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VFR750FL-P (RC36) Model Info

The original VSource.org VFR750FL (in high-speed Euro-tour mode)

The current VSource.org VFR750FP (caught relaxing recently in the Swiss Alps)

The current VSource.org VFR750FP (in mid-Laser-underseat-conversion mode)

History

The RC36 evolution of the VFR750F was introduced to the public in 1989, and appeared as a 1990 model (L) in dealer showrooms in the UK in December 1989. Everything on the new VFR was new, and the most noticeable change over the previous G-K models was the use of the Elf-designed single-sided swing arm (The U.S. patent for which has apparently now expired) and "shim-under-bucket" valve adjustment which extended the recommended service interval to 16,000mi. When Honda significantly updated the VFR750F for the 1994 model year, the Honda model number was not changed from RC36. However, the "late" RC36 is sufficiently different from the earlier version to justify its own model info page. Unfortunately, such information cannot be provided here, simply because there is no VSource.org "late" RC36. (All donations will be carefully considered, however!)

There were a few misconceptions about the new L model in the U.S. motorcycle press, both about the 49-state bike and the California version. (Amusingly, the source of the misinformation may well have been American Honda: The model brochures themselves contain some erroneous info.) All RC36 models came with 41mm Showa cartridge forks, though pre-load adjustment was only added with the N model in 1992, and rebound and compression adjustments were never offered on the forks. 1992 also saw the introduction of rebound adjustment on the Showa rear shock—owing to the very restricted area around the rear shock, remote pre-load adjustment was a feature even on the L model. Centerstands, seat cowls and digital clocks were optional equipment on all L-P models sold in the U.S. The ROW bikes got centerstands, seat cowls and digital clocks as standard equipment; other differences included: remote fuel taps, tinted windscreens, passing light switches, on-off light switches, position lamps, integrated amber rear turn signals and integrated license (number) plate lights. Italian market versions originally came with a special headlight unit using just one H4 bulb and no "divider" down the middle. Japanese-spec RC36s were cursed with a restricted engine, among many other minor differences. For more information on market-specific RC36 differences, click here.

By the way, the "VSource.org RC36" pictured in various guises throughout this Web site has evolved from two bikes (a 65,000 mile, owned-from-new, veteran of four oceanic crossings, California-spec FL model, and a 23,000 mile, fourth-owner UK-spec FP model). The reason behind the purchase of the second RC36 was due to a desire to install a TTS 837cc big-bore kit in the most appropriate engine and bike. Although the original FL engine is still in fine shape, this engine has somewhat compromised California-spec cams and carbs and, although the installation of the big-bore kit involved a full rebuild of the engine, the rest of the drive train and chassis would still have had 65,000 miles on it. For those reasons, the 23,000 mile engine from the FP model was used with the big-bore kit and all of the FL's trick parts and accessories were swapped onto the FP chassis. The FL was then disassembled into its component parts to save space in the garage, for eventual re-assembly, or...?

Below are illustrations of the L-P model RC36 color schemes available at one time or another throughout the world. Color options are listed in the table below. The U.S. and Canadian markets got a single different color scheme each year, but the ROW usually had a choice of several. Note that wheel colors, seat colors and VFR logos were also sometimes altered among the various markets, but body colors were as shown below. (Also see the brochures located on the Sights and Sounds page.)

Italian Red (R-157)Granite blue metallic (PB-184M-U)Pearl crystal white (NH-193P)

Tasmania green metallic (G-142M); FP model has Sparkling silver metallic (NH-295M) lower cowlPure red (R-158) with Sparkling silver metallic (NH-295M) lower cowlNorthern light blue metallic (PB-256) with Sparkling silver metallic (NH-295M) lower cowl

Models

The following table details the colors, serial and engine numbers for the early RC36:

