification. Steering head bearings cleaned and repacked and both front and rear wheel bearings were cleaned and greased. The chain and both sprockets were replaced at 18K miles in Nov. 2008 so they are still good. I'm particularly wary of people who remove smog equipment and I like things stock. But I started researching the Flapper valve and found out that Honda restricted the air intake to meet the noise regulations and at larger throttle opening it gets louder so they restricted it to meet the requirements. I put in the kit to remove this restriction. The Pair valve is just a breather type valve that captures gases/oil mist from the valve covers and recirculates it to the airbox, creating an oily mess inside it, so I installed that. I have kept all the replaced parts should you want them. With 21,000 miles on the bike, I felt the clutch was going to need replacing. It too was within specifications when I measured the plates, but they were close to the the tolerances, so I replace the fiber plates, steel plates, and the springs, all are Honda OEM as online bloggers feel they are the best. I bead blasted the stainless steel exhaust header and collector just to remove the road grime and discoloration. All new exhaust nuts and gaskets were installed and torqued to specs. This bike rides and handles like no other sportbike I have had and "I get it now"! The V-twin, with it's low end torque that pulls and pulls and you don't have to brake as much on turns because of the engine braking effect on decel does it for you. This bike rides like it is on rails and handles like a dream and is way beyond my capabilities. The RC51 gives you confidence going into a turn and it still has power completely past the turn. The bike runs perfect and has no issues what so ever, it has no rust on it, no road rash and has never been dropped. There are scratches on the underside of the fairing, but not seen from above. A fastener location on the top left side of the fairing has a 1 inch crack in it and has been repaired (see photo). I installed the undertail fender and used quick disconnect SAE type connectors. I soldered all the wires, shrink wrapped and cable wrap protected them...very professional job I must say! This way should you want to remove the fender, all the connections for the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights unplug easily and quickly. I have only put a couple hundred miles on the bike since I got it. So, why am I selling something that I put my heart and soul into?? I have decided to retire and to move. Moving less one more bike will make things easier. I have about $900-$1000 in parts invested in the bike and I realize I cannot recoup all that I put into it, but somebody may realize that this is a real find and appreciate all that has gone into it and will bid accordingly, so good luck and keep bidding. My buy it now price is what I paid for the bike! I have kept all the stock parts and the passenger seat for the bike. I have ALL the receipts from the original owner (he had the dealer do all the maintenance from day one and even the oil changes at every 2-3 thousand miles!). I have all my receipts as well and photo documentation of my work also. Good luck on the bidding, you will not be disappointed with this bike if you win. Check out my feedback on the past motorcycles I have sold on eBay, the previous buyers were very pleased with their purchases! P.S.: The pictures are a little washed out in bright sunlight, but it is red, and some of the other pics show that.