Totally agree. Everything about it just looks right. Simply beautiful - just a bit out of my price range these days! I still have the first bike I bought when I passed my test - a VF500 F2. And I still love it 😊
Amazing days, the bikes we all thought we could (sort of) own, but with real carters riding them to the limit. What a great time to, to be a fan track side. Thank you for bringing a modern day thoughts to the party.🤩
I'd been looking for a year. After this review I made a deal on a US 49 state model with 7k. I have spoken to the previous owner and his tech. The bike arrives on Tuesday. It's certainly motorcycle art. I can't wait to ride.
I worked for a honda shop threw the 90s it was 1 of those bikes tht was ahead of its Time. & like u said it helped change the game in superbikes. I bet it was a Great Ride. with a smile on your face the hole time. 👍
Great to see that you're enjoying the experience with the rc30 what a beautiful motorbike,, thank you for the video from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated 👍👍👍☘️☘️☘️☘️
Someone earlier said that your video didn't do the RC30 justice. And while I'll agree, it's not because of your presentation. Without utilizing the other senses, there's no way to match what it's like actually riding it. But you did a damn good job expressing it with what you had. And boy did it bring back memories. I was fortunate to have a friend that bought one, actually two, but the other was a retired racer for parts. But he was generous enough to cut me loose on it one afternoon, and it was everything you described and more.
Unfortunately my pockets only allow me to own a 1990 nc30, which is amazing fun to ride. I enjoy riding it more than my cbr600rr any day of the week. I can only imagine what it would be like to ride and own a rc30. Great review. Long live the rc30❤️
Ha ha isn’t it strange. I’ve got a CBR600RR also but have a 98 GSXR600, and I love the Suzuki more! I think the rider in this video summarizes the feeling that old school bikes give that new ones don’t. Very different for sure, personally I like the mechanical or maybe natural engagement that the rider has with a bike that a lot of the older bikes provide. It’s a little bit more intuitive, the rider has to be making the decisions based on pure feel and feedback. Sadly where current motorcycles are removing that, not a bad thing just different.
Thank you for making us relive this beautiful time when motorcycles were still motorcycles and you had to know how to ride so as not to wallow. This fabulous RC 30, worthy descendant of the CB750 k0, although much more powerful and faster, was still a real motorcycle worthy of the best riders. Today motorcycles have their character in the violence and some of them go faster than a boeing at takeoff. Not everyone is called Agostini, Mike the bike, Freddie Spencer, Jarno Saarinen, Michel Rougerie, Patrick Pons, Jean-Claude Chemarin, Renzo Pasolini, Mick Grant, Yvon Duhamel, Phil Reads, Mike Doohan, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola (a fabulous rider!) and other great American and Australian riders like Jack Findlay! Sorry for those I forget here but who remain in my heart! And sorry for going back in time long before the arrival of this Lady RC30! This is my way to pay tribute to the manufacturers and riders who made us love motorcycling so much. I had 23 road bikes and 2 TZ 350 (circuit) and I loved them all! A big hello from France...Without breaker
Excellent recap of the history of the V-4 bikes, and great history of the RC. My big regret in my biking life was passing on buying a leftover RC30 in 1991 for $10K USD, and instead bought a CBR600F2, due to the cheaper price; a great bike but no RC.
Never get tired of watching an RC30 being passionately ridden on the open road. I feel the same nostalgia when bringing out my very special RC15 on those magical days. Hail the Honda V4!
The RC30 is my al time favourite motorcycle. Unfortunately I’ve never ridden one as they are becoming priceless. I owned a 92 NC30, incredible bike, so smooth and easy to ride fast and the 400 looked like a 9,5/10 scale model of the RC30. Now I own a 94 RC36. Great bike, but I still miss the unique sound of the 360 crankshaft. I must say I’m 15% happy and 85% jealous on you for riding an RC30, well at least 10% happy........nja.... let’s make it 1% happy and 99% jealous... Thanks for sharing!!! Cheers!
I had the privilege of seeing and hearing one close-up accelerating away with it's butterfly valves fully open from a motorbike shop in the '90s. Never forgot that. I hope it'll be etched in my memory forever. What a lucky bastard that owner was.
I was lucky enough to have had a 1990 RC30 if only for a short while in the UK back in the mid 90's. Still easily the best bike I have ever ridden and best looking. I have also owned modern litre sports bikes.
