The Ducati Killer - Honda RC51 Superbike

Some history for ya on the old "One liter Duc-eater". For 12 years the World Superbike Championship had pretty much given an upper hand to Vtwin powered bikes (namely Ducati), and Honda had finally decided it was time to beat Ducati at its own game after they released the 996 for the WSBK League.
----PATREON----
/ theillestrator
----SOURCES AND CREDIT----
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[@Theillestrator1050]

I deadass just caught the Thursday buzzer beater on this one 😭... don't say I dont respect y'all lmao.

[@DevRSVR]

Well put together and interesting. Well done. Love looking at the old WSBK stuff. And funny seeing Suzi Perry interviewing Colin and now they work together in Moto GP!

[@purebloodheretic4682]

Good to see someone that Knows their Stuff, I've been a Fan of SBK for 20 odd years, Those Clips brought back memories of some of the Most Epic 2 Wheeled Battles in History, You Got all your Facts Correct, Which is a Rareity on Y.T. these Days, Obviously like me you're also a 'Bike Nut' 1st vid & I'm Subbed! -Cheers 👍😉

[@HeroRR]

I enjoyed this video, thanks for making it! :)

[@73kenright]

Just got the itch again to get my endorsement and first bike. HeroRR and the Illestrator are my daily-watched KZbinrs! Keep up the great work guys👍!!

[@space.youtube]

The side mounted radiators where not a 'feature' to "reduce drag", they were a compromise made on the street version for a lack of space to mount them up front. The race bikes had front mounted radiator that came with the HRC kit.

[@piragix]

You make better content than some people with 500k+ subs. Keep it up man you'll definitely get there!

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks fam, here's hoping right? 🤟🏾😁

[@Zerozx748]

Nice to see the zxr750 mentioned! One of my favorite bikes from that era.

[@jamesallen5591]

One of my favorite bikes of all time. Beast.

[@Theillestrator1050]

I remember the first time I encountered it, I had to double take when I heard the engine turn on.

[@michaelw6277]

I had an RC51 for about a year. It was a brutally bad-ass bike that I loved to ride for about an hour, at which point I had to stop because it was so painful to be on much longer than that. I sold it and bought a Blackbird and promptly ran an Iron Butt Saddlesore 1000 on it. A lot of sport bikes are labeled “race bikes for the street” and the RC51 is the only one I’ve ever ridden that truly felt that way. It’s a totally bad-ass, but deeply flawed street machine.

[@Theillestrator1050]

That's precisely how I felt about the modded SV I had but I'm sure the RC51 is even worse in that regard!

[@barrygoodson4952]

Michael W I haven't ridden a RC51 and I just bought a VTR. I passed on a 51 last winter mainly because I didn't think it would be a good street bike except in short stretches. Still kinda kickin myself but I think the VTR will do fine. Would like to have the 51 motor in the VTR frame though, lol.

[@bestistmate]

Isn't it strange how we get different appreciation out of different things.My brother lent me a SP 1 while my blackbird was being serviced. I truly believe the blackbird is one of the finest bikes to ever have been produced. Strangely that week on the SP1 never left me.I sold my blackbird and was off the road for a few years. I recall ringing my brother with my dilemma whether to have a blackbird or SP1 this time.He said "Phil, if you have a blackbird, it'll just be a blackbird". And I knew exactly what he meant. Every time I start it up, my face lights up. And then starts a few hours of playing with my alluring mistress.

[@Down.Range.]

Deeply flawed, just like your manhood. I've ridin my SP1 for well over 6 hours. Yeah, it hurts...but I'm not a pussy either. The pain is overcome by the respect I receive from the groups I ride with.

[@stfuliberal]

@@Down.Range. Word. Loving the SP-2.

[@bumblebach]

Continually impressed at the quality of content you deliver; very informative and presented engagingly. I've only been around a year or so on your channel and your growth as a creator, narrator, and host has been a lot of fun to witness. Keep it up, you deserve the success.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks man. If nothing else I hope the effort shows.

