Rc51 or 'busa
 

so kinda in the market for a "new" bike

my riding has changed over the yrs and nowdays all i do is commute, 20mi R/T too and from work.

lookin at either spending $5-6k for an '02+ RC51, hopefully get it w/ some nice bits on it.

or spending $8-9k on a '08 busa (blue/gold)

Do i need either bikes potential, NAW

always loved the RC, that rumbles it makes...........BOING! like the looks and honda quality.

busa solid bike, nice and smooth like butta for my short commute, which is mostly an open frwy, at this time.

i might get in a few trackdays over the next yrs.......maybe
doubt i'll get to do any grand tours, like my trip to CA way back


:badger:

opinions........

Both are good...just different. Tough choice...well not for some I'm sure. The Busa would be better in the long run for the commute most likely BUT man...I really like the RC51. :lol:

Depends on the ergos on the RC I have heard they can be kinda tough for some but eds on the shorter side so that may help. I am partial to the twins so I woudl say the RC. Plus it would be abtter track tool than a busa to muscle around a track.

Tom

Strictly commuting the Busa is gonna be more comfortable....but oh the appeal of the RC51. What a machine. I'd scoop that up without question.

if i got an RC i'd prolly end up putting Heli bars or some kinda risers if it was 20min. unbearable.......

mmmm


http://www.speedzilla.com/forums/hon...3-rc-sale.html

That is a tough one...

I'd lean toward...wait change that I would choose the...

fuck


Get the RC-51 while there are still running examples\ non basket cases available.
Busa is still a great bike...

On a side note...I love the black RC's.

Such as:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...RC51-small.jpg

My boyfriend has had both an RC-51 and a VFR (your current bike) and I would think you VFR would be MUCH better commuter than the RC. He used to say the RC HATED to run slow like you would have to in traffic. And it was not the most comfortable bike even with his corbin. Definitely a cool guteral sounding ride but I would opt for the busa as it is more comfortable.

The RC-51 is just a damn cool bike.

For my use, I'd get a Hayabusa. It's a better fit for the roads we have here.

Practical do it all bike choice would be the Busa. Any significant annual mileage would be tons better.

For joy riding andtrack days the RC51 is dreamy!

My advice would be to go with the RC, but then again I'm biased. I have an RC in the garage and about 50% of an RC worth of parts in the spare room.

For a 20min round trip commute, you're not gonna have a probably with the RCs stock ergos. Once (if) you start with the mods, those ergos could turn against you i.e. raised rear height/lowered front. But if the bike you pick up is stock, then your biggest obstacle is gonna be the seat. But like I said, if it's only 10 min to work, you're not gonna notice it. However, be warned, the RC has side mount radiators and it does not like going slow, first the mufflers (which are under your ass) will get hot, then the frame (the rear cylinder is between your knees right under the fuel tank and pointed at your testicles) and finally the frame and radiators. If your commute even has close to moderate traffic then she'll start to get hot, but she'll cool right down once you get into more open air. You're gonna need to slip the clutch until at least 15 mph (I've gotta slip mine 'til about 20-25). Aside from all that, the RC is a blast. I love it and will never badmouth it (wasn't badmouthing, just stating truth).

I can't speak for the Suzuki, but the RC gives me a chubby.

What do you want more two big jugs or 4 small(ish) ones?:boobs:

That paragraph describing the heat sounds exactly like the heat of a Buell.

I agree. Clean RC-51s will only become more difficult to find. Get the RC now while you still can. You can always get a Busa later and there are plenty of them.

The only real difference between the heat of the XB and the RC is that the Buell has a belly exhaust and the RC has the twin tailpipes. Other than that, the heat is VERY similar.

Right. But damn that rear cylinder starts ROASTING my fucking nuts in slow traffic. Not to mention the heat spewing from the headers on the right side.

I know your pain dude, I was riding with Rae once trying to help a teach a new rider. Long story short I had to pull back a little bit to stand up on the pegs and let my balls cool down some. Rae almost burned her hand on just the frame rail. I'm just glad there wasn't a cop around so I didn't have explain to boiling testicles. And don't get me started on slow ass cagers in traffic hogging all the damn air...

RC as a commuter? :?:

I've owned both. Still have the VFR, probably always will - put ~$4k in goodies to get the RC 'right' (mostly suspension) & ~15k miles (incl. several trackdays) on it & then moved on. The RC is a very sweet, very unique, downright visceral ride. But happy tooling around town at low speeds it is NOT.

