Restoration Of A Ruined Legend - Honda VFR 400 NC30 - Part 5

So this time as promised its time to start tearing apart the engine to see what we are dealing with, This episode is a bit shorter than i'd like but still covers alot of ground, I was planning on getting the engine fully rebuilt and put back in place but decided to split it into 2 episodes to decrease the wait time between updates.
Enjoy.
links to some of my other very interesting videos -
Ducati 916 - • Ducati 916 Restoration
Honda CR250 - • Honda Cr250 Restoration
Brembo Calipers - • 25 Year Old Brembo Bra...
Impreza calipers - • Subaru WRX Brake Calip...
Ducati 600SS - • Ducati 600 Supersport ...
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A new addition to my videos from now on will be a water mark and my channel name popping up in random places throughout the video as im getting rather tired of people re-uploading my content as their own i hope you guys understand.
If you like what you see and have any ideas for the channel or would even like to donate something to restore to the channel please get in touch. :)
And as usual if you liked the video please like share and subscribe and help the channel grow.
PATREON If you would like to help support the channel you can find my patreon account here / rrcrestoration
INSTAGRAM- rrcrestorat...
More videos can be found here- / @rrcrestoration
#Honda #Restoration #Barnfind
RRC Restoration
Restoration Of A Ruined Legend - Honda VFR 400 NC30 - Part 5

[@jons7771]

I need this to be 1 hour 14 minutes, not just 14 minutes. I'm jonesin' for more!! Keep on cracking mate.

[@RRCRestoration]

Tbh i was planning for this episode to be about an hour long but decided to break it into 2 parts as it was going to take too long to get all the parts here, machined, filmed and edited so i had to take the decision to split it just to keep the gap between uploads to a minimum.

[@plunder1956]

I was AMAZED at how effective the two solvant based cleaning liquids were. You are probably the most tidy & organised mechanic I have ever seen. My Tasmanian friend and I have stripped and fixed Laths, Bridgeport Mills and many other lumps of metal disaster several times. It always looks like an explosion in a scrap yard. I'm bloody envious to be honest.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much, I used to be the exact same bits everywhere lol but I was forever loosing parts so i forced myself to be a bit more organized, It took a while but now its second nature and drives everyone around me nuts when they need to work with me as I'm forever organizing parts lol.

[@CraftwerksMC]

@RRCRestoration Your rebuilds are incredible and I was hoping you could mention what the product name or chemical is that you said you used in both cases to presoak and break down the grease. It seems to work well with limited amount of pressure and heat so was hoping you could share. I also very much like the process you used for restoring the white plastic for reservoirs. I have some coolant bottles on a NT650 (cousin of the VFR) that I want to attempt this process on. Thanks so much for you video's/

[@joebacarella2829]

I am 61 years old now, but in my teens I owned 4 Honda motorcycles, dirt bikes, my first was a 1978 Elsinore 125cc, a couples years later a 1981 125cc Honda CR, boy what an upgrade on suspension. Every 3 years or so I would sell and upgrade. My next bike was a 1985 CR 250, man was that thing fast, I kept it for about 5 years, the last one I bought was a 1991 CR 250, you want to talk about travel in a suspension, and it was fast, I kept it a few years and a couple bad spills and I called it quits dirt biking, I sold it and got into cars. But I gotta say , they make excellent bikes and a lot of other stuff. I can`t remeber how many times I fell of those bikes, jumped to my feet and the bike was still running and I took off again, I was a huge fan of thier dirt bikes, you are doing amazing work on this bike I gotta tell you.

[@daveflave8969]

I love all you videos but this one in particular has been so useful to me! I checked the coolant passages of my RVF400 after seeing the calcification inside your engine. Lo and behold my engine is similar, not as bad, but enough to affect the coolant flow. The past week I have been using this video as my guide to stripping the engine down. I don't think I would have had the confidence do tackle a job like this without watching your video. Thank you so much!

[@DansDrives]

Even today, the engineering on this bike is phenomenal. Built to race for 100k miles. I love seeing this process and can't wait for the final completion!

[@timessix8434]

Just got the notification about this video and my day got sooo much better. Will watch immediately when I get home from work.

[@RRCRestoration]

I'm so happy to hear that, I hope your day at work went well.