[@MrPanchoPlanet]

Another brilliantly illustrated Honda racing fact that has made all us subscribers a bit smarter ! Thank you for this great story of Honda racing history. 👌👍🏍

[@Theillestrator1050]

Honda racing is some of the most interesting stuff out there cause they were doing some cool stuff from the 1960s to the 1990s

[@MrPanchoPlanet]

@@Theillestrator1050 Honda was a pioneer in racing when the Japanese got into the racing scene, they upstaged the Germans and Italians. 👍

[@distinguishedhooligan111]

Nicely done! Have both a VFR and VTR in my garage. Very different riding experience but equally fun.

[@samherbert647]

I definitely think you should do a history lesson on the jdm 400cc bikes everything from the zzr400, cbr400rr, vfr/rvf400 even the ducati 400ss they dont really get all that much love and not too many people talk about them, i really think you would make the best video for them

[@Theillestrator1050]

I'll look into it!

[@deborahchesser7375]

Sam Herbert my first bike was. 76’ CB400F super sport, she was a great little bike

[@jafinjohn7367]

Oh yeah I remember my 2001 vtr1000, 2000 sp2 and my 1999 tl1000r awesome vtwins.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Did I also want my SV back after doing this video? Yes.

[@Donderpad]

I owned a vtr ;not satisfactory at all,bad mileage,bad handling, stalling-

[@jafinjohn7367]

Adrie Kintziger mine is it’s has 900rr forks, cbr954RR swingarm. High compression pistons, rc51 clock, ported cylinder heads, FCR carbs, cbr1000rr ignition coils, racing cams, list just goes on. pushed about 145hp to the wheels. But the stock bike is shit tho.

[@Donderpad]

@@jafinjohn7367 I worked at Honda Europe at that time,and had acces to materials of the Ten-Cate racing team .Got the high lift cams, the heads were skimmed down, and forged pistons were placed,along with a welded cranckshaft.I had acces to cdi -boxes without limiting software,etc...The bike was a loose cannon.The handling was so bad, even after the forks got new pistons in it,that i got wobbles on the white stripes at around 290 km/h Any big Duke and BMW left me behind on narrow bendy roads, and the mileage made me weep.

[@jafinjohn7367]

Adrie Kintziger we all have that one bike we don’t like. Tbh the vtr1000 got the worst mpg. I wish Honda keep making v twin sports bikes. Just got done building my project cbr954RR. God it’s a game changer for me. With cbr1000rr pistons she rocks lol

[@deadnum04]

I come back to this video in the winter months as just looking at my RC on stands isn't enough.

[@deanwilliams867]

My Suzuki TL1000R was true monster ! Got rid of the radial damper rear shock and put a ohlins shock on, I did the forks with Race Tech pieces, degreed cams, 54 mm throttlebodies, Power Commander 3, modified the air box took the Flappers out and Yosh full Ty system it made 141 at the rear wheel ! stock was 119 Installed pvm 5Y Forge aluminum wheels, ohlins steering damper, braided lines and the tires I used were Pirelli supercorsa dragons soft on the front medium on the rear. To this day I still believe it was the best bike I had ever owned over my GSXR's! and my Hayabusa. Oh did I mention the sound of the bike was pure sex !😛

[@BastardX13]

Bet the sound was magnificent.

[@willbenson7374]

I love my RC51 sp2, and I absolutely 💯 ❤️ the gear drive sound

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I’m so old I still remember Edwards on these. I think Nicky Hayden raced one as well.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Yup, Hayden got his own edition of the SP2 as well

[@veedee4860]

- The illestrator - that bike was gorgeous. White number plates FTW!!!!!!

[@BastardX13]

When he wasnt taming the Rc51, Nicky was a senior in high school. R.I.P. Kentucky Kid.

[@luckyskitchen4472]

@@Theillestrator1050 yup, 2004

[@NiNWAVE]

I'm surprised you don't have at least 6 digit subscribers, just picked up a 2003 RC51 last weekend and it's absolutely amazing

[@williamwintemberg]

Another beyond excellent voice over video! Thanks!!!

[@Theillestrator1050]

😁

[@blipco5]

Simply the best. Nothing on the Tube like it. And I learned something. 🙌

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks for watching and commenting as always!

[@casualguy393]

There was an RC30 for sale in the Honda shop near the Honolulu airport and I had been saving my money for another bike when it appeared. I completely changed my mind and started saving for that. When I was a few months away from getting $15,000 it was sold. It was the "fish" that got away, and still sadder about losing that than losing my wife.

