Honda VFR400 NC30 Review - **FULL THROTTLE RIDING** (Baby RC30)

The Honda VFR400 NC30 is regarded as the best in its 400cc class, packing 60bhp from a V4 capable of reving to 14,500rpm its a true pocket rocket of the 90's
Follow me as I review this full of character twisty road champion on a sunny Sunday morning in the UK.. The plan was to keep this little bike but sadly with my increasing amount of projects I've decided to let someone else enjoy it so for years to come I will only have this video of the mistake I made selling it :(

[@davidpeters6536]

I had one for a couple of years and rode to work every day on it in Bangkok. I still miss it, sounded great and great performance with any 400 being rare in Thailand at the time (1994). I sold it to a friend who loved it too. I got a highly strung CBR400RR which was a bit quicker but nowhere as nice to ride.

[@GunganWorld]

This is by far the most fun bike I ever rode! Even at 6 foot 11 stone it flys, and the 14.5k red line sounds brilliant. Ok it's not a tourer but if you live in Central London as I did you dont really need bigger. I highly recommend one to anyone in a town or just wants something fun for short trips. And in heavy slow traffic it was so easy to nip between cars and be a chav on. God I miss this beast. Only thing I'd suggest is to get a cough proper can on it, so you can enjoy the wondefully sounding V4 engine and watch flames come out the back at 14.5k. Even as slow speeds, as anothe comment says, you can scrape the left peg on the ground and leave a trail of sparks behind you.

[@stoneautomotive]

Certainly a safe investment if you did buy one now 😎

[@gdwe1831]

Honestly, I used to own one at 21 as my only form of transport and regret selling it, but the main reason was that it's an awful town bike, certainly if it's the only bike or even vehicle in your stable. The comfort is awful under 40mph, above this speed the wind cushion takes a lot of strain off your upper body and wrist. I've just got a KTM 690 duke last year and despite being incredibly different in almost every way. However they are both incredibly light and nimble; embodying the philosophy of "it's better to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow" Very few machines will be quicker and as much fun blasting along b roads and with the right rider will leave most much bigger machines behind. The 690 Duke is much more versatile and is great around town thanks to the light weight and instant accessible torque, whilst still being suprisingly usable for longer days in the saddle and even touring. Both great bikes that I recommend every biker tries to experience at least once.

[@PianofestivalIe]

This was my daily driver for many years. Brings back memories of topping down the M50.

[@stoneautomotive]

They are cool little bikes, must have been a fun commute 😎

[@DoMoto_mc]

I have one and it Was my only from of transport for years as well! Still have it but it's been sat for a long time, it is this years project! Can't wait to get back on it. Fun memories.

[@stoneautomotive]

DoMoto certainly becoming rarer each - shall be a solid investment restoring it 😎

[@dihanangelo]

had a VFR400 around 18years ago... bloody awesome bike with a very reliable engine. and the most surprising was i whacked over 180km/h. (yes the needle went beyond 180km/h) with no single bit of vibration or need for a steering damper (vfr400 is front heavy) excellent cornering characteristics and very stable ride. only gripe was it did not too well on the juice (compared with cbr 400) and always ran hot on the temp gauge.. overall superb bike. Alas had to let her go and now i`m really regretting my decision

[@stoneautomotive]

Cool little bikes, we can’t keep them all sadly ☹️

[@jordanwilliams9601]

Been doing lots of research into buying on of these as my next bike and this video just sold it to me. VRF400 HERE I COME😍👌

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad it help Jordan, awesome little bikes 😎

[@RetroSuperbikes]

Did you buy one? We are organising what we think is the biggest NC30 meet worldwide, trying to get one of each type 1 to type 9 together as well as nc35.

[@RichardWarner-df7dz]

@@RetroSuperbikes I’m getting one and my buddy as well. We are in the USA. Cheers.

[@RetroSuperbikes]

@@RichardWarner-df7dz Ah ok, we held the NC30 meet, the video is on my channel. Just organising the 2nd one for this year too.

