THE BIKES

HONDA RC181

An unwieldy beast from an era when Honda prized power above handling 499cc four-cylinder 85bhp @ 12,000rpm* Gear-driven dohc Four-valve heads Air-cooled 330lb (149kg) Top speed 153.8mph * 1966 version MV Triple Developed from MV’S 350cc triple, the 500 was compact with better handling than the Honda. In two years of competition in the 500cc class, Honda had failed to snatch the rider’s title from this bike 491cc three-cylinder 78bhp @ 11,600rpm Gear-driven dohc Four-valve heads Air cooled 320lb (145kg) Top speed 155.2mph Top speed figures from MCN speed trap on the drop between Creg-nybaa and Brandish corners (1967 Senior)