Please Note: This Honda sold before it was scheduled to go up on auction. We’ve added it to the site to help you value the Iconic goodness that we sell!
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1990 Honda VFR400R NC30.
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 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, albeit 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: NC301000678. The seller brought the bike over from Japan in January of 2024 and states, “I imported it from Japan because I like classic Japanese motorcycles. Had my fun with it and would keep it, if I could afford to. The bike was purchased from a private owner in Japan. Records indicate he owned the bike for over 10 years before my purchase. Extremely well loved motorcycle, runs flawlessly, awesome stickers on the bike from Tsukuba circuit, and Sportsland Sugo indicating track event participation. This was not a hidden away bike, but properly enjoyed. Carbs are tuned very well, pulls strong, and even starts right away after sitting for over 40 days when I returned from a recent trip. Burns zero oil, has zero leaks. Ready to enjoy track or canyons. All original finishes as far as I can tell with original stickers intact.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 1,500. The odometer shows 29,557 kilometers (18,365 miles).
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Oil change with Motul soon after import. New battery half a year ago.”
Modifications:
“Beet Nassert Pulse Corn Titanium muffler. Coerce rear sets (GP SHIFT currently / switchable). Adjustable steering damper.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Alpha-14 tires with date codes of XXXX and XXXX.
The sale includes HOW MANY keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Few minor blemishes here and there, some paint chipping on rim, nothing major.”
Currently located in Marina del Rey, California this Honda is offered on a clean Nevada title. Have any VFR400R NC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
