Posts by tag: VFR400R

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Honda June 20, 2022 posted by
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Good Things Come In Small Packages: 1989 Honda NC30 VFR400R

The Honda RC30 needs zero introduction.  The looks and performance are the stuff of legend.  As more and more collectors compete for a limited number of bikes on the market the prices inevitably rise.  We often hear enthusiasts in the hobby lament this as it means they might not get a chance to experience the machine.  The wonderful thing about this hobby is that even though specific models might be rare, there are always alternatives to explore.  In this case it the RC30s baby bother, the NC30.

The 400cc class of sport bikes from the late 80s and early 90s offer some amazing technology, packaging and overall fantastic riding experiences.  These were not built as the budget, or entry level motorcycles of today.  These were built to fit into engine size restricted classes and to offer buyers real performance.  Most offerings remained as JDM options.  It was determined that the US and European markets would not see the value in these smaller bikes.  Hindsight has told us that this was probably true.  The 600cc class is dead in the USA and most modern sport bike riders are only focused on absolute power and speed.

Today these are available for import and are being brought over for collectors and riders alike.  Known for extremely high redlines (some north of 17,500 RPM) and sublime handling it is no wonder many buyers are taking advantage of this opportunity.  Parts availability should be of little issue as Honda is very good at supporting vintage motorcycles.  For the price point it would be hard to find something more unique, reliable and with a usable performance envelope.

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

Honda’s Street-legal race bike. This exquisite 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 has been thoroughly sorted and is a fabulous rider. Runs incredibly strong, no smoke or leaks. 100% of the electrical and lighting work. See videos below! A fully documented restoration was performed a year ago, and has been on museum display since. Clean title, in hand. Original exhaust is excellent and free of any scuffs or dents. Brand new battery, fluids, and tires. 48k kilometers (30k miles) A wonderful collector piece of Honda’s HRC racing history.

The VFR 400 series were explicitly a scaled-down version of Honda’s racing RC30 models and only intended for the Japanese domestic market. The VFR400, like the RC30, used straight-cut gears to drive its camshafts, which made a characteristic whine that became associated with pure speed.

With a redline of 14,500 RPM, the top speed was 130 MPH. Riders loved the NC30 for its razor-sharp handling and its wide spread of power, which had plenty of torque without the peakiness of most highly tuned fours.

 

This bike looks to represent a great opportunity for someone that wants a bike that is equally good to look at as it is to ride.  Relatively high mileage will mean riders are the buyers, not matter how many time the seller uses the word collector in the listing.  That is not a dig as these are wonderful out on the road.  The 400cc market is very hot right now because more and more riders are embracing the slow bike fast ethos.  It will get even hotter when the new Kawasaki 400cc four cylinder sport bike hits showrooms.   The Buy It Now price of just under $12k seems reasonable for the condition and current market.  A buyer would be wise to press the seller for more details on the mentioned restoration as that could potentially be a great selling feature.

Good Things Come In Small Packages: 1989 Honda NC30 VFR400R
Honda June 2, 2022 posted by
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Detail Oriented – 1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30

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 

Detail Oriented – 1992 Honda VFR400R / NC30
Honda April 13, 2021 posted by
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Well Ridden: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30

Pardon the title of this post. To be fair, I don’t know if this bike was well ridden, or ridden well. But I can tell you that it was ridden a lot. To the tune of nearly 28,000 miles, that is. That is not a problem for your typically over-engineered Honda motorcycle, but it is surprising to find such a rare gem as a NC30 to have been so heavily used. It is certainly a testament to the joy these 400cc machines bring to the table, and kudos are in order for an owner willing to get out there and ride.

1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 for sale on eBay

Like its bigger brother the RC30, the NC30 is powered by a liquid-cooled V-4 that has valve actuation driven by gears rather than chains, belts or pushrods. The result is more precise valve actuation – especially at high RPM – and the characteristic gear whine for which these these bikes are known. Couple that sweet, 60 HP V-4 with the big beam aluminum chassis, throw on some 41mm upside down forks and a rising rate single shock in the rear with the single sided “Pro Am” swing arm and you have a package that handles as well as it looks. And speaking of looks, the NC30 is nearly a direct copy of the RC30, complete with endurance racing inspired twin headlights.

From the seller:
1989 HONDA VFR400R NC30
VIN # NC301013367
45,000 KILOMETERS
TITLED IN ARIZONA, CLEAN AND CLEAR
GOOD CONDITION
NEW TIRES
RECENTLY SERVICED HAVE RECEIPTS
SERVICE WAS DONE ON SEPT 2020. IT INCLUDED OIL CHANGE, FORKS REBUILD, AND CARB CLEANING AND SYNC.
RUNS GREAT DON’T LET THE MILEAGE SCARE YOU
IF YOU ARE LOOKING AT THIS AUCTION YOU KNOW HOW RARE THIS MOTORCYCLE IS.
BUYER RESPONSIBLE FOR PICKUP.

