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CBR400RRL-R (NC29) Model Info

[Sorry, this page is still under construction...Hell, it's always going to be under construction!]

History

The NC29 was built and/or sold as new by Honda dealers in Japan from 1990 to sometime in 1999 (possibly later). "NC29" is not the official name for the bike Honda designated the "CBR400RR", but this is how they are commonly known. As far as we are aware, Honda built only domestic ("J-spec") models of the CBR400RR. NC29s were so popular in Japan that they eventually overflowed and found their way (as "grey imports") into the UK and, in much smaller numbers, into other markets—including the United States. The NC29 stayed basically the same throughout its model run, except for color and suspension changes. The RRR models received updated suspension components including pre-load and rebound adjustable cartridge-type forks and an upgraded rear shock. Below are illustrations of the NC29 color schemes available throughout its production:

No.1, Type1, CBR400RRL No.2, Type2, CBR400RRL No.3, Type3, CBR400RRL No.4, Type4, CBR400RRL
No.5, Type5, CBR400RRN No.6, Type6, CBR400RRN No.7, Type7, CBR400RRR No.8, Type8, CBR400RRR

Although not factory options, many NC29s have been painted to resemble various factory-sponsored Grand Prix and Superbike race bikes. Some of these paint schemes are shown below:

Repsol white '99 Smokin' Joe's '98
Repsol white '99 Smokin' Joe's '98

Models

NC-29 model letters can be found on a small white sticker located under the passenger seat (and also on the bar code sticker originally located behind the license plate). Because NC29s were not imported through "official" channels, their registration documents are notoriously unreliable as a means of determining their years of manufacture. This is because registration documents on 'grey' imports are often intended to reflect the year a bike was first sold, which is not necessarily the year the bike was manufactured. Many NC29s appear to have been sold by dealers as new in Japan years after being manufactured, so the years that ended up on the registration documents may not correspond to the bike's actual year of manufacture. Consequently, the most accurate way of referring to NC29s (and other 'grey' imports) is by model letter.

Model letters used by Honda appear to correspond with the VIN model letters used in the United States since the early 1980s. (Here is a bit more about VINs.) As a result, bikes manufactured in 1990 carry the model letter "L", 1992 bikes are "N" models, etc. (with the letters "I", "O", "Q", "U" and "Z" being skipped). Some Honda models, however, have additional sub-designations (possibly relating only to color scheme) using roman numerals, and the NC29 is one of these.

All CBR400RR NC29s were manufactured for the Japanese domestic market, though, as with other 400cc Honda motorcycles of the era, many were later exported to other markets (especially the U.K.) as "grey imports". The L and N models share most of their specifications and parts, with only minor differences being the norm; but the R model was significantly revised with respect to its suspension and electrical systems. [A Web page detailing all of these differences can be found here...just as soon as it is written!] The following table details the colors and the beginning serial and engine numbers for the NC29 production run:

All CBR400RR NC29s were manufactured for the Japanese domestic market, though, as with other 400cc Honda motorcycles of the era, many were later exported to other markets (especially the United Kingdom) as "grey imports". The following table details certain information for the NC29 production run:

No. Type Model Year Model Name Year Code Model Code Color Code Color(s) Beg. Engine # Beg. Frame # Carb ID #
1 1 1990 CBR400RR L NC29 R134 Fighting red/Pearl crystal white NC23E-1300001 NC29-1000001 VP01A-A
2 2 1990 CBR400RR L NC29 PB184E Granite blue/Light silver NC23E-1300001 NC29-1000001 VP01A-A
3 3 1990 CBR400RR L NC29 R109D Passion red/Heavy gray NC23E-1300001 NC29-1000001 VP01A-A
4 4 1990 CBR400RR L NC29 PB184D Granite blue/Heavy gray NC23E-1300001 NC29-1000001 VP01A-A
5 5 1992 CBR400RR N NC29 NH193H Pearl crystal white/Dionysus blue NC23E-1420001 NC29-1050001 VP01A-B
6 6 1992 CBR400RR N NC29 NH237 Pure black NC23E-1420001 NC29-1050001 VP01A-B
7 7 1994 CBR400RR R NC29 NH196H Ross white/Jockey blue NC23E-1500001 NC29-1100001 VP01B-A
8 8 1994 CBR400RR-II R NC29 NH343K Sparkle pearl black/Procyon red NC23E-1500001 NC29-1100001 VP01B-A

