Posts by tag: NC35

Honda July 18, 2019 posted by Mike

Plated in the Golden State: 1995 Honda RVF400 NC35

The Honda NC35 is one of those sweetheart machines that should be in every garage. Reasonably rare in the US thanks to the lack of official importation, great looks thanks to the DNA shared with the RC45, great sound thanks to that marvelous V-4 with gear-driven cams, and fantastic handling thanks to the smaller size and lower weight when compared to the bigger bikes. Collect it. Ride it. Show it off. This is a bike that is capable of checking off many, many boxes. And with typical Honda build quality, this is a bike that will last for the ages.

1995 Honda RVF400 NC35 for sale on eBay

The light middleweight classes have always been grounds for serious competition outside of the US. It is true that we yanks have started to see a small bike resurgence of sorts, but even the evolution of the 400cc baby Ninja and the newer Yamaha R3 the current crop of small bikes feel entry-level when compared to the hardware in a NC35. Where are the multi cylinders (i.e. more than one or two)? Where is the single-sided swing arm? Where is the identity that makes one more attractive than the other? Stray away from the “me too” sameness of the current crop and you KNOW what this NC35 is when you see it. Well, you might. You would be forgiven for mistaking it for the bigger RC45, on which it is clearly based. Paint a R3 lime green and it instantly transforms into a Ninja. Dare to paint this NC35 lime green and it instantly transforms into a NC35 with a funny paint job (and lost valuation).

From the seller:
This bike has been registered in CA nearly 20 years, I have a clean and clear CA title in my name and it is currently non-op with DMV right now and NO back fee’s. Bike has original 11 digit VIN. 19,750 miles. If you take this out of state, good luck getting it reg’d in CA again.

Since this RVF has been in the states since the 90’s it does not suffer from the usual Japanese corrosion. I have owned this bike about 5 years but am clearing out most of bikes as I am planning a move at the end of this year.

This is a very nice original RVF that has not been tracked or raced, not beat up and former owner before I got it for over 10 years was a female! Bike has some small bodywork flaws and everything is pointed out in the photos. Please email me if you have ANY QUESTIONS or need MORE PICTURES!!!

More from the seller:
I have recently done a complete full service on the bike front to back.
Brand new Bridgestone tires.
Forks just rebuilt with oem Honda Seals and fluid
Fresh oil and filter
Fresh coolant and brake fluid
Brand new battery
Carbs cleaned

Bike starts, runs and rides as it should. I cleaned the carbs but did not rebuild them, starts and runs and idles well but the bike sat for sometime before I did this work. It is fine now, but from past experience the carbs might need new seals in the not too distant future…same with the petcock…not leaking now, but my experience with them is that they all seem to fail pretty regularly. Or I am just really unlucky with 30/35 carbs and petcocks!!

More from the seller:
I had the right side lower cowls repainted because of some scuffs and marks on them from previous owner. All other bodywork is original and OEM. The small rubber o-ring around the trunk lock is missing. There is a small chunk missing from the tail T piece, some discoloration on the left lower and some fogging in the headlight. Minor ding/depression on left front of tank. All other bodywork and cosmetics are really pretty nice considering the age and mileage.

Bike has a nice Two Brothers Slip on exhaust, braided brake lines front and rear, mechanically otherwise stock. The front blinkers are aftermarket and should be replaced as one has a short I believe and they obviously dont’ look correct on the bike…I will leave that up to the new owner.

With over 19,000 miles on the all-metric clocks, this particular NC35 is not new. But for many, a rider is the ultimate expression of bike collecting, and this one is definitely used to that. Condition is not perfect, but appears to be original for the most part. If the mishaps noted by the seller are it – and there are no mechanical demons lurking – this no reserve auction might be a good way to pick up a 400cc slice of nirvana. This auction is going on right now with several bids but the price has not yet crossed over $2k. I would expect that to climb very rapidly as the auction end nears, so perhaps you should add yourself to the list of watchers (there are a lot of them). We don’t see NC35s in the US all that often, and this one goes over and above by offering the vaunted California title, registration and license plate. That addition is usually worth about a grand for smokers – or anything with a less than 17-digit VIN or a lack of Federalization papers. Time will tell what this will run up to, but it offers some unique attributes that make it worth checking out. Good Luck!!

