Honda VFR400
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The Honda VFR400 motorcycle was a scaled down version of the VFR models of the day. The VFR is the NC30, and the RVF is the NC35; these being the bigger engined version of the RC30 and RC45. The RVF was originally created for the Isle of Man TT, considered by many to be the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing. The Isle of Man TT was the proving ground for Honda's new racing ability, in the form of the RVF. They were manufactured mainly for the Japanese market, where licenses for bikes over 400 cc are more difficult to obtain: the smaller bikes were made for the home market while the big superbikes where shipped overseas. However, the VFR400 is a popular grey imported motorbike (into the UK, and some for racing in the states) in the "mini" superbike segment. The VFR400 motor produces a noticeable whine when the engine is running due to cams being driven by gears and not chains or belts. The bikes are also not as wide as inline 400 cc sports bikes due to the "V" engine configuration. They also have considerably more torque. In the Japanese market the 400 is restricted to 59 horsepower (44 kW), but an ignition "black box" can be purchased to raise this, along with many other upgrades and custom-machined parts.
The VFR400 evolved into the RVF400. The RVF400 was and still is considered by some to be the pinnacle of small road bikes. It has inverted forks, a V-4 engine, a single-sided swingarm, and racing-style fairing. Even though Honda stopped production of the RVF400 in 1998 the bike is still a popular model.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- VFRworld - Everything about the Honda VF / VFR , Honda V-4's, and the VFR800 Interceptor
- VFRMania, for much information on the VFR-R range
- - Ultimate Performance
The VFR400 was officially imported to the UK for four years but with a high price tag of £5899 (similar to that of 1000cc bikes of the time and actually more than honda's VFR750) failed to sell well.
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).