Specifications1

Item Specifications
Dimensions: Overall length 1,990mm
Overall width 670mm
Overall height 1,080mm
Wheelbase 1,365mm
Ground clearance 125mm (4.9 in.)
Dry weight 180kg
Curb weight
Maximum weight capacity
Frame: Frame type Twin-spar, box-section aluminum
Front suspension 41mm Showa damper-rod forks with adjustable pre-load2
Front wheel travel
Rear suspension Alloy "Gull-arm" swing arm with three-way linkage
Rear wheel travel
Rear damper Gas-filled damper with adjustable pre-load and rebound damping
Front wheel size [17x3.5 in.]
Rear wheel size [17x4.5 in.]
Front tire size 120/60-R17 55H
Rear tire size 150/60-R17 66H
Front brakes Double floating disc; 2-piston Nissin sliding calipers
Rear brake Single solid disc; single-piston Nissin sliding caliper
Caster angle
Trail
Fuel tank capacity 15.0 liters (4.0 U.S. gal., 3.5 Imp gal.)
Fuel tank reserve capacity
Engine: Type Four-stroke, in-line four cylinder
Bore and stroke 55.0 mm x 42.0 mm
Displacement 399 cm³ (24.3 cu in.)
Compression ratio 11.3 : 1
Valve train Gear driven DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
Intake valve opens @ 1mm lift
Intake valve closes @ 1mm lift
Exhaust valve opens @ 1mm lift
Exhaust valve closes @ 1mm lift
Lubrication system Forced pressure and wet sump
Oil pump type [Trockoid]
Cooling system Liquid cooled; radiator with cooling fan
Air filtration Paper filter
Crankshaft type
Firing order
Cylinder arrangement 4 cylinders; in-line
Cylinder numbering 1-2-3-4 (left to right of bike)
Carburetor: Carburetor type Constant velocity Keihin; 4 carburetors
Throttle bore
Drive train: Clutch system Multi-plate, wet
Clutch operation Cable operated
Transmission 6-speeds
Primary reduction 2.117 : 1 (72/34)
Final reduction (sprockets) 2.600 : 1 (39/15)
Drive chain slack 15-25mm (5/8-1 in.)
Drive chain size/links 525/102
Gear ratio, 1st 3.307 : 1 (43/13)
Gear ratio, 2nd 2.352 : 1 (40/17)
Gear ratio, 3rd 1.875 (30/16)
Gear ratio, 4th 1.591 (35/22)3
Gear ratio, 5th 1.435 (33/23)
Gear ratio, 6th 1.318 (29/22)
Gearshift pattern Left foot operated return system: 1—N—2—3—4—5—6
Electrical: Ignition system Digitalized full transistor ignition
Starting system Electric starter motor
Charging system Triple phase output alternator
Regulator/rectifier type SCR Shorted/triple phase full wave rectification
Lighting system Battery [(YTX7A-BS)]
Lubrication: Engine oil capacity at draining 3.2 liters4
Engine oil capacity at disassembly 3.8 liters
Engine oil capacity at oil filter change 3.4 liters5
Recommended engine oil viscosity SAE 10W-40
Oil pressure at oil pressure switch 490 kPa (5.0 kg/cm², 71 psi) @ 7,000 rpm (80 deg.C, 176 deg.F)
Fuel system: Main jets # 1086
Slow (idle) jets # 35
Pilot screw setting 2 1/4 turns out
Float level 13.7mm
Carburetor vacuum difference Within 30 mmHg
Base carburetor (for carburetor synchronization) [None]
Idle speed 1,300 +/- 100 rpm
Throttle grip free play 2-6mm (0.08-0.24 in.)
Clutch system: Clutch lever free play 10-20mm (0.4-0.8 in.)
