Honda 125 5cylinder at Goodwood F.O.S 2002

Honda 125 5cyl start up, sorry about shakey hand but the noise nearly deafened me !!!!

[@1100HondaCB]

A 20000rpm red line. Amazing for the period. I think this 125-5cylinder, was basically formed from the Honda 50cc twin, in order to demonstrate the art of miniaturisation. I think this machine had an eight speed gearbox. What I like about Honda, is they are never affraid to go beyond existing bounderies in order to make new levels. Many love Ducati for their Desmotronic engine and say Honda isn't anywhere close, but they have done things Ducati has never even tried.

[@caribman10]

Honda sold a street bike - the CB160 - that had a 10,500 rpm redline. In 1965. And unless I'm wrong, the video shows th bike revving only to about 12,000.

[@superkas]

@@caribman10 maybe learn more about the difference between redline and powerband? this 125/5 has ultra narrow powerband, to put in layman perspective, that's narrower than a virgin teenagers.

[@weatherproof1]

@@caribman10 I am in the process of restoring one of those old CB160's. Lovely little bikes. I've ridden a JDM market CBR250RR from the early 90's that rev to 19,000rpm. What amazes me the most is how reliable they are. My co-worker bought one after lusting after my VFR400R for a couple years. It's got over 40,000km on it and runs like a peach. Nothing has been done to the internals maintenance wise, not even valve clearances. I was lucky to take it out a couple of times. A small displacement 4 cylinder engine that revs that high is certainly a different approach to today's learner bikes, which is extremely unfortunate. It's something else to experience riding one. I can only imagine how cool the 250 6 GP bikes would be to ride.

[@howardosborne8647]

@@caribman10 Watch the video closely and you will see the red line on the tacho is near the 20,000 mark. Very near the end of the video the mechanic revs this engine right up to that red line at approx 20,000 rpm.

[@ColdSmokes]

@@caribman10 With a larger screen, you will be able to see the rev counter rising to 17,000 with every twist of the throttle & indeed hits over 20,000 at the very end.

[@mikebirtles3773]

1960s and 20000 rpm....RESPECT Mr Honda.....👍🇬🇧🇯🇵

[@oceania2385]

Honda's engineering in the 60's was so far ahead of it's time. Amazing

[@r1273m]

I thought that was very disappointing for a 5 cylinder machine. Then I realised it was the starter! Awesome machine, just a pity we don't race small cc multicylinder bikes anymore. Bob

[@chazgisby8876]

This and the 297cc 6cyl were Honda masterpieces and I feel so lucky to have seen the likes of Hailwood, Bryans and Taveri ride them in anger. You could here them from far away above all the other bikes.

[@101vph]

The RC147 had a five-cylinder 125cc engine that produced 32bhp and revved to 19,500rpm .Shoichiro Irimajiri , a brilliant engineer who worked on Honda's GP racing bikes of the 1960s is also responsible of the developpement of the rc147 and later for the CBX 1050

[@byronalien]

As I was getting ready for a practice lap on my G-50 at the 1966 IoM TT I saw the Honda team with one of these 5cyl 125s. It wouldn't start as they had apparently flooded the engine. A mechanic simply picked up the front end of the bike and held it vertical until the excess fuel drained out of the carbs. That's how light and compact they were.

[@zeberdeeeeee]

I was right opposite this on the other side of the pits when they warmed this up,the noise was simply amazing. An unforgettable experience.

[@ArrowTrajectory]

This is the only bike where you could use "125cc" and "beast" in the same sentence. Good Lord what an amazing creation!

[@DEADmetal3]

Don't forget 125cc single cylinder two strokes. They actually have same power if heavily modded and even more power if racing spec.

[@tonypate9174]

Never mind the single cylinder two strokes just look at what Honda lost to at the time on You Tube YAMAHA V4 2 STROKE 125 RACE BIKE ------- speaking of nice sounding 2 strokes try VARANO 2013 MANFRED WOLL MZ RE 250 and it's great grand daddy the pre war DKW (Deek) try CLASSIC TT LAP OF HONOUR START UP GATE 2013 at about 1-10 ish

[@BAZZASTUONO]

I have to say that is the best sounding engine I've ever heard.

[@stevematz7354]

Forgot to mention this in my previous post. I'm sure many people noticed that the Tachometer on this Bike starts at 5000rpm. When you consider the average automobile's redline even for V8's was around 5600rpm, it makes this motorcycle engine all the more incredible. Too be able to stay together in RR's turning as high as 20,000 rpm and barely going below 12 to 14 grand in many races is a testament to the amazing engineering and quality made parts for these machines. There reliability was astounding; you rarely ever heard of them blowing up which wouldn't surprise anyone turning that kind of RPM

[@Millermacs]

Very true

[@IndraBuanaCom]

Its all about stroke, mate. Shorter stroke easier to rev but struggling at lowest. The longer the stroke the higher the rev, it will destroy the ring and liner because of its piston speed.

