Topic: Honda RC181 - 500cc GP replica

[Zunspec]

Hmmm, the best laid plans of mice & men etc.

My friend who was down to ride the RC181 replica was taken out whilst parading a Seeley G50 today.  Rider reasonably OK but a cracked rib and probably concussion.  Knowing him he will discharge himself from the Hospital but although a cracked rib might be passed as "fit to ride" the concussion angle certainly won't.  Mike's bad luck won't stop the RC181 Rep. from being there though so I will still seek out some info. and take a bunch of photos.

Cheers  Geoff

The Seeley G50 being fettled in the pits prior to the off, hope it's not damaged too badly.

[Stev-o]

Sorry to hear, Geoff.  Thx for the update.

[Zunspec]

Drama over, Mike got away with a cracked rib and very mild concussion.  I just made a mission of mercy back to the circuit to lend out my leathers, he will be riding tomorrow (He's from YORKSHIRE, they're hard as nails up there )

Cheers  Geoff

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Geoff,

Looking forward to seeing the photos of the bike.

[Zunspec]

Wow, a fantastic weekend at the Castle Combe Grand National meeting featuring the Mike Hailwood Tribute Parade.

Rather than post all the photos individually here is a link to my Flickr album.

https://flic.kr/s/aHskZNDUFQ

OK, One photo to wet your appetite.  Mike and his faithful pit crew awaiting the start of the parade. Owner Mike Chapman looks on (not worried at all )



The guff on the RC181 replica:  The engine has a distant link on the 550cc Honda.  I believe this might only be the crankshaft and gear box, and possibly MUCH modified c/cases to look like the original.  The top end is all as per the original with replica barrels and 16 valve DOHC cylinder head.  The chassis is all as per the original. 

Despite being taken out on the Saturday while parading the Seeley G50 Mike decided to replicate the infamous Mike Hailwood incident at the TT when Mr Hailwood took a hammer to the throttle assy. during his pit stop to knock it back on.  The glorious sunshine we enjoyed at Castle Combe melted the glue holding the twist grip rubber and it nearly slipped off as Mike was hauling the RC181 through the chicane.  I admire authenticity but that was maybe taking it a bit too far .

My leathers did get an outing during the parade sessions when Johan Van der Pere borrowed them to parade Mike's Vincent Grey Flash "Belle". An absolute peach of a machine which Mike will be racing at Chimay in Belgium next week.

Cheers  Geoff

[Zunspec]

For those that have Facebook, Mike warming up the RC181

https://www.facebook.com/jessica.c.hawthorne/videos/10158959978450125/

[Sam Green Racing]

Not there mate, all I'm getting is this.

Sorry, this content isn't available at the moment
The link you followed may have expired, or the Page may only be visible to an audience that you aren't in.
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[Zunspec]

Is this the Flickr link ?  I'll have another go.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/zunspec/sets/72157683841048670/

[Stev-o]

Honda RC181 by zunspec


I like the video!

[Zunspec]

Thanks Stev-o,

I am afraid my IT skills can be a bit lacking  .  When Guy Martin paraded the 6-cyl Honda he was not hanging about and provided a smashing display.  I am amazed that a simple Android type phone can get such decent results.  You should have heard it in real life though, what music .

Cheers  Geoff

[Stev-o]

You should have heard it in real life though, what music .

I'm sure it was!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Nice sound.