Lately more appropriate to a Bonhams or Mecum stadium event than an online auction, the very collectible RC30 appears here claiming just one previous owner and 4,809 miles. The sparkling condition and reasonable* asking price makes it possible this listing will end early.
1990 Honda VFR750R / RC30 for sale on eBay
Honda built the 748cc V-4 with the Superbike World Championship in mind, and the big bang 360-degree crank opened an interval for correction mid-corner. A generation before traction control and 3-axis reference systems, the factory slipper clutch eased downshifts. Showa provided adjustable forks with quick-release axles, and matched the single-sided swingarm’s quick tire changes. Brakes are right-sized at 296mm, and the rear caliper has linkage designed to reduce wheel hop.
Not sure where this RC30 has been all these years, but it’s shown with Oregon tags by an eBay specialist with a bunch of other neat bikes on offer. Spotless and seemingly original right down to the DOT reflectors on the front forks. Comments from the eBay auction:
This RC30 hailed from a small, but discerning collection of cars and motorcycles. The original owner covered a mere 4,800 miles in just about 30 years. Regularly maintained since new, the bike runs and rides like new.
This legendary machine is offered in excellent condition throughout. The engine starts readily, idles smoothly and has an abundance of power. AN ABUNDANCE! The bike is fast with a long first gear, that doesn’t launch you from a standing start, but winds on power for what feels like an age. The clutch is silky-smooth and brakes and suspension are near perfect. Tires are in very good condition.
There are negligible blemishes in the paint finish around the bike, mainly at the bottom of the fairing, and there are no dings. All body panels are original, and the tank is totally free of blemishes and scratches/dents. Seat is excellent as is the rest of the bike. The bike is accompanied by a clean, clear title, books and manuals, spare key, and a full set of completely untouched tools. There is also a matching hand-crafted tank bag.
Honda took the first two years of the championship with Fred Merkel, and three if you look at the manufacturer’s ranking. Most of us will just have to wonder what it was like, to be in the points so consistently, on a Castrol purple machine. Lightness, power, and build quality all played their role. The motoring press ran out of superlatives almost as soon as the limited edition was gone. Cherry though not a museum piece, the next owner could sample the RC30 experience before the spotlights beckon.
-donn
This is the California model, and during these bad economic times, this is not real world pricing.
Oooh la la…a “hand crafted” tank bag!
Never mind the current, if that is true it makes it a lot less desirable and less valuable.
Missing and not mentioned or pictured is the factory rear wheel stand. Every RC30 came with one strapped in the crate- where is it? And more importantly, is this in fact a California model or not? It takes five minutes each to remove the tail section or the fairing lower for pictures, you’d think a seller would do that to present a $41,000 motorcycle.
The safety wire on the rear sprocket must have a story to tell.
It’s definitely a California model based on the VIN, the 8th digit is a 1, which indicates it’s California. 0 would be 49 state. Lower lift cams, softer valve springs and 500rpm lower redline CDI we’re different from standard.
Be interesting to see how the current virus situation affects collector bike prices. I have a couple I was finally going to put up for sale but decided to wait until things aren’t so uncertain.
Scott H.- Fun fact: every RC30 came from the factory with the rear sprocket nuts safety wired. You’ll see that in every image of an RC30 rear sprocket, check it out. Possibly the original 40T, but most everyone on the street raised the gearing to 43T or more to lessen first gear clutch slip.
I just bought one last year with 2200 miles for $22,000. That was a deal
Could someone verify if the turn indicator switch is correct? It’s looks awkward/wrong to me, and if so why? What bike did it come off of for such a low mile RC30?
Mark, the switch is the correct one.