Clutch disc thickness 2.92-3.08mm (0.115-0.121 in.)
Clutch disc service limit 2.6mm
Clutch plate (steel) warpage limit 0.30mm (0.012 in.)
Cooling system: Coolant capacity (radiator & engine) 2.0 liters
Coolant capacity (reserve tank) 0.3 liters
Radiator cap relief pressure 0.93-1.22 bar (13.5-17.7 psi)
Thermostat begins to open 80-84 deg.C (176-183 deg.F)
Thermostat fully open 95 deg.C (203 deg.F)
Thermostat valve lift 8.0mm (0.23 in.) min.
Wheels/Tires: Cold tire pressure (driver only, front) 33 psi (2.25 bar)
Cold tire pressure (driver only, rear) 33 psi (2.25 bar)
Cold tire pressure (driver & pass., front) 33 psi (2.25 bar)
Cold tire pressure (driver & pass., rear) 36 psi (2.50 bar)
Front suspension: Fork spring free length 319.7mm7
Fork spring direction Tighter coils on bottom
Fork oil weight 10W
Fork oil level 105mm8
Fork oil capacity 453cc9
Steering bearing pre-load 22 Nm [1.0-1.5kg (2.2-3.3 lbs.)]
Rear suspension: Shock spring free length 154.9mm10
Shock spring installed length
Nitrogen gas pressure [98 kPa (142 psi)]
Brakes: Brake fluid type DOT 4
Front brake disc thickness 4mm (0.16 in.)
Front brake master cylinder I.D. 12.700mm (0.500 in.) (1/2")
Front brake caliper cylinder I.D. 25.4mm (1.0 in.)
Rear brake disc thickness 5mm
Rear brake master cylinder I.D. 14.000mm (0.5512 in.) (9/16")
Rear brake caliper cylinder I.D. 38.18mm
Battery/Charging system: Reg/rec regulated voltage/amperage 14.0-16.0v (0.5A) @ 3,000rpm
Battery capacity 12v (6AH) [YTX7A-BS]
Battery charging rate (normal) 0.7A/5-10 hr.
Battery charging rate (quick) 3.0A/1 hr.
Battery voltage 12.8-13.0v
Ignition system: Spark plug (standard) NGK CR8EH-9 or ND U24FER-9
Spark plug (racing) NGK CR9EH-9 or ND U27FER-9
Spark plug gap 0.8-0.9mm
Ignition timing "F" mark 18-deg. BTDC @ 1,300rpm
Advance starts
Advance stops
Full advance 32-deg. BTDC [+/-2-deg. @ 12,000rpm]
Lights/Meters/Switches: Main fuse 30A
Fuse 15A x 1; 10A x 3
Headlight (high/low beam) 12v 60/35w (H4)
Tail/brake light 12v 18/5w
Position light 12v 1.7w
Turn signal light 12v 15w11
Instrument lights 12v 1.7w [x 5]
Oil pressure warning indicator 12v [1.7w]
Oil temperature indicator 12v [1.7w]
High beam indicator 12v [1.7w]
Turn signal indicator 12v [1.7w]
Neutral indicator 12v [1.7w]
Starting system: Starter motor brush length 12-13mm (0.47-0.51 in.)

Notes:

  1. To be updated upon receipt (and, er, translation) of the Japanese-language NC29 workshop manual.

  2. R models have cartridge-type forks with adjustable pre-load and rebound damping

  3. R model: 1.578 : 1 (30/19)

  4. R model: 3.0 liters

  5. R model: 3.2 liters

  6. R model: # 105

  7. R model: 295.5mm

  8. R model: 120mm

  9. R model: 408cc

  10. R model: 173.5mm

  11. R model: 12v 18/5w (front); 12v 15w (rear)

VSource.org Home Copyright © VSource.org 1999-2014 [Sources: Haynes CBR400RR Service and Repair Manual; Honda Parts Manuals and Microfiche]
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