[@stevematz7354]

Longer Stroke engines do not rev high rpm. Case in point BSA B34 Goldstar undersquare at 85mm Bore x 88mm Stroke. If you raced them consistenly past 7600rpm, then you rebuilt the bottomend multible times during the race season or they just broke a Rod wiping out the main cases. Same scenario with H-D's old Racing KR 750cc Flathead/SV engine, undersquare long stroke, they didn't want these engines reving past 7000rpm. Both engines had roller bearing lower ends. Current Alloy XR750 is being reved to almost 10 grand on Grand National Caliber engines and needs a bottomend rebuild almost every race. Engine originally designed in the early 70's with 10-1 compression and 8000rpm redline. Now running close to 10 grand with the aid of titanium valve and lighter valvetrain components and having close to 13-1 compression ratio, they have become gernades and too expensive for privateer riders to maintain. Even causing 2 Former GN Champions to jump to INDIAN'S new FTR750 for the 2017 race season. H-D team will field their new XG750R. Both these engines have strokes around 65mm with Indian having a 53 degree V angle. Their Redline is right at 10 Grand...

[@scottgolden2766]

Indra Buana the longer the stroke the less rpm. The big diesels in ships run at 75 rpm.

[@troynieuwendorp3311]

steve matz its not really that impressive considering its only 125ccs. 25cc per cylinder at That! I mean that's a weedwacker. comparing the rpms in this to a 5000cc+ v8 with valves and considerably more strain on components really dosent make much sense to me.

[@stevematz7354]

Pretty sure that's the RC149 5cyl 125cc RRer produced in 1966 after the RC148 was developed in 65. Since Honda was pulling out of GP Racing around this time, the little 125 didn't see that many races. Their Powerband was so narrow they needed an 8 speed gearbox to compensate. The piston diameter of these engines was about the size of a 50 cent piece. Another Engineering Marvel from Honda Racing in the 60's ...

[@Thefoilingguy]

I saw this at the FOS and I can honestly say it was the most intense thing I have stood next to, EVER.... I have been going to the FOS since the beginning and nothing has ever eclipsed the sound of this. Its not a nice sound like the 6, but just ear bashingly painful. Awesome bit of kit!

[@cameronmilne3590]

I like the fact the rev counter doesn't even begin until 5000rpm! This engine is the devourer of revs! >:D

[@timcolledge3732]

Superb! Those gp Honda's were jewels, and this one raced by the late, great Luigi Taveri.

[@Bravo21]

Glorious Noise! They should be required by law to run one of these and the 250/6 every year at the IoM-TT. To hear these Bikes at full song is truly a thing of beauty.

[@naharfannyraditia1971]

125cc 5cylinder and 20.000 RPM it's amazing....

[@fw1421]

Nahar fanny raditia Itty bitty stroke and still a tiny bore!🙀 gotta revel it to the stratosphere to make power. Only Honda would make this motor!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@sideshowbob5237]

Well the single cylinder 4-stroke model aeroplane engine in front of me - also made in Japan of course - has a displacement of 5.7cc but only runs to 13000rpm - on methanol. And there is a diesel version of the same engine - I have one of them too. Truthfully the diesel is a bit gutless - but the methanol version isn't.

[@PizzaChet]

Nice! The last few blips were over 20,000 RPM! The RC166 250 six is still my favorite.

[@RobertMartin1]

I read about this amazing machine back in the sixties when it was being raced but never heard one run. Thanks for the share. Awesome!

[@racebiketuner]

Same.

[@ColdSmokes]

Gentlemen, get yourselfs a copy of the Schofield 1966 Isle of Man CD. It's the only place in existence where you will be able to hear this bike race in anger by Mike Hailwood. 🏁🏁

[@slimsterslim6531]

I remember these first time round. Please bring them back

[@trunk39able]

Supreb!! The way this thing revs is just incredible.I just wish Id been stood next to you.

[@chriskneale6475]

Love the old bikes, masses of character,real love and dedication in building these iron horses, shame the bikes nowadays all sound the same!

[@hugostiglitz6914]

When the vid started I thought that doesn't sound like a 5 cylinder 125cc Honda!! Then I saw the start engine!🤪

[@timwright8785]

Some of these bikes Honda were building in the 60s were just amazing

[@fw1421]

What an amazing sound!🙀🙀🙀

[@aSkepticalman]

Jesus, what a racket!, that must have been one hell of an experience to ride.

[@martinhambleton5076]

How can anyone give it a thumbs down? Wonderful!

