From Honda's press material
The 2002 Honda RC51 is thoroughly updated for both competition and the street, offering even more world-championship-winning Superbike performance for enthusiasts seeking the most powerful, best handling V-twin sport bike.
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- Prodigious power is produced across a broad rpm band, peaking with 128 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 71 lb./ft. of torque at 8000 rpm in street-legal trim.
- Weight savings of 11 pounds have been achieved. Weight savings include: frame (9 oz.), swingarm (1.9 lb.), front fork (12 oz.), rear shock (7 oz.), front wheel (1.0 lb.), rear wheel (1.1 lb.).
- Larger, 62mm fuel injection throttle bodies inspired by HRC's championship works racers.
- The two fuel injectors for each cylinder now feature 12 laser-drilled jet holes in each injector tip for finer fuel atomization, resulting in more responsive throttle performance and faster, more efficient combustion for stronger power output.
- Newly designed exhaust ports feature an HRC(r)-developed shape for improved exhaust scavenging and velocity, resulting in increased engine performance.
- Fuel injection and ignition mapping are refined for the larger throttle bodies and new exhaust ports to produce smooth and linear throttle response, responding even more precisely to fine throttle adjustments.
- New shot-peening process applied to piston wrist pins results in a harder, longer-wearing surface that's more resistant to scoring.
- Exhaust mufflers are lightened throughout and secured by lighter mounting bands.
- Twin side-mounted radiators each have electric cooling fans to improve engine cooling.
- Cone-shaped clutch spring plate quiets and smoothes clutch engagement.
- Newly designed forged side engine-hangers are lighter (9.2 oz.) and stronger than the cast pieces they replace.
- HRC-designed press-forged aluminum swingarm is lengthened 16mm to improve rear wheel power delivery and is more rigid than the previous design for optimum race track handling.
- Rear subframe can be easily modified to reduce weight for racing application.
- Newly designed HRC-type integrated rear shock reservoir is repositioned for easy fitment of center-up high-performance competition exhaust.
- Brake fluid system pressure is increased 10 percent, resulting in even better braking feel and performance.
- New five-spoke wheels feature aerodynamic forward-facing V-shaped spokes and next-generation Dunlop D208 tires.
- New windscreen shape, derived from Colin Edwards' championship World Superbike HRC racer, is 1.2 inches taller than the previous design.
- Lightweight aluminum upper fairing stay is nearly 7 ounces lighter than the previous steel design.
- Larger under-seat tool tray.
- The black resin seat pan/rear fender located under the seat cowl has been completely redesigned to reposition the battery and electrical components farther forward for improved mass centralization.
- 999cc DOHC eight-valve 90 V-twin engine is specially designed to withstand the rigors of Superbike competition.
- Centrally mounted ram-air intake duct routes cool, pressurized air directly through the frame's steering head structure to the 9.0-liter airbox, improving intake efficiency while slimming the aerodynamic profile. The ram-air duct doubles as a front cowl stay, shaving 12 ounces off of a conventional mounting system.
- Each cylinder head features large, 40mm intake and 34mm exhaust valves with a 24 degree included valve angle. This provides a short, direct path for the air/fuel charge entering the combustion chamber and results in high power output.
- Gear-driven camshafts utilize three-axis drive gears to maintain accurate valve timing and durability at sustained high engine speeds.
- Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system ensures high-rpm durability, and allows 16,000-mile valve maintenance intervals.
- Cast aluminum pistons are screen-printed with solid LUB-Coat finish to minimize friction between the piston and cylinder wall.
- Aluminum composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure-formed from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The lightweight composite sleeves provide better wear resistance and superior heat dissipation compared to conventional sleeves.
- Nutless connecting rods feature bolts threaded directly into tapped holes in rods. Design is lighter than conventional bolt-and-nut combination. Carburized rods provide strength and durability under high loads.
- Crankshaft center lubrication system carries oil to main and connecting rod bearings through passages in the crankshaft as well as conventional journals, allowing lower main-gallery oil pressure and a smaller oil pump design, consuming less horsepower at high engine speeds.
- Iridium-tip spark plugs require less voltage and maintain ignition performance in demanding conditions.
- At operating speed, side-mounted dual radiators utilize low pressure of airflow passing over outer surface of cowling to draw air through from the inside. Side positioning allows optimal placement of engine for a low center of gravity and superb handling and permits flow of air to reach cylinders and exhaust pipes for enhanced cooling efficiency.
- Air-cooled aluminum oil cooler.
- Magnesium head cover, clutch cover and left-rear sprocket cover.
- All-stainless two-into-one-into-two exhaust system with two 5.3-liter canister-style mufflers with a buffed finish.
- Seven-plate clutch design is compact and tough, featuring durable friction plate material.
- Smooth-shifting close-ratio six-speed transmission features ratios carefully matched to the engine's powerband.
- Twin-spar extruded aluminum frame features a modified Pro Frame(r) design utilizing a swingarm pivot that incorporates both engine-crankcase- and frame-mounted pivot points. The frame sideplates extend underneath the swingarm and join to form a D-shape swingarm mounting enclosure. This combination provides an extremely rigid chassis while offering excellent road feel.
- Tapered and braced box-section swingarm provides exceptional lateral and torsional rigidity.
- 43mm inverted aluminum-slider Honda Multi-Action System(tm) (HMAS(tm)) cartridge fork with 5.1 inches of travel features spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability, and offers precise action and superb rigidity.
- Pro-Link(r) rear suspension features 4.7 inches of travel and a high-quality 40mm HMAS shock with integrally cast damper reservoir. Spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability produces superior rear wheel control.
- Braking system features 320mm front discs floating on seven stainless steel pins with four-piston calipers, and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper for exceptional stopping power.
- Distinctive bodywork features a dual-headlight design with a centrally located ram-air duct, a narrow-profile fuel tank and a single-piece tail section.
- Unique bank-angle sensor shuts off fuel supply to PGM-FI system if the motorcycle tips over, but is unaffected by bumps and vibration during normal operation.
- High-output, 335-watt AC generator.
- Dual headlights feature asymmetric low/high beam operation; computer-designed multi-reflectors and two 55W H7 bulbs behind clear plastic lenses provide a broad lighting pattern and superb illumination.
- Lightweight instrument display includes electronic LCD tachometer and speedometer, fuel indicator, odometer, tripmeter and temperature gauge.
- Handlebar switches and controls use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.
- Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty.
- Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America(tm). Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance and much more. For HRCA(r) details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.
- Tank pad.
- Magnetic tank bag (Black).
For more information go directly to the Honda RC51 page at Honda's website: Honda RC51