RC-51's?
08-19-06, 08:03 AM
#1
RC-51's?
Has anyone raced an RC-51 bike on the freeway before? How much power am I going to need to hang with or beat one with a novice rider? I know someone who wants to race me that has one. I don't think he can ride very well, he was bragging about how fast his truck was till I asked him to race, then he went on about how he wouldnt race me in the truck, but he would on a bike. Kind of lame considering how bikes are inherently fast. I am going to a GT35R, but unfortunately I think I would need 500-550WHP to hang with one.
08-19-06, 12:29 PM
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they aren't all that fast, somewhere around 130 hp (good torque though)
you'd smoke 'em with a single turbo, heck, I'd race one with my BNR stage 2s (from a roll that is)
you'd smoke 'em with a single turbo, heck, I'd race one with my BNR stage 2s (from a roll that is)
08-19-06, 10:43 PM
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i've got one...it's a quick bike but it's top gear roll on times are a few seconds slower than the current crop of 1000cc I4's. it makes somewhere around 130hp @ the flywheel, while new I4's make close to 180. 1/4 mile time is around 10.5, that's the best i've seen published. even though it's a torquey v-twin the bike is geared too tall from the factory. they weigh around 420lbs dry, so you're probably looking at over 600lbs with a rider.
as you probably know aerodynamics take over at highway speeds for the most part so bikes with 130hp will have it's work cut out for it. even though the bike is a vtwin, it's hp still lives in the upper rpms...something your friend might not fully comprehend. a lot of vtwin sport bike guys like to short shift them like it's a harley or something. if you can catch him in the wrong gear you'll have a shot.
it depends on what you mean by highway speeds too. 50mph is going to be tough...that's still first gear. redline comes in at around 75mph in first. i'd roll from just over 75mph, putting him at the bottom of second gear.
why am i telling you all of this?!?!?
as you probably know aerodynamics take over at highway speeds for the most part so bikes with 130hp will have it's work cut out for it. even though the bike is a vtwin, it's hp still lives in the upper rpms...something your friend might not fully comprehend. a lot of vtwin sport bike guys like to short shift them like it's a harley or something. if you can catch him in the wrong gear you'll have a shot.
it depends on what you mean by highway speeds too. 50mph is going to be tough...that's still first gear. redline comes in at around 75mph in first. i'd roll from just over 75mph, putting him at the bottom of second gear.
why am i telling you all of this?!?!?
08-20-06, 12:35 AM
#6
Originally Posted by chuckmorgan79
i've got one...it's a quick bike but it's top gear roll on times are a few seconds slower than the current crop of 1000cc I4's. it makes somewhere around 130hp @ the flywheel, while new I4's make close to 180. 1/4 mile time is around 10.5, that's the best i've seen published. even though it's a torquey v-twin the bike is geared too tall from the factory. they weigh around 420lbs dry, so you're probably looking at over 600lbs with a rider.
as you probably know aerodynamics take over at highway speeds for the most part so bikes with 130hp will have it's work cut out for it. even though the bike is a vtwin, it's hp still lives in the upper rpms...something your friend might not fully comprehend. a lot of vtwin sport bike guys like to short shift them like it's a harley or something. if you can catch him in the wrong gear you'll have a shot.
it depends on what you mean by highway speeds too. 50mph is going to be tough...that's still first gear. redline comes in at around 75mph in first. i'd roll from just over 75mph, putting him at the bottom of second gear.
why am i telling you all of this?!?!?
as you probably know aerodynamics take over at highway speeds for the most part so bikes with 130hp will have it's work cut out for it. even though the bike is a vtwin, it's hp still lives in the upper rpms...something your friend might not fully comprehend. a lot of vtwin sport bike guys like to short shift them like it's a harley or something. if you can catch him in the wrong gear you'll have a shot.
it depends on what you mean by highway speeds too. 50mph is going to be tough...that's still first gear. redline comes in at around 75mph in first. i'd roll from just over 75mph, putting him at the bottom of second gear.
why am i telling you all of this?!?!?
