Photo ou archives : M. Montange
3703
HONDA
VFR 750R (RC30) -1988
Born to race
Alongside Italy's Gilera and MV Agusta, Honda of Japan perfected the four-cylinder racing engine in the post-WWII years. And while Gilera and MV retired from racing in the late 1950s and 1960s respectively, Honda is still going strong with new generations of fours. The early fours from the Italian and Japanese marques set four cylinders inline across the frame. The current world-winning power plant design is a V-4 mounted transversely.
From Chain to Gear Drive
The first Honda V -4 was used as motive power for the VF750S, which turned out to be a disaster for the film. This was followed by the VF750F of 1983, called the Interceptor for the US market. But the chain-driven camshafts of these early V-4s plagued the cycle until a gear drive for the cams was devised to replace the chains. From this new engine emerged the VFR750 and RC30.
Endurance Racing Replica
The RC30 was a limited-production, special edition motorcycle built as a 750cc replica of Honda's winning factory endurance racer. The four-stroke 750cc was followed by a
smaller sibling, the NC30 with a 400cc limited-edition performance engine. With a liquid-cooled engine, cast aluminum double-beam frame, upside-down front forks and single-sided rear swing arm, the RC30 was the best motorcycle money could buy.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 748cc (70x48.6mm) liquid-cooled Vfour
four-stroke
Power Rating: 100 hp/11000 rpm
Valves: overhead-camshaft, four valves per
cylinder
Fuel System: carburetors
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
Suspension: upside-down telescopic forks (front); single-sided swing arm (rear)
Brakes: twin discs (front); single disc (rear)
Wheels: 17 inch
Weight: approx. 425 lb
The Honda RC30 is without doubt the best motorcycle. available on the market - but at a price that more than matches its value and exclusivity.