Featured Listing May 10, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 1998 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Gary in Utah has several bikes Featured on RSBFS right now. Check them out too:

1995 Honda RC45

2003 Aprilia RS250 MK2

1992 Suzuki GSXR400 GK76

Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Update 5.15.2019: Now on eBay!

As prices of Honda’s V4 homologation bikes climbing ever higher with every 0-mile example that crosses the auction block, the only way for ordinary folks to get a taste of these classic Japanese superbikes is by picking up one of their smaller siblings. Sure, with just 399cc to play with, the VFR400R NC30 and the RVF400R NC35 aren’t as powerful, but they could easily be mistaken for their larger, more expensive stablemates and use the same engine configuration.

1998 Honda RVF400 for sale on eBay

I still think it’s a shame that bikes like this no longer exist. While electronic safety aids and engine management systems have continued to evolve, most bikes under 600cc have just one or two cylinders these days and are tuned for midrange power and reliability, not screaming revs. But there were no compromises with the NC35 and, while the claimed 59hp is obviously not going to scare anyone weaned on a modern 600, you have to work to access it: most of the power lives up around 13,000rpm, accompanied by the characterful drone of the “big-bang” firing order created by the 360° crank.

The very nature of the powerplant is uncompromising: a V4 is great for aerodynamics, power, and weight distribution, which is why the format is used by a number of modern superbikes and is common in MotoGP. But they tend to be a bit heavier than an equivalent inline-four and are a pain to work on because everything is so densely packaged. Contrary to appearances, the NC35 does not have ram-air, although the prominent intake snorkels do feed fresh air to the airbox. Gear-driven cams also speak to the engine’s racing intent, and the bike is still popular among track-day junkies as an entry-level superbike because of its sublime handling.

And while it might look like a reskin of the earlier NC30, the bike was heavily updated in other areas and they share very few major components. Styling continues the “baby superbike” theme, with a pair of smaller, cat’s-eye lamps in place of the RC45’s larger, round units, and the rear tire is skinnier. The NC35 used upside-down forks and switched to a 17″ rear wheel, which should save modern riders the headache of sourcing 18″ rubber. Thankfully, the NC35 used a conventional 17″ front wheel, instead of the RC45’s oddball 16″ hoop.

From the Seller: 1998 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Second up is this 1998 NC35. It is a very honest solid bike. I concentrated on trying to find low mileage, unmolested original bikes. They are getting very hard to come by. This NC35 has 8,667 miles (13,947 kilometers). I bought it from a dealer in Tokyo. They did a full service for me on the bike before taking delivery. The fairings and components are all Genuine Honda OEM except for the rear sets and the custom red tape on the wheels. The fairings are mint and the fuel tank is as well. The only flaw is the rub mark on the left rear cowling. The wheels and front brake rotors have mild corrosion on them and could use a good cleaning and powder coating. The bike is in original unrestored condition with no body or paintwork. Looks very nice as is sits but would make an excellent candidate for restoration since there are no cracks in the fairings or dents or scrapes in the gas tank. Bike runs just like new and is ready to ride. Bike will come with Utah state title and is titled as a streetbike for road use. Comes with one key.

I’d like to see $10,900 or best offer for this example.

Feel free to contact me at 801-358-6537 or by email: rmurangemasters@aol.com

The Honda RVF400R was only available in the US via grey-market imports from overseas or Canada, and the usual registration headaches can apply if you’re in a state with stricter laws, so be sure to do your homework. This example is being sold by the very knowledgeable Gary in Utah with a Utah title, looks very sharp, with low miles and a tempting price. Yes, these are much more expensive than they were just a few years ago, but $10,900 gets you a very cool bit of Honda history in a practical, reliable package. Honestly, I’m a huge fan of the NC30/35 and it’s one of the few Japanese sportbikes I would love one in my garage… Assuming I could get a CA registration for it.

-tad

Featured Listing: 1998 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Honda December 19, 2018 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing – 1995 Honda RVF400R Restored by Speedwerks

Update 12.20.2017: Steve has updated us that this bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! He also mentions that he has an even nicer one that will be ready in early January, stay tuned! -dc

As profiled in the 1984 edition of Cycle World’s occasional “Forbidden Fruit” column, the RVF400R / NC35 was a world-beating junior but accompanied the legendary RVF750R / RC45 only to the home market. RSBFS sponsor Speedwerks has given this example a new lease on life. The 399cc V-4 has been comprehensively freshened with new fluids and filters, seals and tires, chain and titanium exhaust. With Ohio title, it’s ready for a new rider.