[@mikefandango294]

Just bought one as this was my first ever bike, it’s still just as good and good ones are becoming rare now. Thanks for the great review 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Awesome thing to have in the collection 😎 Yep sadly as you mention harder and harder to find a good one for the money! Glad you enjoyed the review 👌

[@beaker280478]

Cool vid got love for the v4 sounds awsome

[@jasonjohnstone686]

Had a NC30 with HRC bits inside the engine and a HRC ignition, Dam thing was good for 220 - 230 kph. Back in the 90s this 400cc bike play with 750s easy. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@stoneautomotive]

Sweet, would have loved to have ridden one that had been well set up 👌

[@DigiKiller]

I'm in love with this bike 😍

[@karlwalker1771]

Love the little Motors I had a VF 400FD for 8 years Then a CBR 600F But now I ride a VTR1000F FIRESTORM and at 4000rpm I am Motoring Mate. PS the Firestorm handles very well at Speed. Happy new year son :)

[@stoneautomotive]

Agree they are great fun, shall be featuring its big brother the RC30 when the warm riding weather returns in 2021 😎 Thanks & a happy new year to you too 👍

[@ridingdigital]

Nice review, enjoyed watching this and the RS250, looking into both for the collection! Ride safe

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed, have a few more classic bikes to review so stay tuned 😎👍

[@rug199]

And still rides like a dream now!!

[@mk4golf604]

My dad has one and it’s mine on my 16 birthday 2more years 😁😁😁

[@dickie8918]

You are very blessed!

[@kenscrackofdoom599]

I had one 25 years ago to ride to work. It was a far better bike than i was a rider. Best bike I've ever ridden. R1s could not keep up with me on twisty roads.

[@stoneautomotive]

Yea I must admit I really enjoyed this one, great little b-road blaster as you mention 😎

[@polymathfilms2142]

Great video dude thank you!!

[@patthewoodboy]

I had one of these 25years ago , I let a friend of mine ride it .. his response in his usual English dry way " I dont understand why anyone would want to ride a bike like this" :-)

[@stoneautomotive]

Some people just don’t appreciate the true little gems in life lol

[@patthewoodboy]

@@stoneautomotive he was being ironic , you realise that ?

[@stoneautomotive]

@@patthewoodboy no I didn’t lol, had a lot of people over the years slate the little CC bikes so just assumed your friend was in the big cc bikes or nothing camp 😅

[@goodbyenicotine8788]

In South Africa, these bikes are very common. Planning on getting one soon. One in good nick, would go for 20k so 1,148 pounds. Parts are easy to get here as well.

[@Muerte_S]

that was my first 400cc bike - great handling, extremely hot to drive in the city jams due to the heat from cyls, but overall it was an awesome bike back in 2000s

[@stoneautomotive]

Really are great little bikes 😁

[@Muerte_S]

@@stoneautomotive pure pocket rocket!

[@al3xkeo189]

Great bike ....👍🏁🏁

[@RetroSuperbikes]

We are organising what we think is the biggest NC30 meet worldwide, trying to get one of each type 1 to type 9 together as well as nc35.

[@stoneautomotive]

Awesome! Becoming rare things on the road now 👌

[@tonykartracer8032]

Kids today ain't know about them classic bikes...... they too busy being Biker Boyzzzz out on the streets trying to look cool with the newest bikes with them neon lights, polished frame/extended swingarms. I'm happy with that, leave the classics to real bike enthusiasts! Bikes like this VFR400, RC30, CBR400RR, NSR250, NS400R, Yamaha TZR250, Suzuki RGV250, etc etc. Gnome-sayin'?!! :)

[@stoneautomotive]

Old is gold 😎 big fan of the 90’s stuff 👌

[@stoneautomotive]

Old is gold 😎 big fan of the 90’s stuff 👌

[@GooseDave]

Very good review.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video David 😎

[@casperi2]

