Posts by tag: V4

Honda June 11, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Vee Four: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Modern 400s are generally geared towards new or budget-minded riders, but can still be very capable sportbikes: I spent a session or two recently chasing one around Buttonwillow, and it turns out a Ninja 400 can work up a surprising turn of speed. In spite of that, they’re still pretty basic machines, specification-wise. But a couple decades ago, bikes like the Honda RVF400R NC35 gave nothing away to the most exotic roadgoing machines, other than a few cubic centimeters of displacement…

A race-bred V4 engine with a “big-bang” 360° crank, gear-driven cams, a distinctive single-sided swingarm and a rear wheel held on by a single large nut… there were no compromises on the NC35, other than those slightly tacky plastic snorkels jutting out of the tank that feed fresh air to the airbox. The 399cc only put out a claimed 59hp and most of the power is produced up near 13,000rpm, but what is available at lower revs is pretty usable and the bike won’t feel as sluggish as the meager power might suggest.

This example isn’t a particularly museum-quality bike: the tail section doesn’t look original, the no-name exhaust isn’t stock, and those polished wheels definitely aren’t going to be to everyone’s taste. The carbon intake tubes do look much nicer than the plastic originals, but again: not original. All of that also means the $11,990 asking price might be a bit on the high side for a bike that’s more an interesting rider than a really collectible example of Honda’s baby V4 sportbike.

From the original eBay listing: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

In 1994, Honda introduced the RVF400, or NC35. Successor to the VFR400 (not confusing at all), the NC35 was two things: a mini-me of the legendary RC45 and one of the greatest 400s ever built. Just like its 750cc big brother, the NC35’s fit and finish was top-notch, and the model had all the trappings of a full-size superbike in a potent 400cc package.

Odometer is in kilometers (16,209 kms or 10,075 miles)

Ride away at a price you’ll love. Our selection of pre-owned powersports are certified to the highest maintenance standards, ensuring that all of our customers are not only riding in style, but that they’re also riding with safety in mind. Since 2018, we’ve dedicated our efforts to guiding and advising our clients about the best units on the market. We offer a wide range of options, and our professional team is here for your every need.

The RVF400R is pretty uncommon here in the USA, but not impossible to find if you look around, or have the means to import one. If the seller is willing to negotiate on that price, it could be a pretty cool rolling restoration while you track down original bits from overseas, or a really fun project if you raid the Tyga parts catalog for bodywork and performance upgrades…

-tad

Vee Four: 1995 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

Honda March 4, 2020 posted by Aaron

V4 Cruise Missile: 1993 Honda VFR750 Interceptor

The Honda VFR750 never fails to pop up in forum posts and old magazine articles seeking to name the best all-around motorcycle available. Inevitably, there’s some dentist from Portland who chimes in with 43 photos of his immaculate VFR and a long tale about how he’s put 175,000 miles on it from new and only ever changed the oil and tires. It’s a fact of Internet life, and it gets pretty old. But, if you spend any time at all around the bikes, you’ll discover that those Aerostitch-clad Boomers are on to something. These bikes are, quite simply, phenomenal.

1993 Honda VFR750 for sale on eBay

Of course, I am biased. A red ’97 model sits in my garage, and I sought it out after reading too many dentists telling me how awesome it was. They were right. The gear driven cams make a gorgeous whine on top of the small-block lope of the V4, the power is electric and the handling, while not exactly sprightly, is impressive for something so large and perfectly stable.

This 1993 Honda VFR750 appears to have been babied by one of the aforementioned healthcare professionals, and shows very nicely in white. The way the single-sided swingarm shows off that magnificently ’90s rear wheel is enough to give you visions of Joey Dunlop. With 15,000 original miles, a next to new set of tires and new spark plugs, battery and fuel filter, there is no reason this thing shouldn’t be down for a cross-country road trip tomorrow.

