1990 Honda RS250

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: RF9010030
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 carburettor's. Despite this revision the model struggled until 1990 when a comprehensive update occurred with a redesigned frame, revised geometry, porting, brakes and wheels being adopted putting it back on a par with its rivals.
This example, dating from 1990, appears to be in good overall condition having been housed in a private collection. According to the vendor it has been authenticated by Robert Dunlop who confirms that it is the machine ridden by Joey Dunlop during the 1990 and 1991 seasons.