The History of the Honda V4 Part 5 from Southern Honda Powersports

 

More Performance for theV4 Engine for Suzuka and WSB

1994 RVF/RC45 Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race: T. Okada & S. Hikita

Every year, the top WGP riders fight it out in the Suzuka 8-Hour race, making it the toughest race in the world. The introduction of new Superbike regulations made it necessary to develop a new race-oriented machine with even higher potential, leading Honda to begin development of the RVF/RC45. Like the RC30, the RC45 was specially built to be a base machine for racing. Designed using the latest technology and lightweight materials developed on the RVF750 racer, the RC45's newly designed engine featured PGM-FI (programmable fuel injection) for improved throttle response. The cam gear drive was moved to the right side of the engine, making for a lighter and more compact engine that could be ideally located in the chassis. These modifications boosted the V4-engine's performance to a whole new level. Supersport riders were in awe of the bike, and when fitted with the dual injectors and other special parts, the RC45 became a formidable racing machine. The 1997 WSB championship and multiple victories at the Suzuka 8-Hour were only some of its many race wins.



1997 RVF/RC45 Superbike World Championship: J. Kocinski



 

 

Brilliant Handling & High Comfort in a Pure Supersport Bike

1999 RVF/RC45 Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race: A. Barros

In 1988, four years after the debut of the RC45, the bike was completely redesigned. The newly designed engine was based on the World Superbike power unit and featured PGM-FI and a larger displacement. This all-new engine was mounted in a lightweight new high-rigidity 'pivotless' frame. Loaded with advanced technology developed on Honda's racing RC45, this new VFR delivered a level of performance and comfort never before experienced in a supersport bike. Riders around the world loved it.





1994 RVF/RC45



1994 RVF/RC45 Engine(Production Model)



1998 RVF/RC45 AMA Superbike Championship

In 2002, the engine was further upgraded with Honda's revolutionary variable valve timing system VTEC. Featuring the latest in advanced Honda technology, the new bike was environmentally friendly, more comfortable than ever and featured advanced air management.

 

Whether blasting around the racetrack at high rpm, or cruising comfortably down the highway in the meat of the bike's torque band, the V4-powered VFR was the most sophisticated sports bike of its era. It was the VFR that firmly established the reputation of this unique line of machines. What began as a racing bike of the future in the NR500 became, with constant development, one of the greatest sports and racing machines in motorcycling history. The era may change, but the Force V4 remains the same.



2002 VFR (Production Model)



 

2002 VFR Engine(Production Model)

 

Southern Honda Powersports is your source for Honda Motorcycles Atv's and Side by Sides. We serve Chattanooga and the surrounding states with the best deals on Hondas.

We have financing available on all of our motorcycles, atv's and side by sides so give us a call for the latest motorcycle financing options! Click here to apply.

Southern Honda Powersports, The World's Largest Honda dealer.

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info@southernhonda.com

1394 Workman Rd.

Chattanooga, TN. 37407

1-800-959-5432

 

The History of the Honda V4 Part 4

The V4 Matures as a Race Engine

In 1985, the designation of Honda's V4 powered race bikes changed from RS to RVF, a change indicative of significant technical advances. While the liquid-cooled V4 base engine (such as used in the VF750F) remained fundamentally unchanged, changes in firing order and new 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust systems were featured. For increased chassis rigidity, the aluminium box-section double-cradle frame was changed to a high-rigidity aluminium twin-tube diamond frame. These improvements helped the RVF750 win many important international races, including the Bol'Dor 24-Hour and the Suzuka 8-Hour endurance races. In 1986 Honda released the now legendary VFR750F which was developed based on feedback from the RVF750. This newly designed V4 engine featured a 180°crankshaft, gear-driven cams and more compact engine design. Its impressive performance made it an instant favorite of sportbike riders around the world. The highly refined power unit was used to power many racing machines, including the RVF750. Development continues, and Honda's V4 engines still power winning race bikes around the world.



