vfr 400 nc30

[Yojimbo]

Hey guys, I'm looking at this Honda on trademe atm and I'm pretty sure its the same bike on 'kwaka-kid's avatar :eek:. Anyway, I just wanted to know what you guys thought about this particular bike and NC30 in general. I have done a wee bit of reading and have a general idea but I want hear other opinions.


Cheers:niceone:

[rudolph]

I can sell you cheep parts

[Yojimbo]

awesome....I heard that the reg-rectifiers die quite often.

[Cruisin' Craig]

A briefly owned a 1993 one a fair few years ago.

It didn't quite have the straight line squirt that my 1987 FZR400 had (I owned them at the same time, so was able to compare reasonably accurately I think) but the power delivery was certainly stronger low down, and for this reason alone I'm sure most riders could have got more pace out of the Honda.

The best thing though was the handling. Cornered like it was on rails, and if I were to name the best three handling bikes I've ever ridden, the NC30 would be one of them.

The Honda also felt lighter, and I'm positive that the brakes were a bit stronger.

Speaking for myself, I wouldn't hesitate to own one again.

[Zoolander]

My first sportsbike was an NC30 in the red/white/blue colour scheme. Like a mini RC30. I loved the thing to pieces and still have a real soft spot for them. awesome little pieces of engineering, way more exotic than an inline 4, go like stink as well. Quite high first gear but have the grunt to pull it. (I had mine geared down for a while and it suprised me how hard it accelerated). The rectifiers are a weak spot but can be changed for an aftermarket part quite cheaply. Get an open pipe on it so it doesn't sound like a sewing machine. Don't be tempted to run an oversized rear tyre. Don't adjust the chain by tapping the adjuster with a hammer and punch as this stuffs the bearings, get the proper c-spanner. And the seats a little close to the pegs if you have long legs.

If you buy one I reckon you'll love it.

[hazard02]

Seconding Zoolanader on this one. Arguably the best 400 there is. I've only had a short blat on a couple of other 400s (ZXR and GSXR) and the inline-4s do seem to have a little more grunt in a straight line, but the low end torque from a V4 coupled with the NC30s handling make it a winner on the corners.

[skidMark]

I can sell you cheep parts

NC21 is completely different to NC30 rudi.

[Coyote]

Brilliant model of bike.

However, I bought a lemon. I couldn't afford a decent one when I wanted one so had to opt for a cheaper one with higher k's. I thought this wouldn't be a problem, I was wrong. The engine has an annoying tick, had to replace brake disks at great expense, the front end shakes, etc. I've since spent more in total on it than a decent one would have cost.

My most fatal mistake was I got it sight unseen off trademe. Don't do that! I was an idiot! Make sure you check it out for yourself at least or best, get a mechanic mate to check it out with you. The guy off trademe won't tell you the frame has a dent (like mine does). Luckily you're in Auckland and more of them pop up there, not so much turn up in Wellington which was what forced me to buy from Christchurch (which cost $300 bucks!).

Good luck, if you don't do what I did you'll love your new NC30.

[n0regret5]

reg/recs are notorious for dying..start there. otherwise, in stock trim, they're easily the greatest 400 race-rep bike ever built. i'm sure people will argue with me on this, but they're retarded and haven't ridden an NC30.

mine was great..tuned, ported, aftermarket exhaust, high flow leads, velocity stacks, braided lines..sounded like a killer sewing machine on crack. hah! no it sounded much better, really

[skidMark]

reg/recs are notorious for dying..start there. otherwise, in stock trim, they're easily the greatest 400 race-rep bike ever built. i'm sure people will argue with me on this, but they're retarded and haven't ridden an NC30.

mine was great..tuned, ported, aftermarket exhaust, high flow leads, velocity stacks, braided lines..sounded like a killer sewing machine on crack. hah! no it sounded much better, really


To ride i prefer the NC30 over the ZXR400. but i have only cornered a vfr400 around corners at 80 kph around a local road.

would be interesting to see how it would go at higher open road corner speeds....160-180....would be a good compare, but i'm not gunna corner at those speeds on a 5k bike that aint mine. Did it on the ZXR 400. Too risky.

I found the ZXR 400 quite stable at high speed.

But the huge gas tank put me off.

I actaully feel alot better riding an 06/ 07 ZX10r.... lets you feel in control in a way, ZXR400's huge tank is a put off for me, puts it in your mind it's a big heavy bike, in reality it's not too bad.

