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Honda RVF750R RC45 motorcycle review - Riding

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Honda RVF750R RC45 (1994-99)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Honda RC45 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	749cc
Power	120bhp
Top speed	160mph
Insurance group	17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Like the race version, Honda's road-going RC45 doesn't quite hit the spot, but it's still an impressive piece of exquisite engineering. As the ultimate ‘90s Superbike, the Honda RC45 lacks the pure focus of a Yamaha R1, the visceral punch of a Ducati 916 or the exotic edginess of a Bimota SB6R. Also, people might think your Honda RC45 is a Honda RVF400 NC35 from a distance, which is pants really.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda RC45's V4 motor is a beautiful hand-crafted statement of excellence. But 120bhp ( claimed ) just isn't enough to see off opposition like the Ducati 916, Kawasaki ZX7-R or the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade. For £18,300 buyers might have expected the Honda RC45 to be a 190mph racer with lights on it, a real Joey Dunlop TT replica. Close ratio gearbox makes it a pain to ride in town.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Again, the Honda RC45 is so close to perfection, but misses out by having 80s features like a 16 inch front wheel and relatively spindly 41mm forks. It handles impressively, with an uncanny fluidity at speed, but the inevitable march of progress means its overall handling wouldn't seem that advanced nowadays. For the money, you might be disappointed with a Honda RC45.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

What are 1993 Honda CBR600F wheels, mirrors and indicators doing on such an exotic masterpiece? It's a shame that the Honda RC45 wasn't studded with some truly unique, one-off parts to help set it apart from the Honda RVF400 NC35 in particular, and from big Japanese sportbikes in general.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda RC45 is arguably one of the best made motorcycles of all time, the RC45 is typical of the flagship motorcycles made when engineers were still in charge at Honda. Apart from the effects of time, extreme weather, or owner neglect, it's very unlikely that a Honda RC45 will break down or rust to bits. An undoubted classic built to last a lifetime.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Back in the 90s, the Honda RC45 was in the same price as exotica like the Bimota SB7 or the Ducati 916 SPS, but its parts bin styling and average performance didn't make it seem worth the outrageous price tag. Here's a sobering fact; the 1996 Suzuki GSXR750 was 10kgs lighter than the supposedly `exotic' Honda RC45 in fully fuelled up trim. Find a Honda RC45 for sale.

Insurance group: 17

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1994: Honda RVF750R RC45 launched.
1999: Honda RC45 discontinued.

None.

Specifications

Top speed	160mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.1 secs
Power	120bhp
Torque	55ftlb
Weight	189kg
Seat height	770mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	34mpg
Tank range	110 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	749cc
Engine specification	16v, Vee 4, 6 gears
Frame	Twin spar aluminium
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, sompression
Front brakes	Twin 310mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	130/70 x 16
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17

See all Honda RC45 motorcycles for sale

Honda
RC45

0 miles

£22,500

Honda
RC45

10 miles

£37,999

Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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love it

red123

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best bike i v ridden in all my 20years of riding . usuall honda gbox but once ridden well words fail me .

01 January 2008

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evilamnesiac says

Since when did it have cbr600 wheels on it? its got a single sided swingarm ffs!

27 September 2009 17:26

regthehedgesays

rc45 review

as usual mcn manage to contradict themselves. ask trevor franklin his thoughts on the rc45 and compare with the above drivel. any one who has been lucky enough to own / ride one will tell you it is without doubt, one of the finest motor cycles ever made. forget the stats, riding is believing. reggie. x

22 October 2008 18:58

moriwaki says

talkin tripe

as usual in mcn...looks like a 400 ?...{to a numpty} 16 inch front wheel ?...{which are on their way back anyway} spindly forks ? {2mm down ?... did you feel them flexing ?...}cbr600 winkers ?...totally missed the point as usual...Why oh Why do I read it ?.

21 February 2008 21:47