Honda VFR400 (NC30)

The second bike to grace my garage was maybe the biggest step forward I have taken to date. It was a Honda VFR400 NC30
this is the model with a singe sided rear swing arm (the part that the rear wheel is attached to). It was a 1991 bike with around 30.000km on it. Km due to it being a grey import, that is to say this bike was not imported by the manufacturer. I belive that these bike did have a limited official import run for a couple of years.
The reason I say it was such a step up is because it was the first bike I had over a 125. Having passed my test it was a matter of days before I went down to the dealers. Due to complicated UK license regulations restricting the power output of a rider under 21 to 33bhp I realized going for a large powerful sports bike would be pointless. The restriction kit imposed on the engine would with the increased weight of a large bike cripple any performance. My compromise was a 400cc light bike with low bhp. With limited options in the sports market this group is mostly oldish Jap bikes. Due I think to license restrictions over their. The Honda was in my opinion the best prospect with the best looks. With maybe the exception of the up rated RVF400 NC35. Also it was only about 170kgs. The bike arrived a couple of days later after I had paid about £2.500 for a average condition example with tri-color paint(red blue and white).
When the bike arrived I was less than impressed with the preparation it had been given. The clutch plates and brakes hardly worked. After getting the dealer to put this strait I came to realize the 33bhp limiter kit he had "fitted" perhaps had suffered from his dubious work ethics. The bike was running at its full power which I discovered to be quite impressive. The bike has a very high first gear meaning you can hit well over 50mph in first should the mood take you. Obviously is lightning quick from the line/lights. For its size the top speed isn't to bad either around the 135mph mark.
One unusual point about these bikes is the size of the rear wheel it is 18" not the more standard 17" making tyre selection more limited. I fitted mine with Avons following recommendations.
Given the bike was new to me and the first "sports type" bike I had ridden it did feel harsh on the suspension. Little did I know this wasn't the intended setup but the work of the previous butcher owner who had cut down the springs in the forks and replaced them with lengths of pipe. I don't know what his thinking was, but not comfort.
My only problem having put the bike back to order was more mine than the bike. It was summed up by a work mate when I turned up for the first time and he told me I "looked like an elephant riding a mouse". Basically this is a small package and being over 6' I never felt uncomfortable, but I didn't look rite that said having owned bigger bikes since and looking more "in proportion" I have come to realize that this small chassis was a benefit with its razor handling.
Given the mileage due of my daily commute I never suffered from any reliability problems, although I did pay a bit in servicing and putting old problems right. All said this bike for a young or short or possibly lady rider could be ideal. It is very much a bike to step up to bigger things on. However due to the age and likely hood of younger riders haven ridden them maybe too hard check it wont be such a money pit putting things right.
When I finally turned 21 and had saved enough money for my next bike a Ducati 748 I was offered £1800 in part ex.