Honda NR750
It is often said that it was the Honda NR750, which impressed Masimo Tamburini’s styling for Ducati 916. Launched in 1992 the madly expensive NR, with its aval-piston, fuel injected V4 that redlined at an astounding 15,000 rpm, certainly deserves a place in the list. The Honda NR750’s chassis featured a single sided swingarm and upside-down forks. Honda’s advanced forward thinking design features for the time included, front indicators integrated into mirrors, twin exposed side mounted radiators, underseat exhaust and a louvred swooping fairing constructed from carbon fiber with a one piece tail unit. The rider was protectd from the wind by a titanium tinted windscreen. Among other things, the bike made extensive use of carbon fiber and was fitted with projector tye head lamps. It was in fact so laden with exotic technology that even more than a decade on, there is nothing that even comes closer to NR in being so radical, so over the top.
Honda CBR 900RR
Before the CBR 900 Fireblade came along, those who wanted performance and handling, bought 750s, and those wanted only straight line speed, bought
Kawasaki ZX 11s. Introduced in late 1992, the fireblade, which weighed as much as 600 of those days produced almost as much power an 1100, changed
the rules. Tadao Baba, the man who created the Honda Fireblade, has to be the one whose work marked the beginning of the end for 750cc Japanese superbikes. The chassis stiffening, coupled with an advanced aerodynamic upgrade, resulted in more pounds. So the engineers at Honda engaged in an aggressive weight-loss plan, shaving pounds off of everything from the engine to the new eight-plate clutch to the wafer-thin instrument panel. In the end Honda claims the machine is now seven pounds lighter than the 1997 model. Other enhancements include solid-lubed pistons, new, authoritative front brakes, and a larger, curved radiator. Blade is arguably a quicker-turning bike, the ‘98 features increased stability and forgiveness, allowing its pilot to slam it into corners without a worry
Honda Hawk GT
The Hawk made history. This is one sweet motorcycle. Nimble, light, fun, great handling. The Honda Hawk GT was one of Honda’s most unique designs. Definitely one of my favorite ‘naked’ bikes.V-Twin, 647cc, water cooled, five speed transmission. The Hawk has achieved an almost cult-like status, with machines being modified for racing and being used to rack up very high mileages on the street.These little V-Twin sportbikes have become more popular since Honda stopped importing them to the USA.
Honda Hawk NT650 Specifications:
1/4 mile time = 12.89 seconds at 99.87mph
Acceleration 0 – 60mph = 3.95 seconds.
Braking 60 – 0mph = 121 ft.
Horsepower @ 60mph = 8.36
Miles Per Gallon = 41
Load Capacity = 333.5 lbs
Seat Height = 30.7inches
Honda Unicorn
This bike with powerful 4 stroke 150 cc engine delivering output of 13.3 bhp engine clubbed with many other high end equipments like Constant Volume (CV) Carburetor, pulse exhaust system, offset crank and 2 way air jacket. The superior look and riding comfort is a special feature of this bike, although it has CDI technology it hardly adds any effect on the mileage.It is the only motorcycle in India that comes equipped with a Puncture Resistant Tuff-up tube in the rear tyre which minimizes the incidents of sudden puncture. this is the first bike of HONDA in India, and although the company claims a 60+ mileage, the reality is only 45+ on Indian Roads. You simply can’t expect a mileage bike from Honda. Honda never set out to build a Performance motorcycle with the Unicorn, that will come at a later date. For now they have the intelligent commuter in sights, the one who wants Performance as well as Fuel Efficiency with riding pleasure thrown in and that’s what the Unicorn delivers.
Honda Rockus
Honda followed up its success with motorbikes by groundbreaking scooters like the Honda Activa, which has owners all over the country beaming with pride and pleasure. The Honda Ruckus has a liquid cooled 4- stroke, single cylinder 49 CC engine. If it would have been a 100 CC bike and if it was a 4-cylinder bike were street-legal and available in USA it would been hit the market. The timing belt looks like a very small toothed drive belt, looks a lot like the drive belts in copiers and medical equipment. Honda competed for the 125 world championship in the ’60s with a FIVE cylinder 125. But it was built by a factory team and probably worth the equivalent of a quarter million dollars in today money. The 49 CC gives good pull power and acceptable performance. Its zippy 49cc engine and easy ergonomics get you where the action is quick. And with its over sized double headlights, bare-bones utilitarian frame and eye-catching graph.