America’s smallest V4 Interceptor was the VF500, last seen in 1986. But due to licensing restrictions in the Japanese home market, they got the scaled-down VF400, which morphed into VFR specs in ’86 with the series’ redesign, including gear-driven cams and eventually a single-sided swingarm. Lightweight, with a useable powerband for its displacement, the VFR400R has become a popular grey-market import to the U.S.
Our feature bike is the later NC30 model (1989-92) and was most likely a British import. The aftermarket fairings have been finished in a tribute to Valentino Rossi’s 2003 championship-winning RC-211V. Typical of Rossi’s designs, this is a love it/hate it look. Showing about 14,000 miles, the seller represents the bike as nicely restored and possessing a valid Pennsylvania title. Find this racy NC30 in Longwood, FL with an opening bid of $4,500 here on eBay.