- The motor likes to be ON or OFF throttle, and tends to stumble & lurch at slight throttle opening.
- The side mounted radiators guarantee that it gets HOT, FAST at low speed, and as Mike & Marko pointed out, a lot of that heat goes straight to your nuts. It was bad in NC summer heat - I imagine Houston would be much worse.
- The ergos aren't bad for a race replica, but for just cruising around/commuting, it's a torture-rack compared to the VFR or a more 'street oriented' bike.
- The turning radius is pretty bad, largely due to the big bulbous tank which tends to make you contort your arms to get it to full-lock.
- Fuel mileage/range sucks. I averaged 32~35mpg on the street & as low as ~20mpg track.

In summary: as a weekend-warrior/track-duty bike - hell yeah, but as a commuter bike to replace a Viffer - put down the crack pipe! :lol

But if you do get one, throw on a set of Sato low-mounts and then prepare to enjoy all the WTF?!? looks from the Harley guys! :rockwoot:

I saw/heard one rumble through State College this week. Didn't see what kind of cans in had, but man did it sound good.

it won't replace the viffer, just be alongside........:)

most of my commute is open hwy w/ very little traffic at this time.

I agree 100%. Is comfort important to you? If so, go for the Busa. The RC51 is just a flippin fantastic bike, but it's NOT comfortable, and it runs wayyyy hot. The Busa is a Cadillac on 2 wheels. :lol:

as long as it's not ducati incomfy, i can deal w/ it. + i can always add heli bars or similar risers.

main reason i want the RC is , to be diff. you don't see many RC or VFR's.........

Heli's are great, and should work decently. And you're right about not seeing many RCs. You'll usually see a 'busa at least once or twice a day, but you'll be lucky to see a RC once a week. The RC isn't as bad as duc's in the street ergo's dept. and they have a straight gutteral almost animalistic/predatory feel. Many a Harley guy has given me the weird look thinking " it sounds kinda like a Harley, but it looks like a crotch rocket". If you wanna be diff then the RC will do what you want.

I miss my RC51 every time i walk into the garage.

Its funny about the heat. I commuted on my ZX thru city traffic and it was unbearable. The frame got so hot it burned to the touch and I got soggy drawers at each stoplight.
My 1125R gets warm and the frame heat can be felt but even with the radiators on the side it doesnt get as hot as my 600?

prolly that underseat to blame

Honda Blackbirds are way cheaper than the RC and Busa, way smoother for commuting, way more comfortable, and can lose your license just as quickly as the Busa.

I've always liked how the RC looks and I'm a sucker for a 'Twin

If your commute is highway, there is no reason to put Helibars on a bike. The wind helps prop you up. Plus they look dumb on a sportbike IMO.

Well... you could always get a GSXR1000... bear with me people. Great handling and not terrible ergos for long distances. Descent track manners. Great street manners... Actually, faster than a 'Busa until absolute top end. To be honest, if you're keeping the VFR, I don't understand the question since you already have a great commute bike, I'd get the RC-51...:idk:

Yeah if you have the viffer go for the sporty side! Or perhaps hold out till that new VFR V5 hits the street?!

Plus billion........Or, if you prefer Honda, get a 954........So much better-looking than the 1000rr.

If I had to pick between those 2 only, I'd go RC51. Both bikes are heavy pigs though. I'd rather have a lighter bike than a bike with a big motor. That's why I love the 750 so much. Best of both worlds. The ergos are good enough to ride long distances(a full tank of gas) without stopping. Broad power band for street riding but plenty of power for squiding it up. If you want to spend 8-9K you can get a used 848 if you like the feel of a v-twin.

not into cookie cutter bikes........all these bikes are beyond my/yours limits, so "how" fast isn't a big deciding factor to me.......

though gsxr750 is a VERY soild all around bike......and has entered my mind.

How about a newer VFR? Sweet bikes and you don't see those that often.

Fucking sickness. Drewpy, are you paying attention? I have a spray gun and we can build a booth in my garage... Black is beautiful... DO IT.

That's EXACTLY what I was thinking when I read the first post. The RC, and pretty much all v-twins have souls... the Busa, as refined and perfect as it is (for what it was built for), to me... it's just boring.

As far as comfort is concerned... if Drewpy can ride 4,000 miles in 10 days cross country on an RC, I think your 20 mile per day commute would be bearable. From what I gather the heat issue won't be a problem because you speak of 'open highway' during your commute so I guess traffic is marginal. However, if traffic is a problem, just buy a fucking scooter.

That said... V-Twin FTW... ALWAYS.

IMO the 99-02 VFR were the best.......

VTEC....meh
timing belt...........meh, vs gear driven........

