Description
The successor to the legendary RC30, Honda’s RC45 (or RVF750R) was a limited run homologation special created to help Honda re-establish supremacy in World Superbike. Though it was ridden to back-to-back titles in ’88 and ’89, by 1993 the RC30 had grown noticeably long in the tooth and it was clear that a new race weapon was needed to dethrone Ducati and its mighty twin. Honda’s answer came in 1994 in the form of the RC45.
Like the RC30, the RC45 was powered by a liquid-cooled, 749cc, DOHC, 16V, four-stroke, 90-degree V4, though unlike its carbureted predecessor, the RC45 was bestowed with tunable electronic fuel-injection borrowed from the development of the NR750. The bike also benefited from knowledge and experience gained in Honda’s RVF factory endurance race program. The RVF’s V4 boasted low-friction pistons, ceramic and graphite impregnated cylinder liners, titanium conrods, and close-ratio six-speed gearboxes with undercut shift dogs. The Euro and Japanese-spec RC45s made 118 hp at 12,000 rpm and 56 ft-lbs of torque at 10,000 rpm while the American model generated 101 hp — though the US version could be brought up to the Euro’s 118 via a simple tweak of the PGM-FI box.
Until the RC45, all of Honda’s V4 machines used a consistent bore and stroke of 70mm x 48.6mm, but the RC45 ended that tradition instead using a 72mm x 46mm setup. The RC45 also used gear-driven cams like the RC30, however, the drive was relocated to the side of the engine to allow for a narrower package. Wrapped around the V4 was a twin-spar aluminum chassis that had been slightly reworked with tweaked dimensions and slightly thinner walls. Suspension on the RC45 consisted of upside-down 41mm forks and a gas-charged shock absorber out back paired with ELF’s single-sided swing-arm which was slightly longer than the unit on the RC30. Both ends were adjustable for rebound, preload, and compression. The RVF’s riding position was still sporty but not nearly as hunched over as its predecessor’s, with a 50mm lower seat height.
Honda saw some races success with the RVF750R: Miguel Duhamel won the 1995 AMA Superbike Championship and the 1996 Daytona 200, while Ben Bostrom nabbed the 1998 AMA Superbike title, and Aaron Slight, John Kocinski, Carl Fogarty, and Colin Edwards all secured WSBK wins plus a trio of Suzuka 8 Hour wins in ’97, ’98, and ’99. While Honda’s current flagship supersport is powered by an inline-four, the firm still uses V4 engines in its current crop of MotoGP missiles that can trace than development back to bikes like the RC30 and RC45.
This example is VIN: RC452100047.
The true mileage is unknown, however the odometer shows 532 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Mileage: 532 MI
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: OK
Coolant Quality: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK <1.5% MOISTURE
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK <1.5% MOISTURE
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK <1.5% MOISTURE
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: OK
Parking Light: OK
Turn Signals: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): OK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): OK
Plate Light: OK
Horn: OK
Kill Switch: OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 70%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 1121
Tire Date Code Rear: 0921
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 32PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 34PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.4V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 12.9V
Running Condition: OK
Test Ride Completed: NO
Notes:
• DATA TAG NUMBER ETCHED IN MIRROR
• MAY NOT BE TRUE MILEAGE
Modifications:
Micron slip on exhaust.
Goodridge steel braided brake lines.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzler Sportec M7 RR tires with date codes of 0921 and 1121.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Please note: While performing our inspection we discovered frame damage on the left side of the bike near the frame slider. Please see the photos of the damage below. For additional photos please see the album.
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Have any RC45 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
