Honda VFR400
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| Honda VFR400R NC30 | |
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 399cc 4-valve V4 Bore x stroke: 55 x 42mm |
| Transmission: | 6-speed, chain drive electric starter |
| Suspension: | Front tyre: 120/60R17 Rear tyre: 150/60R18 |
| Brakes: | Front: dual discs with 4 piston calipers Rear: single disc with dual piston caliper |
| Wheelbase: | 1345 mm |
| Seat Height: | 755 mm |
| Dry weight: | 164 kg |
| Fuel capacity: | 15L including 3L reserve |
The Honda VFR400 series of motorcycles were a related series of 399cc V4-engined motorcycles, which were essentially scaled-down versions of the larger VFR models of the day. They were mainly developed for, and sold in, the Japanese domestic market, in part due to the restrictive motorcycle drivers' license restrictions in Japan at the time.
The VFR400 was officially imported to the United Kingdom for four years, but with a price tag of £5899 (similar to that of the 1000cc bikes of the time and actually more than Honda's own VFR750F), failed to sell well.
Although mainly produced for the Japanese domestic market, VFR400s have been popular as grey imports in other markets (especially the United Kingdom, 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 gears, rather than chains or belts.
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[edit] Model history
The first generation of VFR400R was the 1986-87 NC21, which replaced the VF400F when the Honda VF series was phased out (mainly due to reliability issues). This model had a full fairing, single rectangular headlight and a conventional dual-sided swing arm. The NC21 was also available as the VFR400Z, a semi-faired version, and as the VFR400P, a police-spec version.
The next generation of VFR400 was the VFR400R NC24, produced in 1987 and 1988, the first production Honda motorcycle to utilize an ELF-designed Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm (which later became one of the trademarks of the Honda VFR series).
The third generation of VFR400 was the best known, the VFR400R NC30, which was also officially sold in limited numbers in several European countries. The official European models were sometimes companied by a different CDI (ignition device), no 180km/h restriction, speedometer that reached to 240km/h, larger carburators and larger headlights (Germany) to produce 5-6hp more. The NC30 was produced between 1989 and 1992, though unsold bikes were still available to purchase from Honda dealers for several years thereafter. The NC30 was designed to mimic the styling of its iconic bigger brother, the VFR750R (RC30), right down to its 18-inch rear wheel.
[edit] Successors
As the RC30 was eventually replaced by the RVF750R (RC45), the VFR400R evolved into the RVF400R, which was produced between 1994 and 1996. This model featured inverted forks and an updated racing-style fairing.
[edit] De-restriction
In the Japanese market, 400cc motorcycles were once restricted by top speed, but these restrictions can be removed through various means, including the fitting of an ignition "black box". Later models were restricted by power, with 59 PS (44 kW) being the limit for 400cc motorcycles, but this kind of restriction generally requires much more difficult power-increasing techniques to circumvent.
The "black box" upgrade for grey import bikes does not increase engine output, it simply removes the speed restriction of 180kmh. This is triggered by a sensor via a tab attached to the speedo needle on the back of the speedometer which cuts ignition to the rear two cylinders. The black box is an expensive option compared to simply bending the metal tab out of the way or soldering a 2.2KΩ resistor into the circuit (which is all an "black box" has in it anyway).
[edit] Technical specifications
Performance:
Top speed: 130mph (208km/h)
0-62mph (100km/h): 4sec