[@Bredaxe]

Bravo! Another fine production and a trip back in time. The RC51 was a fantastic bike, and even easier for street riding with it's lower band.

[@MickPsyphon]

When I hear that intro music, I know I'm going enjoy another great Illestrator video! Excellent! Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸🍺😋👍🇨🇦

[@Theillestrator1050]

I just wish they would add more (good) royalty free classical tracks already!

[@MickPsyphon]

@@Theillestrator1050 Believe it, or not, original scored from the Classical period (between Baroque & Romantic) are well past any possible copyright. This includes Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart and many more. So, if you can rip it, you can use it. Btw, I love the fact that you chose Classical music for your videos. The juxtaposition with the modern subject matter is perfect! It adds to the overall polish of the video. It almost seems like a signature for you.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Actually some renditions of the songs are in fact copyrighted.... my video (that I hate) about 7 reasons blah blah had a copyrighted version of a well known classical track. I forget which one.... I watched that video get 2 and a half million views and got zero dollars from it so now I stick to KZbin provided classical tracks. And yeah that's exactly why I use classical. Plus it evens out the speed of the voice. Fast paced music plus fast paced commentary might be tiring.

[@barrygoodson4952]

Mick Psyphon I like the intro music also. You know it's another good informative video !

[@glenjeffs6182]

I love my tl1000,vtwin sport,awsome fun

[@charlieryan1736]

Excellent history lesson 👌🇮🇹vs 🇯🇵 thanks so much for making this awesome video

[@Theillestrator1050]

Always a good time when Italy and Japan go at it 🔥

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Great video. The RC51 did win WSB and AMA Super bike series under Colin and Nicky (RIP). Suzuki made the TL R and S to fight Ducati themselves. It proved to be almost unrideable. They fixed that problem with the SV1000S which you are really familiar with. I rode my SV a couple of hundred miles in beautiful country yesterday. 55 stay alive. 155 you get to live!

[@Theillestrator1050]

You know I sorta wished they gave the TL-R a "pointy" update like they did with the SV... though I guess they're still atleast using that engine alone these days

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@Theillestrator1050 It is still used in the DL1000 VStrom which is actually a 1040cc engine now. "Retuned for torque" though. The TLR looked like Casper the ghost to me. Quite strange but fast for those days.

[@CafeRacerGarage]

Another awesome informative well put together video. Love it 😊

[@Theillestrator1050]

🤟🏾😎 thanks fam

[@Madswol63]

Hey brother! Excellent vid - thank you so much! I owned the 2002 RC51 and loved that bike - raced it for two years and did way better on it than I did on any of the inline 4's that I raced. Again - excellent video!

[@71Flash]

These are still my favorite type of you videos. History, motorcycle, humor, love it.

[@builtbythehand3902]

Love my sp2 one of the best bikes ever made! Nicely done vid!

[@barrygoodson4952]

Nice video on the RC51 . I am picking up a super nice 98 VTR1000 next week. It only has 8 k on the clock and is the personal bike of a good friend who owned a Honda dealership when it came out which he sold a couple years ago. The really cool thing is this bike has never been titled so I will be the original owner at least on paper anyway. I would love to have a RC51 but it's so one dimensional . The VTR is just more comfortable for every day street use. I love the V twin power or actually any kinda twin motor. I still would love to have a Ducati but the ones I want are priced out of my budget. The Honda is more reasonable and more cost effective to maintain. I ride the Honda and maybe forget about the Ducati for a while but that's a big maybe . Also RIP to Carlin Dunne who high sided and died at Pikes Peak last Siunday within eyesight of the finish line. He was on pace to shatter the record for bikes with a 9:32. 15 meters from the finish he hit a bump at speed, highsiding him off the mountain and he landedwork on some boulders killing him. He owned Ducati of Santa Barbra and seemed like a really nice guy. There are videos all over you tube about this. Keep up the great work. Your videos are great to watch and hear . Excellent job telling the story about so many bikes ! I really appreciate all the stuff on older bikes because I find I like a lot of them way more than the newer bikes .

[@dickmoney2946]

Barry Goodson The superHawk is ok but you need to ride it hard to keep up with faster bikes.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Well said my friend, and congratulations on scoring that bike! What did he do with the bike all these years if he didn't title it? I wasn't aware of the Carlin Dunne incident... I'll look into that.