[@tonkpb]

What a contrast to the inside of a Ducati engine. Another great video, thank you!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Dang... I was so curious as to how you were going to deal with the 'calcification' of the cylinder's water cooling jackets. Well.. next time 🙂

[@dieterich6533]

You need to use a light acid. We will see what chemicals he uses but you could use boiling white vinegar and will clean it out easily.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

@@dieterich6533 Thanks!!! I've never tried boiling hot white vinegar before - now I have to try it!

[@GrandsonofKong]

Was going to ask the same thing! Have to take note of his "formula"

[@RRCRestoration]

Not to worry all will be revealed next time but as @dieterich6533 said a light acid shifts the scale no problem and i employ this method next episode but i wont reveal just how yet ;)

[@ianrusso8790]

me too!!!!

[@stuleyland9490]

Those engine internals are a work of art.

[@Steve765]

So glad you're doing a complete engine strip on this one.😊

[@pwalopwaloson9009]

Had one of these as my first bike in 1991. Loving watching you take this down - Honda’s engineering is legendary and seeing the condition of the internals on this proves it. Cracking work fella and loved every video so far - takes me back to mine. Only issue I ever had was seized front brake callipers and keeping the bloody white wheels clean 😂

[@RRCRestoration]

Nice, I bet it was amazing having one of these new in the 90's the fun you must've had before cameras and speed traps took over the land ;) lol I know what you mean about the wheels, this one isn't even on the road and I find myself cleaning the wheels down all the time... bloody dust magnets haha

[@pwalopwaloson9009]

It’s was an absolute gem of a bike - gearing was a bit painful- super tall 1st like the RC30 - I think it did 70mph in 1st but the sound of the whining cam drive and the resonance through the fuel tank was like no other bike I’ve had since. You are gonna love. Plugs are a weird size and only shared with the RC30 and a nightmare to change bank 2! What’s your background as you seem to have a super broad skillset - also what’s the plan with the paint? Mine was the early red white blue RC30 scheme and I don’t think they bettered it!

[@2Wheels4Wheels.]

​@@pwalopwaloson9009 I had it's stablemate the CBR400RR in 1990, apparently one of the 1st in the country. Amazing little bikes that everyone raved over, I went on to have a further 3, I loved them so much 😀. I did try a VFR at a race school but they rev-limited them so I wasn't too impressed.

[@jiz2k]

I gave it the thumbs up even before playing 😂

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@jiz2k]

@@RRCRestoration you’re more than welcome mate. You’ve inspired me to take on mechanical jobs I’d have steered clear of in the past. Only the other day, with the help of my 16 year old lad, we changed the head gasket on his 2 stroke motorcycle.

[@briandavies3723]

Fabulous! such a cool little engine , typical Honda workmanship.. your the guy to bring her back !

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much, yeah she's going to be a sweet little thing when done and dusted :)

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

It's amazing how someone was so diligent with oil changes. However, completely disregarded the coolant. Nice touch with the drive in the Subey at the end. Love the interiors of those early 2000s models. Perfect mix of quality and layout.

[@michaelmathews295]

I pretty sure that a lot of racing associations require straight water only on their tracks for sanctioned events.

[@RRCRestoration]

It really is but i got a comment earlier that seems to make alot of sense just like @michaelmathews295 said too maybe the bike has a racing history so pure water and frequent oil changes would certainly make sense so im going to make a point of sitting down and digging through its history to see what i can find out about it fingers crossed it has a cool history of racing and not just been abused as a track bike lol. Im really glad you like the little drive in the scooby, love that car :)

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

@RRCRestoration ahh yes that makes sense. I did a brief stint of road racing years ago and I used to re fill the bike with coolant after the race weekend. Then had to flush it with water when I went racing. I'm pretty particular about my bikes though haha.

[@JimzOnDroid]

Thanks RRC! I’m enjoying the series. I’ve watched back the wrx build for a second time now. It’s great to see real actual restorations and the calming tone of the videos are a nice thing to enjoy in the evenings!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much, really happy to hear you are enjoying my videos :)

[@KensWorldRestorations]

These videos are so inspiring. Just wow. I've started my second restoration and it's down to the frame. It's always so exciting watching these legends being born again and coming back to life. Sometimes we all need to stand back and realize that these bikes are an important part of history and your work is keeping a part of that history alive. Well done my friend, I can't wait to see what's coming next.