From the eBay listing:

Up for sale is my VERY clean VFR-750. Ultra low miles, adult owned and maintained. Never ridden in the rain, always garage kept on a battery tender when not riding. Has 480 miles on a new set of Michelin Pilots, new spark plugs, new fuel filter, battery is 1 year old, carbs were cleaned and sync’d, K & N air filter, gutted Yoshimura slip on muffler. Always washed after every ride, oil and filter changed every 1,000 miles using Honda oil and filter.

With a hollowed-out Yosh pipe, this thing will make your neighbors hate you, but how could they ever hate this bike?

V4 Cruise Missile: 1993 Honda VFR750 Interceptor

Honda February 14, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Speak of the Devil: 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Speaking of the RC30… After the little-brother VFR400R we posted this week, we’ve now got the legendary Honda VFR750R here on RSBFS. The RC30 wasn’t especially light, or powerful, but it was beautifully made and was incredibly easy to ride, with intuitive handling. A true sportbike icon, it represents an unusual way to approach production racing.

Most of the time, homologation bikes are tweaked and upgraded versions of regular production machines. You take your basic sportbike platform, then add an adjustable steering head, or flat-slide carburetors, or titanium engine parts, or a different bore and stroke, then build enough examples incorporating those changes to qualify the resulting machine for whichever classes you intend to enter. Instead, Honda built a low-production superbike that was sold alongside its more conventional inline-four sportbikes like the CBR.

Honda’s belief in the the V4 has obviously been validated: the format is popular in MotoGP, and several modern hyperbikes use the format for all of the same reasons Honda felt it was a winning formula. A V4 is heavier and more complex than an inline four, since it has two cylinder heads and an additional set of camshafts. But the format contributes to mass-centralization and is much narrower than an inline four, which allows for better aerodynamics.

Honda’s V4 used a set of gears to drive the overhead cams, and a 360° crankshaft to improve rear-wheel traction. Build quality was incredibly high and, with the fairing removed, the RC30’s components are densely packed in between the thick aluminum frame spars. The V4 configuration is great for handling, but it also makes a bike generally complex and hard to work on. Perfect for a bike that was designed for homologation purposes.

I’m curious about the wheels on this bike: the seller mentions that it currently wears wheels from an RC45, which is an odd choice. The original RC30 wheels would be a 17″ front and an 18″ rear, which makes the fitment of modern sportbike tires problematic. The RC45 would have a 17″ rear, but went to a 16″ front. Again, making the fitment of modern sport tires difficult. An RC45 rear and an RC30 front would make the most sense to me, but the photos don’t clearly show what’s been done here.

From the original eBay listing: 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

If you are viewing this bike, you know exactly how influential the VFR750R/RC30 was to the motorcycle world.

With only 3,000 being produced, RC30’s with this mileage are extremely hard to find

748cc V4 powerplant is pure bliss

Often referred to as a Homologation Special for HRC’s World Superbike Campaign

This bike is believed to have 4,754 unrestored original miles

The bike currently has RC45 wheels and a aftermarket exhaust

Factory Wheels, Exhaust, and Jetting goes along with the sale

Rear Stand is also included with the sale

This RC30 has spent the last 2 years in the Throttlestop Motorcycle Museum on Display

The bike runs and rides beautifully

Paint work is very nice, no dings or issues with the gas tank

Lower belly pan has normal wear, see pictures

All the hard to find pieces are on this bike and untouched

This was the pinnacle for Honda in the late 80’s/early 90’s and is extremely timeless. Here is your chance to own one of the most desirable Sport Bikes of this era!

Bidding is active, and up to $25,100 with several days left on the auction. This example isn’t perfect, but is low-mileage, unrestored, and looks very clean in the photos. And if the RC45 wheels aren’t to your liking, the original wheels and exhaust are included, so you can put it back to stock before you lock it up in your hermetically-sealed storage vault.