I raced one of these in the 90s AMA-Pro at Homestead. So that was lightweight superbike, lightweight GP, and Middle weight GP. My first real outing on the NC since I didn't have points for the season due to some assholes stealing every I had at a holiday inn at Morse in FL. I got this to race at Homestead. The last race of the season. I started last for all the races since I had no points. My little NC had a HRC KIT 2 plus I had the crank destroked so the redline was RPM 18,500. So as I said I started last which back in those days they let the first 30 riders go into turn one before the rest of us could go. 1) lightweight superbike - started 66, ended 4th. Most of the competition was 125 and stroked FSZ400s 2) lightweight GP - Started 63 , ended 2nd. Was 250cc GP bikes, FZRs 3) Middleweight GP , Started 64th ended 15. competition was 600 Superbikes, and 750 superstocks. My little 400 made 82 HP at the rear wheel. This was enough to keep up with the 250GP bikes and stroked FZR 400s. Corners speed is how I got the 600s and 750s. Not including the NC400s long ass 1st gear. Hell your at 60mph. Before needing to shift into 2nd gear. Wet weight of my 400 was 289lbs. Meaning anything that could replace all the heavy metal was done so. The only problem bike I had back then was a superhawk. That guy would run way from me on the straights but I would pull right up on him on the brakes for each corner, then he walked away again. I lost 1st place to the points leader cause if I had won it then it would have been a tie for the series. So I took 2nd. Knowing I could have won. I know I did the right thing but that memory knowing I could have won still gets to me from time to time. I even see my pit board saying slow let number whatever pass you then follow. Anyway if you ever get a chance to own one of these do it. They are better than any below. 600cc you will ever find. Especially the crap 250-500cc they are putting out now. Cheers

[@cammo4000]

289 lbs wet is just not possible, but thanks for the laugh!

[@casperi2]

@@cammo4000 Well glad you had a laugh. With money comes the ability to do what your goals are. Carbon wheels, Carbon front stay and rear sub-frame, no starter, no stater, I think we even had the triple clamps done in carbon but don't quote me on that one, Full race wiring loom, total loss electrical system etc List goes on and on. Basically anything we could save weight on we tried. On the back side though I would never see the money I spent into it back if I sold the bike outright so I ended up parting out most of the trick parts just not the bike years ago. Its no different than any insane project one does as we all lose money on stuff like this. BTW What would be my point in stating the weight? to look cool? I'm to old to care frankly but believe what you want just thought some people might want to know what is possible with time and money for full race prep. Its 289lbs without fuel my mistake sorry about that. Take care.

[@Dylzhaar]

That’s it. I’m settled. This is my next bike.

[@deegpt]

I bought an H reg nc30 back in 2004 when I was 18 it had been down the road so I repaired it new wheels, tank, and some plastics then sold it to my mate for 500 quid he tracked it

[@stoneautomotive]

You won’t pick them up for £500 now days, values have gone crazy!

[@deegpt]

@@stoneautomotive I know I've had a look they are crazy prices now wish I kept it

[@dansotnikov4280]

Check your head camera angle, do something with voice recording.

[@gizzync1525]

Loved my NC30. i'd take 1 over any new 400. did everything well

[@stoneautomotive]

Agreed, the new stuff is just no where near as cool 😎

[@syedasim8640]

They don’t make these marvel’s anymore 😭

[@mznyc1]

LOL,narration sounds great on the bike.....

[@mrgraham1985]

Nice video this is my old bike sold it for £1200

[@bazfowles2065]

Had an NC30 in 96 after many broken bones after a bad crash on a GSXR 750f... best bike I ever owned till some gimp kid did a U turn in front of me and killed it. They cost a chunk these days so will never probably own one again..... Just like many other bikes I owned... If only I new....

[@stoneautomotive]

Very cool little bikes, ended up selling this one in the end ☹️ (just to many in the collection 🙈)

[@niallmorland]

Should have kept it dude I got lucky and bought one for £600 needs abit of love but it's the most fun ive with clothes on

[@stoneautomotive]

Soooo many bikes I should have kept.. Honda SP1 being one of them 🤦‍♂️ the NC30 is a cool little bike but I feel I enjoyed looking at it more than riding it

[@RetroSuperbikes]

Do you still have it?

[@chrisg4rr377]

I was wanting to buy one for the wife for a first bike. It'll be cheaper buying a CBR RR for the price of them

[@BoxTunnel]

Always have been and always will be a Kwacker nut, but this beauty could possibly tempt me to the dark side...

[@stanleyroyd]

I've also heard from a friend in Mexico, you can take one of these off the clock.

[@stoneautomotive]

👌😂

[@gaspump]

Short shifting... on to another video. They seem to all be that way.

