The 1961 Honda RC162 is a 250cc Grand Prix motorcycle that was ridden by Mike Hailwood to win the 1961 250cc World Championship. It was the first Japanese motorcycle to win a World Championship.
Considered a revolutionary motorcycle for its time, it was powered by a 247cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC engine that produced 60 horsepower. With a top speed of 180 mph, the RC162 was also very light, weighing only 240 pounds and it won the 1961 250cc World Championship, as well as the 1962 250cc World Championship and 1961 Isle of Man TT.
It was is a very important motorcycle in the history of Honda being the first Japanese motorcycle to win a World Championship, and it helped to establish Honda as a major player in the world of motorcycling.
Here are some additional details about the 1961 Honda RC162:
- Engine: 249cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC
- Power: 60 horsepower
- Top speed: 160 mph
- Weight: 240 pounds
- Suspension: Front: Telescopic fork; Rear: Swingarm with twin shock
- Brakes: Front: Single disc; Rear: Drum
- Wheels: Front: 18 inches; Rear: 18 inches
- Tires: Front: 3.25-18; Rear: 4.00-18
- Fuel capacity: 4 gallons
- Range: 120 miles
- World Championships: 1961 250cc World Championship, 1962 250cc World Championship
- Isle of Man TT wins: 1961 Isle of Man TT
- Notable riders: Mike Hailwood
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