We've all got bikes that absolutely pushed us over the edge when we were young. For me it was the RC30.
On a recent trip down to the Cape I had the amazing opportunity of being invited to one of our reader’s (Robin McConnel) homes in Noordhoek to go and have a look at his collection of bikes. Well what a sight and he obviously knows my weakness because on arrival he had the RC30 parked outside but, as if that was not enough, parked just next to it was a pristine Yamaha OWO1. And when I say pristine I mean in absolutely showroom condition. To explain in words even more pertaining to what condition these bikes are in, when we planned our route, he did the planning so that the bikes would not park in the sun for too long; I think this explained the level of preservation he exercises over his bikes to me, fantastic! He lifted the garage doors and on the inside the amazing collection carried on; RC45, 888, 900 Bevel, 900 Ninja, old BMW R50 with sidecar, RD350, VF1000R, CBX, SP1 and 2, KTM SMT and then finally, just to prove he is not out of touch with the new stuff, a BMW 1000 R. Robin is a collector and a collector of truly rare bikes that stood out in their era.
If you are a motorcyclist and a true one at that, your passion runs deep. I've always thought that people would be surprised by how many bikes I would own if I won the Euro lottery and I think a small aeroplane hangar would suffice. Robin's collection is as close as damnit to how I'd see mine. It is something dreams are made of, especially for people like us. The next bike in his sights is a R7 and I feel a 998R needs to park next to it, albeit a half a wheel ahead. Ah, you see, it's a disease.
We planned a route over Chapman's Peak for the pictures and we left his home. Even now, after all these years, the RC30 felt sweet, the motor was smoother than what I thought it would be and I think me coming from a V-twin background gave me this perception. The power was smooth and built up linearly, the riding position perfect. The brakes and chassis actually surprised me, making me wonder how this bike could possibly be 20 years old! Yes, we are always on about technology, but let’s not forget that bikes like this lapped the Isle of Man at 118.35mph in 1990 in the hands of Carl Fogarty. These bikes only made 102hp which was so much power back then so it does put it into perspective that the handling had better be sweet as they had to cope with inferior tyres compared to now. I wound it up a little but always treated it with the respect an old lady like this needs to be given because, even though you could attach a price to this bike, for those that are in in this condition, it's actually priceless. This RC30 was the Japanese model with the smaller headlights if any of you were wondering.
En route back I sampled the OWO1 which in monetary value is more valuable than the RC. Robin was right; you could immediately feel the absolutely focussed design of this bike. It's a focussed race bike and afterwards reluctantly they fitted some lights. The bike has no bottom end but as the revs climb it all starts making sense. Yes it’s not a match for the 200hp missiles we ride now, but as a nostalgic time travel, I loved having this experience.
Thanks Robin, you made a dream come true for me and I truly loved and appreciated the experience. 
Who is Robin McConnell?
Robin started riding when he was 15 years old and recently celebrated 50 years of racing and riding motorcycles, accident free. During his petrol-head life he has raced, with varying success, motorcycles, karts, inflatables and jet skis. He is actively involved in the Ducati Owners Club in the Western Cape, IMOC Cape Town and in running the Cape Town Toy Run. Robin says he is privileged to have a wonderful group of mates who meet almost every Sunday morning. Between them they have found the best breakfast venues in Franschoek, Ceres, Kleinmond, Napier and Greyton, etc.
Robin has a vast collection of motorcycles with his favourite being a Honda RVF750 RC45. Included in his collection are a KTM SMT which he uses for business travel, longer trips and pillion rides, an S 1000 R and RC51 SP-2 which are used for fun at weekends. He does a fair amount of riding and averages around 30,000km per year on two wheels. Robin is now looking for a Yamaha R7 to complete his personal wish list. Because he is slightly obsessed with bikes some of his happiest times have been spent in his workshop because, as we all know, you need to spend a fair amount of time working on your babies if you want to keep them running properly.
Robin enjoys all forms of motorcycling – scooters, cruisers and touring bikes - but always naturally gravitates towards nimble sports bikes with character.
Robin is married to Sue, who is as passionate about running as he is about motorcycling (well almost). They will be celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2015.
Article from Clinton Pienaar from Superbike Magazine South Africa
