Honda NV400SP 1988

[DrDarkMatter]

hi all, so I am looking for a LAMS bike, and one of the bikes on my list is this

Honda NV400SP 1988

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=557658851

I have been trying to find some information on it but I cant find doodoo.

On the surface this would seem to be a good fit for me but it concerns me that I cant find any information on it, even from Google.

does anyone have any experience with this bike?

I did find one post here about a NV but I still cant PM anyone so I cant ask him.

[Tigadee]

It is aka Honda VF400F (http://www.google.co.nz/#hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1400&bih=966&sclient=psy-ab&q=honda+vf400&oq=honda+vf400&gs_l=hp.3..0i7j0l2j0i10.1282.2165.2.3019.2.2.0.0.0 .0.273.501.2-2.2.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.jRyOABJDd-8&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41642243,d.dGI&fp=de5ef499f1d7eebf).

Brilliant bike according to this article (http://www.classicmechanics.com/articles/2012-08/honda-vf400fvf500f)...

[DrDarkMatter]

Thanks Tigadee, um how do we know its AKA a VF400F, I could not find any reference to the NV on that link, nice article by the way and nice find.

I dont mean to doubt you I just dont see it...:confused:

[willytheekid]

It is aka Honda VF400F (http://www.google.co.nz/#hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1400&bih=966&sclient=psy-ab&q=honda+vf400&oq=honda+vf400&gs_l=hp.3..0i7j0l2j0i10.1282.2165.2.3019.2.2.0.0.0 .0.273.501.2-2.2.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.jRyOABJDd-8&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41642243,d.dGI&fp=de5ef499f1d7eebf).

Brilliant bike according to this article (http://www.classicmechanics.com/articles/2012-08/honda-vf400fvf500f)...

:blink:....ummm, sorry Tig, not even close mate

Its a Vtwin!, not V4, It's basically a sleeved-down VT500 which was followed by the Revere and NTV650 (I think the Transalp's used em to)

there ya go Doc - http://hondavt500.com/page3.html

nice wee bikes! (Only thing I have every heard off is to watch the top end (exhaust valves) = Don't thrash the bejebus out of it!...other wise good engines!)

[willytheekid]

Farking laptop!!...double posted :facepalm: (SORRY TIGGY ;) )


my bad!

[ducatilover]

It's a 52 degree SOHC V twin making fuck all power, the VF400F is a 90 degree V4 DOHC, also making fuck all power :yes: The NV motor was developed in to the Honda Bros650/400 engines, the the other NT/NTV etc.

There was a 500cc version of the NV400. They're generally reasonably solid little bikes, but I wouldn't pay more than 2k for it (I would pay 1k for one actually, they're an old bike now and nothing special)

I haven't checked the LAMS list, but if it's not on there, email them and get it put on.

[DrDarkMatter]

ah I see, thank you both, I am thinking of being cheeky and calling a bike shop and asking them if they have any thoughts lol lol

[ducatilover]

Just be prepared to replace the reg/rec when it explodes. And have fun learning about inboard brakes... :facepalm:
They sound tasty with a set of pipes

[DrDarkMatter]

oh crap!! I did not even notice the drum brakes, oh ffs!! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

forget it, I dont want drums/onboard brakes No frigging way, not going to happen.

thank guys, you guys rock

[BigAl]

Hi there Dr D, I had one of these brand new back in the good old days.

Great little touring bikes being V-twin and shaft drive.

They even coped quite well two up. My wife and I toured both islands, me on my Rz350 and her on the NV with pack rack carrying all the gear:laugh:

As with any bike though get it well checked out.

[DrDarkMatter]

As with any bike though get it well checked out.

Hi Al thank you very much, I was cheeky and called Red Barron in lower Hutt and they warned me about the drum brakes and the age, he said to bring it in before buying it for an inspection. but I think I am going to steer clear of the drum brakes thing.

the hunt continues.....

[ducatilover]

oh crap!! I did not even notice the drum brakes, oh ffs!! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

forget it, I dont want drums/onboard brakes No frigging way, not going to happen.

thank guys, you guys rock

The front brake is a disk, it's a silly Honda inboard disk :laugh: bloody stupid thing. If it was cheaper it'd be well worth it

[jellywrestler]

It is aka Honda VF400F (http://www.google.co.nz/#hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1400&bih=966&sclient=psy-ab&q=honda+vf400&oq=honda+vf400&gs_l=hp.3..0i7j0l2j0i10.1282.2165.2.3019.2.2.0.0.0 .0.273.501.2-2.2.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.jRyOABJDd-8&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41642243,d.dGI&fp=de5ef499f1d7eebf).

Brilliant bike according to this article (http://www.classicmechanics.com/articles/2012-08/honda-vf400fvf500f)...

horse shit

[DrDarkMatter]

thank you one and all, I really appreciate everyones input, I think I will keep looking and pass on this one....

thanks again guys

[HenryDorsetCase]

It is aka Honda VF400F (http://www.google.co.nz/#hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1400&bih=966&sclient=psy-ab&q=honda+vf400&oq=honda+vf400&gs_l=hp.3..0i7j0l2j0i10.1282.2165.2.3019.2.2.0.0.0 .0.273.501.2-2.2.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.jRyOABJDd-8&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41642243,d.dGI&fp=de5ef499f1d7eebf).

Brilliant bike according to this article (http://www.classicmechanics.com/articles/2012-08/honda-vf400fvf500f)...

I don't think that is right sorry

a VF400 is a v - four, 400cc bike as far as I recall.

This is a V twin. they make/made used that motor for years in small capacity cruisers, and punched it out to 500cc +. It could be the basis of the 650 bros and 750 Africa twin motor too but I am guessing.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Honda did that inboard thing a lot in the 80's: My recollection from limited ride experience 30 odd years ago a VF500 was that they worked as well as anything else at the time. We did joke about what a pain in the arse it would be to change the pads.

And definitely the NV and the VF are very different bikes.

[Tigadee]

Ah, sorry... They looked identical, so I'd thought it was just a matter of different names in different countries.:laugh:


horse shit

I beg your pardon! The correct terminology, sir, is "Equine Manure"... :wari:

[DrDarkMatter]

:Oops::laugh:

poopoo happens :D