| MODEL | HONDA RC 51 SP1 2001 |
| Year | 2001 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, 90° V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 996 cc / 60.8 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 100 x 63.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 100 kW / 136 hp @ 9500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 105 Nm / 10.7 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm |
| Ignition | Computer-controlled digital transistorized |
| Induction | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection, two injectors per cylinder |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Gear Box | 6 Speed |
| Clutch | Hydraulic |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Aluminium twin spar |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm inverted cartridge fork, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping; 130 mm / 5.1 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link, gas-charged remote-reservoir damper, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping; 120 mm / 4.7 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220 mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 813 mm / 32.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 1409 mm / 55.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 196 kg / 432 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 190/50 ZR17 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 18 Litres |
| Fuel Consumption | 17.5 km/l |
| Top Speed | 275 km/h / 170.8 mph |
The 2001 SP1 was the second and final year of the first-generation RC51, carried over largely unchanged from 2000. Its V-twin offered a wide spread of power and the chassis was precise, though early bikes drew criticism for snatchy throttle response and stiff suspension on the road. The US price rose for 2001, and the SP2 replaced it the following year.
