Description
Additional photos 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 close-ratio six-speed gearboxes with undercut shift dogs.
The example you see before you boasts quite the competition history. It was originally prepared for endurance racing by Lionel Brancquart of Brancquart Compétition.
In 1999, Team Sud Passion Décomania fielded it (at that time it was number 44) in the Superbike class of the Bol d’Or 24 hours. Together, Dunlop rider Jean-Phillipe Guinand along with brothers Marc Garcia and Bernard Garcia were able to take the bike to a 6th place finish — the best of any Honda in the race.
Then, in 2000, the team entered it in the 24 hours of Le-Mans wearing number 14. With the same three riders at the helm, Sud Passion Décomania secured 5th overall, ranking it both first amongst privateers as well as first amongst RC45s behind Honda’s VTR SP1 works racer.
Come 2010, the bike was repainted in its factory Honda colors.
This example is VIN: RC452100139.
There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the igniter and the rear sprocket. We also detailed the bike. Olly and Steve did the work, they note the following in their condition report:
Tire Life – Front: 100%; Rear: 100%
Brake Life – Front: 80%; Rear: 85%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front: Ok; Rear: Ok;
Clutch: Ok
Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok, Water
Killswitch: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
Modifications:
Reinforced Chaplain frame.
1997 spec HRC privateer twin injection and 38770-NL5-8000 ECU system.
17″ Marchesini wheels.
Termignoni titanium exhaust.
Showa forks with Öhlins internals.
Öhlins shock with 1994-spec HRC 52470-NL5-700 linkage and 52460-NL5-700 tie rod.
Quickshifter.
Oversize radiator.
HRC 1994-spec swingarm.
HRC rear caliper (43100-NL5-701)
Aftermarket triples with adjustable offset.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Superbike tires with date codes of 2520 and 0921.
If the next owner would like to take this bike to the track regularly, we also have some extra spares that can be sold separately – air lift system, sprockets, springs, gearing, etc.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any RC45 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