The NC35 had several nice updates to the earlier VFR400R, mechanical in the 41mm upside-down forks, Pro-Arm rear monoshock, 17″ wheels front and rear, and cosmetic in the cat-eye headlights. 61 hp is available at a lofty 12,500 rpm, the gear-driven cams whining their way to the beat of the “big bang” crank timing. Build quality and reliability was above the rest of the junior market, though the price was a dry weight of just under 365 lbs.

Speedwerks has been restoring and preparing sportbikes for more than 20 years, and the results of their experience are apparent here. Painted and plated parts are correctly colored and finished, rubber parts renewed, and the aftermarket fairings have factory livery. After the carb rebuild and new exhaust, a tuning session on the dyno was done. Here are Steve’s notes from the build:

Honda RVF400RR NC35. 33K miles, Clean US title, Fully Serviced and dyno tuned, runs and rides as new.
Demon titanium exhaust. Mobil 1 synthetic with Hi-Flo filter, Antifreeze flushed/filled,
Steel braided brake lines, bled with Castrol fluid and fitted with new Ferodo pads.
EK chain, Carbs rebuilt and jetted, new fuel lines and filter, NGK ER9EH plugs.
New Bridgestones fitted, RS10 soft front, S20 dual rear. Fresh fork oil and seals.
Bodywork is aftermarket and shows well, the paint is very nice.
This RVF is a good reliable rider, ready for a good home. Personal delivery available.

Speedwerks is asking $8999, contact Steve by email (steve@speedwerks.com) or visit their Facebook page.

-donn

Featured Listing – 1995 Honda RVF400R Restored by Speedwerks

Honda August 7, 2015 posted by Tad Diemer

Affordable V4: 1995 Honda RVF400 with Ohio Title

Rare as hen’s teeth here in the USA, Honda’s little RVF400 [NC35] superbike made it into the country exclusively through grey-market imports, often via Canada. The RVF400 replaced the VFR400 in 1994 and used a smaller version of the bigger 750cc bike’s gear-driven V4 engine.

Like the 750, the 400 used a 360° “big-bang” firing order to aid handling and increase tire life. The theory being that, when all of the combustion events occur close together instead of being spread out evenly, the rear tire is able to “recover” in between power pulses, making break away more predictable. Possibly superfluous with such a small displacement machine, but cool nonetheless, and big-bang bikes tend to sound better as well!

Power is relatively unimpressive on paper: between 50hp and 60hp, depending on whom you ask, and that power is all up near the redline, so the bike needs thrashing to make progress, although you’re rewarded with one of the best-handling chassis of all time. Kind of like a two-stroke 250 for people who think two-stroke motorcycles sound like chainsaws…

The RVF400 looked very much like a miniature version of the RVF750, down to the updated cat-eye lamps and those giant, snorkel-like tubes to feed the engine fresh air, although the bike did not technically use ram-air to pressurize the airbox. The update also saw a change to upside-down forks and 17″ wheel front and rear, which makes it easy to source modern, sticky rubber today, and many of these still see use in club racing.

From the original eBay listing: 1995 Honda RVF400 for Sale

I have too many bikes and not enough time. It’s time to let a few go to new homes where they can be enjoyed and ridden. This rare Honda RVF400 is the V4 little brother of the RC45. It’s titled as a 1995, but the research I’ve done on the VIN and color scheme seem to indicate that it is actually a 1996 (the final year of production). It small when compared to a 600cc sportbike but not super light like my Aprilia RS125. It was originally marked only in Japan, so the small scratches you see in the pictures are probably no worse than a 20 year old CBR600 would be here in the states. They probably weren’t considered collector bikes in Japan at the time. Considering that it’s travelled half way around the world, I think it looks great. I’d give it a 7-8 on a scale of 1-10. There is a small paint discoloration between the headlights, a small crack on the right side of the rear fairing, a little road rash on the right mirror bottom and the left headlight has a little moisture in it. The leather on the rear seat straps also has a small crack. It’s a really cool bike to ride and nobody in your town probably has one or may never have even seen one in the flesh. The speedometer is in kilometers per hour and the odometer is in kilometers so I converted to miles for the listing. Reserve is $7000.

