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Honda NSR 500 1988 - 1989

1989 Eddie Lawson

Honda NS500R Specs

Engine: Liquid cooled, 112 degree, V3, two stroke, ATAC controlled exhaust valve, reed valve induction
Capacity: 499cc
Bore & stroke: 62.6 x 54mm
Carburetion: 34,36 or 38mm Mikuni
Max Power: 123 bhp @ 11,000rpm
Torque: 58.95 ft-lb @10,500rpm
Transmission: six speed dry clutch, cassette gearbox
Frame: Aluminium beam frame
Suspension: Air assisted forks, TRAC anti dive system, Pro Link rising rate rear single shock
Wheels: 120/60 x 16 160/70 x 18
Brakes: 293mm disc, twin piston floating Nissin calipers 215mm disc single Nissin twin piston floating caliper
Weight: 108 kgs
Wheelbase: 1384mm
Top speed: 175 mph plus

Entirely redesigned for 1988, the NSR500 got a stiffer, twin-spar aluminum chassis and various engine changes. More improvements gave the 1989 NSR500 upwards of 165 horsepower (123 kW) at 12,000 rpm — essentially doubling the output of the 1966 Honda RC181 Grand Prix four-stroke. Capable of well over 190 miles per hour (310 km/h), the 1989 bikes had more top speed and acceleration than anything else on the track.

To contain all that muscle, the stiffer, twin-spar aluminum chassis used a curved, gull-wing-type swingarm to accommodate more efficient expansion chambers. The result was an unforgiving, but brutally fast, package that earned Honda a fourth 500 cc World Championship in 1989.