Description
This motorcycle is Lot 343 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 343
The Robin Spring Collection
1985 Honda NS400R
Registration no. C609 JGF
Frame no. NC19-2001740 (see text)
Engine no. NC19E2002156
Multi-cylinder two-stroke Grand Prix replicas were much in vogue during the mid-1980s, as first Yamaha and then Suzuki sought to exploit their links with the racetrack. Honda too were players in this niche market, but somewhat surprisingly chose to make their GP look-alike a 400 rather than a 500 like those of their rivals. Despite giving away 100cc, the NS400R looked every bit as convincing as Yamaha's RD500LC and Suzuki's RG500 Gamma, and had the advantage of being both lighter and more compact than either. Introduced for 1985, the NS400R boasted a three-cylinder engine like Freddie Spencer's 1982 World Championship-winning NS500 while being notable as Honda's largest two-stroke roadster and its first with an aluminium frame. It was also one of the best-handling roadsters of its day. An instant classic, the NS400R is one of the most sought after of 1980s sports bikes.
Robin Spring tells us that this example, currently displaying just 2878 recorded miles, was worked on by renowned specialist Nigel Everett, some years ago, but has not been used since. Following a period of storage recommissioning will be required be required before further use. It should be noted that the frame number on the plaque is 'NCthe details below', while the headstock is correctly stamped 'NC19-2001740'. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the correctness of this motorcycle prior to bidding. The vendor has applied to the DVLA for a replacement V5C. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the motorcycle's completeness and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Sold strictly as viewed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
