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: NC351002492. The seller acquired it in early 2024 as a “basket case” and started reconditioning in the fall of 2025.
The odometer shows 6,694 kilometers (4,159 miles). “I finished the reconditioning of the RVF this February. With the weather being so cold and snowy this year I’ve only managed to have it out for one shakedown run of about 5 miles. I ran it through all the gears. It accelerated, steered, shifted and stopped just like it should so I headed back to warmth.”
Maintenance:
“I acquired this RVF400 in 2024 in a neglected state. In my care it has undergone a comprehensive reconditioning. This NC35 was disassembled, including separating the engine from the frame for a full cleaning, inspection and servicing. The bike was then reassembled, fully serviced/adjusted with fasteners properly torqued using a combination of aftermarket and OEM Honda parts. Mechanically, the bike functions properly in all regards and is a joy to ride.
Maintenance performed in the last 6 months:
-Front brake calipers and master cylinder (OEM Honda RVF400) were fully disassembled, cleaned, inspected and reassembled with fresh brake fluid.
-Rear master cylinder and caliper were fully disassembled, cleaned, inspected and reassembled with new brake fluid and new braided brake line. A new brake rotor and new pads were installed. The rear caliper seals were worn and replaced with new OEM Honda seals
-The carburetors were completely disassembled (split carbs from rack), cleaned, and reassembled with new full LiteTek ethanol resistant seal kit installed, then installed with new aftermarket intake rubbers, then synced
-New OEM Honda fuel lines, vacuum line and petcock installed
-New AllBalls front wheel bearings
-Fresh powder coat on front wheel.
-New Honda steering bearings
-Front fork fully serviced (see modifications section)
-New Honda Antifreeze, Motul Oil, Honda oil filter
-Valves adjusted (two were out of spec see pic)
-New 520 chain and both sprockets
-Swingarm, and rear eccentric dissembled, cleaned, inspected re-greased and reassembled
-Wiring harness was removed, cleaned inspected and reinstalled (all oem terminals cleaned and in good shape).”
Modifications:
“-Tyga’s single seat full body kit installed (upper, lower, seat, tank cowl)
-The fuel tank is an OEM RVF400 unit in excellent condition inside and out.
-Front fender is a new generic faux carbon fiber CBR600F4i unit.
-Intake snorkels are Tyga (real) carbon fiber.
-The rear inner fender is OEM but had been cut in middle and reattached with fasteners. This is only visible with the seat unit removed. It has also had side reflectors on brackets added. (see pic)
-The front fork has been upgraded to a fully adjustable Honda CBR600f4i unit, that uses aftermarket RC30 fork tubes (which are shorter than the CBR fork tubes) with the damping rod and damping tube properly shortened to match.
-The front wheel is a three spoke CBR600F4i wheel freshly powdercoated white to match the rear Maxton wheel. Brake discs are also CBR600F4i
-The handlebar switch gear is VFR750F (RC36/2). The VFR750 switches were properly fitted using matching RVF OEM type terminals and connectors. Should the new owner wish, OEM RVF switches will plug directly into the original wiring harness without modification.
-The triple trees are modified CBR600F4i that have been machined to suit the RVF frame
-Clipons are aftermarket 43mm units to match the CBR forks
-Rearsets are aftermarket BEET units from Japan
-The exhaust is OEM RVF400 using a modified OEM bracket with the rear footpeg mount removed and an aftermarket muffler strap. The bike carburetes correctly using stock jetting.
-The rear wheel has been upgraded to a Maxton 5.5” x 17 rim that allows the use of commonly available 180/55/17 tire choices. To accommodate the wider and taller rear wheel a 520 chain conversion with -1 front, +2 rear sprockets has been installed. There is also a 5mm Tyga spacer with a corresponding 5mm longer axle created by a local machine shop.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires with date codes of 1918 and 3318.
The sale includes 2 ignition keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
– The Tyga body kit has never been crashed but it had been installed on another bike previously and has some stone ships as well as some bumps and bruises while it was in storage. The worst is a gel coat crack on the underside of the belly pan. There is also a gelcoat crack on the top of the tail section on the left rear at the top of black number plate. I had a piece of matching black numberplate vinyl sticker that I covered the crack with.
– the cover on the riders seat has pulled away from the staples at the rear on the bottom. it is partially visible with the seat mounted.
– the bike looks very presentable from 10 feet. if you get close you’ll find several small imperfections. I’ve taken pics of the major ones.
Currently located in Arnold, Maryland, this Honda is offered on a clean Maryland title. Have any RVF400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