1989 RVF750 Superbike World
Championship: F. Merkel




1987 RVF750 Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance
 Race: D. Sarron & W. Gardner



1990 RVF750 World Endurance Championship

The Ultimate Racer Replica

Powered by a race tuned VFR750F engine, the RVF750 dominated the Suzuka 8-Hour Race and many others. However, because the TT-F1 regulations required all bikes to be based on production machines, only limited modifications were permitted. "We wanted to enhance the bike's race potential and also provide racers with a machine capable of winning," said an engineer. Unlike the production machines, this new race-spec machine would be specially designed as a production bike that could win races. Designated the VFR750R/RC30, the bike would feature the latest racing technology and be powered by a powerful race-ready V4 engine. Special engine features included redesigned cam drive allowing use of smaller cam gears more suitable for high-rpm operation. Other race-spec features included 2-ring pistons and titanium alloy connecting rods. Chassis features included a single-sided swingarm, a lightweight FRP fairing and everything else needed to make the RC30 the most competitive machine in its class. The RC30s were not produced on a production line and were almost entirely hand-built. The machine debuted in 1987, and in 1988 a superbike version powered by a RVF750 base engine won the Superbike World Championship.



1991 RVF750 Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race

1986 VFR750F AMA Superbike Championship: F. Merkel

Southern Honda Powersports is your source for Honda Motorcycles Atv's and Side by Sides. We serve Chattanooga and the surrounding states with the best deals on Hondas.

We have financing available on all of our motorcycles, atv's and side by sides so give us a call for the latest motorcycle financing options! Click here to apply.

Southern Honda Powersports, The World's Largest Honda dealer.

www.southernhonda.com

info@southernhonda.com

1394 Workman Rd.

Chattanooga, TN. 37407

1-800-959-5432

The story of the Honda V4 from Southern Honda Powersports PART 3

 

 

 



1982 RS1000RW

NR500 Know-How Inspires a New Generation of V4 Sports Bikes
Some may follow in the footsteps of others, but if Honda builds a machine, it has to be special. During the early nineties, when in-line Fours were considered de rigeur, Honda returned to GP racing and　at the same time　began development of a sports bike powered by a new kind of engine. It was completely different from anything offered by other manufacturers — an engine delivering unheard of levels of performance. The roots of this incredible engine can be traced back to the V4 NR500. As one of the engineers said, "Before releasing the bike on the market we wanted to show the world the amazing performance of the V4 engine. So we wanted to win the most prestigious race in America, the Daytona 200." This machine, the RS1000RW was powered by a racing prototype version of the production engine. Although it used round pistons, the 90° V4 engine was loaded with NR500 technology. Even during testing it pumped more than 150PS. During the race, however, the engine's ferocious power and blinding speed proved too much for the tires and it finished in 2nd place. But the potential of Honda's V4 engine was obvious. When the V750 Sabre and Magna debuted they were powered by the world's first* liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 90° V4 engines.
* Honda research

1984 RS750R BOL D'OR & Le Mans 24-Hours Endurance Race: G. Courdray



1983 RS850R




1982 VF750F Engine(Production Model)

 

1982 VF750F(Production Model)

Production V4 Engine Has Ample Race Potential

In 1982, the VF750 Sabre was followed by the VF750F. While its engine had the same output figures as the Sabre and Magna, heavy engine braking caused rear wheel hop, requiring fitment of the slipper clutch designed for the NR500. The VF750F was also the first production bike to feature a double-cradle frame made from box-section tubing. The incredible potential of this machine was proven when racing versions won the Daytona 200 and many other races around the world. The VF750F was followed by a whole line-up of V-Series machines developed in quick succession, including the impressive VF1000R. In 1982, HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) was established and went on to develop many racing machines based on the VF750F. In 1983 they developed the incredible RS850R. This was followed in 1984 by the RS750R, which won the 24-Hour Le Mans endurance race and many other big races. In addition to its impressive power output, the 90° V4 engine layout eliminated primary vibration, was as narrow as a twin-cylinder engine and had its cylinders cast into the upper engine case. The design of this remarkable power unit was both revolutionary and, in retrospect, very rational. It would form the basis for many successful Honda V4 engines to come.

 

1984 VF1000R(Production Model)

                                                 

1984 VF750F Daytona 200

Images and information provided by Honda Motor Co.

Stay tuned for Part 4 of the evolution of Honda's V4 Engine.

Southern Honda Powersports is your source for Honda Motorcycles Atv's and Side by Sides. We serve Chattanooga and the surrounding states with the best deals on Hondas.

Southern Honda Powersports, The World's Largest Honda dealer.

www.southernhonda.com

info@southernhonda.com

1394 Workman Rd.

Chattanooga, TN. 37407

1-800-959-5432

 

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