What should I look out for when buyin a VFR400 and how much could I get a decent one for?

How longs a piece of string :-)

Well there are 4 400 VFR's. Most of them are Japanese imports, the NC30 is the only model that offically made it over to the UK

NC21 / NC24 / NC30 / NC35.

As a rule of thumb, the later models, NC30 / NC35 go for much more money than the earlier 21/24.

The NC30/35 have very similar engines and many parts are interchangable. They both have good suspension and breaks, the later NC35 model having upside down forks and 17" rear wheel (better choice of rubber)

The NC24 has narrower tyres, older style suspension and weaker brakes than the NC30/35 but it is still a decent bike. Not many parts are compatible with the NC30/35. The firing order is also different (sounds more like an old VFR750 than a 400). It has a high level exhaust and was the first VFR400 to have the Single sided swingingarm.

The NC21 is practically identical the NC24 albeit it without the fancy single sided swingarm that the NC24/30/35 models have. It shares the same tyres, engine and frame as the NC24 and everything is interchangable. Even the hydraulic clutch that the NC21 has. This model has a low-level exhaust.

NC24: £650 should get you something decent, i've seen 'mint' low mileage (ie 10,000miles) go for around £950.

NC30: £1250 should get you something half decent. Prices vary on these but anything less than £1000 be wary of as they still have a cult following and are the most popular model. Theres even an UK model available. (expect to pay extra for a uk model)

NC35: £1750+ for pretty much anything rideable. Mint low mileage models are commanding upto £4k

All models have relativly 'crappy' Voltage regulators, these die as soon as the battery starts to wear out and can also take the altenator with them.

Apart from this, just look out for general wear and tear.

The oldest VFR400 is going to be 23 / 24 years old now so check for signs of neglect, crash damage, bad repairs, usual signs you'd look for on an old bike.

Good place to get one from might be the forsale section here. At least you know the bikes going to have been owned by an enthusiast.

I wish i had this advice when i was about to purchase my first vfr.

All i can add to this is if you dont want to struggle finding parts then go for the NC30 but have a look at a few before making your decission.

If you are looking at the NC21 and NC24's make sure the collector pipe is good as this will be a total ball ache if this has rotted, as it means engine out time and trying to find a good or new collector pipe is very difficult.

I would say go for a NC30, becuase if you need to do some work on the bike you can easily get spares for it. Also spend as much as your budget will allow. I have seen some good NC30's lately going for about £1200 mark