-tad

Speak of the Devil: 1990 Honda VFR750R RC30 for Sale

Honda February 12, 2020 posted by Tad Diemer

Little Brother: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

If you haven’t seen Honda’s legendary RC30 in person, it’s easy to mistake the smaller, 400cc VFR400R NC30 for that iconic homologation machine. The smaller headlights of the more widely produced NC30 give the game away, although it shares very similar looks, like an RC30 that was put in the dryer on high heat for a little too long. Most importantly, it retains the distinctive single-sided Pro-Arm swingarm that looks trick and simplifies rear-wheel changes under racing conditions.

Both bikes share the same engine V4 engine configuration, with gear-driven overhead cams and the same 360° “big bang” crankshaft that improves traction at the rear wheel. The NC30 is physically smaller than its bigger sibling, but is also significantly lighter at about 400lbs wet, compared to nearly 490lbs for the RC30. That means that the NC30’s 60hp or so can still move the bike along smartly, and the bike is famous for its agile handling.

The non-standard muffler of this example does feature a cool carbon-kevlar weave pattern that looks pretty evocatively 80s, but also betrays a bit of grindage on the leading corner of the can itself, and on the bend of the pipe as it snakes around the rear wheel. Extremely exuberant cornering, or evidence of a minor low-side crash? It’s hard to tell from the pics, but it doesn’t look like there’s any other damage to the frame, fairing lower, or brackets to indicate what’s gone on here. There’s also a bit of corrosion on the front fork lowers, but that’s to be expected on a bike that’s spent most of its life in a salty, humid environment.

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Rare bike from Japan! VFR400R NC30

VIN: NC30-1007049

Year: 1989

Mileage: 4,500km (2,795 miles)

Condition: There’s tiny scratch, tiny crack on cowling. There’s broken a little bit at back side of right side cowling.

But still looks VERY GOOD condition, Original paint. Muffler is aftermarket product.

Of course, running very well. There is no American title. But Japanese registration, bill of sale and import documents are included.

We have more detail of pictures and movie for this bike. Please contact me feel free if you interested. This bike is currently stored in Florida, so there is no hassle to import in the United States. After a successful bid, go to Orlando, Florida to pick up and arrange a delivery. Please note that shipping fee will be charged separately.

This is newly-imported, and stashed in Florida, the very epitome of a permissive DMV. It just needs an enterprising new owner to brave the bureaucratic nightmare of their local DMV and give this sharp little bike a new home. I prefer the more common red/white/blue colors, but the miles are extremely low and the bike looks very clean, minor rash on the exhaust aside.

-tad

Little Brother: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Honda November 1, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: Euro Spec 1994 Honda RVF750R RC45 for Sale

Certainly one of the most sought-after bikes of the 1990s, today’s Featured Listing RVF750R RC45 was the follow up to Honda’s extremely successful VFR750R or RC30. Ultimately, the RC45 didn’t have the same success in racing as their earlier RC30, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. The RC45 was every bit as polished and exotic, and used the same basic formula as the RC30: light and stiff aluminum beam frame, V4 with gear-driven cams, and a single-sided swingarm. The RC45 was powered by a 749cc, 90° V4 with gear-driven cams and the “big bang” firing order that gave the Honda V4s their characteristic sound and improved traction coming out of corners. The cam gears were moved from the center of the engine as is typically seen in motorcycles, including the RC30, to the side of the engine to improve packaging, while sophisticated PGM-FI fuel injection replaced carburetors.

Total displacement of the new V4 was almost identical to the earlier bike to squeeze under the limit for to meet World Superbike regulations, but the bore/stroke were changed significantly from 70 x 48.6mm to 72 x 46mm, making the engine more oversquare to reduce piston speed and increase revs. Titanium connecting rods helped reduce reciprocating mass and magnesium castings kept the overall weight of the engine down, while a slipper clutch helped keep the rear tire from locking up during downshifts.