You could just get a more bad ass VFR.

If Kerry could only talk me into the super charger kit he wants so bad. That is what you should do Racer. Through a super charger on your old bike and it will be like a whole new animal. Takes it from 100hp to 160hp.

Here is the link.... http://www.aaperf.com

You tube vid - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDCgwyY4yOY

Talk about a sleeper!!

This is Kerry's. Mmmm Sweetness!

I would agree...

Obviously a 'chop job but...:dribble: I can;t wait to see an update to the VFR.
http://www.dancewithshadows.com/auto...1000-photo.jpg

That's a thought too...or an R1. :lol:

Now there's a good looking machine.

What I find funny about that pic is that they show the pipe coming up for an under tail exhaust but it doesn't have an under tail exhaust. :lol:

:lol: Didn't even noticed that until you said.

I honestly noticed but didn't bother since he pointed out it was a chop job from the start.:idk:

RC51, just for the simple fact tat you wouldnt be just some tool on a busa. The RC51 is a much more special bike, one that you will enjoy more in the long term.

Hell, get a MV Agusta...

still too exp.

this one's nice, has most of the bits i;d put on there as well.

http://collegestation.craigslist.org...310223035.html

i am really surprised no one has seen the pics of the new 1200 vfr with shaft drive some badass looks, shits real and headed to the states... but my vote is rc, i must say i will always have my pig, its a beast that hard to beat, if you got any questions let me know, i got 24k on mine that i put on with a total of 30k on it with the previous owner and have not had the first hiccup and i use and abuse my bike

Use, abuse, and get an average 16 mpg. :lol:

Those akra full systems sound awesome!

You'll get better power out of a properly tuned sato or Mori though, and an even nicer sound...

I saw the pics... Its fucking horrid. Uglier than the zx14 even. And on top of that, its shaft drive. Another FAIL by honda.

Why couldnt they just have made an updated blackbird :(

Oh, and all that said, I love the 51, but im considering trading the Hog for a Busa. I miss having more power than ill ever need on tap whenever I want it. And I want something ill be fairly comfortable on. And trust me, the RC51 is NOT comfortable.

For me it would be the busa, and I'll likely have one in the garage in the next year or two in addition to what's already in it. I swear the busa is the Rodney Dangerfield of motorcycles.

How's the aftermarket support for the 51? Parts easy to come by?

like what? stretched swingarms and chrome plated wheels.......very low.

go fast goodies, lots.

Truth be told, body work is easy to come by, stock parts too, and there's more aftermarket speedfreak stuff out there than you can shake a stick at. If you're looking for something (aside from luggage) that doesn't help the stock RC go faster, then you're gonna have a hard time finding it.

I love my RC and have a plan for it, first piggy goes on a diet, then I'll go through her suspension, and finally comes the power. I'd love to build a spare motor up to about 160 hp and throw it in.

i get about 34 mpg now and thats living in TN were my ride is all curves all the time :)

Um how about this bike? I just remembered one of my local guys is selling his. Clean bike-20,000 miles $5300 with a couple throw ins...

http://www.ncsportbikes.com/forums/v...er=asc&start=0

Hmm, Jardine decal, but Two Brothers exhaust :scratch:

yea that's the Nicky Hayden model and came stock with those decals. I guess he didn't want a Jardine exhaust. Easily solved with a sticker.

I have ridden the RC in traffic, and would have to vote Busa. Although I might be biased.

The Rc is awesome if you are riding twisties or the track.

If you want a good, cheap vtwin honda that is good for commuting as well as sport touring, get the VTR1000F. 90% of the performance of the RC, cheaper, and more bearable for commuting.


fuck it, get the Bus!
http://www.twowheelfix.com/attachmen...1&d=1249381851

retarded fast, comfy and decent handling

Buell...

For what you do, the lightning is THE perfect bike.

Go Busa for comfort.

Face it...you're getting old and ur a tad on the chunky side. Chunk monk.

Get the Busa.

Agreed. XBSs or XBSTT... Uly if you can stand the looks.

Such polar opposites. I don't know how you could consider an RC51 and a Busa on the same shopping list. I guess you could split the difference and get a ZX12R, I've always liked those. Black and gold please.

They seem to be cheap too! I've seen them for sale locally for around $4,000 no bs.

'busa is easiest and most practical choice for "my" wants
rc is most visceral

:lol

But look at what's lurking behind it :) a pair of twins, and one's the RC! Forget about the busa and just rock the RC. You know you want it, you've already said so.

Yeah, the RC broke down that day.lol

Get the bus, then you can tell environmentalists you take the bus to work.

