En 2023, the Sunday Ride Classic returns to Paul Ricard on May 6 and 7! On this occasion, the first monsters of the Superbike championship will be celebrated there within the Pro Classic field. How can we not mention the legendary Honda VFR 750 R “RC30” which won the 1988 and 1989 championship. A legendary machine not to be missed under any circumstances.
To Suzuka 8 Hours 1987, the world was not ready for the weapon that was going to be unveiled there. With the presentation of the VFR 750 R, all of Honda's know-how was revealed to the eyes of the motorcycle world. In addition to a splendid design, it featured cutting-edge technology offering exceptional performance.
The reason for its creation was simple: To homologate a fierce track machine. The V4 engine comes from the VFR 750 F, the power of which increases to 118 horsepower – before restrictions linked to regulations in different countries – with other important modifications such as the firing order of the cylinders. Everything else is new; titanium connecting rods, magnesium crankcase and aluminum swingarm developed with
Elf. We are talking here about a racing motorcycle ready to tear up the tarmac, but also available for sale. This is reflected in the price; 84 000 F upon its release in 1988, i.e. 30 000 F more than the
GSX-R, the rival from
Suzuki.
The monster. Photo: Rainmaker47
In the rules of the art, the RC30 is assembled by hand in Honda workshops. For braking and suspension, the golden-winged firm calls on its two historic partners Nissin and Showa to equip the beast, with, of course, high-quality parts.
During the first edition of the world championship
Superbike in 1988, Honda did not miss the boat. With the American Fred Merkel at the helm, the firm won the pilot and constructor title although Davide TardozziOn Bimota YB4, do not demerit. The following year, Merkel did it again and won the competition again, ahead of another Honda RC30 driven by the Belgian.
Stephane Mertens.
Already very recognized, the motorcycle has a track record as long as your arm with, among other things, victories in
Macau Grands Prix 1989 and 1990 thanks to Ron Haslam et Steve Hislop. It is also seen in Tourist trophy piloted by the legendary
Joey Dunlop. Clearly, this is one of the greatest production motorcycles of all time whose mere name still sends shivers down the spines of enthusiasts.
To find out more about the RC30, meet at Paul Ricard on May 6 and 7, 2023 for the Sunday Ride Classic, an unmissable event for anyone interested in motorcycling history.
Sunday Ride
May 6 & 7, 2023
Paul Ricard Circuit
Ticket presale: https://www.sundayrideclassic.com/billetterie
Pre-sale rate €18/day instead of €25 and on weekends €22 instead of €30 to see everything!
https://www.sundayrideclassic.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SundayRideClassic/
Event : https://fb.me/e/3qG7hpvZJ
Big Joey. Photo: Christof Berger GFDL
Cover photo: Nobu
