LOT 395

1989 Honda VFR750R RC30 Registration no. F89 KMY Frame no. RC30-2100116 Engine no. RC30E 2100143

Sold for £21,850 inc. premium

Lot 395

1989 Honda VFR750R RC30

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1989 Honda VFR750R RC30
Registration no. F89 KMY
Frame no. RC30-2100116
Engine no. RC30E 2100143

• Present ownership since May 2011
• Kept as part of a private collection
• Only some 300 miles covered since acquisition

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 '89 with the American rider, Fred Merkel. Britain's Carl Fogarty used an RC30 to win the TT F1 World Championship in 1988 and '89, and the equivalent FIM Cup in 1990, while the RC30 and its derivatives proved durable enough to win a hat-full of Endurance Classics too. That this latter requirement was 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 £8,499, getting on for double the cost of other super-sports 750s.

This RC30 was purchased in May 2011 when the recorded mileage was approximately 15,300. Kept as part of a private collection and used sparingly since acquisition, it currently displays a total of 15,603 miles on the odometer. On 23rd July 2004 the Honda was recorded as Category D Insurance Loss: Vehicle Damaged But Repairable - Insurer Decided Not To Repair. The machine was subsequently restored, and there was colour change noted on 30th November 2004 from blue to multi-coloured, possibly coinciding with the repair work being carried out.

The accompanying V5C document notes seven former keepers, the previous owner being a Mr Michael Burden of Crowle, who became the registered keeper on 6th November 2004. The machine also comes with its tool roll; a quantity of MoTs; a 2011 tax disc and an owner's maintenance manual.
Offered with key

Footnotes

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Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

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