Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado
Mileage: 9 (Nine)
Price: Currently $25,200 with Reserve in place
Are you looking for a serious collector’s bike? Then look no further than this RC45 currently up for grabs. First let’s get into a little background for those not so familiar with the RVF750R, so bear with me. In 1994, the beloved RC30 was near the end of its prime against other superbikes and Honda needed an answer quick. Since the World Endurance and IOM TT series were being held to Superbike rules, Honda’s RVF750 race bikes needed homologating in order for it to continue racing. It was out of this that the RC45 was spawned. In 1994, 200 RVF750Rs were produced world wide with only 50 making their way to the States and some 20 or so bikes being immediately delivered to private race teams. You do the math on that one. Limited number of bikes + 18 years – wrecked bikes = rare. RC45 guys definitely have the edge over the RC30 guys in the production numbers argument.
In standard US trim, the RC45 was cranking out 101hp where as the Euro version was making 118. However, since the RVF had adopted a more modern and race friendly fuel injection, a reprogramming to the bikes FI system allowed the US model to reach its Euro counterpart’s numbers. Honda also dropped full-blown race kits for the RC45 at the time of its release. With most homologations, its street prowess meant nothing to Honda as it was intended to win races, not negotiate potholes. On the street, the RC45 wasn’t much better than the RC30. But on the track it had way more potential with its modern parts. However, the RC45 never achieved the level of racing success as the RC30 did in its time.
It’s hard to say much about the particular bike for sale in terms of its originality and cleanliness. It has 9 miles on it and looks to be as brand new as them come. Only having Zero miles on the odometer would make it “cooler” if you will. Also, the bike appears to be #9 off the production line as indicated by its VIN plate.
There you have it; a super-rare homologated production bike with almost non-existent mileage and a low production number. The opening bid is $25k with the Reserve still firmly in place. Nearly two years ago, we posted a Zero mile RC45 for sale in the UK that had an asking price of $39k. You can bet that this bike won’t be given away, because someone had the discipline to hold onto it for nearly 20 years and put only 9 miles on it. My only gripe is that more and higher-resolution pictures are a must, not only for a potential buyer, but for the rest of us who like to drool. Check out the auction here and make it yours today!
I would still prefer a Bimota SB7 over this.
George Villar
My RC45 was in that condition when I started riding it. Sticker on the bumber etc. It had 600 miles on it when I got it. In reality there is no difference between 9 miles and 600 miles, the delivery mileage was between 0 and 1, so this has been started and ridden at some point – its not a true “zero miler”.
If I recall correctly from when I maintained the RC45 registry, there used to be an NR stablemate to this RC45 in Colorado back in the day – unless this is the zero miler from a Honda dealer on the east coast that used to come up for sale every year like clock work.
I am glad I rode mine for 6000+ miles before sold it on, what a shame to not enjoy these bikes. As for “investment’ – youhave to wait so long for the real return than the current buyer dropping $30K or $40K on this one will have to wait a long time to make any real profit. So they would need to buy it at a proper discount.
Unless the buyer is just oozing money, in which case $30, $40 $50K makes little difference, he just wants it for the den.
Bloody shame all these bikes are being hidden by collectors.
Oh, and the US RC45 was lucky to put down 90hp to the back wheel in stock trim. To get the 98 or 100hp you need to do the PGM wire mod. Unlocks the proper PGM fuel/ignition tables.
Anything else requires pipes and HRC goodies.
Every time I see an RC45 come up, I hope it is someone selling my old bike that I foolishly let go 15 or so years ago. I had marchesini wheels on there.. a one off yoshimura titanium race pipe that I acquired from HRC, and of course the wire mod. Good god, did that bike sing thru that pipe!
I even did trackdays on her! No collector queen for me… sadly, I’m sure she is languishing in someones collection now 🙁
Pity the poor bikes that get collector hidden – my old bike went from 600 miles to about 7000 under my care in 4 years, then for the next 7 years moved between 3 other owenrs and accumulated only a couple hundred miles extra.
Also looking at this “9 miler” for sale, why is it the tyres dont show “only 9 miles” ? 😉
I doubt any and all low mileage claims from cable driven speedos. far to easy to game them.
Good point on the rubber! I’ve often wondered though… are parts still available for these bikes? Would it still be possible to actually ride one of these, or would it be too risky at this point? Japanese manufacturers like to phase out parts as soon as possible, and ’45 parts were never easy to come by in the first place.
Mine went from “crated collector bike” to trackday and sport touring bike and then back into someones collection… 🙁
Anyone who buys bikes like these to make money has rocks in their head.There is only a small window of oppotunity for that to happen.And it has peaked now and will probably start to decline shortly from here.High prices are driven by the generation that,as adults,saw the bikes come and go,and desired one but could not afford one at the time.The current,and future generations,couldn’t give a shit about an old RC45,so who do these “collectors” hope to sell their bikes to, decades down the line.You can see it happening now with our oldest generation.Trying to unload early 1920’s vintage cars,or 1950/60’s old British Sprites,MG’s and Triumphs.Nobody born after 1980 has the sightest interest in them,and when these “bike collectors” are old and arthritic and need to sell-up, generation Y-Z will be the one’s with the cash.But they won’t be paying big bucks for old motorbikes bikes they couldn’t give a toss about.
