Believed ex-Robert Dunlop; 1989 Macau-Grand Prix-winning, 1988 Honda VFR750R RC30

Engine cylinders inscribed 'T. Scott'

This machine is believed to be one of the Honda RC30s campaigned by the late Robert Dunlop in period, reportedly in the colours of sponsor P J O'Kane, and is reputed to be associated with his Macau Grand Prix victory in 1989. This motorcycle's history has been compiled from conversations with in-period participants and subsequent owners, establishing a credible chain of ownership.

It is reported that Robert Dunlop sold the RC30 to an unknown rider who is understood to have campaigned the motorcycle in Dutch Superbike competition. It subsequently passed to Peter Rogers of Windsor Motorcycles, a recognised RC30 specialist in period.

Circa 1992, the Honda was acquired by Irish racer Robert O'Neill, who raced it domestically. Mr O'Neill recalls that the machine was supplied with a Tony Scott-prepared engine - consistent with this machine, whose cylinders are inscribed 'T. Scott' (the HPi records the original engine number as RC30E2000168). A repaint during Mr O'Neill's ownership revealed P J O'Kane's distinctive green livery beneath later paint layers, supporting the bike's reported identity.

Mr O'Neill further recalls that he was informed at the time of purchase that the motorcycle had been raced by Robert Dunlop. Following subsequent enquiries with Joey Dunlop, he was advised that a logbook existed confirming the machine's identity; he recalls briefly seeing the V5 trackside, although it was not ultimately collected.

The Honda was later sold to Paraic Dooley, who is reported to have finished 2nd in the All-Ireland Clubman's Championship in 1995, before passing to Brian Carey (following minor crash damage), and subsequently to the current vendor. A well-known Irish RC30 collector, the vendor restored the motorcycle to its original P J O'Kane livery, retaining areas of original paint where possible, and has since used the machine for parade and display purposes.

On file is a period photograph of the motorcycle during Mr O'Neill's ownership, supplied via email, together with first-hand email correspondence supporting the above history. Of particular note, the frame number 'RC30-2000127' also appears on an auxiliary identification plaque fixed to the ex-Joey Dunlop factory RC30 (frame number 'RC30-2100334') previously sold by Bonhams. This suggests that the Dunlop brothers may have utilised shared or transferable identification for carnet or registration purposes for their respective machines during international competition. The HPI report shows no change of ownership since this motorcycle was first registered on 28th March 1988.

No definitive factory or race-entry documentation has yet been located to conclusively confirm the machine's use by Robert Dunlop. Accordingly, the machine is offered as 'believed to be the Honda RC30 campaigned by Robert Dunlop in period, reportedly including his win at the 1989 Macau Grand Prix'. A replacement V5C has been applied for by the vendor; however, at the time of cataloguing, the motorcycle is offered without accompanying registration documents.