[@bertayoing]

another excellent video my friend. brightens the day yet again. thanks .

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much, I'm really glad to hear that :)

[@pyromaniac354]

Awesome work mate. My last bike i had a few years ago was a vfr400r NC 30. Bought it from a guy who lost interest in it. I restored it over a year and loved the sound of the gear driven motor and having a lot of cbr250rr bikes. Wish i never sold it 😢

[@seanylewl]

Absolutely fantastic as always. That water jacket! 😱

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you, Yeah its amazing to see one so clogged up never seen anything like it in my life!

[@sopit666]

good work. can't wait to see the next episode.. 😊

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks!, It wont be too long till its ready.

[@eZaY47]

Beautiful! Great work! I wish I had such knowledge and confidence on restoring/maintaining my VFR800.

[@thesavage4552]

Living that double built subie life while also building Honda bikes! Your a legend! Live that dream!!

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy :)

[@dl8538]

Your video series are always excellent. This is one of those bikes that were never sold en masse in the USA but they had all the cool race tech. Thanks for your hard work and for sharing!!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment :)

[@nathanielbeans3625]

You’re videos are a work of art mate, but I also have to say that snap on impact is an absolutely beautiful thing

[@horstszibulski19]

Never worked on a horizontal split motor, must be a treat instaed of a vertical split with heating the seats and freezing down the bearings... Thx for showing! 👍👍👍

[@RRCRestoration]

It really is! so much so that I keep bringing it up to anyone who will listen haha

[@horstszibulski19]

@@RRCRestoration 😂👍👍

[@stevepicot9004]

Fabulous work, it’s a pleasure to watch a true professional

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@volvogt21]

Legendary effort. I can't wait to see the bike finished

[@RRCRestoration]

You and me both!, wont be long to go now :)

[@philward3640]

Love the channel, love the content, love your approach to the work and WANT a workshop like yours! Absolutely fantastic stuff! Looking forward to the next one

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@Gary.Holmes]

In my dreams I will retire tomorrow, build a workshop like this and just restore bikes or maybe build a kit car. In real life I watch these videos and fondly remember rebuilding and restoring a few little 125cc two-strokes and four-strokes in my twenties. Also I rebuilt a VF500 engine from the big end bearings upwards. It nearly ruined me.... effort, money, lack of sleep. Fond memories.

[@markianclark9645]

@@Gary.Holmes i'm retired...in my dreams i win the lotto and buy a property with a double garage and equip it like this workshop...unfortunately nowhere in my dreams do i own a car or ever drive one...just bikes and more bikes

[@andybutler2291]

A simply outstanding video series. Everything about it - your work methodology, the unbelievably organised workshop and teardown system, the number of extra bits you've got so you can keep almost everything in-house - wow. I'm interested and jealous in equal measure! Can't wait to see you attack that shonky bodywork, but I have a sneaking suspicion the bike will be as good as new once you're done. Congratulations, top work.

[@limpbizkit398]

You repaired it very cleanly. Fan from Thailand. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@lucaswilson9969]

Super excited for this one!

[@RRCRestoration]

I hope you enjoyed it :)

[@andyjdaviestjk]

Its like watching a surgeon at work great stuff

[@tonysansom]

I am so engrossed in this restoration! I have owned an NC30, a really fun bike and this one is going to be a stunner!!

[@RRCRestoration]

Really happy to hear you are enjoying it :)

[@brunoramey50]

I restore now the same model. It's nice that you show me the way. Awesome job !

[@TheNemo5544]

0:52 The fastest spray bottle in the West

[@RRCRestoration]

Love it! lol

[@Mr.Bearded.Mechanic]

I always appreciate your videos, the edits, the angles, and the content. Great video as always, thanks for sharing! Cannot wait for the sequel.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment :)

[@KeiranDavie]

13:22 good to see the Impreza earning its place in the fleet, helping out with the build 😎👌

[@SamColtHolbrook]

That was a very pleasant surprise to see that the internal engine parts were in great condition. I own a water cooled Honda Goldwing which is liquid cooled. I change the coolant after each riding season. Given my riding season is only 5 months , yes I live in a state that has snow all winter, I change the coolant while the motorcycle is stored for the winter. Im really looking forward to this engine rebuild!!!! As always your restorations are always amazing! As you would say “ crack on” and I know all of us are anxiously awaiting the next video. Cheers 🥃

[@HenryLeslieGraham]

so excited for this installment!!!

