No Reserve – 1990 Honda VFR400R NC30

Description

Additional photos of this Honda VFR400R are available here for your perusal.

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: NC302000058. The seller acquired it from a Bonhams auction in England.

The seller has not started or ridden it. The odometer shows 25,743 miles.

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery and clean and sync the carbs. Steve did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Life – Front: 25% / Rear: 30%
Brakes – Front: 90% / Rear: 90%
Coolant: Ok
Oil: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: OK
Turn: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Kill: Ok
Horn: Ok

Modifications:
Tank protector.

Battery tender lead.

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

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT090R tires with date codes of 3004 and 3304.

The sale includes two keys and the original owner’s manual.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any VFR400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!