Technical

Model code ‘RC30’, the Honda VFR750R was designed and built for homologation purposes to enter the new for 1988 World Superbike Championship. The bike was built by the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) being first released to the Japanese domestic market (JDM) in 1987, and Europe the following year.

The compact 748cc 90° V4 features gear driven double-overhead camshafts with a 360° ‘big bang’ crank arrangement/firing order. Titanium connecting rods reduced reciprocal weight (but cost 8x more than steel), a single piston-ring to reduce friction coupled to a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox (with tall 1St gear) and slipper clutch were standard.

Standard power outputs were 75.94 hp (56.63 kW) at 9,500 rpm for the restricted Japanese model and 118 hp (88 kW) @ 11,000 rpm for de-restricted models.

With fully adjustable front and rear suspension by Showa, a single seat unit and smaller, lighter rear subframe, gave superior ride and handling characteristics. The front forks had quick-release mountings. With the rear wheel carrying an in-board brake disc and a chain sprocket to the outside of a single-sided swingarm (originally patented by ELF of France), attached only by a single castellated nut and cotter pin, provided for rapid wheel changes, a must in endurance racing. The bike was fitted with a ‘Pro Squat Rear Brake Linkage’ that linked the rear caliper to the frame via a rose-jointed linkage through the swingarm (reducing rear wheel hop under braking).

Chassis-wise, the engine configuration, aluminium beam frame, and low storage position of the lightweight aluminium fuel tank combined to give a low centre of gravity which aided its handling prowess. The hand-built quality were displayed in the RC30’s unique full stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust system, hand laid fibreglass bodywork, and the colours of its paint finish that has made the RC30 a design icon.