Honda VFR400R NC30

                                                                           

 

VFR NC30 Brochure Click to enlarge                                 

 

1989-90 VFR400R (NC30)

Overview: Major upgrade to the line. Looks just like an RC30. 360° crank. Colour: white/red/blue (RC30 look alike but with the dark blue stripe on top of the light blue stripe and a white stripe between the blue and red) or black/ silver/red. Both models sported white wheels. The VFR400R(NC30) is known for its handling, turning quicker than most other 400s on the market.

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·        It is a small bike. Ideal for the altitude impaired, but if you're anything over 6'0" (1829 mm), you might consider a different bike. It's a race-replica with an uncompromising riding position.

·        The engine is complex and compact and not that easy to work on (although this seems true of most modern bikes). The tiny 8mm sparkplugs are expensive and difficult to obtain and need a special long-reach plug spanner. (an 8mm tube spanner will do).

·        There are comparatively few after-market accessories available e.g. bodywork, exhausts, etc. Any of the more well-known importers will either help you or point you in the right direction.

·        Some bikes were fitted with rev limiters for 4th through 6th gear but the more well-known importers will have removed these. There are 'black boxes' available that remove this limitation and also change the ignition curve adding about 6 BHP. it's claimed. The genuine 'HRC' 'black-box' is expensive and difficult to obtain. The after-market 'M-Max' does the job just as well. A 'Dynojet' kit does not officially exist. The 'Micron' race-pipe was developed for Honda Britain race team that campaigned the NC30 in the 'Supersport' 400 class early in the 90s. It is NOT street legal. The 'Laser' claims to be street legal, but makes a LOT of noise. Sounds fantastic. There are probably others available in Japan and Australia.

·        The sump plug thread is very fragile and may end up needing to be 'helicoiled'.

·        If you need to buy bodywork it can be expensive so try repairing it first, if possible.

·        Check all the screws and fasteners are present on the fairing. There are dozens of them and they often get lost during maintenance.

Despite the above, it's a fantastic bike. It has useful power from 3,500RPM through to the 14,000 'red-line' and does not require continuous gear changes to keep it on the boil. It looks gorgeous and trick, even though it's 10 years old.

 It is fairly heavy for a 400 and the first gear is quite tall requiring a fair amount of clutch slip when pulling away, so quarter mile times are disappointing. 

By and large, the bike performs and is reliable. If you want to go for relatively short blasts through the "twisties" with some mates, and you're not intending on touring, it's a good choice.

1991 VFR400R (NC30)

Overview: Similar to 89-90 models but Honda Upgraded the suspension at both ends. A new 41mm (standard) cartridge fork with external preload adjustment. The new rear shock features a remote reservoir. New dual opposed 4 piston brake callipers are added as well. Also changes in colour - a red/white/blue (like HRC colour) with white wheels, a red/black/silver model with red wheels and a black/silver model with black wheels.

Specs at a glance: Max. H.P.: 59 HP @ 12,500rpm Torque: 4.0kg-m / 10,000rpm  ,Dry weight: 164kg Front wheel:120/60R-17 54H Rear wheel: 150/60R-18 67H .