I am fortunate enough to own an RC51 (SP1) from new (2001) and I adore that bike. I am watching this video thinking, WOW, that bike looks even more fun than the SP1. I would love to own one, but even riding one would be an absolute privilege! Excellent video!!
I had the pleasure of riding one for a couple of days on UK roads in the mid 90's. It's still my favourite all time bike and I have ridden lots of super sports bikes, old and new. It was certainly not the fastest, but I just cannot explain the quality of the whole experience. They looked amazing back then and still now. They are crazy money, so I could never own one. Still happy to have ridden one though.
It's hard to put into words just why the RC30 is so good, but you succeeded for the most part. What you learned in testing it is what only an owner knows: that they're so much better than the sum of their parts. And they only feel better the faster you go. Had you taken it beyond half revs you'd have experienced another whole level of composure. I bought mine as a dyed-in-the-wool Ducatisti, and it turned my head completely - I found it was/is simply on another level as an A-road blaster. And after a decade of riding (WSB-winner) Ducatis, they were all sold. That was 15 yrs ago, and in the years since then I've still ridden nothing that comes close to the RC.
Something about the 1990-2000 bikes, they are just so magnificent! They were beautiful! From the Honda RC30 the VFR series, to the 98 Suzuki GSXR 750’s, and of course the 1997 Kawasaki ZX7R’s - some of the sexiest bikes in the world.
Great review as well, I love my 94 vfr750, can only dream of how nice that rc30 must be. I agree that not having the cpu aids make things more interesting for sure. What a bike :)
I remember seeing one of these for the first time in a dealership in Northampton England. It was like nothing else on offer in '87-88. I have always lusted after one but never quite managed it. Like you said that smooth V4 power delivery with no peaks or troughs in the power curve. (A tuning monster). I did have a Suzuki GSXR 750 RR which had good elements but could never compete with one of these. In my opinion the finest super bike ever made!
The RC30 is my al time favourite motorcycle. Unfortunately I’ve never ridden one as they are becoming priceless. I owned a 92 NC30, incredible bike, so smooth and easy to ride fast and the 400 looked like a 9,5/10 scale model of the RC30. Now I own a 94 RC36. Great bike, but I still miss the unique sound of the 360 crankshaft. I must say I’m 15% happy and 85% jealous on you for riding an RC30, well at least 10% happy........nja.... let’s make it 1% happy and 99% jealous... Thanks for sharing “
I had the use of one of these for a week in 1993 in the UK as a road bike. It's still my favourite bike of all time and I have owned modern litre superbikes. First gear was too tall though for our roads though! It was so balanced and lovely and oozed quality.
If you liked the RC30 that much you should ride a proper kepted NC30 . Basically same bike just in a 400cc package. I have raced or ridden everything from the RC51 down to the RC30 and NC30, those years were honda's special years I think. None of the newer bikes with fuel injection can ever get the feel that tuned carbs felt like. BTW how was your throttle wrist after riding the RC30? Hurt didn't. That bike we never ran it with a return throttle cable because the spring for the butterflies was so strong it never needed it. It would wear your wrist out though being either the track or day ride in the mountains. Oh and your right about the RC45 its a great bike but all the magic was in the RC30 back in those days, hell maybe even today for us older gents. Glad you got to check off another mark on your wish list. Also thanks for filming this and taking everyone including the youngsters for a ride on this bike, Great Job !!!
I had a Tamiya model of this years ago.And a brochure too.Sadly i now have neither.Still my favourite Honda and your video did it justice,much enjoyed it,on some cracking roads too.Great Stuff:)
very much enjoy these reviews of classic sportbikes. Thank you! Please do more. zx7r, gsxr750, 1997 R1. Hell, even up the 2004 zx10r which was batsh*t insane.
I got to ride one back in 1990 at the shop I worked at. The owner brought it in for a state inspection and I begged to ride it afterwards. It felt soooo tiny and light for a 750, I didn’t get to ride it long but I can say I rode a RC30!!
This sitting next to a shiny red "NR 750". Another $100,000+ engineering masterpiece from Honda that was derived from the RC30 and Honda's previous arsenal of V4 gear-driven-cam powered beauties, only with oval pistons and other technological leaps which unfortunately put its production and customer cost way out of reach for most. What a way to compliment each other; both bikes the biggest highlights of my dream garage.
