Please Note: the VINData report for this bike mistakenly states that it has a New Hampshire rebuilt title. Iconic has verified that a clean California title, issued in 2012, comes with the bike. However the title states the bike is a 1980 model because the bike was originally imported from Japan before it was 25 years old.
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: NC351001095. The seller acquired it 12 years ago from Don Lemelin at Scuderia West.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 1,000 miles. The odometer shows 12,828 kilometers (7,970 miles).
“I love it. It is so rare…those who know what it is know. My friend owns a shop in SF and called me and said “Patty, I have seen one of these in my life, and that was at a show, and I have one in my shop, do you want….?”. it was sold before he could finish the sentence. ive enjoyed it, ridden it in utah and cali, always kept it clean and tight. never seen water or a bath, but definitely not babied. this thing screams.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok (3% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail (>3% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dry, Dirty, & Loose
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 60%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 13/11
Tire Date Code Rear: 38/11
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 27 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 29 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Tire valvestems are cracking
-Tires are old and out of date spec
-chain is dry, dirty, & loose
-Both brake fluids have failed for water contamination
-Scoops have non original wrap on them
-Front fender mounting tabs are cracked
Current Tires Installed:
-120/60-17
-160/60-17
Recommendations:
-Replace Front and Rear Tires + Valvestems
-Chain Service
-Hydro 2 (Front and Rear Brake Fluid)
Modifications:
6/23 Update: After a brief visual inspection:
-Middle and lower side fairings appear to be OEM
-Tail section appears to be fiberglass and likely aftermarket
-Front fender and front end also appear to be aftermarket
Tyga shotgun exhaust.
Tyga rearsets.
Aftermarket tank protector.
Brake reservoir cover sticker.
Wrap on the air intakes.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires with date codes of 3711 and 3811.
<img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Honda-RVF400-NC35-PC/i-b3pX9JH/
/MVVpDBjJHMrPSN8vDtd86xP9kpdLSQgzDLP6v3M6r/X3/Honda%20RVF400%20NC35%20-%20%20%28152%29-X3.jpg” width=”1600″ height=”1200″ class=”aligncenter size-full” />
The sale includes one ignition key and one tank cap key.
It also includes a Yoshimura exhaust, tail bodywork, passenger seat, and BikeMaster mirrors.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in February 2021. The California DMV website estimates that it will cost $866 to make registration current through February 2027.
Have any RVF400/NC35 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
