LOT 201
1990 Honda RC30 Frame no. JH2RC300XLM200128
Sold for US$34,500 inc. premium
Lot 201
1990 Honda RC30 Frame no. JH2RC300XLM200128
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1990 Honda RC30
Frame no. JH2RC300XLM200128
Frame no. JH2RC300XLM200128
• Mythical Honda Supersport model
• WSB winner
• Limited number available in North America
• Model ridden by Carl Fogarty and Fred Merkel
• 7040 miles
One of the modern era's few immediately collectible classics, the Honda VFR750R - better known as the 'RC30' - was created for just one reason: to win the World Superbike Championship, a feat it achieved in the nascent series' first two seasons of 1988 and 1989. And while American Fred Merkel was bringing Honda its first two WSB crowns, Britain's Carl Fogarty used an RC30 to win the TT F1 World Championship in 1988 and 1989, and the equivalent FIM Cup in 1990. No mere short circuit scratcher, the RC30 and its derivatives proved durable enough to win a hat-full of Endurance Classics too. That this latter requirement was also part of the design brief may be determined from the fact that a quick-release front fork and single-sided swinging arm - essential for speedy wheel changes - were part of an unrivalled specification that included a twin-spar alloy beam frame, 16-valve V4 engine with gear-driven cams, close-ratio six-speed gearbox and four-pot front brake calipers. All of which did not come cheap: at the time of its launch in 1988 an RC30 cost near double that of other super-sports 750s. Despite the passage of time and progress of motorcycle technology, the RC30 remains a match for the latest generation of sports bikes but possesses an exclusivity that none of them can approach. "No other bike from the late-Eighties is lusted after like the RC30", reckoned Bike, and few would disagree. And then there's the exhaust note – loud, of course, but soulful enough to bring a pit crew to tears.
The seller is the second owner of the bike. First owner was Nick Helyer who purchased it in Orlando, FL in 1990. Nick was a British gentleman that apparently did some WEC racing in the late 1970s, early 1980s. The bike notably includes the factory stand, owner's manual, tool kit and two keys. A Florida Vanity plate 'Bol d'Or' will also be given to the buyer, as well as a limited-edition Joey Dunlop Arai Helmet.
• WSB winner
• Limited number available in North America
• Model ridden by Carl Fogarty and Fred Merkel
• 7040 miles
One of the modern era's few immediately collectible classics, the Honda VFR750R - better known as the 'RC30' - was created for just one reason: to win the World Superbike Championship, a feat it achieved in the nascent series' first two seasons of 1988 and 1989. And while American Fred Merkel was bringing Honda its first two WSB crowns, Britain's Carl Fogarty used an RC30 to win the TT F1 World Championship in 1988 and 1989, and the equivalent FIM Cup in 1990. No mere short circuit scratcher, the RC30 and its derivatives proved durable enough to win a hat-full of Endurance Classics too. That this latter requirement was also part of the design brief may be determined from the fact that a quick-release front fork and single-sided swinging arm - essential for speedy wheel changes - were part of an unrivalled specification that included a twin-spar alloy beam frame, 16-valve V4 engine with gear-driven cams, close-ratio six-speed gearbox and four-pot front brake calipers. All of which did not come cheap: at the time of its launch in 1988 an RC30 cost near double that of other super-sports 750s. Despite the passage of time and progress of motorcycle technology, the RC30 remains a match for the latest generation of sports bikes but possesses an exclusivity that none of them can approach. "No other bike from the late-Eighties is lusted after like the RC30", reckoned Bike, and few would disagree. And then there's the exhaust note – loud, of course, but soulful enough to bring a pit crew to tears.
The seller is the second owner of the bike. First owner was Nick Helyer who purchased it in Orlando, FL in 1990. Nick was a British gentleman that apparently did some WEC racing in the late 1970s, early 1980s. The bike notably includes the factory stand, owner's manual, tool kit and two keys. A Florida Vanity plate 'Bol d'Or' will also be given to the buyer, as well as a limited-edition Joey Dunlop Arai Helmet.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The engine number is RC30E-2200254.
Additional information
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- 5 October 2019, 08:30 - 11:30 CDT