[@barrygoodson4952]

- The illestrator - he ran a dealer tag so he never needed to title it. He sold the dealership a few years ago and the bike has been in storage. I had told him before to let me know when he got ready to sell it so he did. He is going to get it ready for me this week and I'll head to Myrtle Beach and pick it up. Not a RC51 but I'll enjoy it. I passed up a deal on a Hayden replica last year and been kinda kickin myself ever since. I was dead set on a Duc though, lol.

[@barrygoodson4952]

Dick Money I realized hOw much faster newer bikes are . Even older inline 4's are faster. I own a Bandit 1200 and I'm sure it's faster than the Honda but I love that a twin power !

[@consubandon]

I'm Italian (well, un quarto), loving my vino and my Vivaldi, and that's why I drive... a heavy, slow, ugly, Honda sport-touring bike that did neither of those things well, was loved by nobody but package delivery riders, and has an engine the Germans call "the sewage pump". 6:04 is the closest a CX will ever get to a superbike video. Ever. Thanks for showing my old girl some love.

[@Theillestrator1050]

😂😂😂 you never disappoint with the comments

[@penfoldperry9874]

to say the CX500 out guzzied moto guzzi is laughable at best it was nicknamed the 'plastic maggot' in the UK. you cannot compare it to a Moto guzzi let alone say it was better than one 8>)

[@consubandon]

@@penfoldperry9874 SHHHHHH! For a moment, my bike's got the respect of the channel owner!

[@penfoldperry9874]

@@consubandon just no respect from the rest of the world 8>)

[@consubandon]

@@penfoldperry9874 THAT much, I know! Boldly, do I embrace the awkwardness. But, then, I'm also an Aubrey Plaza fan. When CXs started tip-toeing toward "cool", I knew the world had misplaced some marbles.

[@kyletaylor6935]

Quality stuff man, always been a huge fan of the voice overs. Entertaining, educational and you always manage to find really good sources. Really appreciate the hard work you put in these keep it up.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks for the high praise fam! And thanks for the patreon support too

[@vicenterr7]

Also Ducati had a 955 Superbike kit for the 916 (don't know about the 851/888), they would always make 'special kits' for their superbike teams, the factory of course would always get the best kit, even tough the customer kit was very competitive

[@axelotl86]

My best bike buddy still drives his VTR 1000 SP1. Really an awesome Bike.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Feel and noise reminiscent of a Ducati but with Honda reliability

[@TheAmerican1963]

What is amazing also is I had a 2006 GZXR 1000 that made 161 hp at the rear wheel on a dyno !!!!!....I love your videos......I learn to respect the technology that gets us to where we are.... :-)

[@ColinBache]

Duuuude... totally smashed all the key and interesting points relating to the RC51. What an awesome video! Loved it and love your style 🤜🤛👍🙏❤️

[@aeror115]

The beautiful sound of old superbikes 🏁🙌

[@nicholasavis1705]

I loved my RC51, finally got rid of it with 180,000 miles on it. That bike just keeps on going

[@kieranJo70]

I cannot believe this content, really good quality. Having owed a Honda V-twin it’s a beautifully built bike with plenty of Fun on hand. Thanks again

[@darkknight1340]

Currently riding a modified VTR 1000F Firestorm (that's it in my avatar),has manual cam chain tensioners fitted which is the absolute first modification that should be fitted as the standard automatic tensioners are prone to failure.Also fitted dynojet stage 3 jets,akrapovic system,high flow air filter.dyno tested at 138bhp,at the rear wheel which makes a huge difference over the standard 110 BHP.

[@martybartfast]

Nicely put together. Thank-you. 👍 🏍

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks for checking it out

[@nathanbarrett6178]

Love these type of videos!

[@Theillestrator1050]

🤟🏾😎

[@allday20691]

I love the Fire blade! Ya know that bike between the RC 51 & 1000RR. Excellent video.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Wait, I'm pretty sure the 1000RR WAS the fire blade though 🤔

[@aaronanderson7619]

@@Theillestrator1050 929 and 954 first. Think maybe the 900rr as well. I miss my 954, good bike.

[@Arstine]

Great bit of history on these bikes. I have an 02 and I absolutely love it. I really wish they were longer lived because they make a great canyon carver. All the power whenever you want it in a reasonable RPM range for practical street use.