Today’s tasty morsel of non-federalized fruit comes to us wearing the red, white and blue (and purple) robes that just seems to fit the U.S. perfectly. This is one of myriad color combos that the little VFR would wear during its run, although likely the most popular due to the resemblance to the RC30. None were ever officially imported into the United States, so that means you will have to do some quick math in your head to convert the all-metric clocks to actual speed. Aside from the miles, this bike appears to be wearing a non-stock, tinted windscreen. Other than that you might say this is a pretty good looking used bike. Short time left on the auction, with only a single bid at $5k at time of writing. There are a fair number of watchers, so something might play out near the tail end of this one. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!

MI

Well Ridden: 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30
Honda February 12, 2020 posted by
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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 January 17, 2020 posted by
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Head to the Cape: 1991 Honda VFR400R NC30

The iconic grey bike in the US, the NC30 – also known as the baby RC30 thanks to common family DNA – ranks as one of the sweetest of the 400cc set. There is nothing this models lacks: good looks, fantastic sounds (gear driven cams, don’t you know), razor sharp handling, adjustable suspension and all the performance you could expect from a bike of this capacity. Sadly never officially imported to our shores, these models have become more common in recent years as riders rediscover the joys of limited displacement motivation. There is a wealth of knowledge available, and parts are still in relatively decent supply. Rare in the US (and not that common elsewhere), a 400cc import could make a fine collector that is worth riding. Today’s example, while located in South Africa, ticks many of the right boxes and is worth a look.

1991 Honda VFR400R NC30 for sale on eBay

The VFR400R is the perfect example of the Honda philosophy. Whereas small-bore bikes were often the arena for starter motorcycles built on a tight budget, Honda jumped into the deep end of engineering. The chassis is a renowned twin-spar aluminum frame that holds a single-sided swing arm. This distinctive feature – taken from the all-conquering RC30 racer – originally was designed to facilitate rapid tire changes on the racetrack. With a single nut, the rear wheel can be exchanged quickly and without the need to readjust chain tension. Most of the rest of the bike follows that racetrack theme, including the bodywork and twin headlights that echo those of the endurance racer. Motive power is supplied by an oversquare V-4 featuring four valves per cylinder and driven by straight cut gears. That is part of the unique sound produced by these models. The rest of the soundtrack is the flat bark of the exhaust provided by the 360 degree big bang firing order. In all, figure 60 horsepower in this mid-300 pound package.

From the seller:
Thanks for taking the time to view my listing on this immaculate, low mileage example of an Honda VFR400R.
The pictures speak for themselves. It will be difficult to obtain one in this condition with such a low starting price and NO RESERVE!
All original body kit and paint.
The engine is in perfect condition and the fueling is spot on.
A full service was done recently which included the replacement of the fork seals and dust covers.
I have been involved with importing, selling and repairing NC30,s for the past 27 years and I have not seen a more perfect example than the one advertised in many years.

We have seen this particular seller before, and all the bikes look extremely clean. South Africa might not be the ideal locale for US-based buyers, but with just 11,000 KMs on the clocks it is not often we find such a nice example. The plastics look to be complete and serviceable, and the lack of obvious modification is a plus. Think about it: this bike was in the showroom nearly 30 years ago. Someone took good care of it for it to emerge in the shape it is today. Check out all of the details here, start planning your vacation, and Good Luck!!

MI

Head to the Cape: 1991 Honda VFR400R NC30
Honda July 25, 2019 posted by
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Featured Listing: 1992 Honda VFR400R NC30

Update 7.24.2019: Paul has renewed his Featured Listing for this NC30 and dropped the price to $9,700. He also notes mileage has gone up slightly as he does ride it once a week. Good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Often considered the baby brother to the RC30, the 400cc NC30 deservedly stands proud on its own right. The V-4 with ultra-precise gear driven cams delivers a powerful 60 horsepower soundtrack that is unique to this model – especially when the tach swings up toward the 14,500 RPM redline. This is partly thanks to the NC30s 360 degree crank, creating a “big bang” motor when compared to the NC21 or NC24 predecessors. With a race-bred twin spar aluminum frame, endurance-bred single sided swing arm, four-into-one exhaust and adjustable suspension, the underpinnings of the VFR400R were anything but cheap. Drape the whole package in a glorious shape that is as iconic as any of the sport bikes we hold in high esteem (RC30, 851, 916, F4), throw in typical Honda build quality and reliability and you have the NC30 in a nutshell.

Featured Listing: 1992 Honda VFR400R NC30

The seller knows quite a bit about this bike, and I’ll let him share detail on this example.

From the seller:
1992 Honda VFR400R NC30
Currently has 11’558 Km that’s about 7,100 miles, will go up as I do ride it at least once a week.
I just put on new tires front and rear, new brake pads front and rear, flushed and bled front and rear brakes. Had the rims powder coated as the original paint was peeling. I also noticed some of the smaller pieces were looking their age so I had them powder coated black also, instrument stay, Misc cable guides, fairing stays.

