No Reserve – 1989 Honda VFR400R NC30 (Zydyk Collection)

Description

Please note: This is part of the Greg Zydyk collection.

Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1989 Honda VFR400R.

Essentially a scaled-down version of Honda’s legendary RC30, the VFR400R, or NC30, was a race-bred 400cc superbike introduced in the late 1980s. A smaller and cheaper alternative to the VFR750R, the 400 still possessed the same bodywork and livery as the 750, as well as its stellar reliability and fit and finish which had become Honda hallmarks.

Powering the NC30 was a carbureted, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, V4 with gear-driven cams that gave the NC30 a unique roar. With a relatively flat torque curve and a redline of 14,500rpm, the NC30’s V4 was good for around 30 ft-lbs of torque and just shy of 60hp. Top-speed was a respectable 130mph, and with a wet weight of only 400lbs, the VFR400R’s dual front 296mm discs and four-piston calipers were more than sufficient at slowing things down.

The trick little 400 was also an early adopter of various features such as its 360-degree “big bang” firing order, TRAC (Torque Reactive Anti-dive Circuit) 41mm telescopic front-end, and ELF’s Pro-Arm single-sided swing-arm. Just like its three-quarter-liter sibling, the welterweight VFR used a competition-derived aluminum twin-spar frame. A four-into-one exhaust exited on the left side of the bike, enabling easy access to the 18” rear wheel, and the suspension’s preload and rebound were both adjustable.

The VFR400R was created for the Japanese domestic market, though it was officially sold in parts of Europe for a time, albeit in limited numbers. Produced until being phased out in ’94, the NC30 wasn’t ever sold in the US, though grey market examples have found their way to US shores.

This example is VIN: NC301005458. The seller states “I imported it from Japan about 13 years ago.”

The odometer shows 35,709 KM which is 22,188 miles. The seller states “called the Type 1. First model year. This example does have higher mileage. The condition is exceptional for the mileage. All body work OEM with the most desirable color scheme.”

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we performed a hydro flush/fill, topped off the oil level, chain service, and replaced the tires. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:

Mileage: 35,709.8 Km
Gas Tank Internal Condition: GOOD
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: GOOD
Coolant Quality: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, < 1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, < 1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: GOOD
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: PASS
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: GOOD
Shock/s: GOOD
Tire Date Code Front: 11/25
Tire Date Code Rear: 02/22
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 22 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 24 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.0V
Running Condition: RUNS on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2.36 Miles, unit operates as designed

Tires Installed:
-Front: 120/60-17
-Rear: 150/60-17

Notes:
-Based on mileage, air filter and spark plugs may need replacement

REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Replace air filter and spark plugs

Modifications:
The seller states “the bike is all stock.”

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Shinko Advance front and Podium rear tires with date codes of 0222 and 1125.

The sale includes one key.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Panorama City, California, this Honda is offered on a clean Ohio 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 VFR400R NC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!