[@alexmarks7275]

because the mic on the camera is a potato

[@dormantsuperhero]

Who else began watching thinking that sounds just like a shitty lawnmower, then got one hell of a nice surprise!

[@mhyachting]

look at the tacho... incredible...and the sound

[@bradcogan8588]

Lmao at the start, I was thinking it sounded pretty tame until I realised it was the starter running 😂

[@racebiketuner]

Sounds GREAT!

[@mountainconstructions]

That was awesome!!!!

[@timcolledge6813]

Superb !!! 😍

[@corhob14]

Parts on this bike seam similar to the Honda cr93 I am currently restoring it has a very similar suspension but is a twin carb and has moto guzzli exhaust two on either side, I was told mine was used in racing back in the day so it's a mix of the best Hondas of the time :) great sound as well

[@bluedivide1009]

the RC146/8 engine is an in-line 5 Cly, 2 and a half RC115 50cc twins, pistons are 34mm diameter, only connection to a V engine is the Honda's are possibly inspired by Moto Guzzi's 500 V8 from the late 1950's. I wonder if a V10 250 that revved to 30,000 rpm crossed Mr Honda's mind at the time?

[@wankonyanko6282]

凄い、身震いがするわ。 良い興奮をありがとうございました。

[@bigharrykochenbauls4567]

I've seen these things fire up a million times and have seen several in person, the moment they ignite it makes me jump every time 🤣👍

[@1100HondaCB]

@schlusselmensch Honda came up with the CVCC engine which eliminated the need for catalytic converters. Ducati's desmo allowed the valves to be power opened and power closed, thus not needing coil springs. However, Honda came up with a different idea on their CB400T, whereby the valves use torsion bars to close them, therefore reducing valve bounce at higher revs. Better than coils, but less expensive than desmo, but almost as effective.

[@TheTim1200]

Superb sound

[@Thomas4689]

The best sound in the world

[@1100HondaCB]

@alna1287 I was unsure what you meant, but I thought I'd mention the NR500. Honda's CVCC engine was also remarkable, but never went into production for the motorcycle, but worked quite well for the car as it never needed a catalytic converter for the regulations of the day. Also their rotary engine which was adopted for the CB125, never made it because it failed on the emissions (I think the NOxs where to high).

[@mode3763]

Dear Santa...

[@boss302gorie8]

magnificent sound,how the likes of hailwood,redman etc didnt go deaf is beyond me

[@ColdSmokes]

Mike Duff reported hearing loss from being behind a Honda 6. Also, new rules were put into place because of these Hondas as to where track officials would no longer check tire pressure with these bikes running because they were smashing their bleeding eardrums.

[@matsonx]

thats how all 125cc should shound like:)

[@rgadave]

60 years old design and manufacturing excellence.

[@jean-micheldumay1134]

Fantastic ! A real sound of an hail storm ! 5 cylinders 4 strokes, it's unique I think. Honda transform piston engines to become turbine engines

[@arzautofit]

Holy shitttt..that sound 😍🤩

[@tonyball3927]

Wouldn't mind a ride on that sounds awesome

[@Gazza-zg2tr]

Best sounding engine ever,its the nuts.

[@allenfewtrell1141]

just love that sound

[@SpeedTripleR1200GS1]

Fantastic!

[@TheMoggy97]

mi veniva male sentirla mandare a 14000 giri da fredda

[@tuc-dh4df]

O.M.G that sound Honda invented the devil in noise!

[@JR1300r]

I would luv to have a go on that bike cheers

[@ripakinttu7]

Mother of god,that sound...

[@earlray156]

The sound of madness! I have heard anything like that little devil!

[@beco4ever]

honda no 1 company in the world,make new levels, make best machines,and this old bikes smells quallity honda!

[@1100HondaCB]

@veevum True. If the desmo was so advantagous over the conventional conterpart, then most manufacturers would make regular use of it. You're right, I think Ducati continue to use the desmo as their much loved trade mark. Admittedly, I love the desmo concept.

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

The little starter just sort of putt-putting along, then WWWRRRROAARRRR A snarling jungle beast makes it's appearance.

[@Jono.]

RIP headphone users. I almost crapped myself at first. I bet that was insane to be standing next to. Brave man

[@vietitalia]

Sounds better than 600cc bikes. Honda should bring these great machines back on the road

[@1100HondaCB]

@schlusselmensch Yes you are quite right. I was mistaken. I knew it was the 450 as I read abit about it a couple of years ago but thought of the 400 as that was more common. The 450 didn't sell in huge numbers if I not mistaken. Was the 450 the one that had the torque converter? The torsion bar system is a good idea and so is the desmo, but nearly all engines still use coil springs so the other two ideas must have their drawbacks. Honda had a proposed CX360 but never produced it

[@kirkconway]

the idea was to maximize power from 125 CC, so they doubled up on cylinder's to stretch the powerband out. it was the same with the 250 six cylinder. Benelli, and MV did the same thing. Then the japanese 2 stroke's came out and changed everything.

