Thinking about a VFR 400, good? Bad?

[Swifte]

I'm living in London, the CB 500 has been serving me well and is pretty good on fuel economy but I keep her on the street.

I've been thinking for a while of getting something with a little more punch in the next few months, and I've always had my eyes on the VFR 400 NC 30.

I'm still restricted, is the VFR 400 easy to restrict? I keep my bike on the street as well, could I possibly run two bikes in London while keeping them on the street? Good? Bad idea?

Anyone else recommend or not recommend the VFR 400? Will it outstart my CB 500? Would it be wise to replace my CB 500 with it?

[MaybeGuy]

[P.]

33hp... so nothing much different.

Totally different engines, IL4 vs Parallel Twin.

I wouldnt keep it on the street, i'd like it safe and sound under a duvet in the winter

If I could have kept my GS500 i would, comfy, especially for any form of distance riding!
My honest opinion is if you want more punch, go to a 600 rather than a 400, im not sure if this is just word of mouth, but 400s tend to be ragged.. i think its the VFR that eats some of its internals? (correct me if im wrong)

For what its worth, ive only ever ridden 1 400, CB400SF and it was nice, revvy and had poke... but it wasnt as fun as the Daytona I bought.

[Tenantry13]

I was going to get a VFR 400 nc30 but was put off by a few people saying most have been thrashed trying to keep up with the 600's and parts are a lot for it. Nice bike though.

[ChowderV4]

[Swifte]

[Vincent]

[c-m]

[MarJay]

I'll give you the advice I give to anyone interested in a VFR; Don't unless you have a particular fetish for tiny sportsbikes.

The CB500 is better for town riding. Its more practical and it is a better size. Its more comfortable.

The NC30 is tiny, uncomfortable, difficult to work on, hard to find parts for. The absolute newest ones are still 15 years old. The power is linear, but you need to rev it to get the best from it. The CB500 will be punchier low down where you want it to be in town, and it'll probably be better on fuel.

The only modern equivalent in terms of power and weight would be a Suzuki SV650. You can pick them up for peanuts and they won't be as shagged as an NC30 for the same money. Yes, when new the NC30 would have had better suspension than the SV, but over time they will have evened out. The SV is a bit lighter than an NC30, and has a little bit more power. Its larger, more comfortable, more practical, easier to work on, cheaper to service and easier to ride. It won't cripple your wrists or backside, and won't cramp up your legs.

Crucially though, its less likely to have been strapped down in a crate on a boat from Japan for a few months, and its also less likely to have been ragged by a 17 year old with no mechanical sympathy or ability. Not only that, if it was ragged by a 17 year old with no mechanical sympathy or ability, it is more likely to shrug it off, and if it is damaged it'll be cheaper to put right.

SV650 > CB500 > NC30.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Sam_Y_93]

Although owning one, I do sort of agree with MarJay, because in the 3/4 months of owning mine its been off the road for around 2 of those months. Saying that the parts weren't too bad to get parts for, nor that expensive well I did pay around 40 quid for a set of spark plugs

Reason I bought one was that I loved the looks, just such a sexy bike And coming from a 125 to this, it is quick well quick enough for me

Also did ride it back about 50 miles, thats the longest I have been on it too. It wasn't too bad TBH, still considering a double bubble for it for more wind protection.

If I were you I would other wise stick with the CB, or if you really cant wait I would go for an older CBR 600 as they are still comfortable and have plenty of go
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Bikes Past: Yamaha Aerox (sold) Yamaha R125 (written off)
Bikes Current: Honda VFR 400 (awaiting restoration) Honda CB600f F-4
Theory passed July 21st Mod1 passed August 3rd Mod 2 passed 26th August

[Sam_Y_93]

:EDIT: double post
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Bikes Past: Yamaha Aerox (sold) Yamaha R125 (written off)
Bikes Current: Honda VFR 400 (awaiting restoration) Honda CB600f F-4
Theory passed July 21st Mod1 passed August 3rd Mod 2 passed 26th August

[Robert2014]

One of my Mates is sellin a VFR NC21 Pritty cheap need's a little bit of work pm me if u are intersted mate
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If you require a mechanic then I am your man. Bike collection and recovery service available. Don't let a monkey work on your bike, call the family run business on 07778 873 184 01505684994 https://www.rdbikes.co.uk info@rdbikes.co.uk

[Tenantry13]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Seb]

I think the logic is more that they force you to learn to carry more corner speed since you haven't got the power to turn and burn like you can on a bigger bike. Mind you ground clearance seems to be a reoccuring gripe on these too, so even that might be difficult
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Al]

[Swifte]

[MarJay]

[P.]

This is probably the only 400 i'd buy

https://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/bikes/CBR400_1990(1).jpg

[D O G]

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Glenben92]

[MarJay]

[Al]

[Sam_Y_93]

Ahh but if you are around 5'10 then you will love it
____________________
Bikes Past: Yamaha Aerox (sold) Yamaha R125 (written off)
Bikes Current: Honda VFR 400 (awaiting restoration) Honda CB600f F-4
Theory passed July 21st Mod1 passed August 3rd Mod 2 passed 26th August