I'm in the process of looking for a new bike, something to replace my '04 Triumph Daytona 955i. I've narrowed done to about three bikes and want to see if an RC51 would fit my needs. I live in Orlando, so high speed runs and long burst of speed are abou non-existant. I like the corners though. I also like having the torque to pull through alot of low speed corners and get up to speed (clover-leak on ramps) I think I've only been able to get to redline on my 955 once in the past 5 rides due to traffic/cops/lost tourists/etc.. I also travel to Tampa once or twice a month on my bike, so how are the ergos for an hour or two long ride? I'm about 6' 0" tall, 150 lbs.
In your opinions, I know you guys might be a little bias, will this bike work well for me? My other options are the Triumph Daytona 675 or the Suzuki GSXR750. What do you think?
Eat something. Decissions like this should NOT be made on an empty stomach, or weighing less than 160 lbs.............
**Non-biased answer of the evening.**
You need to take one for a drive. Once you get to drive one, you tell US if it's right for you. Me telling you what bike is right for you is like you telling me what size tits I like.........
Take one for a drive and see how it pulls, handles and has soul. Then we'll tell you what mods should be done to make her better.............
Eat something. Decissions like this should NOT be made on an empty stomach, or weighing less than 160 lbs.............
**Non-biased answer of the evening.**
You need to take one for a drive. Once you get to drive one, you tell US if it's right for you. Me telling you what bike is right for you is like you telling me what size tits I like.........
Take one for a drive and see how it pulls, handles and has soul. Then we'll tell you what mods should be done to make her better.............
I gotta wear my leathers to get to 160. I gotta find someone around here with one to testride. I went to the dealership and talked to a salesman, his response when I asked him if they had any: "They still make those?" I turned around and left.
How's this for a question then...what bike or bikes did have before the RC51, and how does it compare? Maybe I can get an idea then. The only twin that I've ridden is my Brother's Ducati 998. I know that I need the torque (I can't afford a Duc).
Dumb question: What happens in traffic? Way too hot? No cure? Thanks for the quick replies!
Well heres the opinion of a guy that once road a 305 down the Alcan. I only have 4500 miles on my new Rc, but I have used it for every thing that has come to mind.....includeing traffic in Portland. We did just fine. I personaly feel the RC is silly easy to ride. All the bottom end and great brakes make this a great all rounder for me. The seat is sort of a bad joke , but it is such a great bike that can be easy to correct. I have riden the gsx 750 and its more street setup but just dosnt have the grunt or the personality........I made a 620 mile runn last sunday and did just great. I can go for days without shifting, if I want to and still shred with any thing that comes along side. Dats just me
I'm in the process of looking for a new bike, something to replace my '04 Triumph Daytona 955i. I've narrowed done to about three bikes and want to see if an RC51 would fit my needs. I live in Orlando, so high speed runs and long burst of speed are abou non-existant. I like the corners though. I also like having the torque to pull through alot of low speed corners and get up to speed (clover-leak on ramps) I think I've only been able to get to redline on my 955 once in the past 5 rides due to traffic/cops/lost tourists/etc.. I also travel to Tampa once or twice a month on my bike, so how are the ergos for an hour or two long ride? I'm about 6' 0" tall, 150 lbs.
In your opinions, I know you guys might be a little bias, will this bike work well for me? My other options are the Triumph Daytona 675 or the Suzuki GSXR750. What do you think?
-Chuck
On the fence choosing a bike....
NO!!
If you have to ask the question then the answer is NO!
I used my RC51 for everything as my daily driver. I pretty much just got bored with my Gixxer 600 after I got my RC. I live in Phoenix and hit MAJOR traffic on the I-10 and have found the bike does get hot. But there are also things that can be done to help this (reverse the polarity on the fans, intake ducts for the radiators, etc.) I turned my RC into my race bike about 6 months ago and i miss her every day I have to ride my Gixxer. I also found that Heli bars and a Corbin seat make the RC great for longer rides. I frequently took rides over 200 and was willing to go longer.
__________________
Tom Hilsdorf
'02 RC51-race
'99 GSXR 600-street
CCS AM #911
I gotta wear my leathers to get to 160. I gotta find someone around here with one to testride. I went to the dealership and talked to a salesman, his response when I asked him if they had any: "They still make those?" I turned around and left.
How's this for a question then...what bike or bikes did have before the RC51, and how does it compare? Maybe I can get an idea then. The only twin that I've ridden is my Brother's Ducati 998. I know that I need the torque (I can't afford a Duc).