GSXRR May have been the daddy of all, but then came the RC30 and the OW01 followed by the 851 just 3-4 years later.. But, the progress Honda had from the RC30 to the NR750 in only a couple of years was going from Monkees throwing bones into the air to the next scene of living in space..!!! How the hell did they do that..???
Parry Sound Ontario, Sportbike Rally, '88-90. I'm barreling through a left hand sweeper on the 518, heading back to the bbq. There's a fellow in full leathers, sitting on a rock, smoking a cigarette. We stop, walk back, and ask what's up. Then we see the straight line path of knocked down bullrushes going 75 yards through the marsh on the outside of the curve. At the end of it is an RC30, bars straight (more or less), but the forks and wheel are folded sideways, mashed against the front cylinder head. Thank God the guy walked away!
worked for a Honda dealership on the gold coast (Australia) sold them new (not many) lucky enough to get to ride one for a few weeks, definitely a race bike,stock tyres needed heat all the time and needed a personal set up to get it right,but when done a joy..
I've a 2005 VFR 800. What catches my attention about this is how much little effort you seem to be putting in. You're going at an okay pace and yet no signs of exertion at all. Reflects the experience of mine aswell even if it's more sports touring focused. What makes the VFRs so good isn't their outright speed. It's how they can make quite a decent pace seem so effortless, easy and the confidence they inspire.
I remember drooling over one of these when they came out and luckily for her the dealership had her displayed in a plexiglass box so I didn't leave my saliva on the actual bike. That was the only one I think I've ever seen in person. Ugh.
Must be a feature of Honda bikes,the gearboxes are fantastic,my 1000F Firestorm has a very precise shift mechanism,helped by the hydraulic clutch,I also found the box on a friends Fireblade to be very smooth but with a positive click in each gear. Would love to get hold of an RC30!.
While I was waiting for the dealer to prep my 1990 cbr600 for delivery for which I paid $5850, I checked out the lone rc30 which had a list price of $13,990 plus fees. It was beautiful. But waaaaay out of my price league. Several months later at the 1990 Laguna seca grand prix , I noticed a guy pulling into the grass parking area and he proceeded to dump the bike when his foot slipped on the dew covered grass. He bought the bike knowing full well it would attract attention, but I'm sure he never imagined the attention he would receive dumping it in front of dozens of bike lovers.
I remember watching the video, V four victory, yer man hustling through the tt circuit, and he uttered the immortal line, "this bits a bit quick " as he does.
I know not even remotely the same but I've owned the NC30 and NC35 which I absolutely loved so I can only imagine how awesome the RC30 is! Btw, which road is this? Malibu Canyon?
Thanks for the insight into what it’s like to ride one of those Rennie. Great content from a true enthusiast! PS: just got my latest copy of Performance Bikes in the mail and there’s a review of your Tuono Pikes Peak special inside. 👍🏽
Absolutely fantastic bike!! It's always been my all time favorite. I just wish Honda would make an update version, even if it did cost $35,000 it would be worth every penny!👍
It was great to watch that ride unfortunately I never got to ride a RC30 although I did have the 85' GSX-R 750 which also rewrote some of the tech rules at the time , it was a great bike
Owned two of these back in the day and then an RC45 - The 30 was a special bike to ride.. Inlet valve issues on my first one. I still remember how hot my right thigh used to get though. Went to BolDor in 1995 on the RC45. Awesome memories. Traded the last RC30 for an OWO1 . Mistake.
Still one of the best looking sports bikes ever made.
Its is the best .
Totally agree.
Everything about it just looks right.
Simply beautiful - just a bit out of my price range these days!
I still have the first bike I bought when I passed my test - a VF500 F2.
And I still love it 😊
I think it battles with the 916 Ducati for "best looking sportbike of all time."
Nothing modern compares.
@@Jimmy_Watt Totally agree. The 851 and 888 are sexy looking things as well.
Agreed,
Own a (almost) stock 1990 RC30 (US Version). They are a dream to ride, this video doesn't do it justice. Won't be letting it go anytime soon.
The stuff of my 19yr old dreams back in 1990. Still a stunner.
