i just bought my 01 rc51 in march. it's in great shape. i like it a lot. that being said, i have a line on a good deal on a 1098. i'm torn for what to do.

my rc51 is in great condition. about 15000kms(9500mi). what's it worth?

 

I'll happily offer $50. That said, an '01 RC51 nicely rebuilt from a salvage title, just sold on ebay a couple of weeks ago for $3,600. If I had the $$, I would have been willing to pay $4,000-$4,500. However, I don't know what the shorter riding season in your area does for a bike's value.

 

I've been watching RC's for a while and an 01 in good condition with low miles sits around $5.5k. Offer up more details (mods, maintenance) and some pics and I bet we could get you in the ballpark. Go to ebay and searchallcraigs.com and compare. Good luck...

 

it seems $5.5kus or about $7.7kcad is the area.

i'm going to take the 1098 for a test ride this afternoon. i think i know what i'm willing to give them on a trade. i'm worried my negotiating position might be compromised when i return from the test ride with a smile wider than the grand canyon!

 

btw, my lady(saint) is all for me getting the duc.

 

took the 1098 for a test ride. it's got termis and oh my gawd the sound is simply amazing. my 51 sounds great but the 1098 makes the 51 sound like a sewing machine! simply incredible.

after that, it's good but not necesarily THAT much better than the 51. i'm gonna mull it over and figure out what the trade is worth to me.

 

You're getting rid of a HONDA!?? I'd personally keep the RC-51.

 

Tough decision. I've been taking mine to the track frequently this year and loving it more and more after each lap. The big deal breaker for me if I was in a similar situation would be insurance costs. Other than that both bikes are icons, fast, have V twin powerplants, and completely impractical useless works of art. After having a couple expensive bikes in the past, I am much happier with having more than one bike at a fraction of what those flashy rides cost. Plus the maintenance on a Duc is sickening, my friend's Monster was just in the shop for months...meanwhile I was racking up thousands of miles on Hondas. IIRC your RC has some good mods and is immaculate.

 

i took the rc51 out tonight. it's a great bike. i think it corners better than the 1098, but that's prob because i'm, used to it and not used to the 1098. if i got used to the 1098 it would corner well.

rc51 advantages
maintenace is a non issue
proven reliability
less investment, would be trade + about $8kcad for 1098
good looking bike and mine's in great condition
not making them anymore and won't depreciate much more
many mods done
low key bike and i won't feel like a poser

1098 advantages
the sound is way better than 51, has ti termis
sexy as they come
not many around
plain paint and no graphics
might be more comfy but close
newer than my 51, 2001 vs 2008
less kms, 4500kms vs 15600kms
the sound, did i mention that sound???
cool dash
more power and tq, but that can be a bear too. get used to i guess.
little mods required
since seeing the 916 in the mags all those years ago, i've wanted one.
i ride and wear things out less as i get older

i could go on or a while.

 

The way I see it you were wanting the 1098 well before you ever mentioned the RC. You only picked up the RC because the Duc was pricey and you got a good deal on the RC. You already know what you want to do, you are just trying to justify it to yourself. Follow your heart, you only live once as another current thread proves. I myself am in love with the 1098 and if I could afford one it would be in my garage tomorrow. Good luck with the decision and enjoy which ever bike you go with.

 

On the other hand, $8000 worth of mods could (would) make the RC a 1098 killer....

 

that's right, my heart already knows what it wants me to do. my brain is more conservative!!!

i'm gonna talk to the dealer and see if i can chisel the price down to a more friendly level.

 

A Duc owner once told me that his 1098 wasn't really his cuz he figured he'd be one of many owners of that bike...not sure why but it seems like folks who buy Ducs sell them quicker than they would a less expensive counterpart like an RC51 or SH, so I'd recommend saving yourself the steps and just keep the RC

 

...and invest the $8K diference in mods to build a truly killer RC.

There, finished that for you Rick

 

+1

 

Let`s see, lightweight wheels, a few lightweight bits from the Thorsten catalogue, some hi-comp pistons, a full exhaust, a Kyle link, suspension re-valving all around, ported heads, SP2 throttle bodies and injectors, a Thorsten airbox,.... a good start there anyhow.

 

+10!