Please Note: Per customer feedback, Iconic is testing out variable minimum bid increments for this auction:
Between $1-$9,999, the minimum bid increment will be $100
Between $10,000-$29,999, the minimum bid increment will be $250
Between $30,000-$99,999, the minimum bid increment will be $500
Above $100,000, the minimum bid increment will be $1000
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1990 Honda RC30.
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.
In total, only 316 RC30s were sold in the US – and only in the 1990 model year.
Manufactured in December of 1989, this example is VIN: JH2RC3014LM200036. The seller purchased the bike nine years ago.
The odometer shows 8,646 miles. “I’ve put fewer than 400 miles on this bike. The previous owner stated that it had only 7,500 miles on it when they purchased it back in 1995.”
“I purchased this Honda RC30 in 2016 from a gentleman who could no longer care for his collection. Along with the RC30, I also acquired an RC36 and an NF5 RS250—each a special machine in its own right. The previous owner was a passionate Honda enthusiast, someone who had clearly taken pride in preserving these iconic motorcycles. As much as I admire this machine, the truth is its rarity and value have made me hesitant to ride it. It’s a bike that deserves both appreciation and use, and I hope it finds a home with someone who understands and values the legacy of the Honda RC30 as much as I do. It’s a marvelous piece of motorcycling history, and I want it to go to someone who will truly treasure it.”
Maintenance:
“In 2017, I had this bike serviced and tuned by Texas Cycle Center. I have the invoice from the work they performed, which notes the mileage at the time as 8,317. Recently, I changed the oil in preparation for the sale, as well as flushed the coolant and clutch fluids.”
“Unaware of any mechanical issues with the bike. The tires are old — likely the second set the bike has ever had — but I’ve left them on, as I believe they help verify the bike’s low mileage as genuine.”
Modifications:
“This bike is almost entirely stock, with the only exception being braided stainless steel front brake lines.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax tires from 1992 which have aged out.
The sale includes one key, the tool kit, owner’s manual, and OEM stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“There are a handful of cosmetic blemishes, most of which should be visible in the photos. Notable flaws include scratches on the fuel tank and a gouge on the top of the rear tail section.”
Currently located in League City, Texas, this Honda is offered on a clean Texas title..
Have any RC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