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08-22-06, 10:15 PM
#9
I also have an RC-51...chuck is right on in what he is telling you. as long as the bike is also stock. It is a heavy bike but OMG is it fun to ride. much more enjoyable than my GSXR 600... If you decide to race him from a roll starting around 70 like was suggested you may have a shot. Good luck...
chuck what all have you done to your RC? I am 520chain conversion with down a tooth on front sproket and up two in the rear, jardine CF slip-ons with PCUSB, and flapper mod...
windom... if this guy on the rr was shifting before 70 i dont really think he can ride.... nice outrunning him but next time you see him you may want to give him a phone number to some riding school or something.... All these kids that buy 600cc bikes and dont know how to ride scare me. all they are going to end up doing is killing themselves and possible injuring someone else in the process. 600cc sportbikes still run 10sec 1/4 miles......stock....
chuck what all have you done to your RC? I am 520chain conversion with down a tooth on front sproket and up two in the rear, jardine CF slip-ons with PCUSB, and flapper mod...
windom... if this guy on the rr was shifting before 70 i dont really think he can ride.... nice outrunning him but next time you see him you may want to give him a phone number to some riding school or something.... All these kids that buy 600cc bikes and dont know how to ride scare me. all they are going to end up doing is killing themselves and possible injuring someone else in the process. 600cc sportbikes still run 10sec 1/4 miles......stock....
08-22-06, 10:40 PM
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I'm a little suspicious about the 600 kill too. He didn't say it was an RR though, could have been an F2. The 600RR's 1st gear redline is around 75mph too, it's just at 15,500 rpm. Rider skill makes a big diff too. I've been taken on my 600 by a modified muscle car because I was tooling around at 5,500rpm. By the time you cick down twice the race is over.
So far I have Jardine CF high mounts and the PC3 too. Last week my FI started cutting out so I went back to the stock ECU for now....I have some shorts to track down in the harness. My bike has stock gearing...I'm thinking of going up a few in the back. The motor has a lot more character than my RR did too, but it's hotter in stop and go and heavier. My next bike might be a monster, but I'm looking for a second bike that's good for two-up and long road trips. Man i'm getting old...or whipped.
So far I have Jardine CF high mounts and the PC3 too. Last week my FI started cutting out so I went back to the stock ECU for now....I have some shorts to track down in the harness. My bike has stock gearing...I'm thinking of going up a few in the back. The motor has a lot more character than my RR did too, but it's hotter in stop and go and heavier. My next bike might be a monster, but I'm looking for a second bike that's good for two-up and long road trips. Man i'm getting old...or whipped.
08-22-06, 10:49 PM
#11
HAHAHAAA!!!! man you on not kidding on the hot in traffic.... yeah i think that my next bike will also be a cruiser... but maybe i will get a yamaha warrior or something (lots of power). I definately recommend the gearing change. Throws off the speedo even worse but it is a big difference in power transfer to the ground. 1st gear is a lot nicer as well...
08-23-06, 12:43 AM
#12
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You can get a speedohealer to correct for the change in gearing. I honestly think that sprockets are probably the best bang for the buck mod you can do to a bike. *sigh* I'm thinking about selling mine though, but I'm just not very sure.
08-23-06, 03:14 AM
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If this guy with the RC-51 is stupid enough to race you from a roll on that puts him either at the top of 1st gear, or bottom of 2nd then do it. If he has any brains at all and knows his bike the least little bit though, he is going to laugh in your face as he will probably know what you are up to.