I had five RC30 previously at different times . It used to be fun owning these bikes , now the little ”FREAKS” in the RC30 CLub are trying to control the market . I got out of it . Now I am into VF1000Rs where there are less freaks to contend with . I hope the choke on where the market has been driven to . Anyways we are alll going to die this year so it doesn’t matter what they are worth . I will eat thank you till the 2012 predictions get us all . Nice knowing you guys ! Cheers !
My dear Lord Byron, are you suggesting that Brough Superiors, HRD Vincent, Crocker, Hendersons et al are now worthless?
Lord Byron you have an excellent point with just a couple of flaws. The MG’s and Triumph’s you are speaking of are cars I presume and I agree have decreased in value. I have been keeping an eye on 60’s and 70’s bikes for the reason you are speaking and have noticed a very slight decline but nothing to serious. I am 40 and yes you are right that I want the bikes I remember in my youth. I have a number of late 80’s and early 90’s GSXR’s and RG’s. Suzuki still produces the GSXR and I hope they will for years to come, so I think maybe the early first gen GSXR’s will be still collectable for that reason. The RG, RGV and other late two strokes may keep there value due to them being the last motorcycles of that kind allowed on public roads also some of the styles are just timeless. I think that as long as motorcycle manufactures continue making sport bikes the old and first gen bikes will always find value. I’ve always been an optimist! Just my two pennies.
Firstly,I think we need to clarify the definition of “collectable”.Does it mean that someone with the necessary resources should become the custodian of certain objects for nostalgic reasons?Does it mean that that certain objects of a particular genre be preserved for display purposes for others to view and appreciate? Or is it the obvious one.The chance that you can purchase an object of your desire,use or amire it,then sell it for a capital gain[PROFIT] at a later date? We all accept that in 99% of cases,it’s the last one.That’s why a current Fireblade is not considered “collectable”.Let’s take that RC45.In 1994 they were hideously expensive.Thirty grand.If that owner has sat on that bike for nearly thirty years and sells it for 35 grand tomorrow,even at a conservative 2% inflation,he has made a very poor investment.He will have lost money.Now if the next buyer wants to make a buck,because it’s “collectable”,and sells again in 20-30 years,who is going to buy that thing.I would say most guys here will be 70-75 years old,and the last thing we will be able to do it dump 50 grand on an RC45.Most wont be able to take it off the stand.The world will be a very different place in 30 years.Future generations with disposable cash will not be buying old RC45’s
I kind of disagree about people collecting bikes that they know. I am 50 and have a 70 BSA and a 71 BMW in addition to some 90’s sportbikes.If a machine is beautiful and exclusive there will always be a market.If I had the money I would love a Vincent or a Brough Superior or some 60’s classic racebikes. Cool will always be cool. People buy and collect antiques produced way before their time,although I too lament the fact that these people put them on display and never ride them.If I plunk 40 G’s for a bike I sure as hell would ride it.
@RC30FREAK: I also follow the RC30 market, and am confused by your statement ” \…little ”FREAKS” in the RC30 CLub are trying to control the market”
I don’t know what you’re referring to here, and haven’t see evidence of any group or individuals trying to do that. Could you please briefly explain?
In the UK, RC30 and RC45 prices are going nuts. Just last week a French-market ’45 with around 12000 miles on it sold for around US$32K, and decent RC30’s are selling for anywhere between $23K and $30K. There’s a new RC45 on UK eBay for around US$60K.
Good investments for those who already own them, that’s for sure.
Ive just bought a UK 1995 RC45, 0 miles never started, now the big question is do I ride it or store it, for me it simple, these great motorcycles were built to be ridden. Ok it will drop in price a little over the years to come but I’ll be able to enjoy that wonderful noise and handling and still have a bike worth a pound or two when my kids sell her!!
Hey, I was wondering if any of you could help me here. I have a 1994 RC45 that I’m looking to sell. It was my brothers and he passed away last year. When we went to change the title last year we found it had a fake vin tag on it. The vin has been verified through NICB and was manufactured for another country. Mileage is 3,740.
Going next week to have the title put in our names.
My question is, where would be the best place to post/sell this bike. I am thinking I will start with ebay, but thought maybe someone here could give me a couple more options.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you
You might as well try e bay. You could put it in an auction too. Vegas is coming up. The guys on this site are cheap bastards, they know what it’s worth and they won’t pay a penny more!
I’m interested in the RC 45. I have an RC 30, worst street bike in the history of the world. What condition is the engine in. I see it has no miles and my experience with my older bikes that if I didnt ride them much is that they go to hell in a hand basket. If the bike is primo, and I do mean primo, I’m happy to fly out and look at it. Look forward to hearing from u.
Paul Mears.
Orlando, fl 32804
407 835 9988 home
407 590 5150 cell
To Graham30
You mentioned you just purchased a new old stock RC 45, I’m after a zero mile bike and would offer a good price if you wish to sell and then buy one with miles that you may ride, Ian
I’m interested in buying a zero or low mileage Rc45 and RC30, please contact ian on email address: ian969@hotmail.co.uk
Regards Ian
Sorry to hear about your brother.