Year Code Region Colors Engine #s Frame #s¹ Carb ID #s
1990 L U.K. Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2000085 to 2013323 RC36-2000067 to 2010938 VDJ4A-A
U.S. Italian red RC36E-2006112 to 2010294 RC360-LM000009 to LM000788 VDJBA-A
Calif. Italian red RC36E-2006122 to 2010154 RC361-LM000011 to LM000227 VDJCA-A
Australia Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2003620 to 2012919 RC36U-LM000003 to LM000166 VDJ4A-A
Austria Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2004598 to 2013363 RC36-2004516 to 2010978 VDJEA-A
Canada Italian red RC36E-2006107 to 2007619 RC362-LM000001 to LM000227 VDJ1A-A
European direct sales Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2003483 to 2013413 RC36-2003441 to 2011020 VDJ1A-A
Finland Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2002657 to 2011116 RC36-2002625 to 2009054 VDJEA-A
France Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2000321 to 2013367 RC36-2000297 to 2010982 VDJ1A-A
Germany Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2000076 to 2011907 RC36-2000060 to 2009630 VDJEA-A
Italy Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2004198 to 2010414 RC36-2004116 to 2008478 VDJ1A-A
Japan Granite blue; Italian red² RC35E-1050001 to 1050961 RC36-1000001 to 1000959 VDJ2A-A
North Europe Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2004123 to 2013141 RC36-2004061 to 2010753 VDJ1A-A
Spain Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2005556 to 2013375 RC369-0M000002 to 0M000783 VDJ4A-A
Switzerland Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2004193 to 2012453 RC36-2004111 to 2010176 VDJDA-A
1991 M U.K. Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2101280 to 2112012 RC36-2101254 to 2108971 VDJ4A-A
U.S. Italian red RC36E-2100001 to 2104057 RC360-MM100001 to MM101581 VDJBA-A
Calif. Italian red RC36E-2100001 to 2104645 RC361-MM100001 to MM100403 VDJCA-A
Australia Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2101306 to 2111812 RC36U-MM100001 to MM100086 VDJ4A-A
Austria Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2106239 to 2110085 RC36-2104001 to 2107404 VDJEA-A
Canada Italian red RC36E-2103773 to 2106238 RC362-MM100001 to MM100200 VDJ1A-A
European direct sales Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2101590 to 2112154 RC36-2101554 to 2109113 VDJ1A-A
Finland Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2101670 to 2109837 RC36-2101634 to 2107156 VDJEA-A
France Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2101006 to 2112289 RC36-2101004 to 2109244 VDJ1A-A
Germany Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2100006 to 2111079 RC36-2100004 to 2108297 VDJEA-A
Italy Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2105209 to 2110939 RC36-2103071 to 2108157 VDJ1A-A
North Europe Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2106339 to 2110180 RC36-2104101 to 2107499 VDJ1A-A
Spain Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2101256 to 2112158 RC369-0M100001 to 0M100765 VDJ4A-A
Switzerland Italian red; Granite blue; Pearl crystal white RC36E-2108004 to 2109817 RC36-2104682 to 2107136 VDJDA-A
1992 N U.K. Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2200020 to 2208633 RC36-2200020 to 2206995 VDJ6A-A
U.S. Granite blue RC36E-2201394 to 2208553 RC360-NM200008 to NM200817 VDJJA-A
Calif. Granite blue RC36E-2201399 to 2202943 RC361-NM200006 to NM200186 VDJKA-A
Australia Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2203559 to 2208673 RC36U-NM200001 to NM200143 VDJ6A-A
Austria Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-5000003 to 5000247 RC36-2200019 to 2205685 VDJHA-A
Canada Granite blue RC36E-2200060 to 2207012 RC362-NM200001 to NM200081 VDJ5A-A
European direct sales Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2201469 to 2208573 RC36-2201442 to 2206935 VDJ5A-A
France Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2201639 to 2208680 RC36-2201612 to 2206997 VDJ5A-A
Germany Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2200018 to 2208554 RC36-2200014 to 2206916 VDJFA-A
Italy Italian red; Granite blue RC36E-2201642 to 2207841 RC36-2201615 to 2206290 VDJ5A-A
Spain Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2200001 to 2208678 RC369-0M200001 to 0M200690 VDJ6A-A
Switzerland Italian red; Granite blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2200026 to 2207705 RC36-2200023 to 2206182 VDJGA-A
1993 P U.K. Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2300001 to 2308173 RC36-2300001 to 2306366 VDJ6A-A
U.S. Pearl crystal white RC36E-2300006 to 2301210 RC360-PM300001 to PM300992 VDJJA-A
Calif. Pearl crystal white RC36E-2300001 to 2301268 RC361-PM300001 to PM300217 VDJKA-A
Australia Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2301365 to 2308384 RC36U-PM300001 to PM300195 VDJ6A-A
Austria Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-5100001 to 5100276 RC36-2300001 to 2306296 VDJHA-A
Canada Pearl crystal white RC36E-2300794 to 2306456 RC362-PM300001 to PM300154 VDJ5A-A
European direct sales Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2300001 to 2308314 RC36-2300001 to 2306509 VDJ5A-A
France Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2301269 to 2308083 RC36-2300004 to 2306215 VDJ5A-A
Germany Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2300041 to 2308856 RC36-2300001 to 2306684 VDJFA-A
Italy Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2300001 to 2309056 RC36-2300001 to 2306884 VDJ5A-A
Spain Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2300001 to 2308681 RC369-0M300001 to 0M300873 VDJ6A-A
Switzerland Pure red; Northern light blue; Tasmania green RC36E-2300001 to 2308103 RC36-2300001 to 2306235 VDJGA-A

