Main

 
Honda RVF400 NC35
..Specifications.. ..Performance.. ..Tyres.. ..Model History.. ..Servicing.. ..Removing Plastic.. ..Derestriction..

What the Press Say



"Is the Honda RVF400 the best real-roads sports bike ever to hit tarmac? RiDE's road test editor is finding it hard to say no."
RiDE £4000 mini superbikes test - October 1998


"At the classy end of the 400 market, Honda's miniature V4s are the real quality option. Both are replicas of the bigger RC30 and RC45 and have brilliant engineering, tiny dimensions and top build quality that makes them the definitive 400cc sports bike choice."
MCN Grey Import 400s review - November 1997

"The most beautifully engineered 400 available"
Which Motorcycle - April 1998

Specifications

Engine 90¡ V4 4-stroke 16 valve DOHC(Gear Driven)
Bore & Stroke 55.0mm x 42.0mm
Power 60bhp@ 12,500rpm (NC30 - 62bhp)
Torque 3.7kg-m @ 10,000rpm
Capacity 399cc
Gearbox 6-speed
Dry Weight 165kg (NC30 - 170kg)
Fuel Tank 18 litres
Cooling liquid
Final Drive chain

Performance

Top Speed 136.2mph (NC30 - 130mph)
1/4 mile 12.6@109mph (NC30 - 12.5@109mph)
Fuel Economy 42mpg
Range 160miles

Tyres

Front 120/60R17 32psi
Rear 150/60R17 36psi
Performance Bridgestone BT90 (Now replaced by BT96)
All-Round Bridgestone BT92 dual-Compound

Model History

Honda VFR400R (NC30)

1986: VFR400RG (NC21) launched.
1987: VFR400RH (NC24) with a single headlight and Pro-arm rear suspension.
1989: VFR400RK (NC30) RC30 lookalike with new bodywork, twin headlights, exhaust on left side.

Honda RVF400R (NC35)

1994: RVF replaced VFR400R with new frame, upside-down forks, 17in rear wheel. The RVF also has smaller carbs due to the Japanese 60hp restriction:-(

Servicing

Service intervals for 400cc sports bikes come at 3000 and 6000 miles.
3000 mile service includes:
Air filter check/replace, change oil and filter, check/replace spark plugs, check brake pads, chain and chassis fasteners. The service takes around three hours' labour.
6000 mile service is as 3000 mile, plus: Valve check and adjustment plus carb check and adjustment. The service takes around five hours' labour.

Removing Plastic


The plastic comes off really quick if you know how.

For the seat pod:
  • Remove the rear seat pad.
  • Undo two allen screws where the pod meets the tank.
  • Undo two allen screws hidden underneath the back of the front seat pad (which also release the front pad).
  • Disconnect the rear bulbs.
  • Pull the whole lot up and backwards.
Don't do what I did and undo every screw in sight, as you don't need to.

For the fairing lowers
  • undo the 3 screws on the mid panels (only the rearmost on each side is actually a screw. The others are quick release fasteners).
  • Remove the Black plastic lugs near the radiator.
  • The side panels should now swing out.
  • Undo the 4 allen screws holding the lower to the bike. It is easier to get the lower off if you undo the 3 posidrive screws that hold the plastic that funnels air to the radiator.

Deristriction


In standard trim an NC35 is restricted to 180 kph :-(
The restriction is controlled by a sensor in the speedo. This can be removed fairly easily, and there is no need to spend 50 odd quid on a "black box" :-)
  • First remove the speedo assembly - two 8mm bolts, speedo cable and two connector blocks.
  • Remove the cover from the speedo - Lots of black posidrive screws plus the odometer knob. This is held in place by a tiny posidrive screw in the end.
  • Remove the speedo unit - undo 4 silver posidrive screws at the rear of the assembly.
  • You should now be able to see the sensor. It is a cam shaped disc attached to the speedo drive, which makes contact with a metal strip (connected to one of the two wires that come in through the back of the speedo) at the magic 180 kph. All you need to do is bend back the strip so it NEVER makes contact with the disc and voila: the bike is derestricted.
You will also see that the two wires entering the speedo are connected together by a resistor. This is just to tell the bikes electrics if the sensor has been disconnected, and if it is not in the circuit causes the bike to misfire above 5500 rpm.

Disclaimer: If you knacker your speedo whilst doing this don't blame me coz I accept no responsibility for anything at all. Also the same applies if you get done testing that the derestriction works on public roads.

email me at SBirring@aol.com
Home Page