Description
5/6 Update: we forgot to mention in the initial listing that this sale includes an OEM stand:
Additional photos of this Honda RC45 are available here for your perusal.
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 a 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: RC452000106.
The odometer shows 37,026 miles, however true mileage is 5,011.
This RC45 was originally sold in France and was equipped with a kilometer dash. The seller is based in England, when he imported it was required to switch the dash to miles per British law. The conversion was done on November 27th, 2019 by GT Motorcycles – they documented the original odometer reading before the swap.
The original odometer is included in the sale, it showed 8,033 kilometers (4,991 miles) at the time of the swap.
The sale includes a dyno run before an after a service done in November 2019. After the service, the bike was equipped with UK model cams, ported heads, and a Yoshimura exhaust. Only torque was measured, and max output was 104.12 hp, 48.90 lb-ft.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us install new grips, change the oil/filter, flush the clutch and brake fluids, rebuild the forks, install a new DID 525 chain, install a new rear sprocket/chain, install a new battery, install new rear brake pads, and install new Bridgestone Battlax S21 Hypersport tires. He also had us pull off the Yoshimura exhaust and replace it with a stock pipe (the Yoshimura is included).
Olly performed the work.
Modifications:
The rear fender has been cut down.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes two keys and the owner’s manual.
5/6 Update: we forgot to mention in the initial listing that this sale includes an OEM stand:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any RC45 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