I had a cbr 400 baby blade.. loved that bike age 23 😍
I was lucky enough to own one in 1990, recession was the only reason for the sale of it 😥
@@garymoore3056 😭🙏🏽
One of the greatest bikes of all time. Great video
I'm fortunate to have owned my RC30 since 1989. Still brings a smile to my face like the first day I rode it. Fantastic motorcycle! Roy UK
Amazing days, the bikes we all thought we could (sort of) own, but with real carters riding them to the limit. What a great time to, to be a fan track side. Thank you for bringing a modern day thoughts to the party.🤩
My pleasure, Dave. It was a bucket list ride, for sure.
I'd been looking for a year. After this review I made a deal on a US 49 state model with 7k. I have spoken to the previous owner and his tech. The bike arrives on Tuesday. It's certainly motorcycle art. I can't wait to ride.
Perfectly stated - “you are in charge of your own destiny on an RC30.” This is why older machines appeal to me.
I worked for a honda shop threw the 90s it was 1 of those bikes tht was ahead of its Time. & like u said it helped change the game in superbikes. I bet it was a Great Ride. with a smile on your face the hole time. 👍
Great to see that you're enjoying the experience with the rc30 what a beautiful motorbike,, thank you for the video from Northern Ireland greatly appreciated 👍👍👍☘️☘️☘️☘️
Those rims are sick and the single sided swing arm looks badass
RC30 on Ortega Highway...... You lucky bugger! Awesome.
Someone earlier said that your video didn't do the RC30 justice. And while I'll agree, it's not because of your presentation. Without utilizing the other senses, there's no way to match what it's like actually riding it. But you did a damn good job expressing it with what you had. And boy did it bring back memories. I was fortunate to have a friend that bought one, actually two, but the other was a retired racer for parts. But he was generous enough to cut me loose on it one afternoon, and it was everything you described and more.
Amazing review….. and might be my favourite RC 30
Colour combo.
Love from Scotland 🏴
Unfortunately my pockets only allow me to own a 1990 nc30, which is amazing fun to ride. I enjoy riding it more than my cbr600rr any day of the week.
I can only imagine what it would be like to ride and own a rc30.
Great review. Long live the rc30❤️
Ha ha isn’t it strange. I’ve got a CBR600RR also but have a 98 GSXR600, and I love the Suzuki more! I think the rider in this video summarizes the feeling that old school bikes give that new ones don’t. Very different for sure, personally I like the mechanical or maybe natural engagement that the rider has with a bike that a lot of the older bikes provide. It’s a little bit more intuitive, the rider has to be making the decisions based on pure feel and feedback. Sadly where current motorcycles are removing that, not a bad thing just different.
Thank you for making us relive this beautiful time when motorcycles were still motorcycles and you had to know how to ride so as not to wallow.
This fabulous RC 30, worthy descendant of the CB750 k0, although much more powerful and faster, was still a real motorcycle worthy of the best riders.
Today motorcycles have their character in the violence and some of them go faster than a boeing at takeoff.
Not everyone is called Agostini, Mike the bike, Freddie Spencer, Jarno Saarinen, Michel Rougerie, Patrick Pons, Jean-Claude Chemarin, Renzo Pasolini, Mick Grant, Yvon Duhamel, Phil Reads, Mike Doohan, Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola (a fabulous rider!) and other great American and Australian riders like Jack Findlay!
Sorry for those I forget here but who remain in my heart! And sorry for going back in time long before the arrival of this Lady RC30!
This is my way to pay tribute to the manufacturers and riders who made us love motorcycling so much.
I had 23 road bikes and 2 TZ 350 (circuit) and I loved them all!
A big hello from France...Without breaker
Excellent recap of the history of the V-4 bikes, and great history of the RC. My big regret in my biking life was passing on buying a leftover RC30 in 1991 for $10K USD, and instead bought a CBR600F2, due to the cheaper price; a great bike but no RC.
Thanks, Timothy!
Never get tired of watching an RC30 being passionately ridden on the open road. I feel the same nostalgia when bringing out my very special RC15 on those magical days. Hail the Honda V4!
The RC30 is my al time favourite motorcycle. Unfortunately I’ve never ridden one as they are becoming priceless. I owned a 92 NC30, incredible bike, so smooth and easy to ride fast and the 400 looked like a 9,5/10 scale model of the RC30. Now I own a 94 RC36. Great bike, but I still miss the unique sound of the 360 crankshaft.
I must say I’m 15% happy and 85% jealous on you for riding an RC30, well at least 10% happy........nja.... let’s make it 1% happy and 99% jealous...
Thanks for sharing!!!
Cheers!
What a terrific review and historical perspective. Thank you!
