The Honda RVT1000R RC51

The Honda RVT1000R RC51

Has there ever been a more impressive debut in motorcycling's history? In its very first year, the 999cc V-twin RVT1000R literally dominated superbike racing around the globe. Colin Edwards, of course, took the World Superbike crown from Ducati in a very convincing manner. Closer to home, returning hero Steve Crevier walked away with the Canadian Superbike championship. Even in the United States where Honda's lead rider, Miguel Duhamel was injured, the RVT still rallied to a close second position finish with brash young Nicky Hayden at the helm. And wins at the prestigious LeMans 24 hour and Suzuka 8 hour endurance races prove that the RC51 has all of Honda's legendary durability.

Whether it's the hugely powerful, but immensely controllable, V-twin's torque or the rock-steady handling provided by the twin-spar, aluminum frame that is responsible for Honda's dominance, the result is the same. The RC51 decimates the competition. And you can own a part of history because the RC51, the latest in our series of exotic racing four-strokes that started with the RC30, breaks new ground by being the first of Honda's sophisticated roadracers made readily available to aficionados. The 2001 Honda RVT1000R. More bike than the competition can handle.