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Honda RVF400 (1994-1996)

Detail	Value
Used price range	View Honda RVF400 bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	399cc
Power	59.4bhp
Top speed	125mph
Insurance group	12

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Honda’s RVF400 was a pin-up race replica that had sports bike fans dribbling down their paddock jackets in the mid-nineties. The trouble was that Honda never officially brought the NC35 (its ‘factory’ code name) into the UK, which was a crying shame, although many have found their way here as ‘grey’ imports. Replacing the VFR400R (NC30), which Honda did officially import, the NC35 is a V4 400cc baby version of the mighty RVF750R (RC45). It looks almost the same as its big brother, but it has tiny fox-eye headlights, compared to the RC45’s ‘moon eyes’. It sounds great, is beautiful to look at and handles like a demon. Many can still be found tearing up the circuit on trackdays and club racing. A low seat height and lightweight makes the RVF400 a manageable machine for shorter riders. It’s also an ideal donor bike for a 33bhp kit for new riders.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

This liquid-cooled, 399cc, DOHC, V4 motor with gear driven cams and four 28mm carbs, may be small but it’s beautifully formed. The NC35 doesn’t make peak power (59.4bhp) until the rev needle sweeps all the way to 13,000rpm. You have to thrash it mercilessly to get anywhere fast, which let’s face it, is the thing that makes the RVF400 so exciting to ride.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

By today’s standards the RVF400 is a little bit soft around the edges, but in its day it handled with all the agility and precision of a 250cc Grand Prix bike compared to old litre-sized buses like the GSX-R1100, and relatively big supersports machines like the FZR600. Compared to the out-going NC30, Honda’s new pocket rocket it had upside forks and a 17” rear wheel replacing the old 18-incher for improved handling. It’s still good today and can be made even better with a suspension overall and fitting the latest sticky tyres.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The RVF400 came with all the latest kit: a stiff aluminium frame, single sided swingarm, 17” wheels, upside down forks and big brakes. There are no creature comforts here, just everything you need for going fast on track. Compare and buy parts for the RVF in the MCN Shop.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

This is Honda at their very best, so fit and finish is superb. Reliability isn’t an issue and there are some super-high mileage machines still pounding our streets. Because these bikes weren’t officially imported here there are some scrappy ones about and those that have been raced have obvious pitfalls.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Good condition RFV400s are still holding their money. Low mileage, good condition examples are fetching around prices around £6000. You can get pick up a high mileage model for as little as £1450. Find a Honda RVF400 for sale.

Insurance group: 12

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Produced from 1994-1996. Not officially imported into the UK

None

Specifications

Top speed	125mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	59.4bhp
Torque	26.6ftlb
Weight	165kg
Seat height	780mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	39mpg
Tank range	154 miles
Insurance group	12

Engine size	399cc
Engine specification	V4 four-stroke
Frame	Twin spar aluminium
Front suspension adjustment	Preload and rebound damping
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload and rebound damping
Front brakes	Twin 269mm discs
Rear brake
Front tyre size	120/60 17in
Rear tyre size	160/60 17in

See all Honda RVF400 motorcycles for sale

Honda
RVF400

35033 miles

£1,750

Honda
RVF400

24000 miles

£2,195

Honda
RVF400

17766 miles

£2,995

Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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nc35

eoinmurphy

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i have owend RVF400rr now for last two years and stil get good enjoyment out of it. The bike has never giveng any trouble and does everything you ask of it. Has few mods just to free up few trapped horses. AS do be surrounded by the mate's on their 6oo's an 750. The RVF can still hang with the bigger boys on the tight an twisties. Great fun bike

09 November 2011

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weeds says

love these pocket rockets

Its great to see grey bike reviews you guys have been doing recently, i live in asia where 400cc jap import bikes are very popular, and its pretty hard to get "official" reviews for these bikes, so its very informative and refreshing to see these. Hope you can carry on and review other little jap imports (that i personally love ! such as Suzuki's Bandit 400 and the Honda's Hornet 250 or even the 250 - 400 cc mini blade, NSR 250 RR 2 stroker etc.

16 January 2010 06:57