I had the privilege of seeing and hearing one close-up accelerating away with it's butterfly valves fully open from a motorbike shop in the '90s. Never forgot that. I hope it'll be etched in my memory forever. What a lucky bastard that owner was.
I was lucky enough to have had a 1990 RC30 if only for a short while in the UK back in the mid 90's. Still easily the best bike I have ever ridden and best looking. I have also owned modern litre sports bikes.
Wicked great review! What a treat to be able to ride such a legendary bike. Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it.
I am fortunate enough to own an RC51 (SP1) from new (2001) and I adore that bike. I am watching this video thinking, WOW, that bike looks even more fun than the SP1. I would love to own one, but even riding one would be an absolute privilege!
Excellent video!!
Thank you for the post. I forgot how much I loved this bike.
My hat off for the deep documentation ! Thank you
Regards 🇧🇷
och mate,commentary was spot on .Message received loud n clear.
I had the pleasure of riding one for a couple of days on UK roads in the mid 90's. It's still my favourite all time bike and I have ridden lots of super sports bikes, old and new. It was certainly not the fastest, but I just cannot explain the quality of the whole experience. They looked amazing back then and still now. They are crazy money, so I could never own one. Still happy to have ridden one though.
It's hard to put into words just why the RC30 is so good, but you succeeded for the most part. What you learned in testing it is what only an owner knows: that they're so much better than the sum of their parts. And they only feel better the faster you go. Had you taken it beyond half revs you'd have experienced another whole level of composure. I bought mine as a dyed-in-the-wool Ducatisti, and it turned my head completely - I found it was/is simply on another level as an A-road blaster. And after a decade of riding (WSB-winner) Ducatis, they were all sold. That was 15 yrs ago, and in the years since then I've still ridden nothing that comes close to the RC.
They had 1 in a local bike shop nr me when I was around 18 , the guy who bought it , still has it today here in warks England , cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
What a awesome bike. Loved these back in the day. 🙂
Have been a Honda VFR fan for almost thirty years, but I would love to ride the RC30....
Something about the 1990-2000 bikes, they are just so magnificent! They were beautiful! From the Honda RC30 the VFR series, to the 98 Suzuki GSXR 750’s, and of course the 1997 Kawasaki ZX7R’s - some of the sexiest bikes in the world.
Great review of a classic bike Rennie. Hope your well and safe over in the U.S. 👍🇦🇺🍺
Thanks, Flip!
Great review as well, I love my 94 vfr750, can only dream of how nice that rc30 must be. I agree that not having the cpu aids make things more interesting for sure. What a bike :)
I've went from looking at one in a magazine 30 years ago to watching someone ride one in a video !
Those road conditions are damn treacherous!
Great video!
Beautiful bike!
Wow this was such a great video!
Awesome bike back in the day cool number plate btw👍
I remember seeing one of these for the first time in a dealership in Northampton England. It was like nothing else on offer in '87-88. I have always lusted after one but never quite managed it. Like you said that smooth V4 power delivery with no peaks or troughs in the power curve. (A tuning monster).
I did have a Suzuki GSXR 750 RR which had good elements but could never compete with one of these.
In my opinion the finest super bike ever made!
Hehe, looks like video filter straight from the eighties as well! Kept imagining Dave Despain giving the play by play. Great stuff.
The Honda 1000 R is one of the best looking thru time. And Honda has been the most capable motor company on the Earth. Thanks for all the info.
The RC30 is my al time favourite motorcycle. Unfortunately I’ve never ridden one as they are becoming priceless. I owned a 92 NC30, incredible bike, so smooth and easy to ride fast and the 400 looked like a 9,5/10 scale model of the RC30. Now I own a 94 RC36. Great bike, but I still miss the unique sound of the 360 crankshaft.
I must say I’m 15% happy and 85% jealous on you for riding an RC30, well at least 10% happy........nja.... let’s make it 1% happy and 99% jealous...
Thanks for sharing “
‼️‼️ Just a perfect Thumbnail‼️
Brilliant! Thanks for the ride ⭐️
Last tine I was in Japan, a shop in Kyushu had TWO for sale. Both had big sign saying do not touch.
I had the use of one of these for a week in 1993 in the UK as a road bike. It's still my favourite bike of all time and I have owned modern litre superbikes. First gear was too tall though for our roads though! It was so balanced and lovely and oozed quality.