[@adamf7252]

That wind noise though

[@TheSpeedKing]

My friend, I'm creating a compilation video about classic superbikes, I wonder if I could use part of this clip for it? Of course with your credits on it and the link to your video for people to come to your channel :), I always like to ask first, thank you so much. Great video and thanks for your time and attention :)

[@stoneautomotive]

Yes of course 😊 send me a link when it’s finished and thanks for asking 👍

[@sportcoupe215]

PLEASE ,GIVE MORE VIDEO WITH NC30 !!!

[@buckrogers2546]

I don't know how rare the 400 is over there in the UK, but I wouldn't sell it unless I'd make a big profit.

[@stoneautomotive]

Sadly I did end up selling it.. sure I will regret it years down the line but it went for a price I was very happy with 👍

[@L3eh123]

@@stoneautomotive What did you let it go for? Would it have been worth more now?

[@stoneautomotive]

@@L3eh123 yea would be worth more now, used prices have gone crazy the last year! My RS250 had more than tripled in value in the past 5 years 😮 can’t keep them all though!

[@jimccc9467]

So did you end up selling it? Are they common over there? I’m in USA

[@stoneautomotive]

Yep she sold in the end, probably another one I will regret letting go years down the line 😅 Yes popular little bikes in the UK but you don’t see them on the road much these days. I’ll be reviewing its big brother shortly the RC30 😎

[@urbanfireblade]

Whoo, ya ran a bit uncomfortably wide at 5.58, fixated on bikes coming towards you??

[@stoneautomotive]

Long time ago now so will have to watch it again but don’t recall any close calls, do remember a few damp patches in the shade/ under the tree’s that morning that added to the excitement 😂

[@brittenv1000]

What road was that? More nc30 video please

[@stoneautomotive]

It was filmed over a few roads around Alton. The NC30 was sold so unlikely to see any more videos I’m afraid ☹️

[@brittenv1000]

@@stoneautomotive was it through the hangers up by petersfield? I've just finished a 2yr resto on my nc and looking to thrash it there first. If it stops raining 😅

[@stoneautomotive]

Yea the weather had been really wet the past weeks.. managed to get out yesterday on 2 wheels but wet in the afternoon

[@RC-Hotdog]

I m trying to buy one. Hard to find!

[@stoneautomotive]

Certainly becoming harder and harder each year to find a good one (prices are starting to go a little crazy!)

[@RC-Hotdog]

Stone Automotive there is one for sale 30 minutes from where I live. Only problem now for me is he is asking nearly $8,000 for it and I also know it would be very hard to find parts for it.

[@stoneautomotive]

Cool little bikes but in my opinion not 8,000 dollars good 😮

[@RC-Hotdog]

Stone Automotive yeah exactly. Just gonna stick to buy something like a cbr500r or cbr650r

[@RICHON1979]

There's 3 of them on ebay right now , believe it or not one of those 3 bike are prettiest then this one the bab news its the cost $10000 😬

[@Dg-zj6jo]

mine is a 89 9k miles get it on track..... uk rds just a matter of time before some dick head hits you 70 mph on them nice rds x 2 is 140 mph impact not a lot left great bike sir on a higher note

[@stoneautomotive]

Yep it’s certainly a roll of the dice on the road 😕

[@1richbish]

Nooo.... Keep it!!!

[@stoneautomotive]

She’s sold sadly 🙈 fear not I should “hopefully” get a blast on a RC30 next year 😍

[@chrisg4rr377]

I've just been looking on eBay and you'll never geuss what I've seen

[@stoneautomotive]

Haha I've said in the description its for sale lol! Fun little bike and if I hadn't decided it was time to change the 320d I would have tucked it away but I have the M3 & Clio still to finish & loads of jobs round the house 🙈

[@thewayforth]

.

[@2JWARD1]

Tiny little Japanese person! Hahaha

[@stoneautomotive]

They are tiny generally compared to me 😂

[@user-fi5cj4vi6i]

very bad video the sound keeps going off and full throttle? you dnt even hit the redline

[@stoneautomotive]

Life of a self taught KZbinr 😅 Things have got much better in the later videos 👍 (this one is very old now)