Busa

I've owned an 02 RC51 since March of 2002 and have almost 40,000 miles on it. If I was choosing a bike, with commuting as top factor in deciding, I'd go for the 'Busa. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY RC51, it is bad ass.

However, in slow, rush hour traffic, the RC will bake your legs and nuts, on BROIL, anytime you are going less than 40MPH. The RC is well known for its lackluster cooling performance. Even in good health, my bike nearly overheats during the summer, anytime there is serious congestion on my commutes.

But, if you do get an RC51, it will be bad ass for all other tasks. I even do some 1k mile + sport touring on it with much success. Track days are bad ass too! Make sure you become an RC51.org member if you do get the bike. There is a wealth of information over there and some jaded 51 monkeys who know everything there is to know about the bike.

Good luck with your choice. :)

Im with the rest. The RC's are superb bikes, but for comfort and commuting, go with Busa. Its like riding on air, with great handling for such a beast of a bike, and if you can toss it around, it really isnt a bad track bike either (so long as the track is bigger bike friendly). Nor will it fry your nuts and other nether regions when ya get stuck in traffic.

If the RC dumped boiling coolant on my exposed skin at every stop I'd still vote RC.

if your not in shorts its not that bad, its hot, dont get me wrong, but its nothing that is worth not buying the bike

bout the same around here and that composite frame is tits

there are no "clean" RCs out here

either rashed or high mileage, or both, askin good $

and the clean one's are askin as much as the '08 busa i like (blue/gold, like karls)

Nah - I've seen 2 or 3 nice ones (tricked-out, clean, and fairly low-$) show up in the ADVrider flea-market over the past few months, and I've not even been looking. Just gotta be patient & willing to travel a bit if necessary.

If you get one, I'd recommend going with the '02-up SP2 model (though there aren't big differences).

yeah, it'd be an '02+

maybe it's me, but i like full disclosure on an ad

emailed 2 diff peeps about bikes, niether mentioned "dropping" the bike in their ads, only in direct emails........

see, nice, clean, wheels! exhaust! hi mileage......

$6k

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1341034253.html

i know of a great 02 rc that can be had for less then that only difference is it lacks the sexy rims

Wow, that thing is gorgeous...with all the right mods.

yeah, but then it begs the ? , whats it worth? the bike is $4k at most

but then the add-ons are $$

and it's near my office too.........

I dont think $6k is unreasonable. I know those bikes tend to sell high. But then again, it's not my money. :lol:

I don't think I'd call an RC51 scary fast though.

Me either...but it's all perception I guess. Or he just wants to sell that bike.

the bike pulls, and i guess it could scare you when it shoots out of a corner trying to pull your arms out of the sockets

are they really hand built???

If you want to be different, get a Hayabusa and leave it stock.

If you are keeping the "viffer" then I'd get the RC51 since the VFR should be good for your commutes.

My buddy has a RC51 with FMF twins. Oh damn that shit makes me horny.

True. When I bought my Z06 back in 2002 the guy I bought it from had a personalized tag that read SCARYFAST (abbreviated) and then I bought it and have added about 150 hp. :lol:

Or you could get the bus, and pull your arms out everywhere

I can't get into the silver & red color combo.......For me it'd have to be black

'08 5000mi, no exhaust, powdercoated stuff

$8500

remainder of fact. warranty

better pic of blacked out rearsets

VERY sweet looking ride!!

It's sweet, please stop I had temporarily gotten over my busa-situs but those pics are bringing it back, I was content to wait 1-2 more years....

If you are going to commute get the Busa between the excellent chassis and the the depth of the Aftermarket Options you can not go wrong

now i'm kinda leaning in that direction.

all the RC's ive seen are either dropped, hi mileage, and exp.

or nice and exp.

I wouldn't worry so much about the 'high mileage', assuming you're thinking 20~30k is 'high'.

If the maintenance has been kept up, stored indoors, not thrashed, etc. that's not really any worse than a car with comparable mileage.

I recently bought an '06 GSXR-750 with 28k miles at a stupid low price because the owner had himself convinced it was 'worn out'. It only needed chain/sprockets & a little TLC. Hell, the valves were still dead-on, and it feels just as tight (a bit smoother, if anything) as Kathy's when it was nearly new. :D

prob. is that the RC aren't going for stupid low w/ those kinda miles.

+ they tend to be dropped or beat up

BUSA. unless you have another bike also or plan on only keeping it for a short while.

RC's are sexy as hell... but not what I'd do for every day riding... but drewpy would argue with me.