Well, yes? The other day I happened to visit the Aoyama HONDA Welcome Plaza and saw the RVF750 on display there. I’d like to share those photos with you, albeit somewhat casually.
It really does look cool with parts that aren’t sold anymore.
Looking at it now, the shape is rather stocky and compact, but for those of us in the older generation, this is exactly what we think of as the right form. Today’s MotoGP bikes are sleek and look great too, but the stocky, compact style is what really feels right to me.
Is the bottom case made of magnesium? The old-fashioned hinge-type throttle clamp is pretty cool too. And what about the bypass on the outside of the bottom case—does it actuate something during braking? It’s very mechanical and incredibly cool. The inner shape of the brake disc is also an unusual design you don’t see often.
I had this mental image that RVF equals Pro Arm, so it was refreshing to see the swingarm isn’t a cantilever design.
The front brake master cylinder isn’t radial yet, I see. The various parts are made through casting, giving them a flavor that doesn’t exist in modern times. After being satiated by recent full-billet designs, this feels fresh and novel—I’d like to come back for seconds.
By the way, I’m not viewing and photographing this because I have some deep personal attachment to it. I’m visiting to see if the craftsmanship and philosophy of that era might somehow be useful for future ideas.
Things born in an era when materials and tools weren’t as abundant and easy to work with as they are now contain so much wisdom and effort packed into them.
Since a motorcycle is an assembly of parts, looking at each individual component, material, and layout is incredibly educational. I’m truly grateful that they allow us to visit and observe so casually.
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