[HenryDorsetCase]

where does one purchase a new reg/rec for this fine motorcycle?

[koba]

Dont write off earlier NC's when considering VFR's either.
They are also fantastic.
My NC21 goes alright, Doesn't feel as connected to the road in a back to back swap, but I think its just the feeling rather than reality.

If you are going to buy one check EVERYTHING, or get it all checked because it will be expensive to work on if It needs work.
Dont rely on the word of the seller either, they may tell you a mechanical check has been done or whatever but even tho they have a reasonable rep they may be a liar.

Good luck mate, cracker bikes those NC's

[Coyote]

Dont write off earlier NC's when considering VFR's either.
They are also fantastic.
My NC21 goes alright, Doesn't feel as connected to the road in a back to back swap, but I think its just the feeling rather than reality.

This dude bet my bike at the sprints. And although it has a lower redline it's about dead even from the lights.

Also if you're not a fan of the hunched over race bike seating, the NC24 is better and the NC21 is better again. Although the NC30 isn't that bad compared to modern bikes.

Knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn't have skipped the chance to get that NC24 with the fully worked engine for $3000 just because it wasn't an NC30.

[Kwaka-Kid]

Oh no, another NC related post :)

Although that NC looks to be sold, yes it was mine-and they are mint little machines.

Even bad ones are not too bad - you just have to have a good mixture of confidence, and will-to-learn (im sure there is a big word for that).

Reg recs? Easy. Honda were remarkable with the output on such little bikes from the alts., however shindingen slapped too small a unit on so many of these. Simply solved (which this yellow VFR in particular already had done) by fitting an early MB3 center code Reg/Rec, able to be sourced after market (however still O.E.M from Shin.)

ahhh ive already rambled! thatll be enough, but seriously, miss that old NC! Esp. considering i only sold it for $3300 or something.

Oh and i did own it from 2,000k's through to 47,000k's and loved riding every last one - just waiting to find another with such low k's ex-japan to cosmetic rebuild.

[n0regret5]

nc24's are excellent bikes, first 'big' bike for me, comfy as. had it for 3 years, toured from the bottom of the north island to the top.

and skidmarx..i know you're just 'voicing an opinion'..heres mine. nc30 corners better, goes better, looks better, sounds better...

anyway, vfrs have VERY strong engines and go forever..my nc24 had 80000 when i bought it, sold it with 130000. had it checked at 120000, mechanic said he's never seen an engine with such high kms in such good condition. its a shame honda keeps losing races with them!

[Yojimbo]

I bought that yellow beast and I took it out to Piha yesterday. Man does she love to corner. I'm still getting used to the higher seat and the v4 grunt but can't complain. I have read Kwaka-kids review of this NC30 back in 05 so now at least, I know a little about this bikes history. But I need to replace brake disks...front and rear. I saw rear ones on trademe for $160 BN - pretty reasonable. Don't know how much front ones are gonna set me back.

How long do these bikes last? I'm hoping it'll reach ~80k. I'm also working on getting it repainted. The guy from reflections gave me a quote ~$2200! Fuck that. Might have to pull out my DIY skills and pretty-up my NC30.

Also shes really thirsty....like I got ~130km outta 9L of 98! I thought it would've been a lot more economical after my two-stroke...

[Kwaka-Kid]

Wicked dude!

Shouldnt need discs??? Motors are good passed 100,000k's.

About the only thing i would get checked soon is valve timing-get her checked and re-shimmed at some stage. Otherwise dude she should never use oil or give you any issues - oh gearshift output shaft seal was starting to leak when i sold her, had a spare somewhere but couldnt find it, $10 seal from any honda dealer and hook the old one out and put a new one in (unless its been done recently). Oh and its not the bike in my profile pic, that was my racebike in the pic and the one you have is the lookalike roadie

[Yojimbo]

I hope the vfr is reliable as you say it is. I'm enjoying every moment...even in the damn rain! I'm pretty certain that one of my front disk is buckled. Also its had a tune-up about ~2000km ago I think. It still has that miss @5500 but no biggie.

[sir]

Hello , I'm new here . I've just bought a vfr400f off of trademe and would like to find a few things out about these machines like what model it is ( nc21 or nc24 ) , and a bit of technical info and a few things I can do to liven it up a little .