Showa adjustable suspension components at both ends of the aluminum beam frame kept the odd-size 16″ front wheel and 17″ rear wheel in contact with the ground, with the rear hoop mounted to a distinctive, ELF-developed single-sided swingarm that helped ease wheel changes during endurance racing events. So why didn’t the RC45 match the RC30’s success, particularly in WSBK? Well, the RC30 was incredibly innovative when it was introduced, so perhaps the competition from the other manufacturers had just caught up to Honda. I’ve also heard rumor that the new engine was incredibly difficult for privateers to tune. Regardless, it was still an amazing piece of engineering from Honda, and one of the most desirable superbikes of the era.

From the Seller: Full-Power Euro Spec 1994 Honda RVF750RR RC45 for Sale

This is the very first RC45 model to be brought into South Africa (one of only 3), it was imported brand new. I bought it from a collector and since then have fitted new tyres, chain, battery and had all the fluids replaced. She rides beautifully and sounds eargasmic, note that this is the full power model as noted by the ED demarcation on the PGM-Fi. 34,000km (21,250 miles). All bodywork and the screen is OEM Honda, and the only aftermarket bits are the Yoshi exhaust, and the indicator deletion. (Which are readily available from Honda, and can be arranged). No rust or oxidation due to our favourable, dry climate, and careful storage by myself and the previous owner. Tool kit and paddock stand will be included in the sale.

A rare opportunity to own, ride and enjoy the ultimate 90s superbike. A reasonable asking price of $35,000 includes free shipping and crating to any location, worldwide. Please contact Justin via email justin@redladder.co.za

Just 200 were made worldwide, making this a very rare machine. The mileage isn’t barn-find-low, but Hondas are built to last and this still appears to be a very sharp machine. Keep in mind that these are incredibly rare, finding the parts and an experienced specialist to refresh your 0-mile RC45 could be a real headache. This one looks ready to ride and enjoy!

-tad

Featured Listing: Euro Spec 1994 Honda RVF750R RC45 for Sale

Honda October 17, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Spitting Image: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Speaking of 400s… This grey market Honda VFR400R NC30 looks for all the world like it’s bigger, 750cc brother, the superbike homologation special VFR750R, also known as the RC30. The two machines can be pretty hard to tell apart, and just the smaller headlights and narrower real wheel give the game away without looking closely. Side-by-side, the NC30 is visibly smaller, but has the same sleek, 90s shape, beam frame, single-sided swingarm, and classic graphics.

Both bikes are powered by V4 engines with gear-driven overhead cams and a 360° “big bang” firing order that gives the bike its distinctive exhaust note, overlaid with the whine from the cam timing gears. That stunningly engineered Pro-Arm swingarm is heavier than a double-sided unit, but makes for quicker rear tire changes during endurance racing pit stops. The smaller engine also means much less weight, and the NC30 weighs just 400lbs wet, compared to the RC30’s nearly 490lbs.

Handling is brilliant and the bike is a popular track day mount overseas, although they’re a little too rare and a little too pricey to make much sense here in the US. Not that it would stop me from thinking seriously about it. It’s a very compact, lightweight machine, and the 60 or so horses feel stronger than you’d expect. I had the opportunity to take an extended spin on one, and it was plenty comfortable, although a guy my height does look a little like the proverbial “monkey humping a football.”

From the original eBay listing: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Pretty clean 1989 Honda VFR400 NC30 with only 8,021 original miles [12,909km]. The bike starts right up and runs and drives good. Everything works like they should, except for the missing seat lock and rear view mirrors. Got a Buy It Now price of $8,500 or will consider the nearest best offer. Got a clean and clear title in hand.

Please ask all questions and clear all doubts before bidding. It is the buyer’s responsibility to inspect the bike prior to bidding. Call 646 361 8452 to come inspect the bike. The bike is being sold “as is” with no warranties. All sales final with no refunds and no returns.

There are just hours left on the auction, and the Buy It Now price seems in line with the bike and its apparent condition. I’m generally much more interested in European exotica, but the NC30 is on my very short list of bikes to own.

