Honda VFR400

The Honda VFR400 series of motorcycles were a related series of 399 cc V4-engined motorcycles, which were essentially scaled-down versions of the larger VFR models of the day. They were mainly developed for, and sold in, the Japanese domestic market, in part due to the restrictive motorcycle drivers' license restrictions in Japan at the time.

The first generation of VFR400R was the 1986-87 NC21, which had replaced the VF400F when the Honda VF series was phased out (mainly due to reliability issues). This model had a full fairing, single rectangular headlight, a conventional dual-sided swing arm and was offered in three colour schemes. The NC21 was also available as the VFR400Z, a semi-faired version, and as the VFR400P, a police-spec version.

The third generation of VFR400R was the best known, the VFR400R NC30, which was also officially sold in limited numbers in several European countries. The official European models were sometimes companied by a different CDI (ignition device), no 180 km/h restriction, speedometer that reached to 240 km/h, larger headlights (Germany) and larger carburettors to produce 5-6 hp more. The NC30 was produced between 1989 and 1992, though unsold bikes were still available to purchase from Honda dealers for several years thereafter. The NC30 reflected the styling of its iconic bigger brother, the VFR750R (RC30), right down to its 18-inch rear wheel. Japanese-spec NC30s were available in a total of eight different colour schemes, produced with three different model year specifications (1989, 1990 and 1992). Export models were made in two different colour schemes, and carried model year designations L and M (1990 and 1991).

Performance
Top speed: 120 mph (208 km/h)
Acceleration: 0-62 mph (100 km/h): 4 s

Acceleration + Braking - 0-100-0mph 22.1 s ( As claimed by Performance Bikes magazine )

A 1989 version of the NC30 was once tested at the Nürburgring in Germany, where it achieved a lap time of 7 minutes 48 seconds.

Honda VFR400R NC30
Manufacturer HONDA

Engine 399cc 4-valve V4
Bore x stroke: 55 x 42 mm
Power: 59 hp @ 12500 rpm (Euro spec 65 hp)
Torque: 40 Nm @ 10000 rpm
Rev limit: 14500rpm

Transmission 6-speed, chain drive

Wheelbase 1345 mm

Seat Height 755 mm

Weight 164 kg

Fuel Capacity 15 L including 3L reserve