1961 Honda RC 161 Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Add to SetSummary
Honda made racing headlines, and motorcycle history, when it introduced a four-cylinder, double-overhead-camshaft motorcycle with a six-speed transmission. RC 161 bikes took first, second, third, fourth, and fifth places in the 250cc world rankings for 1961. That stunning success launched Honda on a winning streak that lasted through the 1960s and set the design pattern for future racing motorcycles.
Honda made racing headlines, and motorcycle history, when it introduced a four-cylinder, double-overhead-camshaft motorcycle with a six-speed transmission. RC 161 bikes took first, second, third, fourth, and fifth places in the 250cc world rankings for 1961. That stunning success launched Honda on a winning streak that lasted through the 1960s and set the design pattern for future racing motorcycles.
Artifact
Motorcycle
Date Made
1961
On Exhibit
On Loan - Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum (Pinkerington, OH)
Object ID
64.74.1.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Rubber (Material)
Color
Red
Silver (Color)
Green
Yellow
Dimensions
Height: 42 in
Width: 21 in
Length: 75 in
Wheelbase: 51 in
Weight: 228 lbs
Inscriptions
On front: 100 On sides: HONDA / 100
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