Description
Additional photos of this 1990 Honda VFR400 are available here for your perusal.
Essentially a scaled-down version of Honda’s legendary RC30, the VFR400R, or 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 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 example is VIN: NC301005623. Our mechanic Steve acquired the bike through Iconic’s classifieds.
Steve has ridden the bike for approximately 340 miles. The odometer shows 30,019 kilometers (18,652 miles).
Steve generally used the bike as a commuter, but he also took it out at our most recent Laguna Seca track day!
Maintenance:
Before Steve acquired it, the engine was rebuilt by Mike Norman’s G-Force Engine Development @ 17km in April 2012 to the tune of $4,933. There is a dyno chart from the shop showing 65 horsepower and 28.5 lb-ft of torque after the motor was broken-in and a different set of needles. The work notes cylinder head porting and a performance valve job.
Steve has recently replaced the clutch, changed the oil and oil filter, and cleaned and adjusted the carbs.
Modifications:
Suspension tuned by Dave Moss.
TYGA “Maggot” muffler.
Penske rear shock.
310mm front rotors, Galfer brake pads.
RBF 17″ rear wheel and wave rotor.
Carbon fiber front fender.
305mm rotors with custom caliper brackets (stock is 295mm).
TYGA rearsets and carbon fiber heel guard.
Tyga upper stay, Tyga meter stay, double bubble windscreen.
TYGA triple clamp.
Samco radiator hoses.
HM Quickshifter.
Pro-Tek Racing gas cap.
Pazzo Racing levers.
MRacing carbon fiber mirrors.
Talon rear sprocket.
Battery tender lead.
Extras:
The sale comes with a front fairing, lower cowl, two sets of middle fairings, two sets of lower fairings, and an assortment of spare parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Please note that the sale includes carbon fiber trim rings to cover the damage to the gauge housings.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Racing Street RS10 tires with date codes of 1419 and 1721.
The sale includes one key.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in September 2022.
Per the California DMV website, it would cost $224 to make registration current through September 2023.
Have any VFR400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