And if he wants to race, why haven't you already raced him if you want to? It's not the end of the world if someone beats you is it? And being killed by a sport bike isn't something I would think a guy should be upset/embarrassed about...there isn't much that can beat them without heavy modications....or racing from a 75mph roll on
And if he wants to race, why haven't you already raced him if you want to? It's not the end of the world if someone beats you is it? And being killed by a sport bike isn't something I would think a guy should be upset/embarrassed about...there isn't much that can beat them without heavy modications....or racing from a 75mph roll on
08-23-06, 06:55 AM
#14
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lol, this is all kinda funny to me. some of the most halarious moments i've had are related to bikes. i was at an evo meet a friend setup and a 650rwhp supra came in so i asked him if he wanted to make a few runs on the highway just for fun, he got all cocky and was like "And what do you have? Don't even tell me an evo cause I woln't even waste my time on one of those" i said "Hayabusa" and he blurted out "Oh ****, Nevermind" turned around and walked off. cocky to cockless in 2.5 seconds.
later that day at the track the quickest evo ran 11.20's at 123, last run he shifted 1-2-5 missed 3rd and got 5th and decided to stay on it, still hit 118 and asked everyone at the meet(gathered up in a group) who was up for some 5th gear pulls and of course i was. he was like "Do you have 500 HP, and if not, why are you even talking to me?" i pointed to my bike that was about 15 feet away and he was like "Oh... Hey, ya'll think I can take a 'busa?" to which everyone replied **** no. he and a buddy came up with an idea and said he'd race if we went from a 45 mph roll with me starting in 3rd gear, i was down for that but i suppose i agreeded to it too easily and the chicken **** still backed out. funny thing was the only guy with the ***** to step up for some fun runs started the night with a 14 flat and ended with a 13.20@106, we went from 55-60 rolls with me in 5th gear and it was pretty even
later that day at the track the quickest evo ran 11.20's at 123, last run he shifted 1-2-5 missed 3rd and got 5th and decided to stay on it, still hit 118 and asked everyone at the meet(gathered up in a group) who was up for some 5th gear pulls and of course i was. he was like "Do you have 500 HP, and if not, why are you even talking to me?" i pointed to my bike that was about 15 feet away and he was like "Oh... Hey, ya'll think I can take a 'busa?" to which everyone replied **** no. he and a buddy came up with an idea and said he'd race if we went from a 45 mph roll with me starting in 3rd gear, i was down for that but i suppose i agreeded to it too easily and the chicken **** still backed out. funny thing was the only guy with the ***** to step up for some fun runs started the night with a 14 flat and ended with a 13.20@106, we went from 55-60 rolls with me in 5th gear and it was pretty even
08-23-06, 04:37 PM
#15
I don't think it was an RR. It looked like an early or middle 90's model. He shifted twice, so I think he was early shifting, but he was really trying hard. Remember, even if they have a 10 sec capable vehicle they can still be beat if they can't control it. It's like me being beaten by a geo metro or my friend's mustang GT the first time I ever autocrossed, I just didn't know how to race properly.
08-23-06, 06:45 PM
#16
Green Streak....That is great!!! HAAHHAAHAA!!!! with the exception of an all out drag car, there are few things faster in a straight line than a busa... I have never had the pleasure of riding one, but maybe someday. The RC is just too much fun in the corners. Although I must admit I have thought about going back to a 600...maybe the new R6??
windom, very true. Power isnt everything, it does take brains and talent to drive these fast machines whether it is a FD or a bike. If it was mid 90's no way was it an RR, and it wasnt putting down near the power of todays 600cc bikes. After around 1999 bikes really started getting lighter and faster each year manufacturers have updated them. For instance, my 2003 RC51 (1000cc V-twin ~420lbs) is now threatened in power by the 2006 R6 (600cc inline 4 ~360lbs). they both are around the 130hp mark (stock for stock of coarse). That is why it scares me when some kid cons his parents into buying him "a lil 600cc" sportbike. Too much power for too little talent... Anyways ill get off my soapbox now. sorry for that....
windom, very true. Power isnt everything, it does take brains and talent to drive these fast machines whether it is a FD or a bike. If it was mid 90's no way was it an RR, and it wasnt putting down near the power of todays 600cc bikes. After around 1999 bikes really started getting lighter and faster each year manufacturers have updated them. For instance, my 2003 RC51 (1000cc V-twin ~420lbs) is now threatened in power by the 2006 R6 (600cc inline 4 ~360lbs). they both are around the 130hp mark (stock for stock of coarse). That is why it scares me when some kid cons his parents into buying him "a lil 600cc" sportbike. Too much power for too little talent... Anyways ill get off my soapbox now. sorry for that....
