1979 Honda NR500 [NR1]
GP500 Works Road Racer
Many are familiar with this machine, calling it a true Honda-esque challenge. Honda chose a four-stroke engine instead of the then-standard two-stroke for GP500 racing. To surpass the two-stroke's power at the same displacement, each cylinder had eight intake and exhaust valves, an oval-shaped combustion chamber, and a piston and cylinder. The chassis also introduced innovations, especially the monocoque frame. This was the 1979 NR500 (code "NR1"), the NR series' debut, known for its oval pistons.
text＝KIYOKAZU IMAI
translation：SHINTARO URASHIMA
"It's Not Interesting to Be the Same as Everyone Else"
The Background Behind the Planning of the First-Generation NR500:
"Creation of Innovative Technology and Human Resource Development"
1979 NR500 Engine Technology
World's First 8-Valve, Oval Piston Engine
To Beat a 2-Stroke Engine of the Same Displacement With a 4-Stroke Engine
1979 NR500 Chassis Technology
A Parade of New Features, Even More So Than the Engine
Monocoque Frame, Coaxial Pivot, Inverted Fork
1979 NR500 Race
Without the Right to Finish
The Two NR500 Retire in the Debut Race; Both Fail to Qualify in the Second Race