[@ride129]

Excellent video! Thank you for the time and effort.

[@Theillestrator1050]

And thank you for watching. Makes this all worth it

[@gnarshread]

Thank you for the trip down memory lane.

[@malcolmdonohoe9388]

Cracking potted history. As a Brit who grew up watching those years of SBK, I am a huge Fogarty fan, but nobody can deny that Ducati absolutely had the rules to suit (WSBK was run by an Italian company at this time - coincidence?) I actually now own an SP-1 - there's something about Honda's corporate Mic drop that really appeals to me and the SP-1 is just an awesome bike. I've had a BMW S1000RR and MV Agusta F3 before it, so it's got a lot to live up to! It's not as "good" in measurable terms, but it doesn't half get under your skin - love the thing. Great content, delivered with unique style - loving your vids.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Well said my friend the RC51 will always be pretty badass, thanks for checking out the videos.

[@justa_dude]

Great video, well done

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks

[@Dreinocz]

Another great video! 👌

[@Theillestrator1050]

🤟🏾😁

[@user-ud8my2hf5x]

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@Theillestrator1050]

My pleasure!

[@simontucci8170]

I love these videos, helps my motorcycle history knowledge. Keep up the great work man!

[@Theillestrator1050]

You got it, thanks for watching!

[@lawszepie]

Love my SP2. No modern sports bike can shake my brains out like the RC51. Previously owner put a cheap chinese exhaust on it and now my bike pretty much has no muffler. When I hear the bike rev the first time my entire body felt the shockwave from the exhaust. It is not an easy bike to ride fast, it's really heavy in modern standard and you have to wrestle the bike into corners. Still a very unique riding experience compare to most sportbikes nowadays.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Even if it's a little slower than the modern stuff, it's still a unique machine with the respect of being a great race bike in its day. Enjoy that thing

[@DBAUG]

You forgot to mention,winning the World Endurance Championship in 2001. The 2002 AMA Superbike Championship and more. I don't remember another racing motorcycle that won so many titles in such a short period of time, straight out of the box, without development seasons. Only Honda knew how to do things like this...

[@thejourneyman1087]

Great video thanks mate! I bought my first ever twin last year and love it. They produce good midrange torque and very linear power delivery. A very easy bike to hustle along.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Which twin bike did you buy?

[@thejourneyman1087]

- The illestrator - I ended up finding a 2004 Honda Firestorm with 3100km on the clock late last year. I think you guys call them the Superhawk? The bike had been sitting but after a good detail it came up very very nicely :). My favourite brands are Honda and Kawasaki (sorry Jap bike enthusiast). The VTR1000F isn’t the greatest of the V-Twins but it’s great for the back roads I ride on. Handling is brilliant for a bike with such a modest suspension specification. I love your videos, really well done and a credit to you, please keep them coming!

[@africasud]

Foggy was the rider that gave the 916 its popularity , from 94 - 96 he had the championship but foggy switched to Honda in 97 and lost the title until switch back to Ducati in 98 and got it back

[@leozabo7251]

Awesome video!!! Very well made brotha, much appreciated. Well edited and your commentary absolutely blows it out of the park!! Great work!! I subscribed after this one. Keep it coming!!

[@blacktopimages]

Love my SP1, you can't beat a top shelf Honda.

[@jered2177]

Good job on the video

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks buddy

[@smith2781]

What a great video it’s really well done and put together and very informative. Also love the footage of Colin Edwards riding round Donington Park I was there with my Dad for the race not super pole. It was like thunder listening to the Ducati’s and Honda’s flying around.

[@SuperSladjo]

Another great video, keep em up.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks for watching, will do!

[@thefiascogarage3215]

I've tried to explain what Kawasaki copied from the RC51 in my '03 636 daily to my friends. People are very brand oriented, but I knew how 'uninsurance' companies work in my state and built a bike from like 5 other bikes. Cut down D&D, K&N, Powercommander with the first tune that gave me good plug readings, and an '06 fork swap. My brother is a Harley guy and is paying almost double for annual ownership, as are some of my sportbike friends with the flavor of the week. I constantly swap bikes with all of them by them usually asking, "Mind if I try your boxes of parts on wheels?". Not a problem. We always have fun.

