Description
Please note: This NC35 is titled as a 1997 model, which represents the first year that it was sold in Japan. Additionally, we elected to perform the running video with the bike running on a bottle. The tank is showing signs of rust and the carbs were freshly rebuilt.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
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: NC351102085. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan.
The odometer shows 32,087 kilometers (19,937 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us clean and sync the carbs, replace the spark plugs, and perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Fuel Tank Condition: Ok, few spots of rust
Tire Year Front: 3618/ Rear: 1519
Tire Life Front: 90% / Rear: 90%
Tire Press Front: 30PSI / Rear: 30PSI
Brake Life Front: 90% / Rear: 90%
Hydraulic Brake Fluid Front: Ok / Rear: Ok
Suspension Leaks – Front: Fail; Rear: None
Drive Chain Condition: Fail
Oil Quality: Fail Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok Level: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn: Ok
Tail Light:
Brake Light:
Plate Light:
Kill: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 11.3V
Test Ride: None
Notes:
-Engine oil overfilled
-Battery level low
-Needs replacement air filter
-Rusted chain
-Few spots of rust in fuel tank
-Both front forks are leaking
-Tires are out of date
-Bike has corrosion
-Rear brake light cables have been cut
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Engine oil and filter
-New battery
-Air filter
-New chain
-Forks service
-Tires mount and balance
-Rewire rear brake lights
Modifications:
Aftermarket grips, bar-ends.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Tennessee title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any RVF400 NC35 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
