Englewood, CO – 7,102 miles – $20K opening bid
It’s been a few minutes since the last time we saw an RC30 for sale here in the States, and this one comes to us from Colorado. In 1987, the VFR750R was only produced for the Japanese market and featured a restricted 77hp motor. 1,000 of these JDM units were produced and are distinguished by their smaller diameter headlights and black mirrors. The RC30 was produced for other markets around the world in 1988 and 1989 and had a claimed 112hp engine. These bikes featured the “VFR750R” branding on the tail as well as larger diameter headlamps and white mirrors. In 1990, the U.S. received the RC30 with about 86hp on tap for the 49-state model (which features a “0” in the 8th position of the VIN). The California model (which is identified by a “1” in the 8th position of the VIN) was more restricted and had a low lift cam and softer valve springs while redlining at 12,000 rpm (12,500 rpm redline for the rest of the U.S. models). The U.S. version is also distinguished by the “RC30” decal on the tail versus the “VFR750R” seen on non-U.S. models. It also appears that the U.S. version had the red Honda wing logo on the tank as opposed to the gold logo for foreign bikes. As a side note, there were some bikes made for the UK market in 1990, so the U.S. was not the only place to receive the 1990 model year.
Now that we are refreshed on the RC30, we move onto the bike for sale here. The 8th spot on the VIN is a zero, so it would indicate that this is the 49-state model. Interestingly, the frame was apparently replaced by Honda under warranty and will come with the original frame. This was also a fairing-off professional resto. The bike looks great, however I would like to know more details as to what exactly was done and how in depth the restoration was. The seller does point out two small drilled holes in the side of the fairing that looked like they were used to mount something.
From the seller:
Up for auction is a super rare and gorgeous 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30. This bike was a fairing off professional restore and looks great. Tank is original, it was not restored and has original paint. Only 7102 miles on the odometer. The pictures say it all. Only flaw that is seen is the two small holes that are in the fairing, this looks to have been a mounting point for something, but is not currently being used.
Bike has never been wrecked, but it does not have the original frame, the original frame was replaced by Honda under warranty. We do have the original frame that will go with the bike upon sale and all paperwork re-confirming the replacement.
Own a fine example and piece of history!
There you go. Another clean example of one of the most coveted bikes in the Rare Sport Bike Universe. These have been consistently pulling process in the mid $20k range and sometimes close to $30k. I would say that the opening bid for this bike is fair and will be interesting to see where it goes. You can take a look at the auction here and place your bid today!
-JS
As an RC30 owner, this example really scares me as an observer. First, the replacement frame is not fully explained and a big issue- what’s the story there? If the bike has never been wrecked as claimed, why a new frame, why painted fairings, and whay the aftermarket front brake rotors? “Pictures tell the story”- no, they don’t- they only help tell the story when you remove the bodywork to show the story hiding underneath. Seller couldn’t be bothered, and didn’t tell the rest in writing. Why wouldn’t a knowledgeable Honda dealer know that the mysterious fairing holes “mounting point for something” are supposed to be there? They’re mounting points for a rubber flap that protects the fairing from the radiator hose clamp from rubbing. The repaint was so sloppy that the holes are ragged and the required plastic rivet pins wouldn’t fit now anyway. Professionally restored?
Aftermarket rear sprocket is an accepted mod, but why aren’t the nuts safety wired as originally done? The more closely I look, the more I see wrong or the more questions I have, but you get the idea. Pass.
Also, where’s the fuel tap knob? And for the love of god, please remove that hideously ugly rubber thing stuck on that beautiful aluminum gas tank.
Oooooooooooh wow 112 hp…..lol. Bet that was a BEAST to ride hahaaaaa
Let’s ask Fred Merkel, Carl Fogarty, Joey Dunlop, Steve Hislop, Miguel Duhamel, and Freddie Spencer who rode race versions. You forget that the RC30 came out in 1988, when 600s made 90hp.. This bike dominated and won virtually every road racing Championship at the time: World Superbike (2), AMA Superbike, Isle of Man, BSK, etc. Those who have a clue know that even now, it’s not about outright HP numbers- it’s the sound, the quality and feel of the powerband that makes them special. And that’s just the engine. If you rode one before commenting, you might understand.
I inquired about this bike before buying my RC30. Owner apparently has quite a collection and this is the one he’s looking to get rid of. I believe this same dealership was also offering a 0 mile RC45 at one point that I believe was owned by the same collector. There were a lot of open questions about this bike beyond the frame. Looks like the front rotors and rear sprocket are not original. I asked a lot of questions but didn’t get clear answers and ultimately decided to move on. This may be a great bike for the right buyer who is looking to get out and ride the darn thing rather than keep it in a museum but worth doing a lot of diligence to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying.
oh man, what a mess…..don’t let Jim Granger see this bike, he will be able to tell us all everything that’s not correct
Reached $21,100. Did not meet reserve. -JS