Description
Additional photos 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 60 hp. Top-speed was a respectable 130 mph, 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 US shores.
This example is VIN: NC301100406. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan.
The odometer shows 22,140 kilometers (13,756 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for this listing the seller had us clean, service, and sync the carbs, replace the air filters, fuel filter lines, and the petcock vacuum line. We also reconditioned the spark plugs, gave it new oil and oil filter, flushed and filled the coolant, and replaced the brake fluid. Finally we serviced the chain and gave it a detail.
Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Fuel Tank Internal: Ok
Tire Years – Front: 2217; Rear:2017
Tire Life – Front: 20%; Rear: 5%
Tire Pressure – Front/Rear: 32PSI
Brake Life – Front: 90%; Rear: 60%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front: New; Rear: Ok
Drive Chain Condition: Stretched
Engine Oil -Level: Ok; Quality: New
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery:
State of Health: 92%
OCV: 11.96V
Capacity: 6.0AH
Test Ride: Unit operates as intended
BIKE CONDITION
-Toll road wiring installed
-DC/DC converter installed for upgraded ignition coils – has toggle switch
-Missing chain sliders, front V-section between fairings
-Seat tabs broken, seat was removed incorrectly
-Few cracks on fork dust seals
-Cosmetic damage, Scratches/Rash right fairing, broken tabs from LH mid fairing, small scratches on top of fuel tank
-Tires aged and worn
-Drive chain stretched
-Kickstand end rubber worn
-Few springs missing on muffler to exhaust pipe
BIKE ADDITIONS
-Aftermarket rear rotor
-Koso voltmeter installed at dash
-Foam tank protector installed
-Manual fan switch installed
-Red silicone radiator hoses
-SPII Advanced spark system with aftermarket coils + high tension leads
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Tires mount and balance
-Chain replacement
Modifications:
Akrapovič muffler with aftermarket headers and size adapter.
Braided stainless steel brake lines.
Aftermarket levers, aftermarket mirrors.
It is riding on Dunlop GPR-300 tires from 2017.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any VRF400 NC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!