RVF400RR-T (NC35) Model Info

History

The NC35 was built and/or sold as new by Honda dealers in Japan from 1994 to sometime in 2000 (possibly later). It was obviously an evolution of the popular NC30, but its purpose was similar to the NC30's purpose of making a "junior" RC30 available to the vast Japanese 400cc domestic market, but with respect to the then-new 750cc RC45 superbike. (Why Honda didn't just call it the "NC45" is still a mystery, however!) But, unlike the RC45's changes compared to the RC30, the NC35 did not use fuel injection or a completely redesigned engine—it's engine is a re-tuned NC30 engine with slightly smaller carburetors. In any case, there were several other significant differences between the NC30 and NC35 models apart from different bodywork, including engine mounting, fork type, swing arm width and 17" rear wheel. (Click here for a Web site with a graphic display of some of the differences touted by Honda upon the release of the NC35. [UPDATE: Motorcyclelane appears to have moved on to other things, and this page is no longer available. I've got it archived somewhere and will get it back up soon...in the meantime, this will have to do.]

"NC35" is not the official name for the bike Honda designated the "RVF400R" (and later simply "RVF"), but this is how they are commonly known. As far as we are aware, Honda built only domestic ("J-spec") models of the RVF400R. But NC35s were so popular in Japan that they quickly overflowed and found their way (as "grey imports") into the United Kingdom and, in much smaller numbers, into other markets—including the United States. The NC35 stayed basically the same throughout its model run, except for a color change between the RR and RT models. (A complete list of non-color-related part numbers changed for the R-T model is located here.) Even though available new in Japan for many years thereafter, the NC35's specs remained essentially unchanged since 1996. Below are illustrations of the two (and only two) NC35 color schemes:

No.1, Type 1, RVF400RR Type 2, RVF400RT

Models

NC35 model letters can be found on a small white sticker located under the passenger seat (and also on the bar code sticker behind the license plate, if still present). Because NC35s were not imported to the West through "official" channels, their registration documents are notoriously unreliable as a means of determining their year 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 NC35s appear to have been sold by dealers as new in Japan years after being manufactured, so the year that ended up on the registration document may not correspond to the bike's actual year of manufacture. Consequently, the most accurate way of referring to NC35s (and other 'grey' imports) is by model letter.

Model letters used by Honda 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, for example, in 1994 carry the model letter "R", 1995 bikes are "S" models and 1996 bikes are "T" models, etc. (with the letters "I", "O", "Q", "U" and "Z" being skipped).

Paint schemes on the NC35s switched from emulating the RC45's red-white-and-blue (also known as 'OKI' colors) on the R models to a red-white-and-purple variation of this theme on the T model.

The following table details the beginning serial and engine numbers for the NC35 production run:

No.	Type	Model Year	Model Name	Year Code	Model Code	Area Code	Color Code	Color(s)	Beg. Engine #	Beg. Frame #	Carb ID #
1	1	1994	RVF400R	R	NC35	Japan	NH196K	Sparkling red/Ross white/Atessa blue	NC13E-1500001	NC35-1000001	VP90A-A
1	1	1994	RVF400R-II	R	NC35	Japan2	NH196K	Sparkling red/Ross white/Atessa blue	NC13E-1500001	NC35-1000001	VP90A-A
2	2	1996	RVF400R	T	NC35	Japan	NH196K	Sparkling red/Ross white/Uranus purple	NC13E-1600001	NC35-1100001	VP90A-A
2	2	1996	RVF400R-II	T	NC35	Japan2	NH196K	Sparkling red/Ross white/Uranus purple	NC13E-1600001	NC35-1100001	VP90A-A

