1961 Honda RC 161 Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle

Summary

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

Creators

Honda Motor Company 

Place of Creation

Japan 

 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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