1996 Honda RVF750R Type RC45

Registration no. M715 YEX Frame no. RC45 2000234 Engine no. RC45E2000253

• Iconic WSB 'homologation special'
• 18,916 miles recorded
• Current MoT

"The privileged few assure us, it rides like a magic carpet, turning, braking and tug-tug driving with an aloof deliberateness that is unimpeachable. The fastest two-wheeler on every road? The RC45 comes close." – Bike magazine.

Replacement for the exotic VFR750R (RC30), the RVF750 (RC45) was another racer-for-the-road and even more exclusive. Like its illustrious predecessor, the RC45 was a thinly disguised, limited edition, 'homologation special' intended to provide Honda with the means to win the World Superbike Championship, a feat it achieved in 1997 with American John Koscinski riding.

Although clearly related to the RC30, the RC45 took development to the next level, there being scarcely a single component that had not been carefully scrutinised by Honda technicians with a view to improvement. Developed jointly by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Honda R&D, the engine remained a 90-degree V4 with gear-driven cams, but was an all-new, more compact design featuring simplified camshaft drive, narrower valve angle, beefier clutch, and PGM-FI electronic fuel injection. A maximum power output of 120bhp was claimed for the standard road version, while in excess of 150bhp was attainable with the factory tuning kit. Basically similar to that of the RC30, the frame consisted of a combination of aluminium castings and extrusions supporting the familiar single-sided swinging arm at the rear. At the front however, the conventional forks had gone, replaced by a set of cartridge-type 'upside-downers', while braking had likewise been improved courtesy of Fireblade callipers and NR750 discs.

Hand built on a special assembly line at HRC, the RC45 was necessarily expensive; at a fraction under £18,000 when launched it cost over 50 percent more than a Ducati 916! Its high price and rarity ensured that the RC45 would achieve the same iconic status as the RC30, becoming equally, if not more, collectible.

This RC45 was purchased by the vendor some 18 months ago, the previous owner having owned the machine since 2001. Currently displaying a total of 18,916 miles on the odometer, this collectible modern Honda is offered with current MoT and a V5C document.