My mate had one and he used to keep it in his lounge!
😍ART..LOL
Great bike man, great bike, great vid! What a memories..
If you liked the RC30 that much you should ride a proper kepted NC30 . Basically same bike just in a 400cc package. I have raced or ridden everything from the RC51 down to the RC30 and NC30, those years were honda's special years I think. None of the newer bikes with fuel injection can ever get the feel that tuned carbs felt like. BTW how was your throttle wrist after riding the RC30? Hurt didn't. That bike we never ran it with a return throttle cable because the spring for the butterflies was so strong it never needed it. It would wear your wrist out though being either the track or day ride in the mountains. Oh and your right about the RC45 its a great bike but all the magic was in the RC30 back in those days, hell maybe even today for us older gents. Glad you got to check off another mark on your wish list. Also thanks for filming this and taking everyone including the youngsters for a ride on this bike, Great Job !!!
I thought those roads looked familiar. Sunny Southern California has some of the best curvey roads in the country. Thanks for the memories.
Still one of my dream bikes!
Ours too 👍
This bike got me into motorcycles when I was a kid. With the single swingarm and the Rothman's livery, it was a thing of beauty.
Wonderful piece!
Thanks, Sarah.
I had a Tamiya model of this years ago.And a brochure too.Sadly i now have neither.Still my favourite Honda and your video did it justice,much enjoyed it,on some cracking roads too.Great Stuff:)
Bought the vfr400 nc30, great sound and looks, still great to ride today,, would love to own a rc30
What a great sound, love the v4 engine
very much enjoy these reviews of classic sportbikes. Thank you! Please do more. zx7r, gsxr750, 1997 R1. Hell, even up the 2004 zx10r which was batsh*t insane.
Great suggestions so many great bikes of the past to review.👍🇦🇺🍺
Mmmm... A 2004 ZX-10R. Yum!
I've got an RC46 which is more of a touring bike than the older VFR's but it's got more than enough power to have fun with
It's a great bike Zach, and the best bike I have ever owned, have fun
I got to ride one back in 1990 at the shop I worked at. The owner brought it in for a state inspection and I begged to ride it afterwards. It felt soooo tiny and light for a 750, I didn’t get to ride it long but I can say I rode a RC30!!
Man that road must be a blast to ride on
Sure was.
Blagged a ride on one, most humbling
Hour on a bike, so much better that
I could ever be
This sitting next to a shiny red "NR 750". Another $100,000+ engineering masterpiece from Honda that was derived from the RC30 and Honda's previous arsenal of V4 gear-driven-cam powered beauties, only with oval pistons and other technological leaps which unfortunately put its production and customer cost way out of reach for most. What a way to compliment each other; both bikes the biggest highlights of my dream garage.
GSXRR May have been the daddy of all, but then came the RC30 and the OW01 followed by the 851 just 3-4 years later..
But, the progress Honda had from the RC30 to the NR750 in only a couple of years was going from Monkees throwing bones into the air to the next scene of living in space..!!! How the hell did they do that..???
Had a couple of Katana 1100s in the 80s. But this was always on the bucket list.
The RC30 is my Dream bike. I currently own a 1996 VFR750F that I plan on turning into a RC30 replica.
It's such a legendary machine.
Parry Sound Ontario, Sportbike Rally, '88-90. I'm barreling through a left hand sweeper on the 518, heading back to the bbq. There's a fellow in full leathers, sitting on a rock, smoking a cigarette. We stop, walk back, and ask what's up. Then we see the straight line path of knocked down bullrushes going 75 yards through the marsh on the outside of the curve. At the end of it is an RC30, bars straight (more or less), but the forks and wheel are folded sideways, mashed against the front cylinder head. Thank God the guy walked away!
I had a VFR700F2, candy blue, it was insane!
worked for a Honda dealership on the gold coast (Australia) sold them new (not many) lucky enough to get to ride one for a few weeks, definitely a race bike,stock tyres needed heat all the time and needed a personal set up to get it right,but when done a joy..
Honda needs to get the gear driven cams rolling again.
I own 2 Vfr’s and that engine sound is 100 stress therapy.
Has to be ridden on track! I remember when they came out. Jaws dropped.
I've a 2005 VFR 800.
What catches my attention about this is how much little effort you seem to be putting in. You're going at an okay pace and yet no signs of exertion at all. Reflects the experience of mine aswell even if it's more sports touring focused.
