In 1994, Honda introduced the RVF400, or NC35. Successor to the VFR400 (not confusing at all), the NC35 was two things: a mini-me of the legendary RC45 and one of the greatest 400s ever built. Just like its 750cc big brother, the NC35’s fit and finish was top-notch, and the model had all the trappings of a full-size superbike in a potent 400cc package.
Think about what a 400cc sportbike means nowadays – then look at what this offered over 20 years ago with the single-sided swingarm, V4 motor, endurance racer-inspired air ducts, and gear-driven cams! The NC35 made it clear that small displacement bikes didn’t have to be cheap. In addition to all the nice details above, the liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree, 399cc V4 with four-valves per cylinder, gear-driven cams, and quad 28mm carbs made just shy of 60hp at 13,000rpm.
Never officially sold outside of the Japanese market, the RVF400 featured a V4 engine in an aluminum twin-spar frame paired with upside-down 41mm Showa forks and a monoshock out back. Dual front discs with Nissin calipers help to slow the 400 from its roughly 125 mph top speed.
This example is VIN: NC351001365. The seller acquired it from three years ago Tyga Performance as part of a joint restoration project of two bikes.
The odometer shows 12 kilometers (8 miles) after the restoration was performed.
Details of the restoration are documented here on the Tyga website. “This RVF represents a whole lot of hours (more than I want to count) of Paul and I trying to get two of the first year NC35’s as close to factory new bikes as possible. I went a bit further with mine rebuilding the engine as it was an unknown unit but the mill in this bike was a very low km one that Tyga had been saving for years. You might be able to find another stock very low mile original but you would probably be waiting a very long time and if you wanted to ride it you would still have to go through everything, brakes, suspension, carbs etc. If you wanted to restore your own, good luck finding any original nice bodywork these days or worse, stuff like un-fogged headlights. I am keeping the other bike that I rebuilt and letting this one go, financially it doesn’t make much sense but its worth saving these Iconic Honda’s, and it was a lot of fun! If you want a collection piece or a rider, this bike will fit the bill either way.”
Maintenance:
“This RVF has had a nearly 100% restoration, the engine was a low mile donor that had approx 8,000 km on it. Some of the resto project is detailed on the Tyga website but here is a comprehensive list of new or restored parts:
The bodywork and tank are 100% OEM Honda, many of the pieces were saved for many years and were near perfect originals, there has been light touch up work done on several body parts and the tank but with an effort to keep all of the factory decals and originality.
Every single nut, bolt and screw that was still available from Honda was ordered new. Whatever was not available was re-zinced to like new condition.
The headlight and passenger seat were very rare NOS items that are long since discontinued, the front seat has been recovered.
The screen and trim are Tyga reproductions.
The gauges were fully disassembled, cleaned, lubricated and mileage reset before reassembly.
The swing arm and eccentric was completely disassembled and cleaned, and serviced, all swingarm pivot bearings were replaced with new OEM ones.
The rear shock was fully disassembled, cleaned, all hardware re-chromed, zinced, repro Showa decals, a schrader valve added, and then rebuilt with new bush, seal, Ohlins fluid and nitrogen, it is now fully rebuild-able for the future.
The front forks also saw a full breakdown, the lowers were painted, new bushing, oem seals, Ohlins fluid, the fork caps are new Tyga CNC reproduction units.
The wheels were repainted in the factory semi-flat black color.
The subframe was repainted, the wire harness was cleaned and inspected and the OEM fuse holder replaced with a new OEM one, a newer Reg/Rec was added.
The footrests front and rear were vapor blasted, it has new OEM footpegs, the rear brake master was rebuilt with an OEM Kit. Original brake lines in good shape were sourced and put it place.
The front brake master has been rebuilt with OEM parts with a new hose, reservoir and cap. The front calipers were pulled apart, cleaned and rebuilt, along with new pads.
The hand grips and levers are new OEM Honda units.
The petcock and fuel line are new, the inside of the tank is original, not lined and in very good condition as seen in photos.
The steering stem bearings and races are new OEM, the front wheel bearings are new and both wheels have new valve stems.
All of the original decals and warning stickers that were available were replaced, others like the Showa suspension decals, VIN fender sticker and windscreen warning labels were painstakingly reproduced.
Many hours were spent on cleaning and re-conditioning the exhaust to getting it look as new and original as possible. Lots of other small details were addressed, things like Tyga repro bar ends, repainting any parts like the bars or upper stay that needed it.”
Mechanical Issues:
“The bike will come with decent take offs that are still good for another year or two but new tires would not be a bad idea for any serious riding, the battery is a 2025 Yuasa and in good condition. It has had a 10 Km shake down ride to make sure everything is working, I also synced the carbs at this time. All lights, switches and gauges work as they should. It will be shipped with the carbs drained and the tank nearly empty.”
Modifications:
“After I purchased the bike from Tyga I disassembled it and shipped it to Japan from Thailand. I took the opportunity at this time to do some more detail work on the engine, all of the covers were removed and vapor blasted, the coolant spigots and tube in the V of the engine were replaced with refurbished units with new OEM o-rings, all of the gaskets and o-rings through out the engine were replaced at this time, along with a valve adjustment, new oem plugs and oil filter and all new fluids.
The frame was replaced with a locally sourced one in Japan that had all the valid title documents.
I also changed the carburetors to one of the four sets I did while at Tyga-Performance, these carbs were broken down to every last piece, vapor blasted bodies, every single piece of hardware re-zinced and all new seal, o-rings, jetting etc (a seriously arduous process)!!
Other small details were also addressed at this time, the correct reproduction real axle nut plastic cover, and the small rubber molding on the exhaust guard that is missing on nearly every RVF were replaced, along with a reproduction rear fender VIN tag that is rare to see on any 32 year old JDM Honda.
The bike was restored to be 100% original as it left the factory, stock exhaust, jetting, suspension.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires with date codes of 2623 and 4723.
The sale includes, 2 OEM keys (one shown), factory service manual, parts manual, original owners manual, tool kit, original promotional sales brochure, and a bike cover.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“While the bike is very nice, some parts that were used in this build are still 30 plus years old and show some wear, the fork tubes have some small nicks and fading on the gold anodizing, there is some mismatch in the color on the “RVF” where the uppers and lowers meet if you look close. There are other small imperfections but nothing that really stands out.”
Currently located in Chiba-Ken, Chiba, Japan, this Honda is offered on a clean Japanese title. “I will crate and ship this bike to the US west coast for $1850, US east coast for $2200 and approx $2000 to the EU or Australia, other parts of the world will vary. The buyer will be responsible for import duties/clearance. For US buyers I will include all Japanese documents translated, the EPA and DOT import forms needed and certificate of export so you can register in your state along with instructions for titling (Sorry, not California!) or alternatively Iconic can handle all aspects of acquiring title and plates for the new owner. ” Approximate shipping time will be 6-8 weeks depending on vessel sailings.
Have any RVF400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
