The Honda VFR750R RC30 – “For those few who can appreciate the finest Motor Sport has to offer”. These are the words from the plaque that is attached to the Japanese market machines and I think that these few words just about sum up the RC30.
The RC30 is a fully faired racing motorcycle for the road. The purpose of the road version was to qualify for homologation for racing in the World Superbike Championship. To that end Honda fitted mirrors, lights, and a horn to their new race bike. This was a stroke of genius because Honda, without knowing it at the time, produced what is probably the best motorcycle ever produced.
The RC30 excelled both on the road and the track with some of the worlds best motorbike racers choosing to jump on board. The road version completely blew the motorcycle press away, the look, the handling and the power delivery were incredible. Pitted against the competition of the time the RC30 lacked the figures on paper, but it more than made up for it in practice.
The Honda VFR750R, Factory model code “RC30” was officially produced from 1987 to 1990. Officially there were around 3000 bikes produced and sold but there are predicted to have been more than 4000 built, including race bikes and private projects. It is not really known how many are around today, due to bikes being written off both on the road and on track, but it is reasonable to assume a figure of around 3000 plus bikes.
The RC30 is built around Honda’s 748cc liquid cooled V4 engine. With an engine that produces 118bhp @ 11,000 rpm (unrestricted road version) it has a top speed of 153 mph. Fitted with a 6-speed close ratio gearbox and was capable of reaching 80mph in first gear!
For many of us, owning an RC30 was, and probably still is, just a dream.
rc30.co.uk is an enthusiast’s website, produced for the benefit of anybody who enjoys any aspect of this wonderful motorcycle.
Rc30.co.uk is not affiliated, approved or in any way linked to Honda, Honda Racing, Honda Motor Company or any of its subsidiaries or dealers.