Topic: DOHC RC181 Replica for sale!

[Rod]

Not sohc I know, but definitely of interest to Honda lovers with some cash to splash

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-RC181-REPLICA-RACING-BIKE-500cc-from-the-1960s-track-racing-bike/232492367552?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Wow!  What a stunner, but he was wearing the wrong leathers!

[Rod]

Wow!  What a stunner, but he was wearing the wrong leathers!

Yes, spoils the illusion. I'm surprised racing dohc replicas havent been built based on the cbx550 or the Jap market 400 version, it was a punchy little motor in my experience. Having owned & raced sohc 500/4s, there is no comparison in the bhp potential, and they are 'in period' for post classic racing (in the UK at least). There must be a reason I suppose.

[simon#42]

that one is based on the cbx550  , must admit though i completely miss the point of it .

[bwaller]

That engine would not be considered period here, but I agree the HP potential is improved with twin cams.

Don't get me wrong, I dig it, very cool motorcycle. The first thing I noticed however were those CB72?? very short forklegs. I understand keeping it original looking, but those forks would be a great reason not to make it faster! No wonder Hailwood and others didn't like the handling! 

[turboguzzi]

Sorry, but i see too it like simon. it's a mongrel of an 80's motor in a 60's frame, what's the point indeed? also here in italy would be allowed into any class other than parading and rightfully so.

now, take that same motor and build a TT-F2 600c.c. replica, that would be interesting and of historic value.

[Stev-o]

Sold for US$11K....

[Rod]

Sorry, but i see too it like simon. it's a mongrel of an 80's motor in a 60's frame, what's the point indeed? also here in italy would be allowed into any class other than parading and rightfully so.

now, take that same motor and build a TT-F2 600c.c. replica, that would be interesting and of historic value.

+1 TG - you'd think it would make a good TT F2 bike - but I raced in that class in the day and never saw a cbx. For those of us who couldn't bring ourselves to throw a leg over a stink-wheel, we just circulated behind the 2 strokes on one-lungers, sohc Hondas, Pantahs and alike until Dennis Trollope arrived with a factory FZR400, originally supplied for the Island. Apart from the perennial honda cam chain issue, I dont think the cbx was a weak engine, but never saw one on the track.

[turboguzzi]

interesting, some memories you must have!

i surely believe what you are saying, so all the hondas in the Formula 2 results list here were sohcs?

http://racingmemo.free.fr/M%20TT%20FORMULA/TT%20FORMULA%201982.htm

I was sure that everybody would have run to grab those early small 16 valvers as soon as they came out. pretty positive they were raced in japanese TT F2, gotta check....

[Rod]

interesting, some memories you must have!

i surely believe what you are saying, so all the hondas in the Formula 2 results list here were sohcs?

http://racingmemo.free.fr/M%20TT%20FORMULA/TT%20FORMULA%201982.htm

I was sure that everybody would have run to grab those early small 16 valvers as soon as they came out. pretty positive they were raced in japanese TT F2, gotta check....

I only did club races TG, Nationals were a different scene with factory supported bikes. In the results link you posted, I think Dave Kirby's bike would have been a Yoshi 460, Chris Tyler is on the forum and I think has one of his bikes, so may have better info.

[turboguzzi]

seems like you remember right.... i checked the 1984 results and there are no more hondas, but there's a huge parade of 350 yams!
early eighties was an odd period. you got in quick succsession the GPZ's 550, water cooled 16V Gpz600,  GSXR750, GPZ900, CBR600 and i must be forgetting others. the CBX550 came out the worst i think, was made obsolete in no time.