Description

Honda VFR400RIII Parts Catalog – What You Actually Get

If you are ordering parts for a Honda VFR400RIII Parts Catalog and you do not have the factory microfiche breakdown, you are working blind. I have seen guys order a camshaft for the wrong cylinder head because they guessed at the part number. That is time lost. This is a 121-page OEM catalog, not some aftermarket scan with missing pages. It gives you the exact exploded views, part numbers, and color codes Honda stamped into the metal. No guessing which camshaft matches the FR Cylinder Head vs. the RR Cylinder Head – it is all laid out.

Every engine and frame component is indexed. Need a valve for the rear head? Look up the Camshaft/Valve section. Crankshaft or piston assembly? The Crankshaft/Piston chapter has the OEM part numbers. Transmission parts are listed separately. This catalog also includes the frame group – everything from the FR Brake Master Cylinder to the swingarm and shock absorber. If you are restoring a VFR400RIII or keeping one on the road, this is your parts bible.

Engine Group: Cylinder Head to Crankshaft

The Engine Group Index in this catalog breaks down every subsystem. It starts with Cylinder Head Cover, then FR Cylinder Head and RR Cylinder Head separately – because Honda used different castings. The Camshaft/Valve section covers both heads. Drop down to Rt Crankcase Cover and Clutch, then the Pulse Generator and Generator. The Oil Pump and Crankcase Set are included. For bottom-end work, the Crankshaft/Piston and Transmission sections have exploded diagrams with every bearing, circlip, and seal part numbered. The catalog also covers the Water Pump, Starting Motor, Carburetor Assy, and Gasket Kits. If you are rebuilding an Engine, you need this level of detail to avoid ordering the wrong main bearing set.

Frame Group: What the Catalog Covers

Frame components are not an afterthought. The Frame Group Index runs from Headlight, Instruments, and Switch/Cable all the way to the Radiator, Cowl, and Decals. Need a FR Brake Caliper or RR Brake Master Cylinder? The FR Fork and Shock Absorber sections are included. Wire Harness and Battery are there. This catalog even lists Tools and Decals – useful if you are trying to restore the original look. The part numbers come with color codes (e.g., NH1 Black). If you are tracking down a specific fastener for the seat or cowl, the “How to use this catalog” page explains the part number structure – including the ISO designation for bolts.

How to Use the Part Number System

The front of the catalog includes a clear guide on reading part numbers. The format is: Function and component number, color code, subcontractor designation, modification designation, and parts classification number. Bolts and nuts have their own ISO system. You also get instructions on ordering parts – you need both the part number and the stamped engine or frame number, because Honda updates parts and tracks them by serial. If you have a VFR400RIII-E variant, the catalog covers that model too. The “Model codes/VIN” page tells you exactly which version you have.

Why OEM Beats Aftermarket for Parts Catalogs

I will not trust an aftermarket parts catalog for a bike like this. Aftermarket sources often show generic illustrations and cut part numbers short. This is the Honda factory document – same thing the dealer uses. It includes Service Labor Times (Flat Rate Time) so you can scope a job. The Part Number Index and Description Index at the back let you search by either number or name. Every page matches the original microfiche. For reference, see the Automotive Industry Overview on why OEM documentation is the standard for accuracy.

If you are working on a battery or electrical system, the Wire Harness and Battery chapters are detailed. Consult Automotive Battery for general battery safety, but this catalog gives you the Honda part number for the battery itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Parts Catalog

Is this manual the same as a service manual?

No. This is a parts catalog (microfiche), not a repair manual. It shows exploded views and part numbers, not torque specs or removal procedures. For repair instructions, you need the factory service manual. This catalog is meant to be used alongside it.

Does it include torque specifications?

No. Torque specs are in the service manual. This catalog focuses on part numbers, quantities, and compatibility.

Can I use it to identify parts for a VFR400RIII-E?

Yes. The catalog explicitly covers both VFR400RIII and VFR400RIII-E models. The color charts and model codes help you match your VIN.

How are the 121 pages organized?

Starts with title page, contents, instructions, model codes, color labels/chart, service labor times. Then Engine Group (D1 onward) and Frame Group (G1 onward). Ends with Part Number Index and Description Index. PDF bookmarks mirror the layout.

If you are also working on other Honda models, check out these related OEM parts catalogs: Honda VFR750F 1994 Parts Catalog – OEM Factory Parts Breakdown, Honda VFR400R VFR400Z 1989 Parts Catalog – OEM Factory Manual, and Honda PCX150, WW150EX 2014 Parts Catalog – OEM Factory Manual. Each one is the same quality – factory-original, not a reprint.

Stop ordering parts blind. Get the actual factory parts breakdown for your VFR400RIII. Access the Factory Manual and keep it on your tablet or print out the engine pages you need. That is how you avoid returns and keep the bike on the road.