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 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: NC301055808. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan; prior history is not known.
The odometer shows 38,055 kilometers (23,646 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the oil and oil filter, the coolant, and the brake fluid. We also serviced the chain, overhauled the rear brake, and installed new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport and Shinko 006 Podium tires with date codes of 4919 and 0222.
Olly and Alex did the work, they note the following in their condition report:
Tire Years – Front: 2019; Rear:2022
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 100%
Tire Pressure – Front: 32PSI; Rear:
35PSI
Brake Life – Front/ Rear : >50%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: Ok, New
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: New
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: New
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok, No Rear brake switch
Plate Light:
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
Test Ride: Ok
BIKE CONDITION:
-Red of gas tank different shade from the rest of bike
-Pitting on rear wheel
-Crack on RH fairing
-Aftermarket rear sets installed
Modifications:
JMCA exhaust.
Carbon fiber front fender.
Steering stabilizer.
Braided stainless steel brake lines.
Aftermarket rear sets.
Aftermarket windscreen.
Battery tender lead.
Various stickers.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes two keys.
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 Oregon 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 VFR400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
