1990 Honda RC30
To the casual observer, the 1990 Honda RC30 motorcycle appeared to be just another player in the trendy crop of fiberglass-bodied sportbikes.
Motorcycle Image GalleryBut to those in the know, it was nothing short of a thinly disguised racing machine. Released to the Japanese market in the late 1980s, American enthusiasts had to wait until 1990 to get their hands on an RC30.
Even then, a lofty price and limited availability made a 1990 Honda RC30 motorcycle a rare sight on public roads.
Though the 750-cc, double-overhead-cam V-4 produced "just" 86 horsepower--not a class-leading figure for 1990--it contained race-inspired components such as titanium connecting rods that reduced reciprocating weight.
Out front, the wheel and brake pads had quick-release mountings that smacked of racing influence. Likewise the rear wheel, which carried a brake disc to the inside, a chain sprocket to the outside of a single-sided swingarm, and attached with a single lug nut.
Yes, the RC30 may have looked like just another sports machine, but as we all know, looks can be deceiving.
See the next page for more pictures of the 1990 Honda RC30.
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1990 Honda RC30 Pictures
With race-inspired components and 86 horsepower, the 1990 Honda RC30 was a racing machine in the guise of a sportbike.
High price and limited availability made the RC30 a rare sight on public roads.
nearly eclipse the front wheel.
As on a real race bike, the seat was designed for one.
Locking covers in the tail section hid a storage area.
For more great motorcycle articles and pictures, check out:- Classic Motorcycles
- How Motorcycles work
- Honda Motorcycles