Description
This motorcycle is Lot 310 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 12th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 408 are to be sold from 11:00am on Sunday 12th October 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th October 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 310
Only 121 miles from new
1990 Honda VFR750R Type RC30
Registration no. N220 TPH
Frame no. RC30-01LM200177
Engine no. RC30E-2200343
• Iconic WSBK 'homologation special'
• Delivered new to the USA
• Present ownership since 1995
• Off the road since 1996
• Professionally restored to original specification 2020-2025
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.
A desirable full power model (Japanese-market bikes were restricted), this RC30 spent the first few yeas of its life in the showroom of a dealer in Loveland, Colorado, USA. In 1995 the Honda was imported into the UK by Carbon-Tek and purchased by the current vendor who had seen it advertised in MCN. Unfortunately, he fell off it early in 1996, causing light cosmetic damage. The Honda was then consigned to the garage, having covered a mere 121 miles, and has not been ridden since.
From 2020 to 2025 the machine was undergoing restoration at GT Performance Engineering (Stephen A'Lee), the restoration taking longer than expected due to the difficulty of obtaining a US-specification exhaust. A boxed, new-old-stock US exhaust was finally located in late 2024. Before then, the engine had been serviced and started on 11th August 2022. The restoration cost £8, 000, which included buying new forks and many other new parts from Japan. All the related bills, documents and emails are on file. Unlike so many of its kind, this RC30 has not been modified and is as it left the factory; even the tyres are original. It should be noted that the fuel tank is corroded internally; a new tank will be required if the bike is to be ridden and the tyres will need to be changed, which will, inevitably, remove the factory-applied blob of paint on the wheel nut. Offered with a US Certificate of Origin and a V5C.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for all pertinent auction information.
