Post Sale Update: This RC51 sold for $12,901 after 19 bids on eBay in Bethel, Connecticut.
Honda built the RC51 to compete in World Superbike, and the bike earned titles in 2000 and 2002. The latter year, the RC51 also won the AMA Superbike championship with Nicky Hayden, and Honda responded in 2004 by producing a “Nicky Hayden Edition.” The changes were cosmetic only – a sticker kit, white number plates on the upper fairing and tail, as well as a brushed aluminum finish on the frame and swingarm.
Even if the changes were cosmetic, the model does command a premium with collectors, especially after Nicky’s unfortunate passing. This example is seeing some strong bidding, I suspect due to the excellent condition and low mileage (3,047). It’s said to be entirely stock except for a Yoshimura exhaust and Power Commander , and the seller is letting it go as he has two RC51s and the other one “is more of a rider.”
Find this RC51 for sale in Bethel, Connecticut with bidding up to $11,100 here on eBay.