Honda 50 2 RC 114 1965

The basic principle of Japanese racing motorcycle technology was breaking up the displacement of the cylinders. Honda, in particular, followed this formula with devotion.

The two-cylinder Honda 50 was the first step in fractionating the displacement. (The most recent and most astonishing examples consist of a three-cylinder 50 and a six-cylinder 125, which have never raced because of changed regulations.) The two-cylinder 50 made its debut in Japan at the end of the 1962 championship. The motorcycle spent all of 1963 in the factory and was then entered once more in the Japanese Grand Prix, where Luigi Ta-veri drove it to first place.

The two-cylinder Honda 50 engine was a masterpiece of watchmakerlike precision applied to the internal combustion engine. Many stories were told about the origin of this small vehicle. The most interesting one goes like this:

The Honda people hired the best Swiss watchmakers to build and regulate the engine gears. Another story claims that some British technicians managed to get hold of a Honda 50 connecting rod and were unable to discover what it was made of.
All this merely reflects the mythical aura—close to science fiction— that developed around the Honda 50 when it appeared on the racetrack. In actuality the engine was simply another version of the traditional Honda formula—two parallel cylinders, transverse, two-shaft overhead distribution, and four valves per cylinder. The valve diameters were thirteen (intake) and twelve (exhaust) millimeters.

The engine turned at 19,000 r.p.m. In 1964 the Honda 50 2 RC 114 set a lap record at Fran-corchamps, which had the reputation of being the fastest circuit in the world. The Honda covered the lap at 148.812 km./hr. (about 93 m.p.h.), suggesting a top speed in the neighborhood of 100 m.p.h.

Ralph Bryans and Luigi Taveri rode for Honda that year, but the beginning of the season was unlucky. Their motorcycles b/oke down with depressing regularity, and there were doubts that they could be raced. When the Japanese technicians solved the problems, however, Bryans and Taveri began to win races.
Because of the withdrawals from the early races of the season, Honda lost the title to Suzuki. But in 1965 Bryans and Taveri took turns winning races, and Honda had its first well-earned championship.

Motorcycle: Honda 50 2 RC 114 Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co. Ltd-.
Tokyo Type: Racing Year: 1965
Engine: Honda two-cylinder, four-stroke, with two-shaft overhead geared distribution and four valves per cylinder. Displacement 49.6 cc. (33 mm. x 29 mm.)
Cooling: Air
Transmission: Ten-speed block
Power: About 15 h.p. at 20,000 r.p.m.
Maximum speed: Over 105 m.p.h.
Chassis: Double cradle above, tubular, engine suspended. Front and rear, telescopic suspension
Brakes: Front, skid; rear, expansion