[@sdcanyoncarver2203]

I have owned 3 rc51 and have put over 250k miles on them in my life time..I still ride one everyday.

[@tes-xp1km]

hey, then just give me which one is it and what do you think you can give rc51 to me ok

[@sdcanyoncarver2203]

@@tes-xp1km well there not to expensive now days. 7 grand will get you a ok one..

[@tes-xp1km]

at least if you give me which one is free rc51 and I will go to your place and what do you think

[@ajsmotolife5641]

Already knew this history, but still a great watch, very well put together. I love WSBK, b/c you can actually buy the bikes they race. This year has been pretty exciting, Ducati is leading Kawasaki by just a few points.

[@Theillestrator1050]

I think Ducati is gonna smash everyone with that bike now...Japan is gonna have to step up hard

[@ajsmotolife5641]

@@Theillestrator1050 Agreed, the ZX10R is a great bike, hell they won 4 years in a row. But you can tell Rea is working hard just to stay in the game, the Panigale V4 clearly has a decent power advantage.

[@aidanlyons1155]

I think rea has retaken the lead. Bautista has crashed out of the last 6 races! Threw away a 60 point lead

[@brandoncrist6784]

Great vid! What a rush of memories...RIP Nicky #69 always rep'd on my RC

[@AlmightyKennith]

i've been binging these videos they're so well put together. i hope you do more

[@petequinones3454]

When I first heard that whine I was hooked on the RC51. BEST HONDA EVER👍

[@Theillestrator1050]

It sounds supercharged right?

[@petequinones3454]

- The illestrator - RC 51 definitely sounds supercharged like the H2 but better in my opinion. Unless you're tracking the H2 the 200 HP seems to be a waste for the street and high cost of sticker.

[@billbunch6762]

Need this cat to help write my college papers. First step, apply and get into college.

[@Theillestrator1050]

I approve that message.... even the cheating part 😂

[@billbunch6762]

@@Theillestrator1050 lmao !

[@denisrailey777]

Lol.

[@manuelmontiel5418]

This video is a masterpiece just like the RC51

[@egosumbellum7707]

And this completes my Friday

[@Theillestrator1050]

🤟🏾😁

[@DeanStringer]

great roundup, thanks !

[@TrentFalkenrath]

Nice video. I actually own the Firestorm (they called it the Superhawk in the US for some reason) and I love it. Glad ya mentioned it here too.

[@Theillestrator1050]

I long for the days of cool names like that though....even though they're cheesy lol

[@martinrasmussen6143]

Must say, Carl Fogarty was the king back then, saw him racing at the Dutch TT a few times, he could race that last corner like no one els 💪🏻

[@phatfel]

damn i can't remember the last time i watched a video longer than 4 minutes. great video man keep them coming!

[@ThatCasper]

Rock solid dude. Learned something new, and enjoyed the content! Keep it up please!

[@juancarlosrodriguez8381]

Is like a GTI or a Fiesta ST. Is something to behold in the curves. The HRC V-twin pulls like a freight train.

[@Recklesshade]

Hmm, never heard about SPK before so that was interesting to learn about. Keep it up man!

[@Theillestrator1050]

SBK, but yeah man all the supersport liter bikes are basically designed to run in WSBK. The top trim level ones are closest to the bikes modified by racing teams in the league. These days the gap is closing, where you have bikes for sale like the ZX10RR...with two Rs

[@woooster17]

My favourite engine configuration.. had so many bikes, but only 2 V twins.. a Suzuki TL-R and Ducati 916 Strada.. SP1/2s are climbing in value. My all time fave dream bike would be a Ducati 888 SP5..

[@Theillestrator1050]

Id love to ride any of those bikes... which one was better to you?

[@woooster17]

- The illestrator - That’s actually quite difficult to answer, surprisingly.. The Ducati was stunning to look at and rode beautifully, but it was a little ‘fragile’ if that’s the right word. The Suzuki TL-R was a bigger more comfy bike, and had a bit more grunt than the 916.. and I actually liked it’s looks, especially in blue and white which mine was. If had to choose, it would be the Ducati.. but I would still like another TL-R ;)

[@ralphwarom2514]

Jonathan Rea is such a talent. And the zx 10 is such a great bike.