[mark247]

Hello , I'm new here . I've just bought a vfr400f off of trademe and would like to find a few things out about these machines like what model it is ( nc21 or nc24 ) , and a bit of technical info and a few things I can do to liven it up a little .

nc24 had a single swing arm and the nc21 didnt, so that should help with finding what model it is.. i think.

[koba]

Hello , I'm new here . I've just bought a vfr400f off of trademe and would like to find a few things out about these machines like what model it is ( nc21 or nc24 ) , and a bit of technical info and a few things I can do to liven it up a little .

More info?

Look at the serial number on the right side of the steering head, it will begin with the model number.

Liven it up a little? make sure it is running all good and it should be plenty quick, and freeflowing exhaust may hlep but even if it doesn't it will sound good!
You can do alot of expensive stuff to the motors but the value for money of mods is fairly low unless you are using it for a racing class. (compared to a bigger bike that is) They are great bikes from the factory.

[sir]

Thanks for that . It seems to go alright apart from top gear tends to slow down a bit .

[mark247]

Thanks for that . It seems to go alright apart from top gear tends to slow down a bit .

possibly just needs a tune etc. If top gear makes the bike slow down it probably isnt getting enough air... check to see if the filter isnt clogged i guess...

[sir]

Ok sounds like a good idea . The tank has to come off for that , is that right .

[mark247]

Ok sounds like a good idea . The tank has to come off for that , is that right .

yes if is like my nc30 you have to remove the seat ( by removing the rear cowling ) then you can unbolt the tank, and pull it up and remove the fuel pipes, remember to turn off the gas, and then once the tank is off the airbox is right then, so just unscrew the top off that and check the filter. If it's dirty clean it or get a new one, then put it all back together and get it tuned...

[sir]

cool will do

[Morcs]

Great bikes. The NC35 however is totally flawless in handling, power delivery etc.. and is my pick over an nc30.

I bought a 1992 nc30 for 4k (from a dealer) with 50k on the clock, and never had a problem that wasnt caused by me crashing it :headbang:

[mark247]

yea well i guess the nc35 is better because it is the upgrade to the nc30. but i reckon at the end of the day for value for money the nc30 is much better. but yea.. if i had 7 grand to throw away i would of certainly considered a nc35 over my nc30..

[PeteLyons]

Hi guys, I've got a question from way over in Canada.

I recently purchased a 1986 VFR400r (NC21) with aprox 13000 kms on the odo.

The bike is in great shape all original parts, paint, and runs great. But I do have a couple issues with it, and I'm not too sure whats going on. I've looked on the net, but info on the NC21 is sparse at best.

Problem 1: The bike wont idle when cold. It just dies out. It will idle fine once warmed up to operating temp. I've adjusted the idle screw when cold, and that fixed the idle issue, but as soon as the bike warms up, it idles at about 3k. I'm guessing its simply a carb issue, but not too sure what (out of sync, jets clogged ???)

Problem 2: This one might be worse. When the bike is cold, the engine sounds just peachy, but once it warms up, there is a ticking noise coming from the top end, sorta like a ticka-ticka-ticka. Now this only happens when the bike is warm, and seems to be in sync with the rpms, so it speeds up when reving higher. But it does not noticably get louder when revving higher, the intensity is quite steady.

Anyways, I hope I've described enough detail here, if you need more info, let me know, and thanks in advance.

Pete from Canada.

[moT]

Hi guys, I've got a question from way over in Canada.

I recently purchased a 1986 VFR400r (NC21) with aprox 13000 kms on the odo.

The bike is in great shape all original parts, paint, and runs great. But I do have a couple issues with it, and I'm not too sure whats going on. I've looked on the net, but info on the NC21 is sparse at best.

Problem 1: The bike wont idle when cold. It just dies out. It will idle fine once warmed up to operating temp. I've adjusted the idle screw when cold, and that fixed the idle issue, but as soon as the bike warms up, it idles at about 3k. I'm guessing its simply a carb issue, but not too sure what (out of sync, jets clogged ???)


Problem 2: This one might be worse. When the bike is cold, the engine sounds just peachy, but once it warms up, there is a ticking noise coming from the top end, sorta like a ticka-ticka-ticka. Now this only happens when the bike is warm, and seems to be in sync with the rpms, so it speeds up when reving higher. But it does not noticably get louder when revving higher, the intensity is quite steady.

Anyways, I hope I've described enough detail here, if you need more info, let me know, and thanks in advance.