Specifications¹

Item		Specifications
Dimensions:	Overall length	1.985m (78.1 in.)
	Overall width	685mm (27.0 in.)
	Overall height	1.065m (41.9in.)
	Wheelbase	1.335m (52.6 in.)
	Ground clearance	125mm (4.9 in.)
	Dry weight	183kg (403.5 lb.)
	Curb weight	[200kg (440.9 lb.)]
	Maximum weight capacity	[347kg (765.0 lb.)]
Frame:	Frame type	Twin-spar aluminum
	Front suspension	41mm Showa USD cartridge forks
	Front wheel travel	[120mm (4.7 in.)]
	Rear suspension	Single-sided swing arm
	Rear wheel travel	[120mm (4.7 in.)]
	Rear damper	Gas-filled damper
	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; 4-piston Nissin calipers
	Rear brake	Single solid disc; 2-piston Nissin caliper
	Caster angle	[25-deg 20']
	Trail	[96mm (3.8 in.)]
	Fuel grade	Unleaded, minimum 91 RON
	Fuel tank capacity	15 liters (4.0 U.S. gal., 3.5 Imp gal.)
	Fuel tank reserve capacity	2.0 liters (0.5 U.S. gal., 0.4 Imp gal.)
Engine:	Bore and stroke	55.0mm x 42.0mm (2.16 in. x 1.65 in.)
	Displacement	399 cm³ (24.3 cu in.)
	Compression ratio	11.3 : 1
	Cylinder compression	489.5-1,468.6 kPa (10.8-14.7 Bar, 157-213 psi)
	Valve train	Gear driven DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder
	Intake valve opens @ 1mm lift	[15-deg. BTDC]
	Intake valve closes @ 1mm lift	[35-deg. ABDC]
	Exhaust valve opens @ 1mm lift	[35-deg. BBDC]
	Exhaust valve closes @ 1mm lift	[5-deg. ATDC]
	Inlet valve clearances	0.12-0.18mm
	Exhaust valve clearances	0.21-0.27mm
	Lubrication system	Forced pressure and wet sump
	Oil pump type	Trockoid
	Cooling system	Liquid cooled; dual radiators and cooling fan
	Air filtration	Paper filter
	Crankshaft type	Unit-type; 4 main journals; 360-deg.
	Firing order	#1 @ 90 deg.; #4 @ 270 deg.; #3 @ 90 deg.; #2 @ 270 deg.
	Cylinder arrangement	4 cylinders; 90-deg. V
	Cylinder numbering
Carburetor:	Carburetor type	Constant velocity Keihin; 4 carburetors
	Throttle bore	[32mm (1.3 in.)]
Drive train:	Clutch system	Multi-plate, wet
	Clutch operation	Cable operated
	Transmission	6-speeds
	Primary reduction	2.117 (34/72)
	Final reduction (sprockets)	2.533 (15/38)
	Drive chain slack	15-25mm (5/8-1 in.)
	Drive chain size/links	525/102
	Gear ratio, 1st	3.307 (13/43)
	Gear ratio, 2nd	2.352 (17/40)
	Gear ratio, 3rd	1.875 (16/30)
	Gear ratio, 4th	1.590 (22/35)
	Gear ratio, 5th	1.434 (23/33)
	Gear ratio, 6th	1.318 (22/29)
	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	2.4 liters (2.54 U.S. qt., 2.11 Imp. qt.)
	Engine oil capacity at disassembly	3.0 liters (3.17 U.S. qt., 2.64 Imp. qt.)
	Engine oil capacity at oil filter change	2.5 liters (2.64 U.S. qt., 2.2 Imp. qt.)
	Recommended engine oil type	API grade SE, SF or SG
	Recommended engine oil viscosity	SAE 10W-30, 10W-40 or 20W-50
	Oil pressure at oil pressure switch	490-588 kPa (5.0-6.0 Bar, 71-85 psi) @ 5,000 rpm (80 deg.C, 176 deg.F)
Fuel system:	Main jets (All cylinders)	# 108
	Slow (idle) jets	# 35
	Pilot screw initial opening	1 5/8 turns out
	Pilot screw final opening	[1/4 turn out]
	Float level	12.5mm (0.49 in.)
	Carburetor vacuum difference	Within 40 mmHg (1.6 inHg)
	Base carburetor (for carburetor synchronization)	No. 2 carburetor
	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	2.8mm (0.110 in.)
	Clutch plate warpage limit	0.30mm (0.012 in.)
Cooling system:	Coolant capacity (radiators & engine)	2.1 liters (2.22 U.S. qt., 1.85 Imp. qt.)
