Today at Suzuka, Honda announced the 2001 RC51 models that racers can order directly from HRC.

There are two versions that racers can buy. The Basic Racer is simply a stripped down street bike with a race fairing and a racing exhaust for the wannabe racers. The Complete Racer has all the goodies for those that race for a living.

The Basic Racer will offered for approximately $10,000. The Complete racer will probably be priced at a minimum of $45,000 to upwards of $75,000.

And if you fancy Colin's bike, plan to write a check for about $650,000. That's from a Honda person that knows these sorts of things.

From Honda's Press Release:

"A New Motorcycle for the Road Racing Generation HRC-made, the VTR1000SP-1 is the ultimate racing machine for the future. By infusing the technology of HRC into a mass production machine, a perfect blend is achieved in the ultimate motorcycle.

Concept HRC presents the ultimate machine to meet the needs of all superbike riders, from entry level users to top riders of world super bikes. § VTR1000SP-1 Basic Racer - Designed to satisfy the ever-growing population of superbike road racers and riding enthusiasts. § VTR1000SP-1 Complete Racer - The ultimate in world class superbike racing and All Japan road racing, designed to ensure victory and put you on the winner's podium. We invite you to try a thrilling new experience in superbike racing.

Basic Racer The VTR1000SP-1 Basic Racer is newly designed to fulfill the enjoyment of riding and the enjoyment of racing. The VTR1000SP-1 Basic Racer is the entry machine for professional racing. This exclusive racing machine is made efficient by eliminating all parts unnecessary for racing from the mass production model. § The engine is the same as the one for the standard machine, only the HRC KIT parts are not included. § The exhaust system is an HRC original and is excellent for racing. § The suction system is increased in efficiency by removing air cleaner, and gets high response by making exclusive ECU use. § The wiring harness is exclusively designed to simplify wiring. § The frame is lightweight and simplified by taking out the lighting equipment and eliminating unnecessary parts. The steering damper is upgraded on the left side of the head pipe to cope with racing demands. § The high grip tires are standardized for both front and rear to meet the racing drive.

Complete Racer The VTR1000SP-1 Complete Racer is our fully fitted racing machine, and is more than capable of taking you to the place of honor in superbike racing. § The VTR1000SP-1 Complete Racer takes in all the HRC KIT parts, from engine to suspension, for a production racer designed to win in World Superbike race and Japan superbike race. § This machine has the same specs as the HRC works machine and has taken prizes in the superbike championships in many countries. It is fully loaded with the latest HRC racing technology.

Specifications Basic Racer & Complete Racer
Overall length (mm) 2025 2040 Overall width (mm) 725 695
Overall height (mm) 1120 1145
Wheelbase (mm) 1410 1414 Dry weight (kg) 190 170
Displacement (cc) 999 999 BorexStroke (mm) 100x63.6 100x63.6 Compression 10.8 12.7
Max power (ps/rpm) 136/9500 170/11000
Max torque (kg-m/rpm) 10.7/8000 11.9/9000
Fuel capacity (liter) 18 24

First gear(s) 13/32 2.461 16/33 2.063, 14/31 2.214 Second gear(s) 16/29 1.812 19/31 1.632, 17/29 1.706 Third gear(s) 21/30 1.428 19/26 1.368, 20/29 1.450 Fourth gear(s) 25/31 1.240 22/28 1.273, 25/31 1.240 Fifth gear 25/27 1.080 26/30 1.154 Sixth gear(s) 26/25 0.961 25/26 1.040, 27/29 1.074 Final ratio(s) 16/40 2.500 15-17/37-43
Front brake (mm) 320 320

Rear brake (mm) 220 196
Front wheel(s) 350-17 350-17, 375-17
Rear wheel(s) 600-17 600-17, 625-17
Front suspension (mm) 43 47