08-23-06, 07:18 PM
#17
Originally Posted by oo7arkman
Green Streak....That is great!!! HAAHHAAHAA!!!! with the exception of an all out drag car, there are few things faster in a straight line than a busa... I have never had the pleasure of riding one, but maybe someday. The RC is just too much fun in the corners. Although I must admit I have thought about going back to a 600...maybe the new R6??
windom, very true. Power isnt everything, it does take brains and talent to drive these fast machines whether it is a FD or a bike. If it was mid 90's no way was it an RR, and it wasnt putting down near the power of todays 600cc bikes. After around 1999 bikes really started getting lighter and faster each year manufacturers have updated them. For instance, my 2003 RC51 (1000cc V-twin ~420lbs) is now threatened in power by the 2006 R6 (600cc inline 4 ~360lbs). they both are around the 130hp mark (stock for stock of coarse). That is why it scares me when some kid cons his parents into buying him "a lil 600cc" sportbike. Too much power for too little talent... Anyways ill get off my soapbox now. sorry for that....
windom, very true. Power isnt everything, it does take brains and talent to drive these fast machines whether it is a FD or a bike. If it was mid 90's no way was it an RR, and it wasnt putting down near the power of todays 600cc bikes. After around 1999 bikes really started getting lighter and faster each year manufacturers have updated them. For instance, my 2003 RC51 (1000cc V-twin ~420lbs) is now threatened in power by the 2006 R6 (600cc inline 4 ~360lbs). they both are around the 130hp mark (stock for stock of coarse). That is why it scares me when some kid cons his parents into buying him "a lil 600cc" sportbike. Too much power for too little talent... Anyways ill get off my soapbox now. sorry for that....
08-23-06, 08:49 PM
#18
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If you are interested in bikes, look at www.sportbikes.net
They regularly harass squids.
For your first bike, if you haven't ridden at all before I'd look at something like a ninja 250. Take the MSF (http://www.msf-usa.org/) course too. Wear a helmet, gloves with gauntlets, a real motorcycle jacket with armor at all times. Boots with ankle protection and riding pants are a good idea too, but sometimes impractical when on the way to work. More practical than a broken ankle though.
As far as maturity, I got my first bike (honda cb750f) when I was around 20. Five years later I got my first new serious ride, the 600rr. Looking back I'm glad I didn't have a supersport machine at 20, I was just a little too risky. Some 20yr olds are fine with a new R1, others are a complete disaster. Just be honest with yourself because things can get ugly quick.
For my next bike I'm looking at something like an Honda Interceptor. It can handle the Mrs on the back and still has a respectable power to weight ratio and cornering clearance. I'm not sure I'll ever get into cruisers. The new R6 is hot, but I'm 6'2. I've sat on one and it just didn't feel right. It would be a blast on the track though. I've heard rumors that honda is going to have a big year in 07...I wonder what they'll release...
They regularly harass squids.
For your first bike, if you haven't ridden at all before I'd look at something like a ninja 250. Take the MSF (http://www.msf-usa.org/) course too. Wear a helmet, gloves with gauntlets, a real motorcycle jacket with armor at all times. Boots with ankle protection and riding pants are a good idea too, but sometimes impractical when on the way to work. More practical than a broken ankle though.