[@angelor9377]

DON'T worry, no one has noticed you shaking hand!!! 😊

[@gm16v149]

They are an amazing machine. I saw one at the Race of the South at Brands prob. around 1968, and yes the sound is incredible especially when racing. I can't remember who was riding it, maybe Mike H? The 297 six sounded better though, and Mike was def. riding that one..

[@topgunexcel]

20K red line!!!. Only Honda

[@morenopadoin2211]

dreambike !!!!

[@Metalunique]

@LolzMan7756 Wow dude, you stole the show with that one! Lol

[@johnniedelong9322]

Yes that is a "Beast" for sure

[@ry4n335]

Why the Deuce is that cameraman recording a close up shot of the operator's face and not the bike!!

[@1100HondaCB]

@alna1287 I don't think the 5 cylinder 125 had oval pistons, but the NR500 of 1979 did. Regulations of the day did not allow V8s, but Honda wanted a high revving four-stroke. An engineer was sat at a set of traffic lights in his car and noticed eight lights in an oval. He then thought of the idea of eight valves and four oval pistons, thus allowing a high revving 500cc four-stroke V4. Each piston has two con-rods, enabling the rpm of a 500cc eight cylinder. The NR didn't defeat the two-strokes.

[@dennismault196]

Wish my Honda sounded like that !!!!

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

I propose making 2 precise replicas of this engine and give them to Allen Millyard so he can make a lovely little 250cc V-10. I know, I know...but it would be a hoot.

[@1100HondaCB]

@ZeroKenshin Thankyou. My pleasure.

[@TheGarking]

Mother of god !!!

[@schlusselmensch]

@1100HondaCB The torsion bar system appeared on the 450 actually, so much earlier than the 400.

[@jameslingo4190]

What à bike Quelle fusee Che Bella machina

[@Spectrolite1]

How was it able to rev so high without pneumatic valves?

[@vincenzodimalta1593]

Dio mioooo... Che motoreeeeee

[@ManitouCommando]

Can I get one of these at my local Honda dealer or is it special order?

[@bonedar333]

that briggs flathead they used to start the bike is a 209 cc 5hp lol nearly twice the size engine than on the bike.

[@marionegro407]

vista diverse volte in pista e circuiti cittadini Taveri !

[@pacerodi]

What is the block made of? Tatanium?

[@danielnuttall1107]

If this was a dirty magazine, this page would be sticking. LoL what a amazing bike wow

[@scottgolden2766]

Daniel nuttall Best thing I heard in a while

[@danielnuttall1107]

Scott Golden 😂😂

[@nwcs]

all i can say is.. OH.. MY.. GAWD.. i want it!

[@rosewhite---]

what is bore and stroke and how can such tiny cylinders make such power! Maybe 32mm bore and 30 stroke.

[@gabrielfromyhr5694]

the starter motor probably had bigger displacement

[@TejasAutoSalonJasonW]

By another 75cc!

[@RobFiler]

Imagine standing next to this and a 787B whilst revving!

[@notron3003]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH now I can die with peace in heart,mind and soul

[@pheenix42]

Sounds like a dragon waking up!

[@ColdSmokes]

This engine most certainly was five 50cc pots hooked together configured as a triple on the left and a twin on the right equaling ...five. Honda eventually gave the right side "twin" a 180 degree crank in an effort to cure the bizzarre running characteristics. It lowered the peak rpm be 1000 but didn't cure anything...whoops

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

Whoa. That's freaky. I'd have thought crank throws every 72 degrees. Leave it to Honda...

[@mikerieck306]

Honda rules.

[@Newtsalad]

Shame about the noise of the bloke cutting the grass nearby! ;)

[@szymon6207]

999 kmh?

[@juanjo669]

Cafe race... very good ..I like

[@ericmowrey6872]

Was it the Honda 125 or the 250 racer that had notoriously dodgy handling? Mike Hailwood raced it but complained it was as dangerous as it was fast.

[@chuckdrc51]

rip headphones and timpanic membranes

[@rcnelson]

Like tearing an angry piece of paper.

[@MitzvosGolem1]

They made a 250 6 cylinder GP bike in 66 also .

[@spillow762]

must be a great daily driver

[@jmshaw357]

It's a racer (of course). You could race every day perhaps.

[@andynixon2820]

I want one . . . although my neighbours may have something to say about it . . . .

[@alna1287]

@1100HondaCB Oval pistons?