It is expected examples of this model will gain value in years to come given the relatively short time in production and its ever increasing scarcity. The RC51 was a racing superbike which incidentally benefitted from gearbox sprocket changes for street use (factory RC51s were highly geared for top speed performance). These are verifable by VIN numbers.
The six limited editions were markedly similar with the only exception being the yellow on chrome Enkei rims. In 2003, six limited edition models were released to celebrate 2002 WSBK Championship. 2003 was the first year that Honda made improvements to the SP-2, bringing in a stronger and much lighter swing arm. In 2004, Honda released the Nicky Hayden special edition, which differed from previous models in that it had a polished aluminum frame and swing arm, a sticker kit, and white number plates on the front upper fairing and tail fairing.
Honda stopped official support for Superbike racing in 2003 (though various teams have had some factory support) and as Superbike rules changed to allow 1000 cc 4 cylinder bikes the RC51 was replaced by the CBR1000RR Fireblade as the Honda superbike racer.
The six limited editions were markedly similar with the only exception being the yellow on chrome Enkei rims. In 2003, six limited edition models were released to celebrate 2002 WSBK Championship. 2003 was the first year that Honda made improvements to the SP-2, bringing in a stronger and much lighter swing arm. In 2004, Honda released the Nicky Hayden special edition, which differed from previous models in that it had a polished aluminum frame and swing arm, a sticker kit, and white number plates on the front upper fairing and tail fairing.
Honda stopped official support for Superbike racing in 2003 (though various teams have had some factory support) and as Superbike rules changed to allow 1000 cc 4 cylinder bikes the RC51 was replaced by the CBR1000RR Fireblade as the Honda superbike racer.