Dumb question: What happens in traffic? Way too hot? No cure? Thanks for the quick replies!
The RC51 runs hot in any slow moving traffic. The fans will kick on and you're fine, but it's not really a bike made for slow, traffic commutes. Better off with a CBR600RR for that.......
Why are you hell-bent on a twin? What's wrong with am I-4 Honda, or any other brand bike? Suzuki makes a killer SV650 or SV1K twin that's got plenty of after market parts and bolt-ons as well.
Why do YOU want an RC51? Asking an RC51 forum if an RC51 is the right bike for you, is like asking Maryjane Rotten-Crotch's daddy if it's ok to bang his daughter........
Of course we'll say no......although anyone with the money can ride it........
I used to live 40ish miles north of tampa (90-96) I had a FZR1000 then. The roads SUCK when it comes time for leaning a bike over........ No chance of that ever happening. Now that I live in Pittsburgh and ride on miles and miles of WVa roads that are funner than The Gap........, I NEVER WOULD WANT A RC51 IN FLORIDA......... NEVER EVER !!!!!!!!
The bike is made for twisties and tracks ONLY..... I think a VFR or the like would suit you much better.
Generally if you get the chance to ride an RC51, you want one. It causes you to want to sell your current bike and get an RC51. If you have the RC on a list of candidates for your future ride and you get a chance to test ride one or ride a buddies, you forget about your other options. Like Union said, this bike chooses you. All of us RC riders are across the board on height and weight. If it touches your soul the right way you say "forget the ergonomics".
I came from a 900RR. I loved that bike. However, my brother was drawn to the 02 version of the RC51 and had to have it. We rode one full season with me on my 900RR and him on his RC. The last ride of the season he finally let me log some serious miles on his then piped RC. The 900RR and all other i-4's were from that point on not interesting to me. There comes a time when we go from envying that guy on the RC to being that guy on the RC. Some just never take that leap. You hear a lot lately in here the "Hi, new here, always wanted an RC and finally got one after riding all the latest and greatest" newbie posts. After a while one just has to wonder that there must be some reason why so many experienced riders are drawn to this bike. Now join the club
__________________
03 RC51 for street duty/ 00 RC51 for track duty
The RC51 runs hot in any slow moving traffic. The fans will kick on and you're fine, but it's not really a bike made for slow, traffic commutes. Better off with a CBR600RR for that.......
Why are you hell-bent on a twin? What's wrong with am I-4 Honda, or any other brand bike? Suzuki makes a killer SV650 or SV1K twin that's got plenty of after market parts and bolt-ons as well.
Why do YOU want an RC51? Asking an RC51 forum if an RC51 is the right bike for you, is like asking Maryjane Rotten-Crotch's daddy if it's ok to bang his daughter........
Of course we'll say no......although anyone with the money can ride it........
Four cylinder Jap bikes are a dime a dozen here. There is usually two or three of the same bike at gatherings, and what can be done to them, someone or two already has. The Ducs, Triumphs, and a *few* Japanese bikes, such as the RC, still stand out in the crowd. I also don't want to always rev the shit out of the bike to go anywhere. In my 955, I can pull away fast from as low as 3000 rpm. But there is not nearly enough aftermarket for it, and what is there is way overpriced. So I am here asking opinions for my situation. I won't know until I ask. Cool?
Generally if you get the chance to ride an RC51, you want one. It causes you to want to sell your current bike and get an RC51. If you have the RC on a list of candidates for your future ride and you get a chance to test ride one or ride a buddies, you forget about your other options. Like Union said, this bike chooses you. All of us RC riders are across the board on height and weight. If it touches your soul the right way you say "forget the ergonomics".
I came from a 900RR. I loved that bike. However, my brother was drawn to the 02 version of the RC51 and had to have it. We rode one full season with me on my 900RR and him on his RC. The last ride of the season he finally let me log some serious miles on his then piped RC. The 900RR and all other i-4's were from that point on not interesting to me. There comes a time when we go from envying that guy on the RC to being that guy on the RC. Some just never take that leap. You hear a lot lately in here the "Hi, new here, always wanted an RC and finally got one after riding all the latest and greatest" newbie posts. After a while one just has to wonder that there must be some reason why so many experienced riders are drawn to this bike. Now join the club
Thanks, I appreciate your opinion! I still need to ditch my Daytona, not many people looking into those, esp used. I should be able to test ride all thre of my options in the next couple of weeks. We'll go from there!
