Description
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. A 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 400 (still a very fun bike!) 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.
This example is VIN: NC351001226. The seller purchased the bike three years ago in Japan and states, “So I had a spare set of track bodywork that I painted up sometime back, I already have an NSR track bike and did not really need another track day toy but I wanted to see this put to good use. I also had the modified subframe, gauges and some other parts from an older NC35 race bike I had so I decided to raid my stash of parts and put it together. This was really just a “for fun” project and thought it would make a good track NC35 but I also had the goal to make it as visually stunning as possible, a really bright red was chosen for the stock RVF RR paint scheme and the gold wheels go really nice with it. I was already deep into two other nut and bolt restorations of stock RVFs so I had the time, parts and experience to put this one together. Someone can take this to the track and have a lot of fun while looking good at the same time.”
There is no odometer, true mileage unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Just fully gone through, may need jetting changes and final tuning setup depending on track/location/elevation or if new owner wants to put it back on the street. Tires are decent take offs, okay for C class rider, someone faster will want something newer and stickier.” Regarding the work performed on this bike, the seller has provided the following detailed breakdown:
“- Bike was assembled in December 24 to January 2025. Complete frame up assembly from scratch. The frame and swingarm were thoroughly cleaned, rear eccentric was cleaned and lubed along with swingarm bearings.
– Rear shock was fully rebuilt and shock body zinced, all hardware re-zinced and re-chromed, new seals, fluid, nitrogen, Schrader valve added, reproduction Showa decals on shock. Front forks full rebuilt, good bushings, new OEM Honda seals, KYB #10 fork oil at 120mm, reproduction Showa decals on fork legs.
– Steering stem bearings cleaned and greased.
– Both front and rear brake calipers completely disassembled, pistons and all seals cleaned, checked and put back together. Nearly new brake pads front and rear, fresh DOT4 fluid front and rear.
– While engine was out, valve clearances were set (slightly on loose side) all the engine covers were pulled off, vapor blasted. Most engine hardware was re-zinced, engine was thoroughly cleaned. All new engine gaskets for oil pan, side covers etc.
– Fresh Eneos 10w-40 semi synthetic oil and OEM Honda filter.
– Carbs were completely rebuilt with a Lite-Tek kit, fuel inlet o-rings, air screw o-rings, float bowl o-rings etc. All jets cleaned, float height set. Air filter was a near new one, sub air filter is new.
520 Renthal/DID chain setup is used, but very low mile and in excellent shape.
– Fresh 50/50 coolant, NOTE: NO THERMOSTAT installed and NO FAN on lower radiator for track bike setup.
– Tank was completely cleaned and re-lined before painting.
– NEW OEM Honda Petcock
– NEW OEM Yuasa battery
– NEW NGK Spark Plugs
– NEW OEM front brake master reservoir
– Exhaust was pulled apart and completely hand polished, the Tyga can was fully rebuilt with a new carbon sleeve, internal packing, new rivets etc, all NEW OEM exhaust o-ring gaskets.
– New aftermarket oversize radiators and new GPI silicone radiator hose kit.
– Complete track bodywork and tank setup were painted in summer of 2024 and just now installed.
– Seat was just recovered.
– New Tyga bump pad.”
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 LINED
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: OK
Coolant Quality: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: GOOD
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: N/A
Forks: RT FORK LEAKING
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 0421
Tire Date Code Rear: 1920
Tire % Remaining Front: 90
Tire % Remaining Rear: 85
Tire Press. Front: 25
Tire Press. Rear: 30
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.59
Running Condition: RUNS POORLY ON 3 CYLINDERS
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
COOLANT LEAK LEFT SIDE OF UPPER RADIATOR
TIRES AGED MORE THAN 5 YEARS
CARBS NEED TO BE SERVICED
Modifications:
“- Full GRP race bodywork, OEM Honda tank, aftermarket lightweight race subframe with modded OEM undertail to fit. Lightweight aftermarket aluminum front cowl stay and gauge stays.
– Rear shock has NC30 internal valving and 5mm shim for ride height.
– Exhaust is Tyga half system, front headers are OEM, just fully rebuilt, Tyga carbon exhaust hanger.
– Tyga billet rearsets.
– GPI silicone radiator hoses.
– Aftermarket oversize aluminum radiators.
– Aftermarket front brake rotors (forgot brand, but decent ones from Taiwan).
– Wheels powdercoated in 2019.
– Renthal/DID 520 chain set up.
– HRC rear brake reservoir.
– POSH de-restrictor unit mounting under dash.
– Modded stock gauge setup with speedo delete.
– Modded front sprocket cover with Nicky Hayden RC51 type alteration.
– Wire harness is 95% intact with side stand safety switch and lights wiring still mostly in place, but has Keyless setup, just turn kill switch to run and hit starter.
– Steel braided brakes line front and rear.
– 112 main jets installed, stock airbox and filter, stock pilots.
– RC51 OEM clip-ons”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 tires with date codes of 1920 and 0421.
There is no key, the kill switch powers the bike off and on.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only with import paperwork. Iconic can assist the buyer in obtaining a Washington title for approximately $550. Have any RVF400 NC35 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