Pete from Canada.

nah its normal my bike idles funny when cold just put the choke on for 10 seconds when you start it and it should idle sweet after that.

Im gueesing its the cam gears your hearing that is also normal it gives the engine that funny whineing sound

[moT]

I hope the vfr is reliable as you say it is. I'm enjoying every moment...even in the damn rain! I'm pretty certain that one of my front disk is buckled. Also its had a tune-up about ~2000km ago I think. It still has that miss @5500 but no biggie.

its fine my bike has never lived below 140000rpm since i bought it 5 years ago. if you squesse the brake does it brake smoothly or are the brakes on and off if there on and off it means you need new disks

[xwhatsit]

Hi guys, I've got a question from way over in Canada.

I recently purchased a 1986 VFR400r (NC21) with aprox 13000 kms on the odo.

The bike is in great shape all original parts, paint, and runs great. But I do have a couple issues with it, and I'm not too sure whats going on. I've looked on the net, but info on the NC21 is sparse at best.

Problem 1: The bike wont idle when cold. It just dies out. It will idle fine once warmed up to operating temp. I've adjusted the idle screw when cold, and that fixed the idle issue, but as soon as the bike warms up, it idles at about 3k. I'm guessing its simply a carb issue, but not too sure what (out of sync, jets clogged ???)

Problem 2: This one might be worse. When the bike is cold, the engine sounds just peachy, but once it warms up, there is a ticking noise coming from the top end, sorta like a ticka-ticka-ticka. Now this only happens when the bike is warm, and seems to be in sync with the rpms, so it speeds up when reving higher. But it does not noticably get louder when revving higher, the intensity is quite steady.

Anyways, I hope I've described enough detail here, if you need more info, let me know, and thanks in advance.

Pete from Canada.
Adjust the idle for when it's up to temp, and simply warm it up before using it. It was set up correctly before, it sounds like :laugh:

The ticking noise from the top end; don't the camshafts on the VFR400s have some sort of spring device to stop them from bouncing around at idle? Isn't it often removed by `hardcore race dudes' for some unknown reason?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Adjust the idle for when it's up to temp, and simply warm it up before using it. It was set up correctly before, it sounds like :laugh:

The ticking noise from the top end; don't the camshafts on the VFR400s have some sort of spring device to stop them from bouncing around at idle? Isn't it often removed by `hardcore race dudes' for some unknown reason?

I think they were removed for the same reason automatic camchain tensioners are removed. Under racing stress, the springs can let go, potentially causing mismatch of timing and "machine fails to proceed".

Am I right in thinking NC21 is chain driven cams, and finger followers but NC30 is gear train camdrive and shim under bucket?

Pete's problem: could be a loose tappet??

[Morcs]

I bought that yellow beast and I took it out to Piha yesterday. Man does she love to corner. I'm still getting used to the higher seat and the v4 grunt but can't complain. I have read Kwaka-kids review of this NC30 back in 05 so now at least, I know a little about this bikes history. But I need to replace brake disks...front and rear. I saw rear ones on trademe for $160 BN - pretty reasonable. Don't know how much front ones are gonna set me back.

How long do these bikes last? I'm hoping it'll reach ~80k. I'm also working on getting it repainted. The guy from reflections gave me a quote ~$2200! Fuck that. Might have to pull out my DIY skills and pretty-up my NC30.

Also shes really thirsty....like I got ~130km outta 9L of 98! I thought it would've been a lot more economical after my two-stroke...

Nice one. mine was still going strong at 65ks but needed the shims doing.
gas wise, youll get 200kms to a tank normally, on the track make that 125ish.

Change the oil. Stiffen the rear suspension up (and a bit on the front), go to a 14t sprocket on the front (if it doesnt have already) and start saving for a set of plugs ($40 each)

then enjoy and go hard.

[lostinflyz]

Originally Posted by Yojimbo View Post
. But I need to replace brake disks...front and rear. I saw rear ones on trademe for $160 BN - pretty reasonable. Don't know how much front ones are gonna set me back.


i have got a nc30 rear disc on a spare swingarm u can have for 20 bucks if u want it. Looks to be in perfect cond. these dont usually wear out at all.

[mark247]

Hi guys, I've got a question from way over in Canada.

I recently purchased a 1986 VFR400r (NC21) with aprox 13000 kms on the odo.

The bike is in great shape all original parts, paint, and runs great. But I do have a couple issues with it, and I'm not too sure whats going on. I've looked on the net, but info on the NC21 is sparse at best.

