When the new World Superbike Championship was introduced in 1988, Honda had an issue as its highly successful custom-built RVF750 factory endurance racer (not the RC45) wouldn’t be eligible to compete. So they set out to create a new top-shelf, street-legal, limited edition race bike, producing the minimum number of units required to satisfy homologation rules. Knowing it would only have to turn out a relatively small batch of machines, Soichiro Honda wanted to use the new model to demonstrate what its factory race department was capable of. The result was a no-expense-spared race-grade legend brimming with features previously reserved for track-only machinery. Japan called it the VFR750R, but the bike we fell in love with in America was named the RC30.
At the heart of the RC30 was a liquid-cooled, 748cc, 90-degree V4 engine with four valves per cylinder, gear-driven double-overhead cams, titanium connecting rods, forged two-ring pistons, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, and a “big bang” firing order. Paired with a six-speed transmission with a trick slipper clutch, the sophisticated V4 made 118 hp at 11,000 rpm and 55 ft-lbs of torque at 9,800rpm (unrestricted). The VFR750R had a best-in-class dry weight of 396 lbs and a wet weight of 488 lbs, which was almost 10 lbs less than the game-changing Suzuki GSX-R750. The VFR had a top speed of over 150mph, and thanks to an incredibly high gear ratio, could break 80 mph in first gear. The RC30 got fully-adjustable Showa suspension fore and aft — 43mm telescopic forks up front and a mono-shock out back.
Braking duties went to a pair of fully floating 310mm discs bit by four-piston Nissin calipers in the front and a single 220m unit pinched by a dual-pot caliper in the rear. The bike’s fork sliders also allowed the front calipers to remain in place during wheel changes, a feature that, like the ELF-designed single-sided swing-arm, was born out of competition for ultra-quick pit stops.
The VFR750R (the name given to this bike in other markets) was first released in 1987, though only in Honda’s native Japanese market. The model wouldn’t be offered in America until 1990 — the only year it was officially sold on US shores — despite it being released to Europe and most of the other global markets in ’88. Different markets received different spec RC30s, with some versions getting a little less power. One way in which the American model differed was a red Honda wing in the tank, as opposed to the yellow found in other markets.
This example is VIN: RC302000154.
The odometer shows 100 kilometers (62 miles).
The seller is the original owner, he purchased it new in 1988 from New Zealand and immediately imported it to the United States. He imported and collected Hondas from around the world and is clearing up some space in his collection – he recently sold a 1983 Honda VF750F Interceptor With 267 Miles here on Iconic Motorbikes as well.
Maintenance:
Throughout its life, the bike has made “a few trips to the former Cycle Tune of Torrance, California for fresh oil and checkovers.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, get the fuel tank professionally cleaned, replace the fuel strainer, clean the petcock, install a new battery, rebuild the front brake master, rebuild the clutch master, service the clutch slave cylinder, service the rear brake master and caliper, change the engine oil/filter, replace the water pump, refinish the water pump cover, replace the water pump o-rings, flush the coolant, clean/sync/tune the carbs with new needles and seats, install new intake rubbers, replace some missing nylon bodywork washers, clean/adjust/lube the chain, and detail the bike.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <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: N/A
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 99%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 99%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: ORIGINAL TIRES
Tire Date Code Rear: ORIGINAL TIRES
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.73V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.08V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
-Front: 120/70-17 ORIGINAL TIRES
-Rear: 170/60-18 ORIGINAL TIRES
Notes:
-Fuel tank professionally cleaned
-Harness has no provision for plate light
-Small scratch, front right fork
-Plastic is cracked at mirrors, they operate normally
-No tool roll
-Original tires still installed
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS
-Tires
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Bridgestone Exedra/Cyrox tires with date codes of 437 and 467.
The sale includes two keys and the OEM rear stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration current through July 2026.
Have any RC30/VFR750R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
