Rc51 Survival of the Swiftest
RC51 Survival of the swiftest
Judging by press materials, Honda’s Superbike-starter-kit RC51 has been listening to inspirational tapes. The speaker? Honda Racing Corporation. For in just about every significant aspect, the RC51 has been altered for better performance. From increased power, sharper handling and decreased weight, the HRC touch is everywhere. Even the new 1.2-inch-taller windscreen is said to be derived from Colin Edwards’ championshipwinning racebike.
The 999cc V-Twin has been the class powerhouse since its 2000 introduction. With claimed power up 3 ponies to 133 bhp at 10,000 rpm, it should remain so. It also suggests this 90degree V-Twin could break the magical 120-rear-wheel-horsepower mark. Most interesting to note was that the claimed power figures in the press kit are followed by the comment, “in street-legal trim,” no doubt a dig at Aprilia’s past clip-the-wireand-de-restrict-the-airbox/exhaust antics with the Mille.
The essential elements of the RC51’s engine are, however, unchanged, so the gear-driven cams and 100 x 63.6mm bore and stroke remain. The power increase comes from refining air/fuel ingress and burned-gas egress. On the intake side, a pair of new 12-hole injectors per cylinder (for faster combustion and better throttle response) feed the hydrocarbon needs of larger throttle bodies. How much larger? A whacking 62mm, 8mm bigger than those fitted to the original RC51. On the exhaust side, a new HRCdeveloped exhaust-port shape increases gas velocity and scavenging, while the fuel and ignition maps have been tuned to suit.
The bigger boom all this produces is accompanied by an 8pound weight loss, claimed dry weight dropping to 430 pounds. New wheels are lighter by about a pound each, and feature five aerodynamic V-shaped spokes. The weight loss in this area is significant, since wheels have to be accelerated twice, both linearly and rotationally. It also makes a motorcycle respond more quickly and easily to steering inputs. But 9 ounces was also shaved from the frame, 7 from the rear shock and 12 from the fork. Significantly, a new 16mm-longer swingarm said to improve rear-wheel power delivery (read: traction) is more rigid and almost 2 pounds lighter than the one it replaces.
Despite the thorough revision, Honda held the line on price, so the RC51 still costs $10,999. Which is pretty inspirational in and of itself.
Mark Hoyer
