The last glory of Honda V4 - This is a special feature of Honda's superbike RVF/RC45 following No.63. The previous issue featured '94-'97 models, but this issue focuses on '98 and '99 models. In the 1998 model, the pro arm, which had been used for 13 years as a signboard technology that symbolizes Honda's endurance race, was abolished, and a double-sided swing arm was newly adopted. Furthermore, the '99 model, which was the final model, adopted a semi-dry sump aiming to improve engine performance such as higher output. While also recording the '97 model for comparison, we will draw the inside of the Suzuka 8 Hours 3 consecutive victories from '97 to '99, and pursue the reason why we adopted a double-sided swing arm. This is a book that thoroughly explains the final model RVF/RC45, which has not received much information so far and the actual situation was almost unknown.

006 Evolution and Transition of Honda V4 Machines 1983≫1999

010 Interview - Yoshishige Nomura, Managing Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

016 THE SCENE from scenes Suzuka 8 Hours 3rd consecutive victory 1997≫1999

048 Machine Gallery

058 THE SCENE from scenes All Japan Championship Superbike 1997≫1999

064 Technical Review

084 1997-1999 RVF750 Specifications List

086 THE SCENE from scenes Superbike World Championship 1998≫1999

090 Interview 1997-1999 RVF/RC45 Development LPL Shuhei Nakamoto

094 Another RVF/RC45, an amazing factory replica

First, Mr. Yoshishige Nomura, who was the leader of the engine design project at the time and is currently the chief executive of Honda's motorcycle business, appeared. It is a very valuable project that talked to the media for the first time about the RVF/RC45's efforts to continuously increase the output of the engine, which had not been talked about much until now.

The race report depicting the three consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victories from 1997 to 1999 was made by former riders Shinichi Ito and Toru Ukawa, who won two consecutive victories in 1997 and 1998 as Japanese pair. The pages are expanded while interweaving the testimony that looked back on those days. This is also a rare editing project that has never existed before.

In the technical commentary, the details of the double-supported swingarm, which had many mysteries, are explained in detail using illustrations traced from drawings. The engine also posted drawings and parts diagrams that had not been published until now. This project was realized through full cooperation between Honda Headquarters and HRC.