Honda V4 Story / Part3 =400cc from VF400F to RVF=[Catalogs are a rear-view mirror of the times, Part13

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The VF400F, with the smallest displacement V4 engine, is born

Honda's first production model with a V4 engine was the VF750 Saber/Magna, launched in March 1982. Only nine months later, in December, the VF400F with a DOHC V4 engine was launched. At the time, Honda's 400cc road sports lineup included the in-line 4-cylinder CBX400F. In the fiercely competitive 400 cc class, Honda introduced powerful straight-4 and V4 models to compete with its rivals. In 1982, Mazda pushed forward with the development of V-type engine models, including the VT250F, a V-twin model.

The VF400F was equipped with a liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve V-4 engine with maximum output of 53 PS at 11,500 rpm. It was equipped with 16-inch front tires, which were used on the NS500, a WGP road racer. Although the model reflected racing technology, its character was also suitable for touring, as it featured a double seat for the comfort of two passengers.

Evolution from VF400F to VFR400R

In 1983, the CBR400F was created by strengthening the straight-4 engine model. The CBR400F boasted a maximum output of 58 PS despite its air-cooled engine, and gained popularity as a model with a more racing image than the VF400F. The VF400F was remodeled into the VFR400R with a stronger racing image in 1986. The "R" was used in the car's name because it reflected the technology of HRC's works machine, the RVF400. The styling was also redesigned, with a twin-tube aluminum frame. The maximum output was 59 PS at 12,500 rpm, 6 PS higher than that of the VF400F, and it was reborn as a pure racer replica model.

The VFR400R cost 131,000 yen more than the VF400F. In this era, racer replicas that pursued high performance tended to increase in price with each model change.

VFR400R with pro-arms appeared

In 1987, the VFR400R with the new "Pro Arm" cantilevered rear fork appeared. The Pro-Arm technology was developed for quick rear tire changes in endurance races such as the Suzuka 8-hours endurance race. Starting with this model, the "Force V4" logo appeared on the chassis. *Please note that the catalog is privately owned and may be soiled or damaged.

In May 1988, the Rheos brand, commonly known as the "Tricolor," was introduced in a total of three color variations, including a new color scheme similar to the VFR750R (RC30). .

The NC30 model with even higher racer replica level

The VFR400R (NC30), released in January 1989, had the muffler positioned on the left side, just like the works machine. It is a common sense for production machines to place the muffler on the right side, not on the left side where the measuring instruments are located, in order to clear the noise regulation. However, the VFR400R is designed to have the muffler placed on the same side as the works machine. We know that there were a lot of difficulties to make a high-performance machine comply with the strict noise regulation, but we thoroughly stuck to the same relation with the works machine.

The coloring adopted at this time was commonly known as the "SEED" color. 1988, HRC contract rider Shinichi Ito made a spectacular debut in the All Japan Championship on an NSR500 wearing this color. The car made its debut in the All-Japan Championship. He also made a spot appearance in the opening round of the WGP at Suzuka, creating quite a stir. This SEED color became so popular among road racing fans that it was also used on the production VFR400R. And here is the catalog for the 1990 model with enhanced suspension features and a new livery. . [/caption]. The VFR400R (NC30 model) was the last model to be available in a special color with the OKI HONDA RACING livery, which was released in July 1992, according to a press release. It was the last model to be released. 1992 saw the birth of the CB400 Super Fore, a naked road sport with a straight-4 engine, which became a hit model. The road sports market was shifting from racer-replica type to naked type.

Evolution from VFR400R to RVF

In January 1994, the VFR400R underwent a full model change and the "RVF" was born. The fact that the model was given the same name "RVF" as the works machine shows the passion that was put into this model. The body was further evolved with a newly designed frame and inverted fork front suspension. The body of the car featured a newly designed frame with inverted forks, and the V4 engine also underwent further evolution and refinement in various areas, including the carburetor. However, due to voluntary horsepower regulations, the maximum output was reduced from 59 PS to 53 PS. Although the voluntary horsepower regulations were abolished in 2007, the pursuit of high performance in racer replica machines at the time and the cost increases caused by the voluntary horsepower regulations were causing hardships for manufacturers and users alike.

the RVF was the ultimate racer-replica machine, reflecting the technology of the endurance racer RVF750, and was favored by race fans in particular. However, the CB400 SuperFour, released in 1992, became the overwhelming favorite in the 400cc class. As of 1996, the price difference between the RVF and the CB400 Super Fore was approximately 190,000 yen. As such, the naked type became the mainstream road sport model in the 400cc class. The RVF continued to be sold until around 2000, and was loved by many V4 fans as the most familiar model of the Honda V4 engine. 400cc V4 model lineup has continued for about 20 years since the VF400F in December 1982, and many motorcycle fans have shared its elaborate mechanism and unique V4 sound. I think that there are many motorcycle fans who share the same feelings for the precise mechanism and the unique V4 sound. Here is a video of the Honda Collection Hall collection vehicle running on Honda's official youtube site, where you can enjoy the sound of the 1994 RVF. Honda's website has created a site that compiles the V4 story in the past. Please take a look. Official Honda page: https://www.honda.co.jp/WGP/spcontents2012/v4-story/ Go to the gallery (33)