 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2008) |
 Honda VFR 400 NC30 1992 | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | VFR400R NC21/NC24/NC30 |
| Predecessor | VF400 NC13 |
| Successor | RVF400R NC35 |
| Class | Sport bike |
| Engine | 399 cc, 16-valve, four-stroke, V4 90° |
| Bore / stroke | 55.0 mm × 42.0 mm (2.17 in × 1.65 in) |
| Power | 59 hp (44 kW) @ 12500 rpm torque: 40 N⋅m (30 lbf⋅ft) @ 10000 rpm Rev limit: 13000 rpm (NC21) 14000 rpm (NC24) 14500 rpm (NC30) |
| Ignition type | electric starter |
| Transmission | 6-speed chain drive manual |
| Frame type | Twin Spar Aluminum |
| Suspension | Front tyre: 120/60R17 Rear tyre: 150/60R18 |
| Brakes | Front: dual discs with 4 piston calipers Rear: single disc with dual piston caliper (NC21), single piston caliper (NC24/30) |
| Wheelbase | 1345 mm |
| Seat height | 755 mm |
| Weight | 164 kg (dry) 182 kg (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L including 3 L reserve |
| Related | Honda CBR400 Honda RVF400 Honda VFR750 |
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 race models of the day.[1] They were mainly developed for, and sold in, the Japanese domestic market, in part due to the tougher motorcycle drivers' license restrictions in Japan at the time for motorcycles with displacement exceeding 400cc.
Outside Japan, the VFR400R (NC30) was officially imported to the United Kingdom for four years, but with a price tag of £5899[2] (similar to that of the 1000 cc bikes of the time and actually more than Honda's own VFR750F), failed to sell well. It was also officially imported (in very limited numbers) and sold in Austria, France and Germany for a few years.
Although mainly produced for the Japanese domestic market, VFR400s have been popular as grey imports in other regions (especially so for the NC30 in the United Kingdom,[3] and also for racing purposes in the United States) in the "mini" superbike segment.
VFR400 engines produce a noticeable whine when the engine is running, due to the cams being driven by straight cut gears, rather than chains or belts.
- ^ Performance Bikes, March 1990, p. 8:"The scaled-down, 400cc version of the RC30 is perfect in its proportions and in its detail. The reduction in size makes it neater still."
- ^ Performance Bikes, March 1990, p. 8:"Of course, being well-informed, you already know about the £5899 price..."
- ^ Performance Bikes, September 2001, p. 82:"More of them have been imported - a few officially by Honda UK, but mostly by other means - than any other 400 race-rep."