More aimed at folk who have had or own both, but which do you prefer and why ?
way i see it is as follows

RVF Plus points
Looks good
Easy to ride
Spares backup a bit better for new parts

RVF negative points
Bodywork a bit flimsy
Bodywork doesnt always line up time and time again
Finish is poor (good for that era honda but not a patch on the 30)
certain cycle parts seem to deteriorate quickly.

NC30 plus points
Classic styling and iconic bike
Tall first gear
Superb fit and quality of components and bodywork
Sheer volume of used parts

NC30 negative points
Very few nice examples left without being slung down the road or "upgraded"
Tall first gear
18" rear and track tyre sourcing

I like the look of the RVF obviously, but i really do prefer the ride of the 30. the 30 feels a far more solid bike in my opinion and sure footed with stock suspension. i come back from a ride on the RVF and put it away with another job i need to do, or something that annoys me about it, yet the 30 i put away and want to just clean it and ride it again.

I dont think theres much in it to be honest, the 30 has a better LOOKING engine, a better gearbox in my opinion and marginally better build quality. I dont think suspension comes in to it at there age now, there all shagged and are in need of decent replacements which really makes both bikes much of the same.

I dont think the 30 looks bad in any way, its classic and it carrys it off very well but the 35 has and will always be the one for me. To ride i also prefer the 35, im only small but the 30 feels skinny and small compared to the more chunky 35, there just feels more to the RVF when riding it.

Engine wise, the 35 has a slightly better midrange, overall it's lighter and having a 10mm shorter wheelbase and upsidedown forks helps it handle even better than the 30! Yes, it is possible!
The 30 is a good classic looking bike now, but it doesn't look quite as good nor does it perform quite as well as the RVF!
Both bikes are a bit "tired" now and will need a suspension change at some point, as well as some new clothes, etc; but even when both get the necessary "makeover/upgrades", to me the 35 will still come up tops!

I have given up trying to work out which is best, both have plus points, so I bought one of each, but I don't think my UK NC30 is any better than the Japanese spec ones I owned and not really worth the extra cost, although it is what I wanted and am glad to own it.

It does go well though, but more to variations in tolerances I suspect.

Dave. Undecided

Had both, loved both,
it's like shagging twin sisters.. their the same 'but different'. and you love either one whichever you ride

hardnutdvd wrote:Had both, loved both,
it's like shagging twin sisters.. their the same 'but different'. and you love either one whichever you ride

mo haggs wrote:

hardnutdvd wrote:Had both, loved both,
it's like shagging twin sisters.. their the same 'but different'. and you love either one whichever you ride

AUSTIN POWERS: "Twins. Twins."

Austin Powers checks notebook, "Things to Do Before I Die". Crosses off "Threesome with Japanese Twins".

ENTER BASIL EXPOSITION: "Ah, Austin. I'm sorry to interrupt."

AUSTIN POWERS: "Twins, Basil, twins!"

NC30 is better because I actually have one.

summary - 35 is an improved 30 but a little down on power and someone forgot to paint the engine

30: felt more powerful, engine painted better, plastic lugs break, weak reg/rec

35: plastics fit improved - no breakages on my '99 RVF, tail unit centre piece still prone to breaking though, battery access easier due to driver seat removal, pointless and flimsy "air scoops", 17" rear wheel better for tyre choice, reg/rec ok so far but do doubt has same issues

both good bikes and happy to have either. good unmolested NC30s now hard to find. still can't beat the look of a RWB NC30.

Dave

dgunthor wrote:still can't beat the look of a RWB NC30.
Dave