Honda RC213V-S: The Latest in Street Legal Race Machines

In the same fashion as Ducati’s Desmosedici RR of nearly a decade ago, Honda has just debuted their license plate and turn signal equipped version of the RC213V MotoGP racer.

As the technology involved in these high level motorsports progresses, the race machines become more complex and even more reliant on the life support systems involved (for those moments they’re not pinned to the rev limiter and being ragged about by those skilled enough to tame them.) As a result of this, creating a street-legal version of a GP bike will never be quite as easy as simply throwing a light kit and speedo on there.

So, now comes the question of what you would end up with if you were to order one?

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Contrary to many of these special editions manufacturers are coming out with nowadays, Honda has actually given you a choice on the paint job—well sorta. You can get the red, white, and blue HRC color scheme or just a clear coat over the carbon-reinforced fairings. But let’s face it, why would anyone want a color scheme other than one of these?

In addition to one of the two sexy paint schemes, comes all the boring street legal stuff (aka lights, mirrors, catalytic converter, and a speedo) although that’ll surely be entertaining watching the needle hit triple digits.

In terms of what has been left off or toned down from the RC213V race bike, you don’t get the pneumatic valves, just “boring” valve springs, and the electronics and gearing are sure to be mellowed down. This is mostly because they also don’t include a garage full of MotoGP mechanics and pit crew to get you started, monitor telemetry during your ride, shut the bike down afterwards, tend to every nut and bolt between rides, and rebuild the 1000cc DOHC V-4 Engine on a regular basis.

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Honda is also offering a Sport Kit which will include a new ECU with data logger, a quick shifter, a refined ram-air system, and a racing exhaust. Sadly for us stateside, this will NOT be offered in the US.

The bike that will be available in the states will produce 101hp, and 66 pound-feet of torque at 8000RPM. Ohlins suspension at both ends with Brembo calipers add to the top of the line package. It will be delivered on forged magnesium Marchesini wheels riding on a 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear Bridgestone RS10s. Dry weight will be around 380lbs and top out at roughly 418 wet.