1990 Honda NR 750
The Big Four of the Japanese motorcycle
industry (Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Honda) are engaged in a bitter struggle
for technological supremacy. The majority has chosen to produce mass market;
Yamaha offers the 1000 FZR, Kawasaki has it's 750 ZXR-R, and Suzuki - with
models like the 250 RGV - markets replicas of its Grand Prix
racers.
High-Tech Superbikes
Honda, on the other hand, has chosen a
different route by opting for more realistic mass market models while building
its high-technology superbikes in limited editions. After the fabulous RC 30, a
750cc replica of its victorious endurance racers, the latest in this vein is
the NR 750, the most advanced superbike ever built.
Return to GP
Racing
Its story started back in 1979 when Honda returned to Grand Prix
racing with a four stroke bike. That original NR was a failure, despite Honda's
determination to make it work, and it was replaced by a two stroke racer. The
idea of a v4 with oval pistons was conceived by the brilliant engineer S.
Irimajiri, who had earlier created the 1966 250cc racer and the 1978 1000 CBX
production six cylinder. Irimajiri returned to the idea in 1990 with the NR
750, the ultimate V4. It combined Honda's most advanced technology with the
wide use of exotic materials.
Specifications
Engine 748cc
liquid cooled foru stroke V4
Valvesgear driven twin
overhead camshafts with 8 valves per cylinder
Fuel
System electronic multipoint injection
Transmission chain final drive
Suspension (front) telescopic; (rear) swinging arm
Brakes twin discs front and disc rear
Wheels cast alloy
Weight 490
lbs Maximum Speed 190 to 210 mph