More from the seller:
I just serviced the forks, new seals and fluid, Valve check, replaced all o-rings in the carbs, they were starting to leak, flushed and replaced the coolant I got the bike 3 years ago from the original owner’s estate, he passed away. Prior to his passing he was doing a full restoration and had removed the original body work. He ended up getting Dementia and that was as far as he got. Over the years the original body work got lost. I wanted to keep this bike original so after much searching I managed to find Honda body work that had been in an accident. I had the crash damage repaired and repainted. It looks really nice. The bike runs amazing, starts easily cold or warm, smooth, powerful and quiet. It is the best handling bike I have ever ridden. I’ve owned it for about 3 years now I’m 6’1″ and 220 pounds. This bike was designed for someone 5’04” and 145 so as I am getting older I can only ride it for about 10 minutes due to the full racer tuck.

More from the seller:
The bike is not perfect but really nice and would make a perfect weekend canyon rider. If I were to keep it I would do the following:

– Paint the lower fork housings and the rear subframe
– remove all body work and detail the engine and frame.

Bike is located in Lake Havasu City, AZ. I have a clean and clear Arizona title with current registration till April 2020.

Asking Price: $9,700 (will consider reasonable offers)
Contact: baldyy@aol.com

I really like this seller’s approach to the bike; it is not a perfect zero-mile statue, but a well-cared for and maintained rider. After all, these 400cc rockets are meant to be enjoyed in their element (which had better include lots of corners). Parts of the bike have been selectively restored, reconditioned or updated which is what you would expect from a fawned-over 27 year old motorcycle. Devoid of the hyper-focused attention bestowed upon the bigger RC30, the NC30 is a bike you can ride and enjoy for what it is. Not so expensive to be an unaffordable collector, and not so rare and finicky not to be a regular rider – provided you fit. As the seller notes, this is definitely not a spacious and airy bagger; the crop of 400cc grey bikes definitely cater to a slightly smaller set. If you do fit, there are few bikes that collect the handling accolades of a VFR400R. With a jewel of an engine that purrs at low revs and snarls & shrieks through 14,500 RPM, the NC30 is positive proof against those who say Hondas lack soul. This example is clean and fully operational, and priced fairly for today’s market. If you think you are in the market for the gem known as the NC30, contact Paul for more information. We typically don’t see these bikes last very long in the market; act quickly before it’s gone!

MI

Featured Listing: 1992 Honda VFR400R NC30
Honda June 10, 2019 posted by
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Featured Listing x 2 – 1989 and 1990 Honda VFR400R NC30 !

Update 10.12.2019: Both bikes have sold. Congratulations to buyers and seller! -dc

Not one, but two of the most sought after middleweights have become available because of a slight shortage of garage space.  The 1990 ( white tank and nose ) was purchased from RSBFS sponsor Moto2 Imports and the 1989 ( red tank and nose ) found locally.  A tune-up for the ’89 put things right, traded bodywork with the 1990, and both are for sale.

1989 and 1990 Honda VFR400R NC30 For Sale

The NC30 was built from 1989-92 and was the latest of three VFR400R generations.  The lightweight and sweet handler was meant for the Japanese market and their progressive licensing laws, but acquired a following in the U.K., down under, and lately here in the U.S.  Always equipped with a carburetted V-4 good for 59 hp, the later NC30 had a 360-degree big bang crank, exhaust on the left to expose the single sided swingarm, and sharp RC30 styling.  Gear driven cams impart a vintage whine to the 14,500 rpm rev limit, and offset tire sizes ( 16-inch front / 18-inch rear ) insure agile handling.

Both bikes are super clean, the ’89 having an aftermarket monoshock and exhaust, and ’90 is nice shape – having been recently delivered from Moto2.  Both have new voltage regulators, and a lot of spares are available.  Comments and gallery for each bike follow below.

1989 NC30 ( Type III Color – red tank and nose ): Overall, she’s in very good condition

– Installed new Electrex regulator/rectifier
– Replaced all floats, float valves, correct needles (previous too rich) and full set of LiteTek carb gaskets
– Fairing is still good condition from the other ’90 NC30; but has a few hairline cracks in the usual places (willing to include new Type I aftermarket set)
– Viper exhaust (OEM included)
– Hagon rear shock (OEM included)
– It’s time for sprockets and chain change; parts in hand, just haven’t gotten around to replacing.

1990 NC30 ( Type I Color – white tank and nose ): Overall, she’s in excellent condition and needs nothing.

– Recently installed new OEM Honda regulator/rectifier for reliability (properly soldered all terminals)

The NC30’s fair power, almost full size and low ready-to-ride weight have made it the standard for small sports.  Reviews from the day praised the easy riding balance and top build quality.  The 1990’s Moto2 pedigree is helpful since a thorough going over by Speedwerks is part of their service, and the RC30 lookalike livery will make them wonder – if only for a time.  The 1989 has recent maintenance, some nice mods and backup fairing, exhaust and monoshock.

The owner Ken has made a deal with his better half to get it down to one bike and has his eye on a follow-on model, the RVF.  Located near Washington, D.C. he offers delivery in DelMarVa, or will prepare the bikes for pickup.  Ken asks $16,000 for the pair.

-donn

Featured Listing x 2 – 1989 and 1990 Honda VFR400R NC30 !
Honda May 10, 2019 posted by
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Featured Listing: 1998 Honda RVF400R NC35 for Sale

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

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