What: 1989 VFR400R (NC30)
Why: Very nice original example
Where: Crystal Lake, Illinois
Price: $16,000

This lovely first-year NC30 is hiding 45 minutes from the sprawling V4 Dreams campus, tucked away as a display piece. There's not much for details in the Marketplace ad, but it's a Japanese import with a current Illinois title, the odometer shows 11,200 miles and this '89 model sports its big brother's RC30 paint scheme.

This is the final model in the VFR400R lineage, evolving into the updated RVF400R NC35 in 1994. If your stature and flexibility fit the more compact dimensions of the NC bikes, these are competent and useable street bikes…and look great to boot.

I happened across a photo of a 1990 Ducati the other day and was struck by how closely it resembles the 1990 Honda VFR. I realize styles follow trends, but it sure looks like someone was admiring someone else's design.

SOLD: $11,128

This exceptional 1983 VF750F Interceptor sold earlier this month on Iconic Motorbikes Auctions for an impressive $10,400 + buyers fee. The bike is a Euro-spec example (note the gold wheels), was reportedly imported when new, has a California title and shows only 267 miles!

The photos show a high level of originality and condition, with some expected patina creeping through after 42 years as a display piece. Recent maintenance has brought it back to operational status, with the odd omission of mounting new tires (original tires are sometimes left on collectible bikes, but these are not originals).

Often cited as the first modern Superbike — near-stock examples won eight of the fourteen AMA Nationals in 1983 — this is an important Honda, especially to us V4 fans. It probably belongs in a museum but I hope its new caretaker isn't afraid to add some miles…on fresh rubber.

Yesterday I deferred to Mother Nature in the face of our changing seasons, sneaking a final ride on a beautiful sunny day in preparation for winter storage. My '93 VFR seemed to appreciate the gesture, running splendidly in the cool, dry air and handling my local twisties with smoothness and confidence. I realize that personifying machines is just a human foible, but those of us who relate to mechanical devices know how real it feels.

With the engine warmed, last season's oil drained easily, followed by screwing on a new HiFlo Filtro HF303 and the oddly gratifying addition of fresh Honda GN-4 10w40 — speaking of, I was shocked to find my dealer's oil price had grown to $37 from my last purchase of $25! Tariffs? Inflation? Price gouging?

A reader recently asked a simple but important question regarding the best way to remove carburetor jets. It's a simple question because they're just flat blade screwdriver compatible, but important because if you manage to break off the soft brass ears you're left with a chore that may not end well.

I learned this the hard way years ago when both the pilot and main jets refused to move and I managed to damage them to the point of rendering that carb body into junk. Since I began using this simple technique I've never had another issue.

The most important thing is to have a screwdriver blade that fits properly—not loose and definitely not so tight that it won't bottom out in the groove--it must bottom in the groove. Search your screwdriver collection, or a multi-purpose screwdriver like the one pictured often has a blade to fit large and small jet sizes. Next, my technique is to fit the blade squarely in the groove, not tilted side-to-side or front-to-back, really grab the handle, push down hard onto the jet, then give a quick and forceful "snap" to break the jet loose. You may only have one or two chances to get it right, so take your time to be square in the jet's groove.

If a jet still refuses to budge, rather than force it to the point of breaking, I will soak the threads in parts penetrant overnight and then add heat from a small butane torch and try again. If you're in the unfortunate circumstance of having a broken jet, you can try to cut a new screwdriver groove with a Dremel tool or grab with a small vise grip or, as a last resort, carefully drill out the jet with successively larger bits until the remaining threads (hopefully) twist free.

SOLD: $9600

Time for some armchair quarterbacking.

I've been watching with interest this particular Bring-A-Trailer auction. As the classic vehicle market cools, while the '07 VFR Anniversary Edition values have simultaneously crept upward, I wondered where this exceptional example would score.

Typical Anniversary values have been hovering around $6000 for desirable bikes​ so here we see that when two bidders have the itch for a nice one, they can raise today's selling price by $2000 in the final 15 minutes. I'm willing to wager that had this VFR been marketed on a non-auction format, the selling price would have been thousands lower.

What makes this one special? Start with the low 2200 miles and finish with a known 2-owner history, original condition and exceptional appearance. This is a non-ABS model, but that's only of consequence to some bidders and not to others. A pristine set of matching Hondaline panniers would complete this model, also not included. On the plus side is ownership by a Japanese classic bike enthusiast and a VFR that's been lovingly kept and cared for. Congratulations to the seller and the new caretaker.

A Minnesota eBay seller is offering this new-in-the-box Honda OEM muffler on an eBay classified for $499, including shipping. But, after a few days in my watchlist, I got a purchase offer for $399.

Described simply as "in great condition," the photos appear to show a never-mounted piece in new condition.

Just a reminder for anyone in the market for this — I have available a slightly used one for $150 (and other stuff):
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC7BCV