Specifications³

Item Specifications
Dimensions: Overall length 2,180mm (85.8 in.)
Overall width 700mm (27.6 in.)
Overall height 1,185mm (46.7 in.)
Wheelbase 1,470mm (57.9 in.)
Ground clearance 130mm (5.1 in.)
Dry weight 216kg (476 lbs.)
Curb weight 240kg (529 lbs.)
Maximum weight capacity 189kg (417 lbs.)
Frame: Frame type Twin-spar aluminum diamond
Front suspension 41mm Showa cartridge forks
Front wheel travel 140mm (5.5 in.)
Rear suspension Single-sided swing arm
Rear wheel travel 130mm (5.1 in.)
Rear damper Gas-filled damper
Front wheel size 17x3.5 in.
Rear wheel size 17x5.5 in.
Front tire size 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire size 170/60 ZR17
Front brakes Double solid disc; 2-piston Nissin calipers
Rear brake Single solid disc; 2-piston Nissin caliper
Caster angle 26-deg.
Trail 100mm (3.9 in.)
Fuel tank capacity 19 lit (5.0 U.S. gal.; 4.2 Imp gal.)
Fuel tank reserve capacity 3.5 lit (0.92 U.S. gal.; 0.77 Imp gal.)
Engine: Bore and stroke 70.0 x 48.6mm (2.76 x 1.91 in.)
Displacement 748 cm³ (45.6 cu. in.)
Compression ratio 11.0 : 1
Valve train Gear driven DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
Intake valve opens @ 1mm lift 15-deg. BTDC
Intake valve closes @ 1mm lift 35-deg. ABDC
Exhaust valve opens @ 1mm lift 40-deg. BBDC
Exhaust valve closes @ 1mm lift 10-deg. ATDC
Lubrication system Forced pressure and wet sump
Oil pump type Trockoid
Cooling system Liquid cooled with cooling fan
Air filtration Paper filter
Crankshaft type Unit-type; 4 main journals; 180-deg.
Firing order #1 @ 180 deg.; #3 @ 270 deg.; #2 @ 180 deg.; #4 @ 90 deg.
Cylinder arrangement 4 cylinders; 90-deg. V
Cylinder numbering
Carburetor: Carburetor type Constant velocity Keihin; 4 carburetors
Throttle bore 36mm (1.4 in.)
Drive train: Clutch system Multi-plate, wet
Clutch operation Hydraulic
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Primary reduction 1.939 (64/33)
Final reduction (sprockets) 2.6875 (43/16)
Gear ratio, 1st 2.8461 (37/13)
Gear ratio, 2nd 2.0625 (33/16)
Gear ratio, 3rd 1.6315 (31/19)
Gear ratio, 4th 1.3333 (28/21)
Gear ratio, 5th 1.1538 (30/26)
Gear ratio, 6th 1.0357 (29/28)
Gearshift pattern Left foot operated return system: 1—N—2—3—4—5—6
Electrical: Ignition system Digitalized full transistor ignition
Starting system Electric starter motor
Charging system Triple phase output alternator
Regulator/rectifier type SCR Shorted/triple phase full wave rectification
Lighting system Battery (YTX12-BS)
Lubrication: Engine oil capacity at draining 2.9 liters (3.1 U.S. qt., 2.6 Imp. qt.)
Engine oil capacity at disassembly 4.0 liters (4.2 U.S. qt., 3.5 Imp. qt.)
Engine oil capacity at oil filter change 3.1 liters (3.3 U.S. qt., 2.7 Imp. qt.)
Recommended engine oil API service classification SF or SG
Oil viscosities chart [viscositychart.gif]
