Description
Additional photos of this Honda NC30 are available here for your perusal.
Essentially a scaled-down version of Honda’s legendary RC30, the VFR400R (also known as the NC30) was a race-bred 400cc superbike introduced in the late 1980s. A smaller and cheaper alternative to the VFR750R, the 400 still possessed the same bodywork and livery as the 750, as well as its stellar reliability and fit and finish which had become Honda hallmarks.
Powering the NC30 was a carbureted, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, V4 with gear-driven cams that gave the NC30 a unique roar. With a relatively flat torque curve and a redline of 14,500rpm, the NC30’s V4 was good for around 30 ft-lbs of torque and just shy of 60hp. Top-speed was a respectable 130mph, and with a wet weight of only 400lbs, the VFR400R’s dual front 296mm discs and four-piston calipers were more than sufficient at slowing things down.
The trick little 400 was also an early adopter of various features such as its 360-degree “big bang” firing order, TRAC (Torque Reactive Anti-dive Circuit) 41mm telescopic front-end, and ELF’s Pro-Arm single-sided swing-arm. Just like its three-quarter-liter sibling, the welterweight VFR used a competition-derived aluminum twin-spar frame. A four-into-one exhaust exited on the left side of the bike, enabling easy access to the 18” rear wheel, and the suspension’s preload and rebound were both adjustable.
The VFR400R was created for the Japanese domestic market, though it was officially sold in parts of Europe for a time in limited numbers. Produced until being phased out in ’94, the NC30 wasn’t ever sold in the US, though grey market examples have found their way to our shores.
This NC30 (VIN: NC30-1109377) was imported from England by the owner in June of this year. The previous owner had it for about a year, his son and him rode it but it was a little cramped for both of them so they let it go. The owner before that was the one who built it.
The odometer shows 41,157 kilometers (25,574 miles).
Modifications:
Full Tyga Performance RC211V bodywork, painted in Honda NH196 white.
AM/PM decal set, replica of the RC45 raced at Suzuka by Eddie Lawson. Can be removed, not clearcoated over.
Yamamoto spec-A twin stack exhaust system, cans repacked, new perforated tube.
BRAKING STX04 front rotors.
Tyga CNC aluminum rear wheel spacer, DID gold X-ring chain, carbon fiber chain guard, Renthal sprockets.
HEL black stainless steel brake lines front and rear, HRC rear brake reservoir delete hose.
CNC Race rearsets.
Tyga carbon fiber front fender.
Rick Oliver clock foam.
Rick Oliver alloy handlebars.
Venhill featherlight throttle cables, Renthal grips.
Pro-Bolt top yoke nut, Rick Oliver yoke stem plug.
Aluminum radiators (curved top radiator with aftermarket hoses throughout), HRC coolant overflow bottle.
Bridgestone Battlax BT-090 tires. Wheels powdercoated gloss black.
Rear subframe and alloy exhaust hanger powdercoated gloss black, EMC adjustable shock.
Recovered seat.
Drivetrain modifications that aren’t shown in photos include a Rick Oliver supplied UK CDI (removes Japanese restriction), carbs cleaned and re-jetted 120F/122R, new cable throughout, rear brake master cylinder and calipers rebuilt with new seals, new wheel bearings throughout, updated regulator/rectifier, and extensive use of titanium bolts.
There are a few cosmetic blemishes, most notably on the right engine case and cracked from over-tightening behind the seat.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please schedule an appointment for a viewing), this VFR is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any NC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