This bike has a few minor cosmetic scuffs, but the seller’s reserve price seems very reasonable: if you want into the V4 Honda Club and funds are limited, this is going to be your best bet. And your investment is probably secure: in spite of their limited straight-line performance, their links to Honda’s racing heritage, relative rarity, serious good-looks, and responsive handling make these very desirable to both riders and collectors.

-tad

Affordable V4: 1995 Honda RVF400 with Ohio Title

Honda July 6, 2014 posted by Mike

Welterweight: 1995 Honda RVF400 NC35

Update 7.6.2014: The reserve was lowered and has now been met at $4,999. I doubt you’ll see another RVF400 stateside, title or not, for this little. Good luck to buyers and seller in the remaining hours! -dc

In combat sports, welterweight is considered to be heavier than lightweight but lighter than middleweight. That seems apropos for the NC35; larger than a chicken chaser or 250, but smaller than the current 600cc crop of what we consider middleweights today. The RVF400 has long been considered a jewel in the 400cc field – more rare and more potent than the cheaper FZR400. With a gear driven cam sound unique to these Honda V-4 models and sporting a single-sided swingarm, it is clear that the NC35 is not your average small, “starter bike” machine. This is a baby RC45, scaled down in displacement. And price.

1995 Honda RVF400 for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Attention collectors – rare chance to buy one of the highly sought after Honda V4, 400cc sport bikes. For a 400cc motorcycle it has amazing performance and world-class handling. I acquired this U.K. bike in 2006. The reserve is set low.

*** THIS MOTORCYCLE DOES N O T HAVE A TITLE *** bill of sale only

Speedometer is in Kilometers. It has 40,984 Km or 25,466 miles on the clock.
This motorcycle has significant upgrades; (a) aftermarket “shotgun” exhaust system (which was very expensive), (b) custom painted single seat rear cowl to match the original bodywork, (c) custom foot pegs, and (d) gold anodized wheels. This motorcycle is in very nice condition. It does have a few small nicks here and there but it looks exceptional for it’s age and mileage (please see all pictures and look closely). No rust anywhere. Chain & Sprocket Kit from D.I.D. X-Ring Gold installed at ~15,000 miles. Oil change every 3,000 miles. New OEM wind Screen installed January 2014. I do NOT have the OEM tool kit or owners manual.

I’m not sure how the owner is riding this around yet the bike has no title and no visible license plate. Maybe a track only ride? If so, this must have a lot of laps under its belt. The lack of title might be enough to scare off many buyers, but then again not everybody lives in a state where it is difficult to register grey market motorcycles. Check out the details here. This is a great looking bike, and I imagine it will receive lots of interest. Bidding is at the $4k mark with reserve in place. How high will it go? Let’s watch and see!

Honda December 17, 2013 posted by Ian

RC45 Looks Without The Price And HP- 1997 Honda RVF400 NC35

Update 12.17.2013: Posted late last month, this one failed to get any bids with an opening of $10,500. It’s back on eBay with a starting bid of $8500. Links updated. -dc

If you still consider America a colony, look away. While they may be a dime a dozen in the U.K. these are still rare birds here in the New World. At first glance this particular NC35 looks very sharp.

1997 Honda RVF400 for sale on eBay

As I mentioned you get the RC45 looks without losing your wallet. You aren’t going to out horsepower anyone but the 400’s were made for the twisties and I think give a similar experience to riding a street, 250cc two stroke.

It has some miles on it with the odometer showing 23,000.

The story on it:

