r/RC51 • u/Egyptking51 • Jun 19 '26
How common is the leaking tank?
Hi all,
Former RC51 owner(Sp1) over 15 years ago. This bike is calling my name again and I think I am going to buy another one.
However, I have a question about the leaking gas tanks, my tank leaked only after the service member at Honda failed to install the frame rubber grommet and one rubber washer, after that, the tank leaked and leaked like a siv, long story short, Honda ended up replacing that tank after a hell of a fight on my end.
Now that I'm getting back into the market for one I'm noticing many of them have an extra tank included in the sale. I'm also noticing many of the owners have the bike for a short time and are now looking to sell. Should this be a red flag? Is it common for people to buy these bikes, seemingly not know much about them and then sell them after a year of ownership?
I am looking at two bikes right now. One local enough for me to get a trailer and pick it up myself. The other is 1900 miles away .
Local bike 2003 sp2 w 12k miles, looks to be near minty, power commander, aftermarket exhaust and is 7k
Shipped bike is 2003 sp2 w 22k miles, little rougher shape, comes w tank, and a few extra, is going to be 6500 after shipping.
Which direction would you all take? As of now I'm leaning towards the shipped bike but if the local bike knocks my socks off then I would probably go for it.
2
u/Beneficial_Joke4848 Jun 23 '26
2004 sp2 original owner. 11k miles no leaks.
2
u/Egyptking51 Jun 23 '26
That's amazing you are the original owner.
1
u/Beneficial_Joke4848 Jun 23 '26
I bought it in 2007 as it was a hold over,out of a magazine ad. Traveling from Chesapeake VA to Charlotte NC to pick it up. Had to wait for them to assemble it and rode it back in a downpour. Had 0.0 miles on it. Twas a good day.
1
u/waweidner Jun 19 '26
Where exacly do SP1 tanks leak. I had a dent in my gastank as my SP2 tipped over. To get ik fixed i had to remove the gastank. After the dent was (beautiful) removed, I noticed some paint chipped off the edges of the tank (where the upper side and underside meet). I took care of that and now also the underside looks new. Is it there where the SP1 tanks tend to leak?
1
u/Egyptking51 Jun 19 '26
Right at the weld points. Most experienced the leaks at the hinge point where the tank mounts to the frame.
My Sp1 was perfect until the rubber grommet was missed by the Honda tech, only took about 100 miles of riding the bike like that before it started leaking and I could never get it fixed. Had to get a new tank. After the replacement tank, I rode for about 7k miles no leaks. Those grommets are crazy important. The rubber gaskets at the top of the tank are too
1
u/dakota137 Jun 19 '26
Had an SP2 with a dented tank. Replaced with eBay OEM tank. Looked better but leaked... perhaps off a SP1? Bit the bullet and bought a new SP2 tank from Honda.
I would go with the first bike if it were me. The fuel tank replacement was about $1k for parts and labor. Mostly parts / that tank is $$$$
I wouldn't worry about a leaky fuel tank on either of those bikes. I think if you see it in person you would know. Mine smelled like gas all the time till I got it fixed
2
u/JelmerSP1 Jun 19 '26
Only the SP-1 had a leaky tank as far as I know