What makes the VFRs so good isn't their outright speed. It's how they can make quite a decent pace seem so effortless, easy and the confidence they inspire.
I remember drooling over one of these when they came out and luckily for her the dealership had her displayed in a plexiglass box so I didn't leave my saliva on the actual bike. That was the only one I think I've ever seen in person. Ugh.
Still drooling over it
I remember Honda having an all white VFR 700 during this period as well
Such a great era for bikes 👍
Great review of an awesome bike 👍
Was my first dream bike!!!
And I saw you riding it on the lake side ; )
Rennie, the AMA Superbike series began in 1976, with Reg Pridmore champion on a BMW R90S. He repeated in '77 and '78 aboard Kawasaki KZ-1000s.
The prettiest sports bike ever, well maybe together with my black and white RC51 SP2 :D
The Honda rc30 and the Yamaha OW O1 were everybody's favorite poster back then
Must be a feature of Honda bikes,the gearboxes are fantastic,my 1000F Firestorm has a very precise shift mechanism,helped by the hydraulic clutch,I also found the box on a friends Fireblade to be very smooth but with a positive click in each gear.
Would love to get hold of an RC30!.
While I was waiting for the dealer to prep my 1990 cbr600 for delivery for which I paid $5850, I checked out the lone rc30 which had a list price of $13,990 plus fees. It was beautiful. But waaaaay out of my price league. Several months later at the 1990 Laguna seca grand prix , I noticed a guy pulling into the grass parking area and he proceeded to dump the bike when his foot slipped on the dew covered grass. He bought the bike knowing full well it would attract attention, but I'm sure he never imagined the attention he would receive dumping it in front of dozens of bike lovers.
Wow you lucky bogger. This is my favourite bike ever and rc45 lol.
Love the Honda V4s. I own it’s Grandfather and Great Uncle. The 1983 VF750F Interceptor and the 1984 V65 Sabre.
Love the Joey Dunlop tribute reg. plate.
I remember watching the video, V four victory, yer man hustling through the tt circuit, and he uttered the immortal line, "this bits a bit quick " as he does.
I know not even remotely the same but I've owned the NC30 and NC35 which I absolutely loved so I can only imagine how awesome the RC30 is! Btw, which road is this? Malibu Canyon?
Joey Dunlop raced one well made any track rider look like a learner on the road circuits
how would you compare this to the Graves zx4rr you rode ?
Completely different in almost every way. About the only thing they have in common with each other is two wheels and an engine.
brilliant, thanks.
Thanks for the insight into what it’s like to ride one of those Rennie. Great content from a true enthusiast! PS: just got my latest copy of Performance Bikes in the mail and there’s a review of your Tuono Pikes Peak special inside. 👍🏽
Hope you enjoy the article!
This the bike equivalent of a 1994 r32 GTR.
It's just as cool and good as you thought it would be.
This bike set a phantom laptime at the green hell back in the 90’s, i belive the driver was helmuth dane
Absolutely fantastic bike!! It's always been my all time favorite. I just wish Honda would make an update version, even if it did cost $35,000 it would be worth every penny!👍
Unfortunately. Today accountants rule businesses.
@@jeannoelsandrazie1874 very true.
@John LEON Agree. But will it have cult status like the rc30? I doubt it.
@John LEON Reminds me of a road test by Performance Bikes magazine. The tester wrote"Riding one is like an honour",
@John LEON Just check "RC30" promotional video. This is no ordinary bike, this is Honda at it's best. Regards
You lucky bastard 😎
Being that you're state side you may want to acquaint yourself with the RC30, Miguel Duhamel and the AMA superbike series, there's a story there.
It was great to watch that ride unfortunately I never got to ride a RC30 although I did have the 85' GSX-R 750 which also rewrote some of the tech rules at the time , it was a great bike
Your lines on the road are so hopeless. Beautiful bike .
Thanks Paul, next time we should use a real professional like you.
Owned two of these back in the day and then an RC45 - The 30 was a special bike to ride.. Inlet valve issues on my first one. I still remember how hot my right thigh used to get though. Went to BolDor in 1995 on the RC45. Awesome memories. Traded the last RC30 for an OWO1 . Mistake.
Love my '83 VF750F, and similar fairing'd '88 CBR400RR
Wouldn't it be great if Honda did a modern "re-issue" of this?
But one we could afford...
They’d muff it