1985 Honda NS 400R Specifications

Name: 1985 Honda NS 400R
Brand: Honda

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1985 Honda NS 400R Overview

For 1985, Honda offers the NS 400R as a sport motorcycle with 387 cc on tap. The 1985 Honda NS 400R is built around a V3 engine running Membrane valve actuation, a compression ratio of 6.7:1. Out on the road, the NS 400R delivers 72 hp @ 9500 rpm of peak power and 5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 202 km/h. In everyday use, the 1985 NS 400R tips the scales at 183 kg, carries a 19-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 780 mm and spans a 1385 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 19.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1985 Honda NS 400R spec sheet below.

1985 NS 400R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the NS 400R is 72 hp @ 9500 rpm and 5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Large fuel range: With a 19-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the NS 400R is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Brake disc and pad wear

2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Air assisted forks. adjustable anti-dive up front and Pro-link adjustable preload at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the NS 400R means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Double cradle chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

NS 400R - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1985 Honda NS 400R should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept NS 400R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a NS 400R's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A NS 400R that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

1985 Honda NS 400R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1985 Honda NS 400R have?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R uses a V3 engine with 387 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 1985 Honda NS 400R?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R has a factory-quoted top speed of 202 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1985 Honda NS 400R weigh?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R weighs 183 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1985 Honda NS 400R make?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R produces 72 hp @ 9500 rpm of power and 5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1985 Honda NS 400R?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R has a 19-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 316-380 km between stops.

Is the 1985 Honda NS 400R suitable for shorter riders?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R has a seat height of 780 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.

What brakes does the 1985 Honda NS 400R have?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R uses 2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipers at the front and Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1985 Honda NS 400R use?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R runs 100/90 -16 front and 110/90 -17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1985 Honda NS 400R have?

The 1985 Honda NS 400R is fitted with a 6 speed transmission.

Honda NS 400R Spec Evolution

The Honda NS 400R was produced across 3 model years (1985-1987). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1985	1986	1987
Wet Weight	183 kg / 403.4 lbs	192.0 kg / 423.3 lbs	192.0 kg / 423.3 lbs
Top Speed	202 km/h / 125.5 mph	207.0 km/h / 128.6 mph	207.0 km/h / 128.6 mph
Fuel Capacity	19 Litres / 5.02 US gal	19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons	19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons
Brakes - Front	2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipers	Dual disc	Dual disc
Brakes - Rear	Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper	Single disc	Single disc
Compression Ratio	6.7:1	7.0:1	7.0:1
Tyres - Front	100/90 -16	100/90-16	100/90-16
Tyres - Rear	110/90 -17	110/90-17	110/90-17

Key Specifications

Engine

Power

72 hp / 52.5 kW @ 9500 rpm

Torque

5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

202 km/h / 125.5 mph

Weight

183 kg / 403.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity

19 Litres / 5.02 US gal

Full 1985 Honda NS 400R Specifications

Year 1985

Make Model Honda NS 400R

Seat Height 780 mm / 30 in

Wheelbase 1385 mm / 54.5 in

Height 1150 mm / 45.2 in

Length 2065 mm / 81.2 in

Width 720 mm / 28.3 in

Dry Weight 163 kg / 259.3 lbs

Fuel Capacity 19 Litres / 5.02 US gal

Wet Weight 183 kg / 403.4 lbs

Top Speed 202 km/h / 125.5 mph

Max Power 72 hp / 52.5 kW @ 9500 rpm

Max Power - Rear Tyre 59 hp @ 8500 rpm

Max Torque 5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm

Standing Start ¼ Mile 13.03 sec / 164.2 km/h

Engine Type V3

Fuel Control Membrane

Stroke 2

Displacement 387 cc / 23.6 cu-in

Engine Detail Two stroke, 90°V-three cylinder, reed valve

Bore x Stroke 57 x 50.6 mm

Compression Ratio 6.7:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Consumption 30 mpg

Fuel Induction 3x 26mm Keihin carburetors

Ignition CDI

Starter Kick

Final Drive Chain

Gear Ratios 1st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.111 / 5th 0.965 / 6th 0.866

Gearbox 6-speed

Transmission / Drive 6 speed

Frame Type Double cradle

Suspension - Front Air assisted forks. adjustable anti-dive

Suspension - Rear Pro-link adjustable preload

Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 100 mm / 3.9 in

Brakes - Front 2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 100/90 -16

Tyres - Rear 110/90 -17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.