I'll revert back to my original answer: You need to ride one.
Honestly Chuck, I can't tell you what you want or need. The RC51 is a low end grunt, out of the corner kinda bike. It doesn't need to be at 10K to show its colors, but I run mine at in the upper RPMs on the track cause it isn't made to be lugged around at low RPMs, either..... a Vespa is.........
It's heavier than most I4's and it's not the fastest bike on the block. It's a different breed than the CBR1000RR's or even the 600RR's, so it all depends on what you want, need or are looking for. It's a heavy, fat, low MPG pig with a need for suspension updates, a PCIII and new exhaust....... That's just the start.
If you don't want something that has to be at 9-10K to be in the power band, then you're obviously NOT an aggressive rider. The RC51 is not a commuter either...
I *think* you want something that with a little class, and something that if you swing a dead cat in a circle, you won't hit 8 of them at one time.
Ducati is a good bike and like any bike, has its quirks. So does the RC51. Of course, you can get parts for the RC51 in August......
If your goal is a commuter, check out something other than the RC51......and for god's sake.....eat something..........
Four cylinder Jap bikes are a dime a dozen here. There is usually two or three of the same bike at gatherings, and what can be done to them, someone or two already has. The Ducs, Triumphs, and a *few* Japanese bikes, such as the RC, still stand out in the crowd. I also don't want to always rev the shit out of the bike to go anywhere. In my 955, I can pull away fast from as low as 3000 rpm. But there is not nearly enough aftermarket for it, and what is there is way overpriced. So I am here asking opinions for my situation. I won't know until I ask. Cool?
-Chuck
Einy, meny, miny, moe.....
All the RC does at 3K is stretch the chain and rattle your teeth. If you want torque buy a GSX-R1000 or ZX10R. By the way your 955 isn't torquey either tiger
i agree with union. i wanted one for years, i got it, didnt think about getting another bike. it was callin me loud, heard it once on the highway, that was it.
I'll revert back to my original answer: You need to ride one.
Honestly Chuck, I can't tell you what you want or need. The RC51 is a low end grunt, out of the corner kinda bike. It doesn't need to be at 10K to show its colors, but I run mine at in the upper RPMs on the track cause it isn't made to be lugged around at low RPMs, either..... a Vespa is.........
It's heavier than most I4's and it's not the fastest bike on the block. It's a different breed than the CBR1000RR's or even the 600RR's, so it all depends on what you want, need or are looking for. It's a heavy, fat, low MPG pig with a need for suspension updates, a PCIII and new exhaust....... That's just the start.
If you don't want something that has to be at 9-10K to be in the power band, then you're obviously NOT an aggressive rider. The RC51 is not a commuter either...
I *think* you want something that with a little class, and something that if you swing a dead cat in a circle, you won't hit 8 of them at one time.
Ducati is a good bike and like any bike, has its quirks. So does the RC51. Of course, you can get parts for the RC51 in August......
If your goal is a commuter, check out something other than the RC51......and for god's sake.....eat something..........
*Back from raiding the fridge* I completely agree on all counts. My commute doesn't really matter, its only five miles. I do alot of "spirited" rides through the Disney area and through Pasco/Hernando couty areas for the central Florida people. I def. want something you don't see at every gas station on a good riding day. I will work on getting my leg over one....Oh, the parts things with Ducs....Crazy having to wait for parts from Italy!
-Chuck
Burnt off the just-eaten-calories by typing this reply.
I have a gsxr-1000 and a 03 RC51. My father has a mildly modified 04 955 Daytona. I ride all three of these bikes regularly and I absoliutely prefer my RC over the other two. The Daytona is regeared with one down on the primary drive, a Triumph off road slip on and a remap. The RC has one down-two up regearing with Two Brothers carbon high mounts. The GSXR has a yoshi full system and a remap. The point to the full disclosure is that to compare these bikes is like comparing apples to bowling balls. I am 6' and 210, pops is 6'2 and 185. In a flat out run my bike will gun down the Daytona and if you look at the dyno graphs for these two bikes they are almost identical. As far as the gsxr...well it is faster but it just doesn't give me the grin that the RC does. As has been said before, ride one of these RCs once and all of a sudden you forget about the other choices. I use my RC for everything under the sun from track days, commuting, hooliganry, you name it. Never once a problem. In fact I will go out of my way to find an excuse to ride it. Not so with the GSXR. I will say that for all around comfort and performance that Daytona is VERY hard to beat.
Is the RC51 right for me?
RC51 in traffic is worthless.
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