After losing the World Superbike championship to Ducati V-twin superbikes multiple times, for the 2000 season, Honda decided to build its own 1000cc V-twin superbike, the RVT1000F (aka RC51) to compete with the Ducatis.  The Honda was a completely modern bike with a perimeter beam frame, and gear driven cams in contrast to the trellis frame and belt driven cams of the Ducati. Honda won the World Superbike championship in 2000 with American Colin Edwards riding the RC51 in its first year. In 2001, Edwards lost to Troy Bayliss on the Ducati 996R which used the new narrow valve angle Testastretta engine, so for 2002, Honda refined the RC51 developing the SP2 version with an improved frame, swingarm, suspension and fuel injection. Colin Edwards beat Troy Bayliss on the improved RC51 in 2002, proving that Honda’s championship with the RC51 was not a fluke.

This bike is a 2002 RC51 SP2. It has Sato titanium high pipe mufflers, Power Commander, Durbahn carbon fiber airbox, some kind of aftermarket rear fender and turn signal eliminator, Helibars, Sargent seat, Marchesini magnesium wheels, Ohlins rear shock , Brembo Supersport front brake rotors and Dan Kyle shock linkage and reworked front forks. All the original parts are stored so the bike can be put back to stock for static display in the future.