As far as maturity, I got my first bike (honda cb750f) when I was around 20. Five years later I got my first new serious ride, the 600rr. Looking back I'm glad I didn't have a supersport machine at 20, I was just a little too risky. Some 20yr olds are fine with a new R1, others are a complete disaster. Just be honest with yourself because things can get ugly quick.
For my next bike I'm looking at something like an Honda Interceptor. It can handle the Mrs on the back and still has a respectable power to weight ratio and cornering clearance. I'm not sure I'll ever get into cruisers. The new R6 is hot, but I'm 6'2. I've sat on one and it just didn't feel right. It would be a blast on the track though. I've heard rumors that honda is going to have a big year in 07...I wonder what they'll release...
08-23-06, 09:53 PM
#19
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Don't waste your time on a Ninja 250. You might as well by an enduro because that's about all those things are...gutless.
A good starter bike is an f2 or f3 honda, or an fzr600. All are great bikes and will take a few season to grow out of as they are still fast as hell, but not to the point that you can't manage it with a good head on your shoulders. You will outgrow a 250 ninja by lunch time tomorrow if you bought one.
I'm a yamaha fan, and the R6 is wicked nasty in the corners, but lacks the top end pull which is where the R1 comes in for flat out power in the upper end. It doesn't corner quite as well as the R6 especially for novice riders, but out of the corner it hits like a hammer and won't stop. I owned both bikes at one point, but the R6 was actually my favorite and I logged alot of miles on that bike and didn't keep the R1 for long. Power was easily handled, cornered like it was on rails, and was forgiving on exiting if you got on it too hard where as the R1 will put you on your *** before you realize you made a mistake.
A good starter bike is an f2 or f3 honda, or an fzr600. All are great bikes and will take a few season to grow out of as they are still fast as hell, but not to the point that you can't manage it with a good head on your shoulders. You will outgrow a 250 ninja by lunch time tomorrow if you bought one.
I'm a yamaha fan, and the R6 is wicked nasty in the corners, but lacks the top end pull which is where the R1 comes in for flat out power in the upper end. It doesn't corner quite as well as the R6 especially for novice riders, but out of the corner it hits like a hammer and won't stop. I owned both bikes at one point, but the R6 was actually my favorite and I logged alot of miles on that bike and didn't keep the R1 for long. Power was easily handled, cornered like it was on rails, and was forgiving on exiting if you got on it too hard where as the R1 will put you on your *** before you realize you made a mistake.
08-23-06, 11:13 PM
#20
I think all of this is good advice. You really need to HONESTLY (without pride getting in the way) evaluate your riding ability. That was basically my point on what I said earlier. Start out with something manageable. If you have never riden before maybe start out on a 650 cruizer or possibly the fzr600 that spandy mentioned.. you really cant get in too much trouble with those.
So DEFINATELY buy GOOD safety equiptment. "spend as much on a helmet as your head is worth" is a good way to look at that. At least a DOT rated helmet but i recommend a DOT and SNELL rated helmet. another piece of advice: PLAN ON CRASHING.. everybody crashes. If the thought of crashing scares you too much, DONT BUY A BIKE... A good quote that is realized by most sportbike riders is "There are two types of riders: 1)those that have crashed and 2)those that will crash"
As for myself, i started off on dirt bikes when I was 11, first streetbike was a Suzuki GN125, then when I was 21 I bought a 2002 GSXR 600 legendary performance and no joke as far as power either. About a year and a half ago I bought my RC which is so much fun to ride. It is a heavy beast but it is not really noticeable in the corners and it has wonderful amounts of torque that is smoother than the inline liter bikes.
So DEFINATELY buy GOOD safety equiptment. "spend as much on a helmet as your head is worth" is a good way to look at that. At least a DOT rated helmet but i recommend a DOT and SNELL rated helmet. another piece of advice: PLAN ON CRASHING.. everybody crashes. If the thought of crashing scares you too much, DONT BUY A BIKE... A good quote that is realized by most sportbike riders is "There are two types of riders: 1)those that have crashed and 2)those that will crash"
As for myself, i started off on dirt bikes when I was 11, first streetbike was a Suzuki GN125, then when I was 21 I bought a 2002 GSXR 600 legendary performance and no joke as far as power either. About a year and a half ago I bought my RC which is so much fun to ride. It is a heavy beast but it is not really noticeable in the corners and it has wonderful amounts of torque that is smoother than the inline liter bikes.