[@RRCRestoration]

I hope you enjoyed it :)

[@BUBBA1J]

Love this series! Keep up the great job 😃

[@daemonoid9836]

Amazed at how clean the internals are. Always a treat to watch your clips, even if they have to come in small portions sometimes. Nice seeing the Subies too :) keep up the good work, cheers!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you very much! :)

[@CurtisKapsak]

The clip at the end with the WRX is such a flex 💪 lol. I love it

[@RRCRestoration]

I couldn't resist ;) lol

[@TLOverlander]

I never knew watching an engine betting degreased could be so therapeutic 😂👍 The Lonely Overlander

[@KestrelYI]

Fantastic disassembly. Always loved the gear driven cams in those bikes. Had a 98 VFR800 for a bit and miss the sound of that V4.

[@dukerider0319]

Your knowledge is vast I think not just a paint sprayer lol, I was surprised how “simple” that motor came apart, no timing chains and splitting to crank cases was a breeze! Great stuff mate!

[@durf_gamz3620]

didn't see this in the playlist so make sure to add it there. love the videos.

[@edmachado22]

Great work, looking foward 👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Awesome, thank you! :)

[@user-dc7wi8cu6n]

It is very nice to watch the work of the master, even with such a wonderful result !!!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@user-dc7wi8cu6n]

@@RRCRestoration Thanks for the wishes !!! Hello and best wishes from the city of Dnipro !!!

[@ryanharriss7950]

Always look forward to these videos.

[@Beni10PT]

I cant wait to see you taking care of the calcified residue.

[@karlj1717]

Watching this video was like a therapy session, so relaxing.

[@RRCRestoration]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@sooyster4033]

Thanks for the inspiration. I've been restoring an old suzuki 4-wheeler.

[@scottamano1259]

Another amazing video. Great work! Watching this bike being restored is oddly emotionally satisfying 😊

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you, I'm glad you are enjoying it :)

[@scottamano1259]

@@RRCRestoration you mentioned that the engine has been 'very hot' one or two times. Was this feedback from the previous owner or is there something you saw when pulling the engine apart?

[@audiotone.]

Super miło widzieć kolejny odcinek. Już nie mogłem się doczekać. Dziękuję ;-)

[@ssrcbike]

You never fail to come up trups with your video, can't wait for your next instalment 👍👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you, glad you enjoy them :)

[@LeeTillbury]

So satisfying watching this dude go to work ❤

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy :)

[@dawnsabin-simpson8938]

Thanks matey. Nice one, keep em coming.

[@karlvanboxel561]

Great work I luv these little gear driven cam engines ( and the cbr250r) they seem so well made the gear box cogs r wider than my fz750!! Good ol Honda Cheers looking forward to the next one 🍻👍

[@kevinmosala]

When I saw how long the episode was I nearly cried, but I'm all excited again for the next one.

[@keithgarland3404]

great to see another rrc video, nice to see the vfr engine strip, love the sound of the gear driven cams, on the vfr, vfrs possibly still biggest bargain motorcycles.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video looking forward to next one 🇬🇧👍

[@lrdisco2005]

Keeping engineering alive in Scotland. Perfect antidote to a right b of a day.

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy , I hope you have a better day tomorrow :)

[@munkypilot]

I particularly like the Open All Hours work coat and green safey wellies combo....

[@Yann-ick]

Good job! 👍 Le moteur etait bien gras au niveau des souppes et tete de pistons! Et le faisceau de refroidissement 😮 Bon courage pour la suite! Thank you for your vidéo!

[@rickybanzai2199]

Give me back the 90ies...I was young, had some money to spend, no worries in my mind...and the bikes were GORGEOUS!!!!!!! I want a time machine!!!!!!!!!!