-tad

Spitting Image: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for Sale

Honda August 21, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 1986 Honda VFR750F

Update 8.31.2019: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Even legends have parents. They don’t often get lauded for their offspring’s exploits, but their influence is indelible, and without their genes, what would our heroes be? The 1986 Honda VFR750F is a minor legend in its own right, but its offspring — the Honda RC30 and RC45, are the beasts everyone remembers. But in 1986, Honda was hungry to catapult itself past the other Japanese marques in the sportbike arms race, and to cure its new V4s reputation for weak valve trains.

The VFR750F delivered. Under Fred Merkel, Wayne Rainey and Bubba Shobert, the bikes cleaned up in AMA. And under a crew from Cycle World that included Nick Ienatsch and a motley crew of racers and journalists, blew the ’86 Suzuki GSXR750’s 24-hour speed record out of the water by nearly 20 mph. Follow the link to that story at the end of this writeup. You won’t regret it. The red-white-and-blue beasts achieved the feat thanks to an improved 105-horsepower 750cc V4 that represented a 20-horsepower gain over the Magnas and fixed reliability questions. The bikes were also something like 40 pounds lighter than the previous model.

Coupled with a roadrace-worthy suspension and wide, sticky tires, the VFR had the goods to take it to Yamaha and Suzuki.

This 1986 Honda VFR750F is in impeccable, low-mile shape, with a long list of recent mods and maintenance to make it even tastier. It sports a Yoshimura exhaust and an RC30-style front fender, among other improvements. Seller Joe spent a long time on his description, so we’ll let him take it away:

1986 Honda VFR750F

Honda collector for over 30 years. My recent focus has been V4 bikes of the 80s/90s, including both RC30/RC45. This is my second 1986 VFR750F, which I purchased in 2016. I bought this bike because of its low mileage and overall survivor condition. Plus, I really wanted one with a pipe. The videos don’t do the sound of this Yosh pipe justice. The bike has 11,357 miles. As you can see from the title, I’ve put less than 100 miles on the bike while freshening up a few things. I have over 20 bikes and like to work on them, but I don’t ride them enough, so it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.Upgrades – all done within the last 18 months: New Honda fuel pump (specific to this bike and $200 for part alone); New fuel filter; New choke cable; New Yuasa AGM battery; New Honda grips; New Metzeler rear tire (Metzeler front matches but older – see code); New DID x-ring chain with rivet; re-zinc’d rear sprocket; Cut down front fender to match race bikes/RC30, and painted to match (includes uncut stock front fender); Valve adjustment and carbs disassembled and ultrasonic cleaned and sync’d (see video – work done by Joe Nelson of VFR Dreams); Fresh oil and filter; New brake fluid front and rear; New clutch master fluid; Known blemishes: 20-25 tank “pimples”appeared over this last winter. Odd, because always stored in a heated garage. Scrapes on left rear cowl/tail. A few very small scratches on windscreen. Hairline crack on LH fairing (3/4”). Normal cracking on mirror arm. Clear title in my name. Includes factory shop manual. I do not have factory owners manual. 2 keys, including original stamped key and a Honda duplicate. Multiple videos show carb sync, cold start, fast idle, fast idle warm up with two other of my bikes. Asking $4000.

Located in Milwaukee, WI 53207

Shipping is solely the buyer’s responsibility. I can assist with the shipper of your choice. I have used Haulbikes.com and JJ Bagwell Shipping.

VFR750F 24-hour world record recap: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/hondas-1986-vfr750f-interceptor/

While later sport-touring RC36 VFRs don’t command the same coin (somehow) as the earlier bikes, VFRs are still a bargain compared to a slab-side Gixxer in similar shape. For such a jewel of a machine in such gorgeous condition, the $4,000 asking price is almost a no-brainer.

