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Although all three bikes were no-compromise two-strokes, with knife-edge powerbands and the latest chassis technology, Honda probably shot itself in the foot by producing a 400 (the most important class for its home market) instead of a more powerful 500. | Although all three bikes were no-compromise two-strokes, with knife-edge powerbands and the latest chassis technology, Honda probably shot itself in the foot by producing a 400 (the most important class for its home market) instead of a more powerful 500. | ||
In fact, the true capacity was 387cc, so the NS only had about 40cc and a few horsepower more than a Yamaha RD350 Power Valve, which cost two-thirds as much! | In fact, the true capacity was 387cc, so the NS only had about 40cc and a few horsepower more than a [[Yamaha RD350LC YPVS|Yamaha RD350 Power Valve]], which cost two-thirds as much! | ||
Like the RD500 and RG500, after the initial hype, sales dwindled. The NS was dropped in 1988, by which time it has been pushed into the background by a string of four-stroke race reps that were far more practical for general use. | Like the [[Yamaha RD500|RD500]] and [[Suzuki RG500|RG500]], after the initial hype, sales dwindled. The NS was dropped in 1988, by which time it has been pushed into the background by a string of four-stroke race reps that were far more practical for general use. | ||
NS400Rs were available in red/white/blue HRC colors or Rothmans blue/white. Even with Honda’s ATAC system there’s little power until 8000rpm but from there it picks up fiercely. | NS400Rs were available in red/white/blue HRC colors or Rothmans blue/white. Even with Honda’s ATAC system there’s little power until 8000rpm but from there it picks up fiercely. |