While perusing ADVrider the other day, I came across a post by dole555 on the VFR800P (Police). Built off the fifth generation platform, the 800 has been used by police forces around the world for years but are especially common in their homeland of Japan. Dole555 has been researching details on the police version, also known as the RC49. Here's some of what he's dug up:
• Made from 2001 to 2008, stopped production for emissions reasons.
• Models 2001-06 had black mirrors, and 2006-08 had chrome mirrors.
Main differences from RC46 are:
• Engine detuned for peak HP and torque at 1000 RPM lower than stock. (80 HP at 9500 RPM, 50 lb/ft at 7500)
• Delinked brakes.
• Ventilated rear disc.
• ABS front and rear.
• Heavier flywheel.
• Exhaust mounted lower, high bars, forks lowered in the triple.
• Bigger oil cooler (3 rows instead of 2).
• Beefier rear subframe.
• Cutout on the left fairing over the radiator for better cooling. The fan is not inverted, it is still sucking the air in.
• Heat shields over rear cylinders between seat and tank.

2019 is upon us — lots to look forward to; new projects and fresh adventures. It also means that auction season is here, beginning with the big one, Las Vegas. This year Mecum is offering 1750 motorcycles over four days; January 22-27. They're featuring the 235-bike MC Collection of Stockholm, all at no reserve. Bonhams is offering 128 lots on January 24th. No V4's from Bonhams that I found, but Mecum has three from the MC Collection.

1992 NR 750
Estimated at $75,000-100,000 value this is one of only 300 NR's offered to the public. The auction's description notes that the NR once ran over 200 MPH for a full hour on a banked track, a testament to its endurance racing focus. No mileage noted.

1988 VFR750R RC30
This is a first-year model RC30, with only one mile shown on the odometer. Never been started, originally sold in the UK. Mecum's value estimate is $50,000-75,000.

1990 VFR400R NC30
Little brother to the RC30 and looking just as sexy, this little guy could pull 130 MPH and boasted a redline of 14,500 RPM. Never available in the U.S. Its value estimate is $10,000-13,000.

I don't mount & balance my own tires. I used to back in the day when lightweight tires were mounted on skinny spoke rims, but nowadays I pay the 30 bucks and let someone with expensive machines do the grunt work. In my case that's Bryant at Schroeder Performance. About a year ago Bryant bought a homestead in rural Richmond, Illinois, and moved his family and shop onto the property. A man after my own dream.

Bryant's background is in racing bikes, ATVs and snow machines, but his passion is the custom Harley scene. He's been featured in magazines and has a wall of awards to show for his talents, but like most shops, stuff like routine maintenance, including tire changes, keeps the lights on. 

His new shop looks huge to me, but it filled quickly as he moved in. Back in the corner sits the dyno, set up to handle bikes and trikes. On my last visit I strolled around to look over some of the machines. Mostly big baggers with straight pipes, but there was also a Suzuki drag bike, a vintage enduro and even a Magna V4 on one of the lifts.

I'm guessing in his 50's, the gruff voice earned from a lifetime of smoking, Bryant goes about his work at his own pace, one of those small shops hidden around the world churning out great builds with little fanfare.

This V-twin stuff is a whole 'nother universe of motorcycling......
(click on an image to enlarge)

A late Christmas gift arrived in the mailbox the other day from Motorcycle Classics in the form of their latest issue, featuring an article on Honda's RC30. We're treated to a detailed background on the model along with some exceptional photos showing this one-owner restored example from all angles.

The writer, Robert Smith, does a great job of putting the RC30 in its historical context; how Europe's Formula TT and America's AMA Superbike rules changes in the late 70's brought the 750cc class to the racing forefront. Then with the advent of World Superbike (WSBK) in 1988, the stage was set for the the appearance of Honda's entry, the VFR750R. The author goes on to explain the relationship of the various designators — VF, VFR, RVF and RS. And that the RC30 was first envisioned for World Endurance racing, which also had a 750cc limit (for 4-cylinder machines) imposed in 1984.

The RC30 enjoyed a successful racing history but seems to be equally cherished and respected as a beautiful street bike, even though only about 3000 were built worldwide, with 300 going to the U.S. (1990 only). The bike pictured in the article has spent its life in the Milwaukee, WI area and has been exquisitely restored by Retrospeed in Belgium, WI. Visit their site for examples of some stunning work.

What: 1991 VFR750F
Where: Binghamton, New York
Why: 10K miles, well-kept
Price: $4500
​The third-gen Interceptor debuted in 1990 and showcased some of Honda's new tech borrowed from the homologated RC30, most notably the Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm, designed in collaboration with ELF and pretty sexy for the time.

But by 1990 repli-race sport bikes were firmly pointed in the direction of the inline-four engine, and the VFR was gently nudged into the new niche of sport touring, even losing the "Interceptor" name. In the process, the third-generation gained some refinement, comfort and weight. But savvy, real-world riders were willing to pay the premium for what Cycle World magazine would consistently crown as a ten-best. The third-gen bikes (90-93) don't get the respect of the updated fourth-gen, but nice examples still represent the class and uniqueness that VFRs are known for.

This example is presented as an unmolested, undamaged VFR with only 10,478 miles. The seller states that the tank is "outstanding" and the plastics "perfect." The photos back that up, and the Italian Red looks great with the correct gold wheels and very 90's grey seat (seat cowl is included). The asking price of $4500 is double the value of an average 1990-92 example (the white '93 holds more dollar value). Our seller sees the value, but will the buyer?

Offered by J & J Motors in Massillon, Ohio we have four, count 'em, four 2014 VFR800's.

These are zero-mile new bikes, all red, three are standard models and one Deluxe. The standards are listed at $4490 (+ $380 destination) and the Deluxe at $4990 (+ $380). Considering the original MSRP prices were $12,499 and $13,499, these represent some super discounts. The bikes are also listed on eBay with slightly different pricing.

If you've been on the fence with a gen-8 purchase, here's your chance!

What: 2014 VFR800
Where: Menomonie, Wisconsin
Why: The latest VFR for great money
Price: $4995

Mired in the grip of the Wisconsin tundra, AIR Tec Sports is offering this used VFR800 (standard model) for only $4995. Their own website prices it at $5995, so this Craigslist ad must be a winter special.

No matter, 'cause this is a proper bargain. Showing just under 24,000 miles this one comes with factory saddlebags, fresh tires, fresh service and a Two Brothers slip-on muffler. Get it while it's hot...or, in this case, cold.

Coordinating furniture, sure. Matching dinnerware, of course. But color-coordinated bikes? ADVrider Tbusa thought it would be a great idea, apparently. Pictured are his 2014 Interceptor and ex-cop ST1300. The ST has to be the cleanest police bike conversion I've ever laid eyes on — looks like it's on a dealer's showroom. Then again, taking a look around this guy's garage, I can see that he's a perfectionist. Nice set of V4s.