Dream or nightmare?
Exquisitely engineered and rewarding or a demanding scale model of a proper bike?
Honda VFR400R NC30
It’ll keep you engaged
Although based on the same 399cc dohc ‘NC13E’ V4 engine as the earlier NC21 and NC24, the NC30 has a ‘big bang’ firing interval and revs harder. It’s robust and reliable but needs fresh semisynthetic oil at least every 4000 miles and valve clearances checked at 16,000. The tiny carbs are also hard to set up properly, giving midrange flat-spots.
Prepare for electrical woes
Iffy electrics affect all VFR400 variants. Neglected batteries can take out the generator; regulator/rectifiers don’t last long; headlamp switches burn out if the headlamp bulb is upgraded — and that’s before issues from corroded earths.
Remember it’s an old bike
It’s over three decades since the first VFR400RS arrived, so don’t expect showroom fresh. It may have been sat a while, so expect seized brake calipers and warped discs; clogged-up radiators causing hot running; dings and dents in the soft alloy wheels; and wear and tear. However, the NC30 is made from proper materials and is from an era when Honda’s build quality was top.
Many bikes were imported
At launch in 1990 the NC30 was £5899 — more than a VFR750F. It didn’t sell well, as you could buy an imported Japanese-spec bike for less. These (VFR400R-K/N) were available in eight colours and were restricted to 112mph – look for a plug-in override device near the ignition unit under the seat. UK bikes (VFR400R-L/M) fetch a premium; in red/ white/blue only, they have larger indicators, an extra numberplate light, 60/55w headlamp bulbs, mph speedo and no restriction, plus an oil cooler.
Small bike, big ideas
It might be ‘just’ a 400 but the NC30 offers timeless riding pleasure. Its crisp, pure focus means there’s no excess or flab — everything has purpose. The intoxicating V4 delivers fluid drive everywhere in the massive rev range and the chassis can be placed just-so with astounding ease.
Needs regular fettling and can be hard to work on, but its riding experience and fabulous engineering make it worth the time and effort. Everything that made it feel exceptional in 1990 can feel just as special today.