Sport Bikes For Sale July 8, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Featured Listing: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

Update 7.8.2019: We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Amatumoto Grand Prix Motorbikes for being a sponsor of RSBFS! From Amatumoto, “This 2017 Suter MMX500 at reduced price will not last long, so if there is someone out there that has been pining for a reliable 2-stroke GP500, they should act soon.” Contact Amatumoto today! -dc

So, I’m going to have to try not to gush uncontrollably here, because this is one of the coolest bikes we’ve featured recently. A real, live Suter MMX500, a “what if” race-replica from a parallel universe where MotoGP racing never made the switch from two-stroke to four-stroke power. A labor of love built by Eskil Suter of Suter Racing and a bunch of guys who never got over their addition to premix fumes.

Forget all of your shed-built Grand Prix homages with RZ500 engines stuffed into R6 chassis and painted up in Marlboro racing colors. No disrespect intended, but this is what you’re looking for, the ultimate paean to the snarling, lethal machines that carried Rainey and Schwantz and Mamola to greatness.

The looks may be stealth-fighter modern, especially in this example’s matte carbon finish, but the spirit of those older machines is still there, married to absolutely state-of-the-art racing technology. It’s powered by a compact, fuel-injected two-stroke V4 with a pair of counter-rotating cranks based on the Swissauto/MuZ500 raced by Suter in 1998 and 1999. Apparently Suter “had a few crankcases kicking around from the 500cc V4 design,” and frames are, obviously, their specialty.

I’m always fascinated by how two-strokes can be mounted in the frame: a lack of cams, cam-drives, or valve gear means they’re ludicrously compact, and often oriented in ways not at all intuitive for someone weaned on four-strokes. In this case, the engine is laid over on its side, rotated 90 degrees from what you’d expect, facing forward. So more like a >4 really, at least if you’re looking at it from the left-hand side…

The bike may be tagged as a 500, but it actually displaces 576cc, with an undersquare 56 x 58.5mm bore and stroke in an effort to deliver a bit more midrange and help the bike avoid racebike service intervals. Suter acknowledges that most of its customers are skilled enthusiasts, not win-or-crash racers, and the changes to the formula make for a more manageable ride that still captures the feeling of a two-stroke MotoGP machine, but is less likely to spit a rider off in an evil highside when they get in a bit over their head…

Modern electronics and fuel injection help there as well, while offering improved rideability and a better spread of power. Of course, the delivery is still two-stroke abrupt and, with 195hp at 13,000rpm pushing just 280lbs, power-to-weight is still fairly astonishing, so the two-stroke GP character is intact, just slightly more refined.

Head on over to the original listing for the bike, as there are plenty of additional photos for you to drool over.

From the Seller: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

SUMMARY

Model: Suter MMX 500

Origin: Switzerland

Engine: Suter

Last Service: 490 km

Colour: Carbon

Suspension: Ohlins

Brakes: Brembo

OZ 17″ wheels

Availability: Immediately in our store of USA

MODEL INFORMATION
Bike in good condition and ready to race. Extra parts included with the bike: rear stand, pistons, rings, reeds gaskets, fiber+steel clutch plates, plugs + caps, filters, front stand, windscreen, seat, engine stand, service manual, owner manual, cover.

Spares list:

Pistons, rings, carbon reeds, gaskets, and o-rings; enough for 2 complete rebuilds

fiber/steel clutch plates

plugs & caps

Spare seat #5 of 99

Engine stand, front & rear service stands

Parts, service & dash manuals

bike cover

This is the very first Suter MMX500 I’ve seen for sale. With just 99 made, I’m assuming they were all snapped up before they were even finished by well-heeled track day and racing fans. If you’ve got ~~$115,000~~ $95,000 lying around and decide to buy this, please let me know what track days you’ll be attending, because I need to see an MMX500 in action. The craftsmanship and passion that went into its creation are impressive, as you can see from the images. Of course, the price is shocking, but this is a very rare opportunity to purchase one at any price, so refinance your home, sell that sailboat, or sell that kidney, and pounce before someone else does.

-tad