From down the block the VFR400R looks every bit an RC30, and though disappointment might flash when you see it’s the 400, the careful way it’s put together is a joy. Today’s NC30 is an Ontario resident and in super nice original shape.
1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30 for sale on eBay
Honda had several years of VFR construction in their memory banks, and gave buyers just what they needed. The four gear-driven cams sing their song, and 59 hp are delivered smoothly with the power band beginning at 7,000 revs. TRAC anti-dive was on earlier VFR400’s, but less unsprung weight was more desirable. Likewise a hydraulic clutch was saved for another bike – can’t beat a cable for feel or simplicity. The full but diminutive fairing with twin headlights had the RC30’s likeable expression. Honda deemed race-bike geometry really wasn’t in their customers’ best interest and the NC30 reviewed as the most approachable of the class. To show off the ELF designed single-sided swingarm with its 18-inch wheel, the single muffler was moved to the near side.
For 30 years and 20.5K miles, this VFR is a special survivor. Seeming to be a UK transplant, it has an MPH speedo ( with a rogue scrape on the bezel ) and the ginormous blinkers. But that’s the only mark to be found, even the heel guards look like they haven’t seen a boot. Workshop photos from a valve adjustment show the beauty is more than skin deep. Comments from the eBay auction:
AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES IT HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND RUNS EXCELLENT.NO EXPENSES SPARED, IF IT NEEDED SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT IT HAS BEEN DONE.ALL ORIGINAL EXCEPT FOR THE SCORPION EXHAUST SYSTEM – THAT SOUNDS AMAZING WITH THE COMBINED GEAR DRIVEN CAMS.GENUINE HONDA FAIRINGS STILL INTACT AND IN EXCELLENT SHAPE.COMES WITH ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL AND SERVICE MANUAL. THESE BIKES ARE SUPER RARE IN THIS CONDITION AND ARE IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CATEGORY COMPARED TO THE GREY IMPORTS.
Rare to see any street bike in this kind of shape after 30 years, and extraordinary considering it was intended for more junior riders. Still no free lunch, and the heady starting bid might be keeping those mouse buttons from clicking. European models were spared the speed governor, though it’s unclear how far past 110 mph a NC30 might go in real life. Too rare for a steady series of comparable sales, this owner seems to have picked a good year and even time of year make a move.
-donn
I saw this on eBay and certainly saved it. It’s a ovely bike and dedtined to be a classic, but tjeu are not getting that kind of money …. yet. They can still be obtained for less. The import just adds more complication.
Other than that….it’s a really clean NC30. There was a lot of work put into this bike and it shows beautifully!
and I seriously need to spellcheck before posting. yikes. sorry about that.
Had that happen once riding my friends rvf400 pulled up to the gas station. Guy comes running over is that an rvf750?!! Nope just the 400. Which then blew his mind even more.
Brian nailed it. Great bike but the price and import headache and process means we will see this listed for awhile.
I am very impressed to see his model has a cartridge fork. I had not realized that before. That is a pretty significant thing compared to other grey bike from that time period. I love the CBR250 from late 80s/ early 90s but the damper rod forks are really too retro.
It should go quite a bit beyond 110mph. I saw an indicated 180kph=112mph on my restricted ’88 FZR250R when I lived in Japan.
I don’t recognize what the extra switches on the left control pod are. H, P, . ? Any ideas?
H = hazard lights P = parking lights
The hazard mode they flash in parking mode they stay on and don’t flash.
Some aftermarket radiators on this one. The ding on the edge of the speedometer is from the adjuster on the clutch lever. A rare miss by Honda, many have this. If your lever is in it’s natural position, this happens when the forks are turned all the way to the right. I filed the adjuster flat on mine. A nice example, but I never liked the paint scheme – too busy. Funny, I like it on the RC30. Mine’s yellow with metallic grey.
The extra switch on the left bar control is an on-off switch for the lights. The white dot is lights off. The P is taillight and the parking lights in the headlights on. The H is headlights & taillight on.
Alan… I have this issue on my NC35 and never thought to just file it! Brilliant. Thanks!
eBay shows sold for $15,700.00. Nice result! -dc
Well… there’s a buyer who knew what he wanted! That bike went for way more than i imagined. Congrats to the seller… dang!