Description
This motorcycle is Lot 12 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 12
1991 Honda VRF400 Type NC30
Registration no. J171 SBD
Frame no. NC30 1058168
Engine no. NC13E-1308182 (see text)
Following the arrival of the VFR750R (RC30) race replica in the late 1980s, it was only to be expected that some of its style and technology would rub off on Honda's smaller V4s. The first of these was the NC21, which was followed by the NC24 with RC30-style single-sided swinging arm. Restricted to a maximum of 59PS (59. 8bhp) for the Japanese market, these models were not officially imported into the UK, unlike the successor NC30 which boasted a specification not far short of the RC's. Testing a full power (62. 5bhp) UK model, Bike magazine recorded a top speed into a strong headwind of 122. 7mph, 1, 000 revs short of the red line, indicating a probable maximum in excess of 130. Boasting RC30 looks and equally exemplary build quality, but at a fraction of the cost, the NC30 is one of the most collectible classics of the 1990s.
This imported example was first registered in the UK in April 1997 and has belonged to the current vendor for the last two years. The Honda has not been ridden (the vendor finds it too small for him) hence the decision to sell; rather, it has been kept as an ornament and regularly run up to temperature. Notable features include Dream Machine paintwork (fairing panels and tank) and a Scorpion 'carbon' exhaust. The vendor advises a full service was carried out in 2022 and the machine benefits from a new chain and sprockets; new Bridgestone tyres; new handlebar grips and bar ends; new clutch and cables; reupholstered seats; wheels repainted; refurbished forks and bearings throughout; new brake calipers and pads; and new spark plugs and ignition leads. The current odometer reading is 68, 060 kilometres (approximately 42, 290 miles) at the time of cataloguing/ photography and the machine is MoT'd to 27th February 2026 (certificate on file).
Accompanying documents include photocopies of various bills/ invoices; current/ expired MoT certificates; a GOV. UK MoT history check; and a current V5C Registration Certificate. It should be noted the V5C lists the engine number as 'not recorded'. The machine also comes with a rear paddock stand and a detached numberplate.
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.