Problem 1: The bike wont idle when cold. It just dies out. It will idle fine once warmed up to operating temp. I've adjusted the idle screw when cold, and that fixed the idle issue, but as soon as the bike warms up, it idles at about 3k. I'm guessing its simply a carb issue, but not too sure what (out of sync, jets clogged ???)

Problem 2: This one might be worse. When the bike is cold, the engine sounds just peachy, but once it warms up, there is a ticking noise coming from the top end, sorta like a ticka-ticka-ticka. Now this only happens when the bike is warm, and seems to be in sync with the rpms, so it speeds up when reving higher. But it does not noticably get louder when revving higher, the intensity is quite steady.

Anyways, I hope I've described enough detail here, if you need more info, let me know, and thanks in advance.

Pete from Canada.

Problem 1: I find in the morning my VFR needs a fair bit a choke or it wont idle, once its been running a while its fine tho. Does it idle cold with choke on?

Problem 2: Get your valve clearances checked.

[moT]

Problem 1: I find in the morning my VFR needs a fair bit a choke or it wont idle, once its been running a while its fine tho. Does it idle cold with choke on?

Problem 2: Get your valve clearances checked.

valve clearances after 16000ks??? i dont think it would be that

[mark247]

valve clearances after 16000ks??? i dont think it would be that

Why not? Valve clearances should be done every 20,000km or so. And if there is a ticka ticka ticka noise coming from the top end it will most likely be a worn cam or tappets ( unlikely ) or just bad clearances. What else could a ticka ticka ticka noise be from the top end?

[PeteLyons]

Thanks for the quick replies guys, much appreciated.

The bike does have trouble idling when cold even with the choke on, but maybe its just the cold canadian weather (roughly 10 celsuis atm)

As for the ticka ticka ticka, I'll start with having the valves checked, but apart from that, I hope its nothing major, parts for this bike are impossible to find, especially around here.

Again, thanks for the input guys, lots of help, any other ideas, or things to look out for on this bike would be greatly appreciated.

p.s. : From what I gather, this bike never had an english language shop manual (due to it not being sold outside japan, I think ...) so would the manual for the NC24 or NC30 be sufficient?

[ambler]

I have a 1987 NC24 which exhibits Pete's problem 1, but I never really thought of it as much of a problem. The choke never seems to do anything useful so I ignore it and set the idle a bit high for the first few minutes, then when it starts to idle at 3000 I just put it back down.

of other things mentioned here I can second that a tank should get you around 200km, and the miss at 5500rpm seems to improve with high-octane fuel rather than unleaded. I guess it's supposed to be using high-oc anyway...?

[lankyman]

Hey guys, I'm looking at this Honda on trademe atm and I'm pretty sure its the same bike on 'kwaka-kid's avatar :eek:. Anyway, I just wanted to know what you guys thought about this particular bike and NC30 in general. I have done a wee bit of reading and have a general idea but I want hear other opinions.


Cheers:niceone:

They a cool. Buy one. But make sure you have a good look over it first keeping in mind that they are damn near 20 years old now. Only money I have had to spend on mone other than general maintainance was just recently on electrical system (fuckin reg/rec's) but other than that she has never let me down. Nimble as hell (my mate on his 600 daytona can't keep up with me through twisties), mechanically sound (gotta love those cam gears) and single swingarms are always a bonus (and look cool too). Highly recommended. :devil2:

[HenryDorsetCase]

They a cool. Buy one. But make sure you have a good look over it first keeping in mind that they are damn near 20 years old now. Only money I have had to spend on mone other than general maintainance was just recently on electrical system (fuckin reg/rec's) but other than that she has never let me down. Nimble as hell (my mate on his 600 daytona can't keep up with me through twisties), mechanically sound (gotta love those cam gears) and single swingarms are always a bonus (and look cool too). Highly recommended. :devil2:

He has a NC21 though which is double sided swingarm (innit?):eek5:

[mark247]

He has a NC21 though which is double sided swingarm (innit?):eek5:

yea no swing arm
NC21 = no single sided swingarm
NC24 = single sided swing arm but hidden behind exhaust
NC30 = awesomeness single sided swingarm

[lankyman]

He has a NC21 though which is double sided swingarm (innit?):eek5:

Original question :"Anyway, I just wanted to know what you guys thought about this particular bike and NC30 in general"