Description
5-22-20 Update: This auction has been put on hold while the VIN situation gets resolved. All bidders are being contacted – if you have any questions, please reach out to concierge@iconicmotorbikes.com.
5-20-20 Update: We have been notified that there is a discrepancy with the VIN. As a JDM machine, this should have an 11 digit VIN. It has a 17 digit VIN (which is how it was titled in California), however the 17 digit vin corresponds to a 2004 Honda VFR800. Here’s a CycleVIN report. We have notified previous bidders of this via email.
Additional photos of this RVF400 can be found here.
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 that made just shy of 60hp at 13,000rpm. A 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 400 makes 45.
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.
As you probably noticed, this example (VIN: JH2RC46434M600307) looks quite a bit different from the usual RVF400 – that’s because it’s equipped with a Tyga RC211V body kit (front / rear).
5-20-20 Update: It looks as though this RVF has been restamped with a 17-digit VIN that corresponds to a 2004 Honda VF800. It is currently titled in California and is currently offered on non-op registration with no back fees.
Recent work includes rebuilt front forks with new bushings and seals, rebuilt and jetted carbs with new o-rings, a fresh service with all new synthetic fluids, new battery, new spark plugs, and new Michelin Pilot Power tires (0 miles).
The bodywork is far from the only Tyga part on this NC35. You’ll also get a Tyga full exhaust.
Tyga rearsets, carbon fiber heel guard, and carbon fiber chain guard.
Tyga carbon fiber clutch cover.
Tyga carbon fiber instrument cover.
In addition, it features a HRC rear brake reservoir.
Thermae oversized upper radiator.
Newly recovered seat and bump pad.
Per the seller, this Honda “fires right up and runs great.” The true mileage is unknown, though it is approximately 12,000.
He acquired it two years ago in California and has put approximately 500 miles on it since – it’s been in the state for approximately seven years. We’re a big fan of this seller as he often shares fascinating JDM imports (like this custom EZ-9 we auctioned off several months ago), but he’s letting this go as he just has too many bikes at the moment.
There are no known cosmetic issues as the paint is fresh – again the bodywork is not OEM. There are no known mechanical issues, though the seller notes that there are no blinkers installed. The factory wiring is still in place so the next owner can easily plug in turn signals if desired. Got any RVF400/NC35 stories? We’d love to hear them below in the comments! Or, let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to answer them for you!
5-20-20 Update: We have been notified that there is a discrepancy with the VIN. As a JDM machine, this should have an 11 digit VIN. It has a 17 digit VIN (which is how it was titled in California), however the 17 digit vin corresponds to a 2004 Honda VFR800. Here’s a CycleVIN report. We have notified previous bidders of this via email.