Honda 125 RC 145 1962

It had been known for several years that the Japanese intended to go into the field of world championship speed racing. For some years Japanese observers had visited European circuits, armed with cameras for photographing the latest racing motorcycles. In 1959 Honda arrived on the European racing scene. It made a rapid and unlucky appearance at the Tourist Trophy with a two-cylinder 125, then retreated to its home base.

Honda went back to Europe early in 1960 with a 125 two-cylinder and a 250 four-cylinder. The 125 had been modified in several ways since its appearance at the Tourist Trophy the year before. Most of the changes affected the chassis, which was more streamlined for lower air resistance and had a lower center of gravity. The Honda did not win in 1960 either, although it came in just behind the Italians.

In 1961 the strong Honda team overtook the Italians. The two-cylinder Honda 125 won the 1961 and 1962 world championships without further modification of the engine. Honda had also selected its drivers with great wisdom. Tom Phillis and Luigi Taveri raced the two-cylinder model with near-perfect mastery, while Mike Hailwood and Jim Redman did the same with the larger two-wheelers.

Motorcycle: Honda 125 RC 145 Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.,
Tokyo Type: Racing Year: 1962
Engine: Honda two-cylinder, four-stroke, with overhead double-shaft geared distribution and four valves per cylinder. Displacement 124.6 cc. (44 mm. x 41 mm.)
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Six-speed block Power: 24 h.p. at 14,000 r.p.m. Maximum speed: Over 110 m.p.h. Chassis: Double cradle, tubular. Front
and rear, telescopic suspension Brakes: Front, central drum, four shoes;
rear, central drum