15th Apr, 2015 11:10
Imperial War Museum Duxford
1989 Honda RS250
Estimated at £8,000 - £9,000
Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: RS250RF8810078
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 250
MOT Expiry Date: N/A
The success of the NS500 triple had a profound effect on Honda's corporate philosophy, two strokes became acceptable in a company that until that time and with the exception of a few basic models and motocross machines, had concentrated their efforts on four strokes. The RS250, when it emerged, appeared to offer a viable alternative to the dominant TZ250, unfortunately a development process that had seen the technology employed in the NS500 translated to a high performance road application and then used in the development of the RS250 severely compromised the first series. A complete redesign occurred for the 1985 season, a new chassis and engine retaining the 90 degree vee twin layout but revised in all other respects resulted in a machine capable of winning as demonstrated by Joey Dunlop in the 1985 TT. The 1986 season machines were essentially a development of the previous year's model and were followed for 1987 by a considerably revised model incorporating a cassette type gear box, crankcase mounted reed valves and larger carburettors. Further development resulted in the 1988 season machines adopting a power valve system in place of the ATAC exhausts previously used coupled with changes to the port and cylinder timing matched the new variable height exhaust and the exhaust port bridge was widened. The forks, now with 41mm stanchions, dispensed with the TRAC anti dive system. Power output increased to a claimed 71 bhp and the machine weighed in 103 kg. The machine continued in this form for the 1989 season, although for that season the power valves were driven straight from the generator rather than the small battery that had been employed on the 1988 season machines and that would return for the comprehensively updated 1990 models.
The example offered has recently been fitted with new tyres, pistons and a chain and described as having an "excellent" frame and suspension. Presented in the Rothmans livery, the paintwork is described as being in "very good" condition. It has been paraded regularly around Europe during its time in the present owner's possession, appearing at events such as the Assen Centennial, Spa Classic Bikers and the Moto Legends Coupes at Dijon as well as taking part in an Isle of Man lap of honour. During these events it has been piloted by riders of the calibre of former 125 and 250cc World Champion Dieter Braun and former 80cc World Champion Manuel Herreros.
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: RS250RF8810078
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 250
MOT Expiry Date: N/A
The success of the NS500 triple had a profound effect on Honda's corporate philosophy, two strokes became acceptable in a company that until that time and with the exception of a few basic models and motocross machines, had concentrated their efforts on four strokes. The RS250, when it emerged, appeared to offer a viable alternative to the dominant TZ250, unfortunately a development process that had seen the technology employed in the NS500 translated to a high performance road application and then used in the development of the RS250 severely compromised the first series. A complete redesign occurred for the 1985 season, a new chassis and engine retaining the 90 degree vee twin layout but revised in all other respects resulted in a machine capable of winning as demonstrated by Joey Dunlop in the 1985 TT. The 1986 season machines were essentially a development of the previous year's model and were followed for 1987 by a considerably revised model incorporating a cassette type gear box, crankcase mounted reed valves and larger carburettors. Further development resulted in the 1988 season machines adopting a power valve system in place of the ATAC exhausts previously used coupled with changes to the port and cylinder timing matched the new variable height exhaust and the exhaust port bridge was widened. The forks, now with 41mm stanchions, dispensed with the TRAC anti dive system. Power output increased to a claimed 71 bhp and the machine weighed in 103 kg. The machine continued in this form for the 1989 season, although for that season the power valves were driven straight from the generator rather than the small battery that had been employed on the 1988 season machines and that would return for the comprehensively updated 1990 models.
The example offered has recently been fitted with new tyres, pistons and a chain and described as having an "excellent" frame and suspension. Presented in the Rothmans livery, the paintwork is described as being in "very good" condition. It has been paraded regularly around Europe during its time in the present owner's possession, appearing at events such as the Assen Centennial, Spa Classic Bikers and the Moto Legends Coupes at Dijon as well as taking part in an Isle of Man lap of honour. During these events it has been piloted by riders of the calibre of former 125 and 250cc World Champion Dieter Braun and former 80cc World Champion Manuel Herreros.
Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 15th Apr, 2015
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