Description
Additional photos of this Honda NC30 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 our shores. We brought this NC30 (VIN: NC30-2000277, Engine #: NC30E2100275) in from the UK from a long-term owner that gave his VFR a bit of an endurance racer look.
He incorporated OEM panels with a solo tail section and endurance style upper fairing.
In addition to the above, we note a DBS keyless fuel cap and Coerce rearsets.
Cosmetically, we note a few minor blemishes that are reasonable for the age and mileage. There are some nicks on the frame and swingarm and scratches on the underside of the tail. Photos of all known issues are included in the album up top.
The odometer shows 26,304 kilometers (16,344 miles).
We went through it mechanically and sorted a few loose ends – cleaned the carbs, replaced the clutch cover gasket as it had a very minor seep, and replaced the water pump O-ring as well.
Ollie took her for a spin and could not stop gushing about how great the transmission was and how wonderfully she ran.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please schedule an appointment for a viewing), this VFR is offered on a clean Oregon title.
This is ready to ride needs nothing but a new owner! Have any NC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
