Description
This motorcycle is Lot 10 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 10
The Chris Skellern Collection
1985 Honda NS400R
Registration no. B433 FTU
Frame no. NC19-1004352
Engine no. SC19E-1004215
Multi-cylinder two-stroke Grand Prix replicas were much in vogue during the mid-1980s, as first Yamaha and then Suzuki sought to exploit their links with the racetrack. Honda too were players in this niche market, but somewhat surprisingly chose to make their GP lookalike a 400 rather than a 500 like those of their rivals. Despite giving away 100cc, the NS400R looked every bit as convincing as Yamaha's RD500LC and Suzuki's RG500 Gamma, and had the advantage of being both lighter and more compact than either. Introduced for 1985, the NS400R boasted a three-cylinder engine just like Freddie Spencer's 1982 World Championship-winning NS500 while being notable as Honda's largest two-stroke roadster and its first with an aluminium frame. It was also one of the best-handling roadsters of its day. An instant classic, the NS400R is one of the most sought after of 1980s sports bikes.
A Japanese-market model, this beautiful NS400R was first registered in the UK on 1st May 2019. The machine was in this condition when purchased by the vendor five years ago. Since then he has fitted a new chain, serviced the brakes, and changed the gearbox oil and coolant. Our vendor believes the odometer reading of 6, 717 kilometres to be genuine (he has done circa 1, 500 of those since he acquired it). We're advisd by the vendor that the machine is said to go very well; it has a current MoT although it will not need another. Accompanying paperwork consists of a current V5C Registration Certificate; six MoT certificates; and some invoices for parts.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