Oil pressure at oil pressure switch 490-588 kPa (5.0-6.0 kg/cm², 71-85 psi) @ 5,000 rpm (80 deg.C, 176 deg.F)
Fuel system: Main jets (U.S., Calif. and Canada) # 130
Slow (idle) jets (U.S. and Canada # 40
Slow (idle) jets (Calif.) # 38
Pilot screw initial opening (U.S. L-M) 1-1/2 turns out
Pilot screw final opening (U.S. L-M) ???
Pilot screw initial opening (U.S. N-P) 1-7/8 turns out
Pilot screw final opening (U.S. N-P) ???
Pilot screw initial opening (Calif. L-M) 2-1/2 turns out
Pilot screw final opening (Calif. L-M) ???
Pilot screw initial opening (Calif. N-P) 2 turns out
Pilot screw final opening (Calif. N-P) ???
Pilot screw initial opening (Canada) 2-1/4 turns out
Pilot screw final opening (Canada) ???
Pilot screw initial opening (Canada) 1-7/8 turns out
Pilot screw final opening (Canada) ???
Float level 9.0mm (0.35 in.)
Carburetor vacuum difference Within 20 mmHg (0.8 inHg)
Base carburetor (for carburetor synchronization) No. 2 carburetor
Idle speed (U.S. and Canada) 1,000 +/- 100 rpm
Idle speed (Calif.) 1,200 +/- 100 rpm
Throttle grip free play 2-6mm (0.08-0.24 in.)
PAIR control valve vacuum pressure (U.S.) 360 mmHg (14.2 inHg)
Fuel pump flow capacity (/min.) 900cc (3.04 U.S. oz.; 31.7 Imp. oz.)
Clutch system: Clutch lever free play 10-20mm (0.4-0.8 in.)
Clutch fluid type DOT 4
Clutch master cylinder I.D. 14.000mm (0.5512 in.) (9/16")
Clutch slave cylinder I.D. 35.700mm (1.4055 in.)
Clutch disc thickness A 2.92-3.08mm (0.115-0.121 in.)
Clutch disc service limit A 2.5mm (0.100 in.)
Clutch plate warpage limit ???
Cooling system: Coolant capacity (radiator & engine) 2.3 liters (0.61 U.S. gal., 0.51 Imp. gal.)
Coolant capacity (reserve tank) 0.3 liter (0.08 U.S. gal., 0.07 Imp. gal.)
Radiator cap relief pressure 93-123 kPa (0.95-1.25 kg/cm², 14-18 psi)
Thermostat begins to open 80-84 deg.C (176-183 deg.F)
Thermostat fully open 95 deg.C (203 deg.F)
Thermostat valve lift 8.0mm (0.315 in.) min.
Wheels/Tires: Cold tire pressure (driver only, front) 36 psi
Cold tire pressure (driver only, rear) 42 psi
Cold tire pressure (driver & pass., front) 36 psi
Cold tire pressure (driver & pass., rear) 42 psi
Front suspension: Fork spring free length (L-M) 413.6mm (16.28 in.)
Fork spring free length (N-P) 427.1mm (16.81 in.)
Fork spring direction Tighter coils on bottom
Fork oil weight 5W (Honda SS-7)
Fork oil level (U.S. and Calif. L-M) 175mm (6.89 in.)
Fork oil level (Canada L-M) 187mm (7.36 in.)
Fork oil level (U.S., Calif. and Canada N-P) 178mm (7.01 in.)
Fork oil capacity (U.S. and Calif. L-M) 383cc
Fork oil capacity (Canada L-M) 394cc
Fork oil capacity (U.S., Calif. and Canada N-P) 386cc
Fork spring preload adjuster standard position (N-P) 3rd position from top
Steering bearing pre-load 1.0-1.5kg (2.2-3.3 lbs.)
Rear suspension: Shock spring free length (L-M) 195.3mm (7.69 in.)
