Don't think the RC45 was anywhere near as successful on the racetrack as the 888, was it? And that was despite the millions thrown at it by HRC. Straight from the crate, its handling was considered suspect. Even Hislop didn't get on with it. A 16inch front wheel, and decidedly 'iffy' weight distribution meant cash needed to be splashed on it to make it competitive.
Moreover, with its gaudy multi-colour paint scheme it looks much like any other early '90s pocket-rocket Japanese UJM. No, if 'cool' can be measured by the number of turned heads as you pass by the crowds, the 888SP wins hands down. (IMHO!)