Description
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.
The display engine was sent to Iconic from Parc Ferme out of Japan, a company specializing in motorcycle art, display engines, and fuel tanks cut-aways.
It measures 24L”x24W”x20H” and weighs approximately 65lbs. Per the seller, “Parc Ferme MotoArt display engine. This is a 1994 Honda NC35 engine that had some internal damage, it can not be made to run again so it was used to create a display piece.”
The seller continues, “A tribute to everyone’s favorite 1990s V4 this NC35 engine was one of 3 I did when undertaking a couple of large scale RVF400 restorations. One of these I kept for myself, the second is on display at the Tyga Performance Factory in Thailand, this third one I am offering through Iconic. It started with some less than perfect cases and heads, there are no internals so it is light enough to mount on a pedestal stand and move around. The engine was vapor blasted and cleaned up, all hardware was either new OEM Honda or I had in re-zinced. The stand is powder coated and then custom painted in the first year RVF RR color scheme. Normally you would think the display should be centered around the right hand or brake side of the engine but in this case it is designed where you can mount the standard left exit exhaust, either OEM or aftermarket and view it from the clutch side.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any VFR400 NC30 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