Shock spring free length (N-P) 184.8mm (7.28 in.)
Shock spring installed length (L-M) 181.9mm (7.16 in.)
Shock spring installed length (N-P) 171.4mm (6.75 in.)
Shock rebound adjuster standard position (N-P) 1-1/8 turn from hardest position
Nitrogen gas pressure ???
Brakes: Brake fluid type DOT 4
Front brake disc thickness 5mm (0.21 in.)
Front brake master cylinder I.D. 12.700mm (0.5000 in.) (1/2")
Front brake caliper cylinder I.D. 25.400mm (1.0000 in.)
Rear brake disc thickness 6mm (0.24 in.)
Rear brake master cylinder I.D. 12.700mm (0.5000 in.) (1/2")
Rear brake caliper cylinder I.D. 27.400mm (1.0629 in.)
Battery/Charging system: Reg/rec regulated voltage/amperage 13.5-16.0v (9A) @ 5,000rpm
Alternator charging coil resistance 0.1-1.0 Ohm
Battery capacity 12v (10AH) YTX12-BS
Battery charging rate (normal) 1.2A/5-10 hr.
Battery charging rate (quick) 5.0A/1 hr.
Battery voltage 13.1v +
Ignition system: Spark plug (standard) NGK CR8EH9 or ND U24FER9
Spark plug (racing) NGK CR9EH9 or ND U27FER9
Spark plug (cold climate) N/A
Spark plug gap 0.8-0.9mm (0.03-0.04 in.)
Ignition timing "F" mark 15-deg. BTDC @ idle
Advance starts 2,000rpm +/-200rpm
Advance stops ???
Full advance ???
Lights/Meters/Switches: Main fuse 30A
Fuse 20A x 1; 10A x 6
Headlight (high/low beam) (U.S.) 12v 45/45w (H4)4
Headlight (high/low beam) (U.K.) 12v 60/55w (H4)4
Tail/brake light (U.S.) 12v 8/27w
Tail/brake light (U.K.) 12v 5/21w
License light (U.S.) 12v 4cp
Position light (U.K. & ROW) 12v 5w
Front turn signal/running light (U.S.) 12v 23/8w
Front turn signal light (U.K. & ROW) 12v 21w
Rear turn signal light (U.S.) 12v 23w
Rear turn signal light (U.K. & ROW) 12v 21w
Instrument light 12v 1.7w x 5
Oil pressure warning indicator 12v 3.4w
Side stand indicator 12v 3.4w
High beam indicator 12v 3.4w
Turn signal indicator 12v 3.4w x 2
Neutral indicator 12v 3.4w
Low fuel indicator 12v 3.4w
Starting system: Starter motor brush length 12-13mm (0.47-0.51 in.)

Notes:

  1. The frame numbers shown below are not the complete set of characters stamped on the bikes' frames in markets where a VIN was used. In those markets, the frame number shown below makes up the last part of the VIN.

  2. The Honda Parts Catalogs for the Japanese-market RC36 show that only one model, the FL, was produced and that the only available color was Granite blue. There is some anecdotal evidence, from J-spec bikes later imported to the U.K., suggesting that the J-spec FL was also manufactured in Italian red and Pearl crystal white. However, these bikes may all have been converted after their manufacture.

  3. These specifications pertain mainly to the U.S., U.K. and Canadian-spec L-P models; some ROW-spec differences are noted.

  4. Other ROW-spec bikes may be fitted with standard H4 (55/60w) bulbs.

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