More 2002 Hondas

Honda decided that it didn't want to get left behind in the open-class sportbike market this year, and has redesigned its bike substantially.

The most obvious change is that the displacement has increased from 929cc to 954cc, and the compression ratio has been bumped up from 11.3:1 to 11.5:1. The displacement increase was achieved by boring the cylinders out an additional 1.0mm. The throttle bodies in the fuel-injection system are now larger, increased from 40mm to 42mm. The injectors now feature 12 laser-drilled jet holes for super-fine fuel spray and better atomization.

The chassis has been put on a diet over the course of the last year, and has lost nine pounds of claimed dry weight. The frame has been changed and is now more rigid due to a revised steering head design. The swingarm has been completely redesigned and is now larger and beefier, yet weighs less than the previous versions. Other areas that have been updated include the brakes, wheels, fuel tank and a host of other components.

The bodywork has also been revised for '02, and it has taken on a far more aggressive look than the previous generations. The taillights now feature LED bulbs for exceptional brightness. The headlights have also been redesigned to provide better illumination.

RC51

After winning the World Superbike Championship in its first attempt with the RC51 a year ago, Honda has applied the lessons learned to the new '02 RC51.

The 999cc, 90-degree V-twin receives new larger diameter 62mm throttle bodies for 2002. The injectors themselves and the fuel and ignition mapping have been changed to optimize throttle response. The cylinder heads have also been updated to improve performance. The twin side-mounted radiators now feature electronic fans to improve cooling.

The RC51 is another in the Honda sportbike lineup that went on a diet. Eight pounds have been shaved from the bike's dry weight. A significant change to the chassis comes via a lengthening of the wheelbase by almost a half of an inch to help improve rear wheel traction. That chassis is also more rigid than the previous version.

The RC51 has new wheels, redesigned brakes, a taller windscreen and fairings, plus a long list of other modifications to improve the bike for 2002.