What was the BHP of the first Honda racing motorcycle, where was it raced & who raced it?

Question

Yes Dingo I know the answer, but thought it would be a good one to test you all on. I am building up to catch out Wiggysan!

Answer 1

displacement of about 998cc and bhp around 250 at a guess.

Answer 2

Hey Mark,

I think it was probably a 125cc twin cylinder, road racer - back in the early sixties.

Hang on, a quick google found this (extract from official TT site interview with Ian Huntly - fella who's been at every TT race since 1947 - I guess he would know!)

Q/  And which race stands out in your memory and why?

A/  In 1959, Honda arrived at the TT with a set of 125cc bikes at which most people sniggered and thought that they were one-year-wonders. They raced carefully on the old short Clypse course but took home the Manufacturers Award.

In 1960 they returned with a team of new 4-cylinder 250cc machines and some new 125ccs. Suzuki appeared for the first time.

The Hondas were beaten only by the MV Agustas over the Mountain Course. And so it came to pass in 1961 that revamped 250cc machines with unbelievable exhaust notes, led by Mike Hailwood, whopped everyone else!

I saw the bikes that set Honda on the road to world-wide domination and the concept of 4-pots across the frame is the concept used by the bikes of all major capacities today. Yamaha also joined in the fray that year. That was the most significant race and stands in my memory.

It doesn't say who - but was this what you were thinking of? I'm assuming you know the answer, and will put us out of our misery when we've given you enough duff answers?

Answer 3

EASY!!

what dingo said!!

Answer 4

Tough question Dude!

I'll give it a go.

June 1959.

I.O.M

The RC142 125cc Racer.

(I know in 1954 he came to the Island, but I dont beleve he raced the 220cc Prototype)

As for power, Im not sure. At a guess i would say anywhere from 11 - 12 BHP.

Also, Honda brought along with them the RC160. 250cc Four. This was also in 1959, also at the I.O.M.

Power for this machine was 35 BHP.

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Good quiz Mark. Hope I did OK at it.

Keep them coming Sir.