The Honda NS500 is a 500cc Grand Prix racing motorcycle of the early 1980s, powered by a two-stroke V3 engine. Created as a replacement for the innovative but unsuccessful four-stroke NR500, the bike went against Honda's preference for four-stroke machines but proved very effective and quickly won the 1983 500cc World Championship with Freddie Spencer on board.[1] Spencer was able to use the lower weight and superior handling of the NS500 to achieve higher cornering speeds, and getting on the power earlier leaving corners.[2] Ron Haslam also won the 1983 Macau Grand Prix on an NS. After a relatively short lifespan the bike was replaced by the more successful two-stroke, V4 engine powered NSR500.
 | |
| Manufacturer | Honda Racing Corporation |
|---|---|
| Production | 1982–1983 |
| Predecessor | Honda NR500 |
| Successor | Honda NSR500 |
| Class | 500 cc |
| Engine | 499 cc (30.5 cu in) two-stroke 112° V3 |
| Bore / stroke | 62.6 mm × 54 mm (2.46 in × 2.13 in) |
| Power | 123 hp (92 kW) @ 11,000 rpm |
| Torque | 78 N⋅m (58 lbf⋅ft) @ 10,500 rpm |
| Wheelbase | 1,380 mm (54 in) |
| Weight | 108 kg (238 lb) (dry) |
RS500 customer version
In 1983, Honda introduced a production version of the NS500 called the RS500 for privateer racers.[3] These were very similar to the NS500 machines used by the factory racing team but, lacked the special exhaust system.[3]