[@RRCRestoration]

I totally agree with you. My next project " RRC PROTOTYPE TIME MACHINE MK1" lol

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! Thank you!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@bugzx6r800]

This is awesome. I can’t wait to see how this bike turns out 😁

[@RRCRestoration]

You and me both! ;)

[@aderiley6592]

Love watcha do 'n da way dat ya do it! Top drawer editing, I always learn something new in every episode pal. Thanks 🙏🫡

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@Gary.Holmes]

Love it! When I saw that shiny coolant pipe in between the V it looked exactly like the VF-500F2 engine I rebuilt many years ago. The previous owner had let an oil leak dry it out and the big end bearing shells had picked up on the crank journals. That was an EPIC rebuild. Wish I'd had that lovely gear-driven cam train though, the chains on the VF series were a bit of a pain. And the less said about camshafts made of butter the better we'll all sleep. Keep it going... love the editing and the sharpshooter degreaser made me choke on my brew.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much for leaving that interesting comment, and I'm really glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@Gary.Holmes]

@@RRCRestoration Cheers buddy. I'd really think about measuring the crank, bearings and big ends as part of your rebuild. Just the slightest hint of a scuff on any of those shells will spell a future disaster. Can't wait to see this beauty restored to RRC perfection.

[@RobDavies1972]

Another great video, I'm enjoying this series.

[@RRCRestoration]

Glad to hear it! :)

[@PAUL-yv2kk]

Transfixed as always, thanks for posting 👍

[@simonrogers7539]

Another great episode, well done

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@p.k.7111]

Impressive work as always!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@r1273m]

When the video started I thought "Why is he wearing Wellies?" Well, now we know! Great video as always.

[@RRCRestoration]

Haha It was a rather random attire to start the video with lol.

[@karenmurray3098]

what a marvlous peice of engenering honda were ahead of the game in the 80's

[@justhavefun88]

Looking forward to see next episode... 🎉❤

[@wattie1050]

Brilliant work yet again , great wee engine the Honda has , looking forward to more resto on it .ps love the jannies Brown coat and the wellies.😁😁😁 great work .👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy :) Haha yeah i thought it was a very spiffing combo so much so i might even wear it to the xmas night out haha

[@kimhicks8443]

very informative. thank you.

[@MercuryCircuit]

Already looking forward to the next episode. Keep up the great work :)

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks for watching :)

[@claudiolebandit9408]

Top job as always man

[@neilyoung5116]

I’ve been looking forward to this episode. Dude you are the best

[@sdone7672]

Nice to see the Subaru again. 👍

[@f1hotrod527]

Your doing God's work restoring such a beautiful motorcycle.

[@stephenfarrell1057]

Very nice. Relaxed. 👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you 👍

[@juaneduardopelazo4861]

Buen trabajo , felicitaciones!.

[@IlyaSystems]

looks very nicely as guide ;) thank u so much, keep going! loveit

[@IlyaSystems]

imgd, all the time i thought its us, but its uk xD

[@craigstrickland1572]

Gonna be able to eat off of it when you are done! Can't wait!

[@GeorgeEI7KO]

Nice work mate. Came apart nice and easy. Regards from Ireland

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy :)

[@antonios2846]

Fantastic job for an awesome bike

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@vinnythompson4343]

Best restorer on you tube by far can't wait for next one!!

[@RRCRestoration]

you're too kind :)

[@jontaylor4057]

Good job as always mate👍🏻👍🏻

[@RRCRestoration]

Cheers buddy :)

[@alaaeldingalaaeldin908]

You are the best thank you for the great videos full support

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks for the visit :)

[@kidda74]

Ooh I love this stuff! 😁👍

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you :)

[@thomashoekstra3037]

Keep up the good work man. Love the vids

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@yenrab26]

It's the best day of the week whenever you upload RRC! 😊

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much :)

[@edgar9651]

Thanks! It's interesting to see what damage normal water does over a long time.

[@RRCRestoration]

I agree it is rather interesting to see a real world example of what happens when you run water as coolant, just wish it wasn't as much work to clean it back out lol

[@kevsumner2064]

I too had the 400 four and to see how the engineering moved on is an absolute joy. Can't wait to see those waterways cleaned out. Surprising to see that sort of neglect these days.

[@lrrromicronpersei8294]

Make me want to do this to my RVF 400 lol keep up the great work

[@shamrock767]

Kudos! Many thanks for sharing!

[@RRCRestoration]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@shamrock767]

@@RRCRestoration gentleman!

[@Stephen.C.]

Great to see your subscriber numbers are going up. Well deserved.

[@RRCRestoration]

Thank you so much 😀