Freddie Spencer 1985 Honda NSR500
This is the 1985 NSR500 as ridden by Freddie Spencer, a 90-degree V4 two-stroke with 140hp at 11,500rpm and a weight of just 119kg.
The Honda NSR500 was debutted in 1984 for the Grand Prix season, and replaced the NS500 a triple-cylinder, running a V4 two-stroke.
The original 1984 model featured benefits such as a single crankshaft, assisting on saving weight and size over the competition.
In 1984 Freddie Spencer campaigned the NSR500 through much of the early season, but completed the year on the NS500.
In 1985 many of the problems found in the first year of competition were ironed out, offering rider Freddie Spencer a dominant season, taking seven victories.
This is particularly impressive as he was also competing in the 250cc category on a NSR250, where he also took seven victories.
He competed under the Rothmans Honda-HRC team for both categories.
Freddie Spencer suffered a wrist injury following the 1985 season, with some speculating it was caused by the strain of competing in, and winning, the two championships.
He officially retired in 1988 from Grand Prix racing, although he raced in various other series.
Spencer was the first to win a World Championship on a Honda NSR500, but he certainly wasn’t the last.
Honda’s NSR500 went on to win nine more World Championships, culminating in Valentino Rossi’s win in 2001. It was succeeded by the RC211V.
