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. 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.
Manufactured in December 1989 this example is VIN: JH2RC3015LM200031. The seller purchased the bike from a private party in May 2025 through an Iconic auction.
During his ownership, the seller covered 719 miles. The odometer shows 15,303 miles.
This bike was originally purchased new in March of 1990 at Champion Motorcycles in Costa Mesa, California. The original out the door sales price was $17,732. In early 2020, the bike was turned over to Jim Granger, a well-known RC30 tuner/painter and overall great guy. Jim went through the entire bike: jetted it correctly, adjusted the valves, and flushed the fluids/tank. Back in 2020 Steve the Professor (our head wrench) rode it on a ride to the Rock Store, both Adam and Abhi also took it for a spin. Each one of them marveled over how well it ran. When we asked Jim as to why that’s the case, and he said that “the California model makes for a better rider than the 49-state model once you pull the smog equipment off and go with the larger jets as the milder valve springs and cam duration is a better fit for road use.” We have to agree, as it runs better than any RC30 we’ve ever tried – we’ve sold over 20 of these and tried several more, including some with HRC parts. This RC30 has no flat spots, it’s great off the line, and it pulls the entire time. Jim did great work with this bike!
The owner joined Abhi for a weekend ride last summer and Abhi filmed a quick riding clip with him, you can watch it here.
Maintenance:
During his ownership, the seller made sure to add engine oil per Honda’s recommendations.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok (<0.15V)
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% moisture contamination)
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: 60%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 75%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 05/25
Tire Date Code Rear: 18/24
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 42 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.6V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.15V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Aftermarket exhaust
-Aftermarket fuel knob
-Coolant residue/buildup around thermostat housing with slight corrosion
-Oil residue on RH rear of engine
Recommendations:
-Fluid Diagnostic
Modifications:
Ladybird titanium full exhaust.
Steel braided lines.
Modified petcock.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Shinko tires with date codes of 1824 and 0525.
The sale includes one key, original owner’s maintenance manual, and some historic paperwork.
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 March 2027.
Have any RC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
