Honda VFR400

The Honda VFR400 series was a family of 399 cc V4 motorcycles that were essentially scaled-down versions of the larger VFR race models of the day. They were developed mainly for the Japanese domestic market, partly because of the tougher licence restrictions there for bikes above 400 cc. The first generation, the 1986 to 1987 NC21, replaced the VF400F when the VF series was phased out, mainly because of reliability problems with the head and cam chain, and came as R, Z, K and police P versions. The VFR400R NC30 was officially imported to the United Kingdom for four years, but at 5,899 pounds it failed to sell, though grey imports have been popular, and the engines make a noticeable whine because the cams are driven by straight-cut gears.