Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1007261
1994 HONDA RVF750 (RC45) FEATURE P98 Switchgear was sourced from the Honda CBR900RR. Indeed, the existence of the CBR900RR Fireblade was somewhat of an embarrassment to Honda, as this relatively simple (and affordable) in-line four could give the RC45 a serious run for its money. The RC45 was inevitably compared to its predecessor, the compact and nimble RC30, but in appearance at least, it seemed bigger all around. Whereas the RC30 perched its rider over the front, the riding position on the RC45 was more relaxed and contemporary. The seat height was 50mm lower, as was the center of gravity, which was central to Honda's aim to get the new machine to turn into corners with more precision and less rider effort. From the beginning of Honda's IN THE SADDLE OF HISTORY I had a poster of the RC45 all through my high school years. It's a bike I've lusted over, dreamed about, never thinking I would get the chance to even sit on one, let alone ride one. For me, the RC45 is a mythical machine, steered by legends like Slight and Edwards, and I'll admit I was scared it would disappoint in a "don't meet your heroes" kind of way. I'm glad, this time, I was wrong. There are several highlights when riding an RC45, but none, absolutely none, tops hearing that gear-driven-cam V4 at full song. It's a flat, droning roar, so far removed from any V4 since this bike came to market. But there's a problem with the 45 in that Honda was greedy. Power is not what you'd call dazzling and you'll feel all of the RC45's claimed wet weight of 463 pounds with a full tank. The RC45 isn't slow, but its top-of-the-heap power of 1994 makes you realize just how far we've come in the 25 years since. Modern Supersport 600s will run rings around an RC45. Despite the lack of outright power, the motor is incredibly smooth in its delivery for a bike with a primitive, 25-year-old fuel-injection system. There's a bit of hesitation from a closed throttle, but I've ridden bikes with 2018 badges on them who have worse FI systems purely because they have to meet modern emissions standards. This was not an issue with the RC45. The power builds The 16-inch front wheel was outdated by the time the RC45 came to being. Stunningly simple. The instrument cluster of twin analog gauges reminds you this is a 25-year-old motorcycle, even if it doesn't feel it. Watching the tacho needle swing up in unison with the V4 song is exhilarating. The RC45 is small, tight and oh-so-low, and makes not much sense unless you're really hammering it. But when you are, it's pure joy.