VFRGirl
25-05-2005, 22:53
The VFR400 and RVF400 share basically a 400cc version of the RC30's engine, though strictly as they have heads that have shims under rockers to the valves, they are slightly different to all the 750s as far as I know. They are gear driven, 360degree crankshaft, screaming little jewels.
The VFR400 NC30 is a miniature RC30. In chassis, body style, looks and abilities. The bottom gears are really tall and closely stacked and it rides like you're holding the front spindle, just delightful in every way....except touring or commuting that is!
The bikes were made effectively from 1989 to 1994 so are at least ten years old more like 15. Every one will scrub up like new if enough effort is put in, remember that. Most are Japanese greys, imported second hand, the mileages are in Kms and are often dubious. Some bikes are UK spec, cost a fortune new and were often raced. They are the ones with big indicators, a little plastic divider in the rear lights, 55w/60 headlights, MPH clocks and a silly price tag.
The RVF400 was always a jap model. Only two models 1994 or 1996, some later bikes came to the UK in crates. There are a lot of very clean late low mileage ones, and they differ in more ways than they are similar to the NC30.
Basically ,the NC35 (RVF) has a frame like the RC45, bodywork like the RC45, tank shaped like the RC45 and the pegs and handlebars FROM the RC45. It has shorter 1st and second gears, the bars are 1" up and back and it's more relaxed and comfy to ride. As they are newer, they tend to be more standard and better looked after, but this is not always so.
Each has it's merits, and each rides slightly different. You will need to have a sit on one of each before making your mind up.
Neither bike is faster, more reliable or better in ability. The RVF is newer, more valuable to buy and sell on and looks like a newer bike because it is.This also means you can buy a second hand 600 for the price of the rvf. The VFR also has more top end than the RVF though small, rvf engine would prob be better for road with lower down grunt and lower first 2 gears vfr probabaly the better track bike.
Both can be modded successfully to give higher power anyway!
For a first scratcher though, an NC30 may be a better buy. If its dropped , the repair and costs will be less as more parts are available.
The VFR400 NC30 is a miniature RC30. In chassis, body style, looks and abilities. The bottom gears are really tall and closely stacked and it rides like you're holding the front spindle, just delightful in every way....except touring or commuting that is!
The bikes were made effectively from 1989 to 1994 so are at least ten years old more like 15. Every one will scrub up like new if enough effort is put in, remember that. Most are Japanese greys, imported second hand, the mileages are in Kms and are often dubious. Some bikes are UK spec, cost a fortune new and were often raced. They are the ones with big indicators, a little plastic divider in the rear lights, 55w/60 headlights, MPH clocks and a silly price tag.
The RVF400 was always a jap model. Only two models 1994 or 1996, some later bikes came to the UK in crates. There are a lot of very clean late low mileage ones, and they differ in more ways than they are similar to the NC30.
Basically ,the NC35 (RVF) has a frame like the RC45, bodywork like the RC45, tank shaped like the RC45 and the pegs and handlebars FROM the RC45. It has shorter 1st and second gears, the bars are 1" up and back and it's more relaxed and comfy to ride. As they are newer, they tend to be more standard and better looked after, but this is not always so.
Each has it's merits, and each rides slightly different. You will need to have a sit on one of each before making your mind up.
Neither bike is faster, more reliable or better in ability. The RVF is newer, more valuable to buy and sell on and looks like a newer bike because it is.This also means you can buy a second hand 600 for the price of the rvf. The VFR also has more top end than the RVF though small, rvf engine would prob be better for road with lower down grunt and lower first 2 gears vfr probabaly the better track bike.
Both can be modded successfully to give higher power anyway!
For a first scratcher though, an NC30 may be a better buy. If its dropped , the repair and costs will be less as more parts are available.