08-24-06, 01:27 AM
#21
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Originally Posted by oo7arkman
It is a heavy beast but it is not really noticeable in the corners and it has wonderful amounts of torque that is smoother than the inline liter bikes.
trust me, you'll never want to ride your RC-51 clunker again
08-24-06, 05:27 AM
#22
I'm more worried about idiot drivers running me into a ditch. I get run off the road in my FD enough, but I do avoid most accidents by being aware. I think this will carry over to riding. I've sat on a larger bike like a harley and went in a straight line and turned around. It feels weird, like a peddle bike has no weight but this is easily dropped. Crashing doesn't worry me. I've been in many accidents. I've talked to guys who have plates and screws from riding. It can and does happen. Just a risk you have to take.
08-24-06, 10:16 AM
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I've ridden for 20 years now, one minor accident
attend a few track schools, read Code's books, ride defensively, leave yourself a margin of error (don't try to be a hero on the street), ride in uncongested rural areas (for me that is the "mountains" of NC), never drink and ride
when you do all that, it's pretty safe, and a great way to unwind....driving a car just isn't the same
attend a few track schools, read Code's books, ride defensively, leave yourself a margin of error (don't try to be a hero on the street), ride in uncongested rural areas (for me that is the "mountains" of NC), never drink and ride
when you do all that, it's pretty safe, and a great way to unwind....driving a car just isn't the same
08-25-06, 09:45 PM
#24
Originally Posted by Improved FD
I've ridden for 20 years now, one minor accident
attend a few track schools, read Code's books, ride defensively, leave yourself a margin of error (don't try to be a hero on the street), ride in uncongested rural areas (for me that is the "mountains" of NC), never drink and ride
when you do all that, it's pretty safe, and a great way to unwind....driving a car just isn't the same
attend a few track schools, read Code's books, ride defensively, leave yourself a margin of error (don't try to be a hero on the street), ride in uncongested rural areas (for me that is the "mountains" of NC), never drink and ride
when you do all that, it's pretty safe, and a great way to unwind....driving a car just isn't the same
All good advice and the last statement is so very true. And on my RC51 "clunker" sure it isnt near as fast as the new zx14......but 1) there are few good places to open up a beast like that and 2) try and catch me in the twisties. The new ZX 14 is a great bike from what I hear, but like its only competitor the Busa... It is made to be a fairly comfy, extremely fast bike in a straight line and in moderate curves. It is not designed to be a track bike. With the correct setup (exhaust, gearing, and suspension) the RC hangs with the Duc999. I really love my RC. If I wanted a more touring powerful sportbike honestly I would buy the Busa. Sure the ZX14 may outrun it this year by fractions of a second. But all Suzuki is gonna do is tweek it a lil this winter and go..."ok.....beat that..."
08-25-06, 09:48 PM
#25
Originally Posted by windom
I'm more worried about idiot drivers running me into a ditch. I get run off the road in my FD enough, but I do avoid most accidents by being aware. I think this will carry over to riding. I've sat on a larger bike like a harley and went in a straight line and turned around. It feels weird, like a peddle bike has no weight but this is easily dropped. Crashing doesn't worry me. I've been in many accidents. I've talked to guys who have plates and screws from riding. It can and does happen. Just a risk you have to take.
Other people in cars are the most dangerous thing on the road for a cyclist... I couldnt tell you how many times I have almost been run off the road. You really need to go to a school for new riders (money WELL spent) and learn how to drive defensively. They teach you good ways to controll the bike in different scenarios.