Honda NSR 250R-SP Rothmans Replica

In 1988 the NSR was reworked with new bodywork and those familiar twin round brake lights, new electrical system , revised suspension , larger brakes, six spoke wheels with larger rubber and an even more peakier engine. The price had increased by 20,000 Yen to 579,000 Yen and it was renamed the MC18 by the factory. Computer controlled carburetors known as PGM II were introduced for the first time. (Many people say that 1988 was the best year for all the NSR's engines 50's, 80's and the 250's). The colors were the same as the MC16 NSR, fighting red/white and Terra blue/white. March 15, 1988 saw the release of the first street version SP ( Sport Production ) NSR. It was released in Rothmans racing colors, these bikes are quite rare now ,they had Mag-Tek lightweight Magnesium wheels front and rear, 1988 NSR 250 SP models had the same suspension as the R models and the price was higher than the standard NSR's by 81,000 Yen bringing the final price to 660,000 Yen for the SP model. Production was limited to 3000 SP NSR's for 1988. Honda sold a total of 23,000 NSR's including the SP model in 1988.
The SP Version was made available in 1988. The name came from the SP (Sport Production) race series. At this time, the SP race class was limited to motorcycles that were based on commercially available motorcycles that were limited in scope of modifications, which had attracted large amounts of attention in Japan. The series had large number of participant which kept the audiences attention. Achieving good results in the SP series, was directly linked to the sales on the sales room floor. The NSR competed against the TZR in the Tsubuka SP series and took the championship that first year. This was the start to a long road of glory.

 

The SP version replaces the front and rear aluminum wheels on the STD (Standard) edition with the world's first commercially available magnesium rims found on a mass production motorcycle. Magnesium wheels which has been mass produced for the automotive market where very lightweight with a hard surface to reduce oxidation, were developed for practical use by a joint venture with Nippon Light Metal Co., LTD. In order to employee the lightweight benefits of the material effectively, a new die-casting process was employed which provided a high corrosion resistant magnesium alloy with extremely high density for strength.
Further more, high quality was also achieved by applying a surface treatment with excellent coating paint. When compared to the aluminum wheels of the STD model, the front and back magnesium wheels reduced the weight by 1.5kg each. The reduction in weight in the wheels, provides significant benefits in riding performance. By reducing the un-sprung weight with the rims, the inclusion of performance road tires also improved the sport performance as well as the ride quality. Also because of the rotation of the larger diameter rear wheel, maneuverability is increased by increased gyroscopic effects, acceleration and deceleration was also improved due to the reduction in rotational weight. And finally, larger wheels front and rear, provided a more centralized concentration of body mass.
The styling which also included the looks of the Rothmans Honda Racing team, which had been active in the world racing series and riders of the day, was available only on the SP model. Other improvements which were also included in the STD model included the a new exhaust chamber design with slimmer tailpipes, intelligently designed engine which provided additional rigidity and provided greater braking performance all achieved significant improvements over the previous year.

Source  nsr250.net