Description
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 (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.
The seller of this example (VIN: NC351100081) acquired it a year ago from a RVF enthusiast who had previously changed the livery to a Rossi race replica.
He’s covered approximately 900 miles with it, and the odometer now shows 49,306 kilometers (30,637 miles).
Per the seller, “I purchased this bike to have fun with and attend some track day events. I used it a couple of times and rode it around on occasions. It is a great fun little bike that presents well and attracts a lot of attention when it is out, due to the fact they are rather uncommon and rare to see.”
“The color scheme, being a Rossi replica colors also creates a lot of interest when it is out. The bike rides and sounds great, handles well too. It is not a concourse bike and is not worn out either. It presents well and does all that it needs to, for the purpose I bought it, and that being a fun bike.”
In addition to the aftermarket bodywork, this has a Spec-A exhaust.
Cosmetically, the seller notes “a few nicks and bumps, nothing unsightly. It presents well.”
The seller states that there are no mechanical issues. Have any NC35 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
Iconic’s White Glove process for an auction winner that requires shipping out of South Africa:
We release money to the seller once it’s dropped at our transport company. From there we get the necessary clearances and in this case, we’ll include it in one of our containers as we currently have approximately 40 bikes in South Africa that are ready to ship (which drastically amortizes your cost). We handle Customs and receipt into the port of Los Angeles. We can also help with the USA title process.
As Adam says, “we pretty much do it all. It does take a little time but typically but it’s worth the wait as the examples we’ve seen so far from this particular Seller are all quite excellent!”
