My riding:
To work 3 miles down the road not much of an issue and when I get a bike it'll be a bit longer of a commute. My divorce is in the hands of a judge now and should be signed off in a couple of days.. Yes, I'm pretty damn excited.

Pleasure: plenty of twisties around here and one particular route that I always take.

That said, I already know the RC is a race replica and the ergos are going to kill me (6'4" 200 or so) but I have been thinking about more ponies. I know that it's how you use them but there also seems to be a better after market selection of parts then the hawk too.

So, I can afford one bike and it's more then likely going to be an SP1 if it's an RC. If you all had the choice what would you do?

 

Get a hawk and a dual sport..... cover all bases.

 

I've had 2 VTR's and 1 RC51.
When I bought the RC, IU thought I was going to sell the my second VTR, but I ended up keeping the VTR and selling the RC simply becuase it was a better all 'rounder.

 

I take it you do a lot of commuting? Sorry if that's an assumption.

What did you like/dislike in regards to the RC. Can you make the same comments about the hawk?

I know I want a Jap twin (I know not PC) because I've had a Ducati and I just want to spend the dinero on all the damn adjustments they need. That said, I've been looking at the TLR's and TL's but I'm a Honda guy at heart.

Unfortunately, SD I can only get one.

 

My bike is basically my sole source of transportation. Not only do I use if for the daily commute, but I also go on long rides every weekend, sometime 500 miles or more. I hated the seating position on the RC, even with Heli bars. It is what it is, a replica racer and the seating position shows. The VTR is an all day machine... even with stock seat and bars. Obviously the RC51 spanks the VTR performance-wise (engine, chassis, suspension, etc).
The VTR is easier to work on, everything is much more accessible. The RC51 is damn sexy, but IMO the VTR is just as sexy. If I only did short trips on the weekends, I might own an RC.... but then again.....?

 

my hawk is the only sport bike ive ever had, so my opinion really means nothing. haha

 

I just rode with a co-worker 2 weeks ago that has the RC. He wasn't losing me at all, and he isn't exactly a back-marker. On the straits, I stayed with him very well. If you plan to do any track time, consider the 51's fully adjustable forks. The clip-ons are just too low for my taste. Both are great bikes but yes, the SH gets my vote.

 

Hmmm good to know.

I am not going to be using very much for commuting since I usually take my lunch to pick up the kids at school. Although once in awhile it'll be a different story.

I've also heard the gas mileage sucks on the RC so if I do 100 miles it'll be time to dismount too. Plus I'll need a smoke.

Here's a pic of the RC I'm looking at:




It's an 02 with the updated bodywork.

 

Satos are nice! How much is the seller asking for it?

 

PC3 and a few other tasty bits too. He's asking $6500 for it. It's a bit more then I wanted to spend but I think I can get him down to $5500-6ish. He's also in OKC and that's the closest I've found one that I liked. There's a 2k up in Denver but it looks beat to hell. Personally I'd rather spend a few extra bucks so I don't have to take the time to fix it up to my specs.

Couple of pics of my previous bikes will show ya that I'm pretty **** about my bikes. Could give a **** about my cars it's the bikes I care about. As I've said to countless people the bike doesn't bitch and always puts a smile on my face.

The VFR:



The 955i Trumpet:



The Ducati (didn't really like the polished wheels but I bought it this way) Like the plate?

 

didn't matter to me cost. was thinking more tlr. but when i read about the heat and ergo's of the RC; the rear shock, frame crack, and evil handling of the tlr; well, the price was right on the vtr and i made the right decision, couldn't be happier. doubt you could use the extra power of the rc vs vtr on the street much. nice previous rides.

 

Good deal..

The machine will also be used for track days here and there when I get the time. Not racing or anything just going fast on a closed course.

Thanks for the compliment on my old bikes. They are all missed but time for something different.

I've also talked to this guy He's got an 02 VFR too and the reserve is less then 1k off. Ugh.. I hate making these decisions when it comes time to decide on just ONE bike.

 

Neat.... he's in my small town.
Heres one in Tucson... right bike, wrong price.
http://tucson.craigslist.org/mcy/649624097.html

 

i had my eye on a sp2 as well. about the same price, more goodies and not dropped. it all comes down to i'm 6'3", 43, bum knee, back, hernia, etc. i wanted the rc for the exclusivity and 10/10's performance. but i've yet to find the shawk's 9/10's, so...ergo's made it up for me. still had to do the sargent, and heli's are going on too. but all in all, i'm very pleased.