	Coolant capacity (reserve tank)	0.2 liter (0.21 U.S. qt., 0.18 Imp. qt.)
	Radiator cap relief pressure	108-137 kPa (1.10-1.40 kg/cm², 16-20 psi)
	Fan cut-in temperature	98-102 deg.C (208-216 deg.F)
	Fan cut-out temperature	93-97 deg.C (199-207 deg.F)
	Temperature sender resistance	130-180 ohms @ 50 deg.C (122 deg.F); 45-60 ohms @ 80 deg.C (176 deg.F); 10-20 ohms @ 120 deg.C (248 deg.F)
	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:	Axial wheel runout (maximum)	2.0mm (0.079 in.)
	Radial wheel runout (maximum)	2.0mm (0.079 in.)
	Axle runout (maximum)	0.20mm (0.0079 in.)
	Cold tire pressure (driver only, front)	32 psi (2.25 kg/cm²; 2.2 bar)
	Cold tire pressure (driver only, rear)	32 psi (2.25 kg/cm²; 2.2 bar)
	Cold tire pressure (driver & pass., front)	32 psi (2.25 kg/cm²; 2.2 bar)
	Cold tire pressure (driver & pass., rear)	36 psi (2.50 kg/cm²; 2.4 bar)
Front suspension:	Fork spring free length	234.2mm (9.22 in.)
	Fork spring direction	Tighter coils on top
	Fork oil weight	10W
	Fork oil level	74mm (2.91 in.)
	Fork oil capacity	445cc
	Fork tube runout (maximum)	0.2mm (0.0008 in.)
	Steering bearing pre-load	1.0-1.5kg (2.2-3.3 lbs.)
Rear suspension:	Shock spring free length	121mm (4.75 in.)
	Shock spring installed length	[147.7mm (5.81 in.)]
	Nitrogen gas pressure	[98 kPa (142 psi; 97.9 bar)]
Brakes:	Brake fluid type	DOT 4
	Brake disc runout (maximum)	0.3mm (0.012 in.)
	Front brake disc thickness	4mm (0.16 in.)
	Front brake master cylinder I.D.	14.000mm (0.5512 in.) (9/16")
	Front brake caliper cylinder I.D. (upper)	30.230mm (1.1902 in.)
	Front brake caliper cylinder I.D. (lower)	27.000mm (1.0630 in.)
	Rear brake disc thickness	6mm (0.24 in.)
	Rear brake master cylinder I.D.	14.000mm (0.5512 in.) (9/16")
	Rear brake caliper cylinder I.D.	25.400mm (1.0000 in.)
Battery/Charging system:	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	13.0-13.2v
	Current leakage (maximum)	1.0 mA
	Stator coil resistance	0.1-1.0 ohms @ 20 deg.C (68 deg.F)
	Reg/rec regulated voltage/amperage	13.5-15.5v (0-6A) @ 5,000rpm
	Regulated voltage output	13.5-15.5v @ 5,000 rpm
	Regulated current output	0-6.0A @ 5,000 rpm
Ignition system:	Spark plug (standard)	NGK ER9EH or ND Y27FER
	Spark plug (racing)	NGK ER10EH or ND Y31FER
	Spark plug (cold climate)	NGK ER8EH or ND Y24FER
	Spark plug gap	0.6-0.7mm (0.024-0.028 in.)
	Ignition timing "F" mark	15-deg. BTDC @ 1,300rpm
	Advance starts	[1,800rpm +/-200rpm]
	Advance stops	7,500rpm +/-100rpm
	Full advance	36-deg. BTDC @ 7,500rpm +/-100rpm
	Pulse generator coil resistance	450-550 ohms @ 20 deg.C (68 deg.F)
	HT coil resistance (primary winding)	2.5-3.5 ohms @ 20 deg.C (68 deg.F)
	HT coil resistance (secondary winding, w/plug cap)	14.0-25.0 ohms @ 20 deg.C (68 deg.F)
	HT coil resistance (secondary winding, w/o plug cap)	11.0-14.0 ohms @ 20 deg.C (68 deg.F)
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 5/18w
	Position light	12v 1.7w x 2
	Turn signal light (front)	12v 5/18w x 2
	Turn signal light (rear)	12v 15w x 2
	Instrument light	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
	Sidestand indicator	12v 1.7w
Starting system:	Starter motor brush length	12-13mm (0.47-0.51 in.)
	Starter motor brush length service limit	6.5mm (0.26 in.)

Notes:

Specifications [in brackets] pertain to the VFR400R NC30 and do not necessarily apply to the RVF400R NC35.