Honda 250 - 350 Four-cylinder 1962

The first appearance of a muiticylin-der Honda 250 came at the end of 1959, when the Honda 125 made its debut at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. After that race Honda withdrew to its factory for a time.

The prototype of the four-cylinder Honda 250 was a very coarse 35-h.p. vehicle that Japanese drivers tried out on dirt tracks. The cylinders of this motorcycle were perfectly vertical, and the distribution utilized a double overhead camshaft with bevel gear shaft. The look of the vehicle was then improved, resulting in excellent detailing. The engine was redone and the cylinders were inclined 30° forward.

The new distribution was gear-operated. This four-cylinder Honda made its European debut in 1960, ridden by the Australian Tom Phillis and the Rhodesian Jim Redman. In 1961 Honda hired Mike Hailwood, and the championship was almost too easy for him with the four-cylinder 250. The following year Hailwood accepted MV Agusta's offer to ride its 350 and 500 models, perhaps hoping to have a more exciting season. This compelled Honda to fall back on Redman, who won the championship in 1962 and 1963 in the 250 class and chalked up two wins in the 350 class.

Motorcycle: Honda 250-350 Four-cylinder Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.,
Tokyo Type: Racing Year: 1962
Engine: Honda four-cylinder, four-stroke, with two-shaft overhead geared distribution and four valves per cylinder. Displacement 249.3 cc. (44 mm. x 41 mm.—250); 339.4 cc. (49 mm. x 45 mm. —350)
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Six-speed block
Power: 46 h.p. at 14,000 r.p.m. (250); 54
h.p. at 12,500 r.p.m. (350) Maximum speed: Over 135 m.p.h. (250);
over 140 m.p.h. (350) Chassis: Double cradle above, tubular,
suspended engine. Front and rear,
telescopic suspension Brakes: Front, central drum, four shoes;
rear, central drum, double cam