YOU ARE BIDDING ON A RARE HONDA RVF400 COMMONLY CALLED AN NC35 OR BABY RC45. ONE OF HONDA’S CROWN JEWELS OF MOTORCYCLES WITH IT’S 90 DEGREE V4 RACE DERIVED ENGINE AND 250GP SIZE. IT IS IN ALL STOCK CONDITION WITH JUST OVER 23,000 MILES (I’M NOT THE FIRST OWNER. I’VE HAD IT SINCE 2005 AND IT CAME WITH A KPH TO MPH CONVERTER SO I THINK IS ALL MILES). IT INCLUDES OWNER AND SERVICE MANUALS IN JAPANESE ALONG WITH SOME SPARE PARTS (PLUGS,TURN SIGNAL, REAR PASSENGER PEGS AND OTHER SMALL MISC. PARTS. COMES WITH PIT BULL RACE STAND, ONE YEAR OLD LITHIUM BATTERY NEARLY NEW CHAIN AND SPROCKETS AND VERY GOOD CONDITION MICHELIN PILOT TIRES.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS HAS BEEN A TENDER LOVED RIDER (NEVER ABUSED- NO WHEELIES, PEG DRAGGING, TRACK DAYS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT). IT’S READY TO GO, BUT THERE ARE A FEW MINOR MARKS. THAT I HAVE TRIED TO SHOW IN PICTURES. MINOR STONE NICKS IN FRONT COWL, SMALL SCRATCH IN BLACK BY SEAT, MINOR RUST ON CHROME EXHAUST SHIELD, SLIGHT FOGGING OF PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENS, SMALL NICK IN PAINT ON TANK (MOST OF THESE WERE THERE WHEN I BOUGHT IT). THESE ARE ALL VERY MINOR BUT I WANT TO POINT THEM OUT SO EVERYONE IS HAPPY AT THE END OF THE DEAL

That front end still says Suzuka to me.

It’s clean, it’s stock and it’s rare but I have a feeling the price will be an issue. The bidding starts at $10,500. I’m a fan of all the 400’s but the fact is they just don’t command the dollars. On the other hand, nice examples like this don’t appear for sale all that often; decisions, decisions.

Click here for the auction.

Ian

RC45 Looks Without The Price And HP- 1997 Honda RVF400 NC35

Honda October 29, 2013 posted by claudio

Honda RC 45 Bonsai = Honda NC35 (Germany)

The successor of the NC30 was sold only in Japan. Hence this model, found in Germany, was imported from there. The seller, in the first picture below, mentions that the garage has become too small now and he needs to move on, one of his sport bikes. The good thing is, he didn’t fit a “super bike lenker” (as they are called over here) on the RVF400R:

Honda NC35 with 23000 km in Germany

The small capacity RVF shares the same V4 engine configuration with the 750cc RC45. Given the pistons on the NC are almost half the size, this motor won’t have much power at low rpm, but it will scream even more than the RC when pushed hard. These Honda engines are very reliable and, provided they are well maintained, they actually “want” to be ridden hard.

If you are a sporty type of rider, the one that at any occasion will look for the fastest line through a corner,…always…and will use the gearbox, not only to keep the optimum rpm, but also because you you have a sort of sexual pleasure when shifting down while blipping the throttle, then there is hardly anything better than a NC series.

I don’t know about you, but the speed limit enforcements over here, do put a certain pressure on me and I enjoy more and more pushing hard a 500cc Staurno or an RD350 than a big and very fast 888. The NC35 is perhaps a little less beautiful then its NC30 predecessor, but it comes with a 17″ rear rim which is a good thing, as you will have much more choice when looking for fresh rubber. And you will need fresh rubber fairly often. Despite the mere 50+ HP, the NC series are fantastic handling bikes. You will need to change tyres because you will consume the front one fairly fast if you will ride the little RVF as it is meant to be.

Here a few more words from the seller (translated with Google):

I offer the RVF only because the first image is right!!
The bike is an absolute piece of cake the little RC45 A technical Highligt and simply a great bike the hell makes spas.
there were just € 2,200 invested in workshop ausschlieslisch for maintenance and repairs not care! 24000km incl the inspection.
It is a motorcycle that is driven and has traces of course use
Look at them, absolutely suitable as an investment because they only had one previous owner and was the first in Japan to let times in 2001.
Japanese papers are available as a copy.
In the German letter is a previous owner, the bike has gone five years, after which we came.
If you buy you get even mounted a new set of EBC brake discs and new pads front because the top are no longer 100%.
Shipping within Germany without islands free of charge.

Private sale without warranty and return policy.

The starting price of 7499 EUR will have our readers in the UK raise their eyebrows, and some might even fall of a chair…The thing is, that finding a NC in Europe’s mainland is really hard as the grey importers that flooded England in the early nineties simply didn’t exist elsewhere. What is also pretty difficult these days, is finding a good quality NC that didn’t have 25 previous owners, was ridden in the rain most of time and hit a few times the gravel on the unlucky odd track day.

Honda NC35 with 23000 km in Germany

Claudio