[@lorenmcgrew4048]

Subscribed based on this video alone. Keep up the great work!

[@drew657]

Ducati's dead-ass crushing it in WSBK with that V4R. Bautista has won *nearly* every race so far. Rea's got his work cut out if he's going to take another title.

[@Theillestrator1050]

They honestly deserve it with that V4R... you can see the amount of effort that thing oozes

[@seth_iwant_toride]

Excellent man! Well done

[@Theillestrator1050]

😁

[@steveking4966]

totally d'accord, i had aVFR800F1 1999 that is one of the best bikes i have ridden! 250km/hr and not at the redline i wont tell you where! comes down too rider skill then, so too protect my license i cut back to a beemer r1150r more torque less top speed and 250cc more! practically the RC45 46 was one well made bike with the ELF single side gearbox mounted suspension, used too eat rich kids for breakfast! ;0)

[@Theillestrator1050]

Those VFR's also sound pretty amazing too. Good on you for knowing when you should make the call to switch bikes to keep out of trouble 😂 good restraint.

[@ncgsc]

What an awesome video!

[@getoffmygrass6974]

Ill is just straight up crazy talented when it comes to creating videos. Such a killer bike to tribute. In all honesty, 99% of these history videos are cliff note nightmares with zero originality, it's just people copying others work. Someone had to originally write this stuff but you take it to another level...if you write them Ill, people will come.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks man, I love when a good story surrounds a bike because I hate to just be sitting here rattling off a list of specs for a bike and just repeating other people's comments on a bike I've never actually ridden. It's nice to have more historical substance to draw from.

[@urbankyng6467]

Nothing like a good history lesson with Professor illestrator.😎

[@Theillestrator1050]

🤟🏾😎😁

[@jacthomas1826]

Great Video! Loved this bike.

[@exexpat11]

You know the true bike that is a Duck killer? Any bike not a Ducati that doesn't have 1 to 1 ratio of hours ridden to hours in the shop.

[@deborahchesser7375]

exexpat11 true they are temperamental to put it kindly

[@hfr8343]

Excellent video. I learn something new every time I watch your content. Keep it up

[@Theillestrator1050]

🤟🏾😎

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

I want an RC bad!!!!! Kinda cool to see this video today knowing that Kawi beat ducati this year even with the new V4

[@rzaultra165]

Honda must always want to follow Ducati's rules, while Ducati has never wanted to serve Honda motorbikes, in MotoGP, Ducati has never liked to fight Honda ECU HRC.

[@georgecostanza2695]

RC51's look amazing and sound even more amazing!!

[@jackarmstrong4635]

New subscriber here. I've seen a few of your videos, the first of which being the rise and fall of Buell motorcycles, and I have to say your style of videos is reminiscent to the likes of Mr. Colion Noir and Yammie Noob.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Lol, thanks for subscribing my friend!

[@TEFLONDONTRUMP2024]

Great video I'm subbing right now

[@filipbarneman4510]

If any1 wonders what the substance was wiki tells us this: Haga improved his performance to challenge for the title in 2000. However, his season was disrupted when he was tested positive for a banned substance. Haga was tested positive for the substance Ephedrine after the race in South Africa, though it was later learned that Ephedrine occurs naturally in the herbs used in the Ma Huang supplement that he'd taken during the off-season. He initially received a one-month ban beginning on June 5 and had his points from both South African races deducted. However, after a series of appeals the points from Race 1 in South Africa were reinstated and the ban was delayed and reduced to a 2-week ban, resulting in Haga missing the final round at Brands Hatch, Great Britain. With Haga losing 25 points and sitting out a 2-race weekend, Colin Edwards comfortably won the 2000 championship. No japanese cocaine scandal ;(

[@flipinhu999]

Awesome video like usual

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks fam

[@blaksword613]

Fuckin love you bro and so glad to see another video, keep doing what you do and thank you

[@filipbarneman4510]

I know almost nothing about engines, but today i learned what cylinder displacement limit is, cool. Had no idea why motorcycle producers dont go full murica (bigger is better) and make a 2 stroke 200hp engine etc.

[@RedRideRVT1R]

sp1 and sp2. loves of my life.

[@purphaze69]

Good vid sir... Good vid..

[@goldie6579]

Thanks, well put together

[@Theillestrator1050]

My pleasure fam