I took just a few pics of the noticeable changes in the 2002 RC51.  The wheels are now 5-spoke rather than the 6-spoke from 00-01 and reportedly 1 lb lighter each from the previous 2 years.  Obviously the swing arm is different and from the shots you can see where it looks now that the 02 swingarm can accommodate the "Works" type exhausts where the collector comes out right behind the right rear set.  Hopefully some exhaust manufacturer will make one similar to the Akrapovic AMA RC51's and WSBK SP-2's pipes.  The new taller screen does not appear to be the Euro-Tall screen.  The 02 RC51 screen is a single curve shape, whereas the Euro-Tall screen has more of a double bubble effect to it.  Regardless, this taller screen will be nice.  The Fairing stay is now a little bit beefier and in an aluminum look rather than semi-gloss black as before.  Nice chrome steering head nut with plastic cap is new and sure to add a few more hp too ;).  Finally, looks like Honda updated the stock undertail/mudflap with a diamond type shape saving a few precious ounces there.

All in all, the bike, looks identical to the 01 to the untrained eye.  Besides the changes shown above, the other non noticeable changes are the 62mm throttle bodies, revised exhaust port, 12 nozzle fuel injectors, twin cooling fans, lighter cans (may even be smaller too), revised and hopefully improved fork internals and probably one or two other things I'm forgetting.  MSRP is still the same as 01 at $10,999.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at:

mark@trademarkmotorsports.com