This entry has been published on June 24, 2014 and links to eBay may have been updated to point to similar bikes of interest.
The State of Wisconsin has a motto: Forward. That is exactly what Honda did in the late 1980s when they created the VFR750R – aka the RC30. This limited production machine turned the racing world on its ear, and the resultant homologation road bike continues to turn collectors’ heads everywhere. The RC30 is one of the most popular bikes found on RSBFS, and there is collective knowledge across our reader base second to none. So I turn this over to our experts and their comments to help us navigate the perils and pitfalls of RC30 lust. -MI
1990 Honda RC30 for sale on Craigslist
From the seller:
Very rare 1990 Honda RC30– In storage for last 14 years.
– 13,687 miles.
– Includes race fairings.
– Engine turns over.
– Sold as is.$20,000 firm.
Spoke to the seller and under the damaged faring on the right hand side one of the engine cases is cracked and seeping oil, do not know where it was originally purchased but apparently not one of the CA spec bikes. Hope to get some pictures without the fairness on. Any thoughts from the RC gurus?
This example is so poorly presented, so lacking in critical information, that I don’t know where to begin. Craiglist to market and RC30- really? Is it an ex race bike (the included race bodywork says yes) or not (the stock appearance says no)? “Engine turns over. Sold as is”- words you don’t want to hear when looking for a bike like this- this is no $4K CBR600!
RichAZ- does “engine case cracked” specifically mean the clutch side cover, or the actual engine case? The former is easily fixable, the latter is a deal killer. What are the chances that you’ll clean the carbs and throw in a battery and ride it off with no hidden issues or surprises? I wouldn’t bet my own $20K on that happening. While it looks stock and complete in the few pictures, it demands a full, honest disclosure and a thorough inspection inside and out by someone who knows RC30s to determine the true story. This could be a decent deal, or it could easily end up costing the next owner more in time and money than current market value for a no-excuses example.
I’m not going to find out.
Sadly he was not specific as to which case was cracked, and looking at the pictures it does not rule out either case.
Hmm, only about 30 min from my house!
Hey Sixth and RichAZ ….all good points . Personally for me to speculate would be to no avail on this one . My best suggestion would be to say to Butchershook to go check it out in person . Pick the sellers brains and report back here (please) . You are local and the best eyes on the ground . The oil leak and cracked case as it were could be scary if more than just a cracked clutch cover as everyone has so far covered . Also 20 K firm without proving it runs is a bit ”dreamy” on his part . I look forward to more news on this…….
C’mon people ….wakey ….wakey here ! 5 comments here only and everybody shrivels up and dies . It is an RC30 for Petes’ sake ! I know it’s the summer but usually there is more bnanter than this . Look alive people !
Bottom line is who wants this POS. Case in point: I am looking for a RC30 to keep forever and am not too concerned with price but insist on perfect condition. Once a bike like this is not original it becomes just another used bike.. Better to wait on a perfect one that this POS.
WHITERABBIT….seeing that you are after a perfect RC30 and you are not so concerened about price,I am happy to say that I have located your bike.The Bike Specialist,in the U.K.,has your bike waiting for you.It’s 44,000 POUNDS,but that shouldn’t matter.Let us know all about it when it arrives.
whiterabbitt here is the URL for the bike in the U.K., straight out of the box with Zero miles and all the factory goodies;
http://www.thebikespecialists.com/honda-rc30-rk-0-miles-concours-the-ultimate-rc30-uk-bike-in-sheffield-for-sale-3028757
at £43,980 G.B.P (@ $73,000.00 U.S.D at a rate of $1.66 to £1.00). If you like this one perhaps you could pass me the details of any you find with a few more miles a complete history and not quite such a lofty price tag. Regards
I would be more then happy to go check it out and get some details on it and pick his brain. However I have 13 beef and 18 hogs to slaughter friday morning then its off to TN for a weeks vacation. If its still posted after the 4th I will check it out.
Butcher, could you disassemble the engine and check to see if everything is ok? Imagine finding a replacement engine for that.
You can get an aftermarket replacement clutch cover from Germany if that’s all it is. But, I’d be afraid it was dropped and left running on it’s side. Doesn’t look like it was crashed hard from the pics.
Thanks Butchershook . It will be nice to get your feedback and observations since it is local for you . I am sure the bike will still be for sale with all the possible question marks and red flags being raised here with regards to its true condition . Then we will have more info than just mere speculation or what the seller”claims” .
P.S. BTW to all I apologise for my rant if anyone saw it . I am just tired of the friggin’ spammers that use this nice bike site amongst a few others to ”spam” their bullshit which has nothing to do with bikes at all . They just use our (these) sites as they can make up a user ID and spew their spam for free . . Thx for listening as you guys are cheaper than a psychiatrist . 🙂
The spam has been especially bad all of the sudden. No apology necessary, we’re all tired of it!
dc
Agreed, sadly what they do doesn’t achieve their objective, they could all use a lesson in SEO/SEM.
Anyway, great site & has anyone here actually had a look at this 30?
Thanks for all of your interest. Bike sold quickly to a very happy buyer.
Congratulations to the seller on this one! Glad to hear that this RC30 is going to a new home.
The bike is currently still in Milwaukee and at The Shop for inspection/repairs. http://www.theshopmilwaukee.com
From the thread appears it’s the new owner who has taken it there. Good friends with the guys who run The Shop and will get an update when they dig into it.
Link to Tge Shop’s Facebook post on the bike.
http://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=889327064414646&id=555529647794391