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: NC35-1005783) acquired it five years ago from a friend, during which he has covered just 150 miles.
The odometer now shows 14,658 kilometers (9,108 miles).
The seller calls this no reserve NC35 “an easy project which recently received a service and just needs a few small things and some love to make it a nice track day or street rider.” He’s letting it go as he’s completely selling off his collection of motorcycles – you may have seen his recent sale of a RZV500R here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. Recent mechanical work includes new fork seals and fluid, oil and filter change, coolant change, brake fluid change, and battery. it also had a carb clean with new fuel inlet o-rings and float bowl gaskets. There’s also a new regulator/rectifier.
Upgrades include a full exhaust system.
Aftermarket rearsets.
Suzuka-style two piece fairing with single headlight setup.
Steel braided brake lines.
The bodywork was repainted in 2019.
Mechanically, the seller notes that there is “a bad exhaust leak at rear header. The exhaust should be changed as it is pretty junky and hangs low which does not allow the lower fairing to sit where it should. I recommend binning the exhaust and replacing with a Tyga system or equivalent.” We guarantee that this bike starts, however the exhaust leak will obviously have to be addressed before we’d call it a good runner.
“The fuel line from tank to carb should be replaced. The choke cable is missing and a new one should be fitted. The odometer reset knob is missing and needs to be replaced for this function to work. One rear tail light bulb is missing and needs to be replaced.”
“Needs mount for plate and blinkers.”
“Needs new tires.”
The seller notes the following cosmetic issues:
“Small flaw on black number plate section on tail and on left side of upper cowl along with a scratch on right lower cowl as shown in photos.”
“The lower fairing needs to be adjusted once exhaust is sorted and fairing hardware should be replaced.”
“Overall, this is a very solid base and easy project for someone to tune into a nice bike.”
