1985 Honda NS400R
Miles: 14,300
Clean Texas Title
Asking Price: $17,500
Auction ends: April 28th, 2024
Although famous for their innovative engineering and advanced technology, Honda initially resisted the move to two-strokes in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, going so far as to embark on the hideously complex oval-pistoned NR500 before finally admitting that screaming two-strokes were the way forward, and building their successful NS500. A road-going replica would follow in 1985 although, unlike competitors from Suzuki and Yamaha, the three cylinder Honda NS400R displaced only 387cc. This was likely due to much higher taxes and fees on 500cc bikes in Japan and, instead of creating two versions of the bike for domestic and international sales, they focused on making the NS400R as good as it could be. And it was very good, with excellent handling and superlative fit and finish. The 360lb [dry] bike was powered by a liquid cooled, 90° two-stroke V3 with two cylinders facing forward and the center cylinder facing upwards, backed by a six-speed gearbox, and nestled in an aluminum beam frame. The package made a claimed 72hp and top speed was nearly 130mph.
A hard to come by for sale1985 Honda NS400R HRC Type 2 strokes liquid cooled 90 degrees triple cylinders Japanese domestic market import all original unrestored example that runs great no leaks. Very solid example that has never been taking apart or altered. It does have a new chain, new front tire, nos handle weights. Gas tank is very clean inside. Front fairing need work, left side rear foot peg need to be reattaching. Comes with a nos fairing stiffener. Clean Texas title in hand. Check/money orders must clear before I release the bike or title. $500 immediate deposit is non refundable. Please analyze pictures and ask questions prior to buying. Shipping is buyer’s responsibility.
This isn’t the nicest example of a Honda NS400R we’ve featured but it does appear to be complete and in good running condition. I’m sure by now most of the fairing panels are nearly unobtainable, so be sure to consult with a bodywork professional regarding repairs before committing to this. For a long time, these were sort of a forgotten, poor cousin to the Suzuki RG500 and Yamaha RZ500 as it lacked a bit of those bikes’ displacement and the cache that comes with owning a bike that’s constantly trying to kill you. But the performance of the NS400R over the road apparently doesn’t suffer much in comparison, the engine is surprisingly flexible, handling is very sweet, and the bike certainly has racing associations to match those slightly bigger bikes. My impression is that this example is pretty overpriced: we featured a nicer NS400R a few weeks back in better condition, with lower miles, for $3,000 less. This bike has been listed on eBay before, so maybe the seller is open to a buyer who shows up with cold, hard cash and a reasonable offer? Or will they squirrel it away for another couple years and hope that by then expectations will have met reality?
-tad
I’ve always had a soft spot for these, although I’ve only ever tried one once. But beware of the crankshafts if you’re going to campaign one seriously.
This Honda, the RD500, and RG500 have always been my dream bikes. However, the prices, complexity, and parts availability have been barriers to buy one.