While some believe the gray market bike craze in the US was built around importing two strokes, there is a dedicated group of enthusiasts that believe it should refer to 400cc machines not ordinarily found in this country. The legendary VFR400R – baby brother to the vaunted RC30 – is one of those models. Built under the philosophy of “less is more” the NC30 offered a smaller package and less weight than a traditional middleweight; the upside was all in handling. This particular example sports a California title, which is not an easy item to obtain.
1994 Honda NC30 for sale on eBay
From the seller:
This bike was never available in the United States, however it is fully registered in california with a 11 digit VIN as a 2004model. In reality it is from 94. Don’t let the age fool you, this is an incredible late vintage motorcycle. Usually only available from the UK it’s rather well known for its niche. This gray market motorcycle is fully titled and ready to ride. There is simply nothing like the howl of this V-4’s gear driven cams in the high RPMs – where this machine was made to run.
According to the seller, this bike has had some major work done on it, including a service, paint, tires, suspension, cooling, exhaust and more. Sounds like it could be ready for some serious riding by the new owner. Located in San Francisco, this bike is looking for a new home. Prices on these models vary, and this one has a Buy It Now price of $9,000. That seems a bit steep, but the seller is open to offers. Normally a CA title raises the value of a gray market bike, as it can be registered and utilized by the new owner; regardless, prospective buyers are advised to check this out carefully. The VFR400R is a real gem in the 400cc market, and nothing looks or sounds like one. Check it out here!
$9k wow. Is the speedometer extra$?
It’s hard to understand sellers, sometimes.
Like this one.
OK, first, kudos to him for at least not claiming that this is not an ex-track bitch, which it obviously is.
But a $9K ask? Even the very best original examples are around that , and yours is clearly thousands from it. Personal rule: if a bike looks kinda rough in the online pics, it’s absolutely going to be at least twice as bad in person, close up. Your example is that bike, as presented- that’s reality/fact, not subjective opinion. And I for one don’t believe a California title is worth a $5K premium, which also might be a part of your pricing.
But, hey- you’re free to start where ever you decide. The market will decide quickly if it agrees with me or not.
I agree, seems like a bit much with all the wear, especially all the “non-stock” parts. It’s funny about the mention on the year and the Vin, I just took my paperwork into DMV yesterday for my bike. Its 1996 RVF400 but showed as a 1979 in the system…oh well, at least they gave me a CA plate!
If anything, he should of left it OBO and looked to see the offers that come in.
Oh well…good luck.. Hope he gets 9K, makes it a bit easier to sell mine so I can afford the RC45 I’m dying to buy!
What is the process like getting insurance on a grey bike? Can you just hop on geico.com and insure it? Agree getting the bike through DMV is a big hurdle but as I recall one has to take proof of insurance along as well to get it registered. Is that part easy? What is the premium on a bike that isn’t replaceable. How do they compute the value of the bike if it gets damaged?
I keep considering a 400cc grey bike but at the same time have angst over the specter of Murphy’s law vs legal compliance. I am interested in y’alls actual experience
I can only speak for me personally but a few things. I have a small collection of about 7 bikes. All insured through State Farm and they don’t care if they are registered or not… They typically quote me a book value, I tell them what I want it insured for and they charge me a premium if it’s way off. Typically rare bikes need a “stated value clause”.
I just registered one bike I won’t ride (no title and just a pc of art for me) and my RVF400. Can’t speak for all states but in CA they did not ask for any proof of insurance at all…not for the ZX7RR I sold a while back either. BUT….if you do not get insurance, you’ll typically get a notice in the mail that they will suspend your registration without insurance as it’s all automated out here. (typically 3 months or so after you register it).
Registering a grey market bike is a whole different issue…ideally, buy one with plates already, otherwise it’s a hassle and sometimes not worth the $. That’s why you see grey market bikes with titles and plates selling for a premium…at least in CA anyway. Good luck and if you’re local West Side LA local, I’d be more then happy to help you if I can…
Geico insures mine with no issues. I have an NC30 VFR400R and an NC35 RVF400 both CA plated. The NC30 is registered as a 1992 VFR400R and the NC35 is registered as a 1995 RVF400. For riding I prefer the 35 but for quality of finish, the 30 wins hands down.
I know a guy who registered his NC35 rather easily at the DMV,, however I know someone who had to make 4 trips to the DMV, 3 to CHP, + lots of phone calls and paperwork before it was finally plated. CBR250s (the cool 4 cylinder ones), NC30s and NC35s are cleared by the NHTSA and legal but most of the CADMV doesn’t know how to deal with it. I believe a college student tested the emissions on those bikes and proved they meet our standards. All other 400s aren’t on there.
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2006/September/Day-26/i8260.htm
I had a CBR400RR that was denied by CHP and I lost my FL plate. Needless to say that sucked. 400 Grey bikes are such a joy to ride and they keep me out of trouble with law enforcement. You can wind those engines up but still be with in the speed limits. On the flip side, they can be a total PITA.
Adam and Collin, thanks for sharing your experiences. I live in Houston so the process here is a bit different. We have to do an annual “safety inspection” in addition to the rest. Appreciate the info on insurance. I too use State Farm so that is reassuring.
And then Collin had to bring up the CBR250. The old 4cyl model with the gull-wing swing arm. It is the last thing I need but the first one I want!
Appreciate the RSBFS community. Awesome folks easily found.