1990 Honda VFR400 NC30 from New Zealand

Summary:

A bit more power/less weight would make this bike

Faults:

The fairing mounts were broken where it met the seat.

General Comments:

I bought one after reading many reviews in bike magazines that raved about it being a pocket rocket, that handled and accelerated really well, and traded up from a two stroke NSR250.

The handling was very good, although it was heavy.

Braking was excellent.

Styling looked good and the single sided swing arm looked the biz.

But the engine really lacked the power the bike needed to push all those 170kg's of weight around.

And the seat and ride position was not too comfy on long journeys.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2006

1984 Honda VFR400 NC30 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Brilliant

Faults:

When I purchased this bike it had been standing in a garage for 12 months and started occasionally. This had caused a problem with the carbs, which required re-callabration. It was difficult to find someone to do this without charging a fortune.

General Comments:

This bike is one of the few official UK imports, and as such has been kept in excellent condition.

I would never be parted with this bike as it is as much fun as when I first purchased it.

The handling is very forgiving, and although it struggles on the straights to keep up with the other bikes, there are very few that can touch it in the bends.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th January, 2005

12th Apr 2005, 17:15

I was very interested to read this review as I have just got a J reg NC30 that has low mileage as it sat in a shed for 4 years. It had been done up to sell and is great, but won't start reliably. I have had the carbs looked at, but still having probs. Hope to get this sorted soon as when it starts it handles so well! Anne.

21st Apr 2006, 11:23

There are three weak points to these bikes:

1) The battery capacity is tiny and the regulator/rectifier is sometimes iffy.

2) The carbs clog up easily if the bike is left standing for a very long time.

3) The sparkplugs foul up extremely easily. If you're having starting problems and you know the electrics and carbs to be good, changing the sparkplugs will usually fix your woes.

In reply to 12th Apr 2005, 17:15

7th Dec 2014, 12:23

Hi Ann. Have you checked the fuel tank? It may be rusted from sitting for so long.

1996 Honda VFR400 NC30 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Excellent beginner bike that handles like a dream

Faults:

Side fairing broke where the seat joined, probably due to a bump or 2 in the road, or maybe jumps!

It seemed to overheat slightly, but the fan always kicked in before any damage was done.

The horn was temperamental.

18" rear tire isn't always easy to get at short notice (as most other tires are a standard 17").

General Comments:

There is not too much bad I can say about the NC30 as it was great fun for a first bike - fast, easy to insure, cool looking with the single sided swing arm, and in black and red.

The major beef I had with it was due to the entire side fairings having to be removed to change the battery - very laborious and some bolts were tricky.

I would definitely have one in my dream garage, but maybe it's the same with all first bikes?

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2005

6th Mar 2005, 11:38

I bought a 89'NC30 recently, great bike although not overly happy with its handling on small roundabouts. It's running on Bridgestones, can anyone recommend a tyre which provides a bit more adhesion to the road?

Incidentally my last bike was an 87' NC24, which I feel was a bit quicker despite the general consensus, albeit not as aestetically pleasing, although physically a bit bigger, which was a plus for me.

Regard's,

John.

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