 

Plus... the RC51 forum sucks. Pay member ship only.... seems to me they've got their nose's a little too far in the air.
http://www.rc51.org/index.htm

 

Yeah I saw that.. Kinda sucks.. Don't know if I'll pay to get in or not but I think that's pretty poopy that you can't even browse to see if it's worth it.

 

speedzilla and fireblades have free ones.

 

Yeah, I'm on Fireblades. Haven't checked out speedzilla yet. Too many forums to remember the usernames.. lol

Not too mention I might just stay here and get a hawk. Close to a 3k cost difference and I'm cheap just might have to mod the **** outta it.

 

I've never been to Fireblades, but Speedzilla only has 2 forums for the RC51. It's hard to find information on there since everything about RC's is organized into only 2 forums.

 

Without hesitation RC51 cuz I'm currently converting my SH to RVT

It would have been easier to just buy an SP-1!
RC

 

you've had a vfr and a ducati - so you all ready know the difference in soft vs. harder sport ergos and compromises - which did you prefer? performance-wise, I love my SH now that its been tweaked to perform better (full suspension mods, RC51 front end, motor mods). But if I were buying now and if both were staying close to stock, AND I could live with the ergos I'd get the RC51.

 

Good points Bill, but that's the thing I liked both of the two you mentioned differently if that makes any sense.

Yeah the ergos on the VFR were better but the engine and chassis wasn't there in stock trim.

The duc was cramped but the engine and suspension was spot on. Before I went Ohlins on the back and new springs in the front it was still 100X better then the VFR.

 

we all just need big garages and lots of bikes!! I've finally just admitted I'm not able to ride racer position on the street and still have a good time for any distance at least.
pretty fun looking for a new ride though. good luck.

 

The RC51 is designed as a race platform. People who have them as streetbikes love them passionately. But I think the VTR is a better streetbike. It has better midrange torque, better ergos, cooling ducts to keep you comfortable when the radiators are dumping a lot of BTUs on a hot day. The suspension needs a little work. Lots of us have done front fork conversions, but I don't think it make a big difference in true performance on the street. Trackdays for sure. The stock front can be tuned to work really well.

This all depends on what you expect. The VTR is a highly underrated streetbike. People who have them love them. I know I'm not alone. But people who don't own them can't figure out why anybody would have one.

 

I have owned both... 99 Hawk and now a 04 RC... The Hawk was a great bike but the RC does everything better except riding in city traffic, If you get a RC install a set Heil bars and a Sargent.. I'm 6'1 220lb and can ride all day with no problems and I'm 48 years old.

 

Don,

Thanks man, good to hear from someone that's had both.

Newb question, did you have to extend the brake lines for the Heli's?

I agree with what most have said, street vs. track etc. The vif was a great streetbike just down on power and suspension with the latter being the same for the hawk even tho it can be fixed. I really, really, really didn't want to do a whole bunch of suspension work on it . Still thinking about pulling the trigger on Scotts hawk too if it hasn't sold yet. I'm giving into everything for that douche to get this damn divorce over with!

 

Bill,

LMAO.. that's one way to look at it. I used to curse at my Ducati when I rode it on 1k+ mile trip but after a couple of months I got used to it. I usually take an alleve or something before I go on day trips and keep some with me because of all the little aches and pains.

It is fun looking for a bike but it sucks when you see a deal and can't pull the trigger yet. It's actually starting to get frustrating. Have to keep telling myself another one will come up.

---Kevin

 

[QUOTE=vtecv4;162762]Don,

Thanks man, good to hear from someone that's had both.

Newb question, did you have to extend the brake lines for the Heli's?

No did not need to extend the brake lines.

 

have to be a twin ??? the yami fz1 would also be a great bike. room for a big guy... great ergo's & plenty of power.

tim

 

Tim,

Yep GOTTA be a twin. I want the intoxication of my Duc in a Jap (non-pc) due to maint and cost of service. I also don't like the "bar" no idea the proper name but for some reason I've got to have clip ons.. The bars just don't do it for me. I actually saw a guy put one on an RC and almost barfed

I'm about 70/ 30 in favor of the RC right now.