Honda RC213V-S Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Honda RC213V-S. In fairness, I started making this page before realising just how rare this bike was, and now know nobody is going to ever refer to this page. But, whatever. It’s hear for posterity’s sake.
The Honda RC213V-S is a street-legal racing motorcycle developed by Honda Racing Corporation to race in the MotoGP series from the 2012 season onward. It’s a “homologated” model, made as a built-to-order machine, with only 250 made, and with an initial price of over $200,000. It’s safe to say that most RC213V motorcycles have either been raced, crashed, or are on display in personal museums!
The RC213V-S is one of Honda’s racing motorcycles using a V4 engine. Most of Honda’s road-going bikes don’t have a V4, other than the VFR800 (and motorcycles with similar engines), which was never intended for racing.
The model name designates the following:
- RC= Honda’s traditional racing prefix for 4-stroke bikes
- 213= third works bike of the 21st century
- V= V engine
This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!
Honda RC213V-S Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Honda RC213V-S. At higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here.
If you’re maintaining your own Honda RC213V-S, you’re a braver person than I am. But maybe you’re a collector, or a mechanic looking over this… in which case I would like to meet you and be your friend!
In addition to the below schedule, to maintain the RC213V-S, you have to do the following additional maintenance items.
Every 8,000 mi (12,800 km)
- Clean reservoir, reservoir piston, reservoir piston O-ring and reservoir piston ring.
- Clean outer tube bushes and seal.
- Inspect seal and scraper and replace if damaged.
- Apply grease to reservoir surface and reservoir piston
Additional items every 1 year
- Inspect dividing piston position in front fork gas reservoir. If necessary adjust dividing piston position.
- Inspect if presence of fluid in front fork gas reservoir.
Additional items every 16,000 mi (25,600 km)
- Clean and inspect piston ring for wear. Replace if necessary.
- Clean and inspect shim surface of valve and shim closest to valve for wear. Replace if necessary
- Honda recommends you get a dealer to service many aspects of the RC213V-S. See the service manual for anything you’re unsure about.
Maintenance Legend:
- I: inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace, if necessary
- C: Clean
- L: lubricate
- R: replace
| mi x 1000 | 8 | 16 | 24 | 32 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km x 1000 | 12.8 | 25.6 | 38.4 | 51.2 | |
| Fuel Line | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Throttle Operation | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Air Cleaner | R | R | More often if riding in dusty / wet conditions | ||
| Spark Plug | I | R | |||
| Valve Clearance | I | I | I | I | |
| Engine Oil Do between services | R | R | R | R | Every 4000 mi / 6400 km or Year: R Year: R |
| Engine Oil Filter | R | R | R | R | |
| Engine Idle Speed | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Radiator Coolant | I | I | I | I | 3 Years: R |
| Cooling System | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Secondary Air Supply System | I | I | |||
| Evaporative Emission Control System (CA only) | I | I | |||
| Exhaust Gas Control Valve Cable | I | I | |||
| Drive Chain | Every 300 mi (500 km): I L | ||||
| Drive Chain Slider | I | I | I | I | |
| Brake Fluid*4 | I | I | I | I | 2 Years: R |
| Brake Pads Wear | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Brake System | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Brake Light Switch | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Headlight Aim | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Clutch System | Every 2,000 mi (3,200 km): C I | ||||
| Clutch Fluid | I | I | I | I | 2 Years: R |
| Side Stand | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Suspension | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Suspension Overhaul*5 | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners | I | I | I | I | Year: I / L |
| Wheels/Tires | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
| Steering Head Bearings | I | I | I | I | Year: I |
Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Honda RC213V-S
Honda specifies these tyre sizes and pressures, but obviously you’ll run whatever pressure you please. The RC213V-S ships with Bridgestone RS10 tyres.
| Wheel | Tyre size | Tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) | 36 psi/250 kPa |
| Rear | 190/50ZR17 M/C (73W) | 42 psi/290 kPa |
About the Honda RC213V-S
Honda’s RC213V-S is their street-homologated race bike, the “S” coming from “Street”. The factory racing bike is the RC213V.
In standard form, the RC213V-S is actually not an absurdly powered bike by today’s standards. It makes 117 kW (157 hp), or 158 kW (212 hp) in race trim. (The race version RC213V, for comparison, makes over 190 kW, or over 260 hp.)
Honda modified its race-winning, 999 cc RC213V engine for use in the street version, but they ddin’t totally neuter it. The engine runs a 90-degree, V-four configuration set in a transverse orientation in the frame. The titanium valves are driven by dual overhead cams, but in contrast with the race systems’ pneumatic valve closure system, the S uses conventional coil springs.
But don’t complain — this is simply for owner’s convenience. Maintaining pneumatic valves is a nightmare that no owner would want. If you think early demosquattro engines were a lot of work… well, you’ll be glad that Honda didn’t inflict pneumatic valves on you.
The RC213V-S has a “power selector function” that is connected to the electronic throttle. You can choose ride modes. Of course in this day and age, ride modes have become popular and almost standard on high-end sport bikes, so you can thank early racing motorcycles for this technology.
The S also has HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control), essentially Honda’s traction control system that monitors wheel speeds and intervenes when slip is detected. The level of slip and intervention is determined by which setting you choose.
Unlike nearly every other Honda but like many race bikes, the RC213V-S has a dry clutch for ease of replacement when racing.
The RC213V-S, unlike the race bike, comes with its own, on-board starter. Bet you’re glad to hear that. The clutch feeds engine power to the constant-mesh, cassette-style, six-speed gearbox, and one very strong chain makes the final connection to the rear wheel.
Manual for the Honda RC213V-S
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Honda RC213V-S. Frankly I’m shocked there’s even a user’s manual. Are people riding these things?
You can download the user manual from Honda here.
