Description
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 only 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. From day one Honda offered a supplementary race kit for the RC45 – for a very steep price – which was capable of bringing output up to an insane 190 hp.
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 was able to achieve a good deal of success with the RVF750R, with Miguel Duhamel winning the 1995 AMA Superbike Championship and the 1996 Daytona 200, Ben Bostrom nabbing the 1998 AMA Superbike title, in addition to Aaron Slight, Kocinski, Carl Fogarty, and Colin Edwards all securing WSBK wins on the RC45, 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 RC45 (VIN: RC45-1000098) was originally sold in Japan, which is where we imported it from just a few months ago. It is offered with a bill of sale.
The odometer shows 14,180 kilometers, which converts to 8,863 miles.
It features a carbon fiber front fender, aftermarket rearsets, and a Technical Sports Racing exhaust. None of the stock parts are included.
It’s not ideal cosmetically, but it runs great and Adam takes it out every once in a while – like this recent trip to the Rock Store. There are several marks on the wheels and scratches in the bodywork, and we’ve included photos of all known cosmetic issues in the album up top.
We just had the shop go through it, including cleaning the fuel injectors, flushing the fuel tank, inspecting the clutch, and changing the oil.
We thought about restoring it cosmetically – fixing the cracks in the bodyworks and powdercoating the wheels, but now we’re thinking a potential buyer may have other plans such as custom Airtech bodywork, a special paint job, or maybe even aftermarket wheels. Our White Glove Dept can source any of the above and use our full service shop to have it prepped, painted and ready to ride! Or, continue to ride it like it is and have some fun like Adam has been doing. If perfection is what you seek, we’d be happy to restore her as well. No matter your choice, you’ll be one of the few lucky people with a RC45, an Iconic motorbike that continues to appreciate in value.
