Honda VFR400 NC24
This was the last NC24 that I managed to buy. Since 2012 I’ve purchased other 400s, but the once-plentiful NC24 is now much less available, why is that? I’ve got a few theories, perhaps those who own them now appreciate them more. For years out of fashion 400s propped up motorcycling’s bargain basement. But no longer. To those of a certain age a sporty 400 could’ve been your first ‘big’ bike. Maybe at last they are being purchased by people who will lavish them with new parts and restore them to their former glory? This bike that I bought in 2012 could’ve benefited from someone like that coming along to re-home it. Despite appearing to look okay it had its fair share of five minute jobs that needed doing. I had bought it originally to break for parts, but it was purchased by a guy via a forum for a small profit before I had a chance to get my spanners out. Having broken plenty of these over the years I was aware that the fact they’re so reliable dents the used parts prices. The engine is a brilliant example of this, the gear-driven V4 engine is so bulletproof that engines even now struggle to find new homes, basically because nobody needs them! Let alone engine internals. Prices reflect this and there are so many really cheap NC24 engines out there, I bought one last year for 99p. The seller listed it on an auction with a 99p start, I was the only bidder! I fully expected him to back pedal on the transaction and when I collected it (he lived less than five miles away) he insisted that I keep my money. Ironically over a year later I still have it: a perfect example of me being impulsive. The 400 market is a crowded place, there’s just so many models out there, this NC24 is just one of many ways Honda served us up a V4 400, there were also several inline four cylinder options from Honda, plus those ZXR, GSX-R and FZR offerings. The sought-after 400s are the NC30S, NC35S and Gull Arm NC29S, there’s also the 3TJ FZR400 if you can’t handle owning a Honda. I’ve always liked the look of the NC24, and I love the attention to detail: that alloy frame, the single striking sided swingarm and paint jobs, all this from a bike born in the mid-80s. It makes a Honda CBR600F-H of the same era look a bit dull. I have bought loads of these over the years.