“The great Japanese superbike that proved that their motorcycles were as good and actually better than those from Europe. This early-production model was imported from Japan and has the Japanese stickers and details of the first production versions.” -Adam Lindemann

The Honda VFR750R, better known by its internal designation of RC30, was designed to satisfy homologation requirements for international World Superbike racing. Built from 1987 to 1990, just 4,782 examples were produced, all fitted with one of Honda’s most memorable engines. The 748 cc V-4 is equipped with titanium connecting rods and utilizes gears to drive its four camshafts. Each engine was built by hand to the exacting standards of a race bike, before being fitted to the RC30’s aluminum twin-spar frame. Cooling was handled by two radiators that were placed above and below the front cylinder head, a design that demonstrated Honda’s commitment to keeping the bike as compact as possible. Perhaps the RC30’s most notable feature is a single-sided rear swing arm and rear wheel that is attached with a single nut, offering easy wheel changes in endurance racing conditions. The bodywork is hand-laid fiberglass and mounted with racing-style Dzus fasteners.

The VFR750R was put to good use on the race track, and Fred Merkel won the Superbike World Championship in 1988 and 1989 aboard an RC30. However, it is the road-going version that has become legendary, offering the kind of transcendent riding experience that only a homologation special can provide.

This exquisite RC30 was purchased by Adam Lindemann in 2020, after it was discovered in a motorcycle shop in Japan by Larry Morris of New York City Motorcycles. The RC30 carries a frame number beginning with “1,” denoting it as a desirable first-production-year example built in 1987. Showing under 6,500 km at the time of cataloguing, the Honda presents in exceptional condition, and still possesses Japanese stickers on the tank and windscreen. It is accompanied by service and parts manuals, as well as Japanese export documentation.

The Honda RC30 exhibits all the qualities collectors look for in a blue-chip collectible – rarity in numbers, technical innovation, historic significance, and timeless aesthetics. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fantastic example of one of the most sought-after modern motorcycles in its earliest, purest form.

View the interview with Adam Lindemann

*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1988.