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Difference between revisions of "Defining the '80s (Honda)"
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Off-road, the [[Honda CR125R|CR®125]] and [[Honda CR250R|CR250]] motocrossers made Honda by far the dominant player in motocross. It all began with the world's first liquid-cooled motocrosser, the 1981 CR250. With its progressive-rate [[Pro-Link]]® suspension, this bike established the major engineering protocols for motocross machinery for the entire decade. Through the 1980s, Honda's Red Riders™ won 22 National [[motocross]] and [[Supercross]] titles, while helping Honda win eight manufacturers' titles. | Off-road, the [[Honda CR125R|CR®125]] and [[Honda CR250R|CR250]] motocrossers made Honda by far the dominant player in motocross. It all began with the world's first liquid-cooled motocrosser, the 1981 CR250. With its progressive-rate [[Pro-Link]]® suspension, this bike established the major engineering protocols for motocross machinery for the entire decade. Through the 1980s, Honda's Red Riders™ won 22 National [[motocross]] and [[Supercross]] titles, while helping Honda win eight manufacturers' titles. | ||
Cross-feeding technologies helped evolve the dual-sport XL and off-road XR™ machines. Four-stroke race bike and street bike technology improved the XL and XR singles, as did motocross frame and suspension technology. This cross pollination further indicated Honda's willingness to experiment, as motocross suspension technology was even applied to road racing. In 1986, this crossover helped Honda win every available National motocross title as well as the coveted AMA Superbike road racing title. Meanwhile, on the street, Honda models introduced technology such as integrated cylinders and | Cross-feeding technologies helped evolve the dual-sport XL and off-road XR™ machines. Four-stroke race bike and street bike technology improved the XL and XR singles, as did motocross frame and suspension technology. This cross pollination further indicated Honda's willingness to experiment, as motocross suspension technology was even applied to road racing. In 1986, this crossover helped Honda win every available National motocross title as well as the coveted AMA Superbike road racing title. Meanwhile, on the street, Honda models introduced technology such as integrated cylinders and [[crankcase]]s for the V-4 engines and the GL1500 Gold Wing's Reverse System. | ||
Honda's worldwide racing successes during the '80s don't tell the whole story of competition. Equally as compelling as victory is the struggle, the company's willingness to risk failure in its search for innovative solutions. The now-famous NR™500 oval-piston Grand Prix machines of the early '80s absorbed enormous resources and never won a major race. But the NR500 project led to a new course, resulting in the innovative NS500 two-stroke triple, which brought Honda its first 500 GP title in 1983, and then the NSR500 V-4, which has won seven 500 GP titles to date. Characteristically, what Honda learned during its Quixotic quests often improved the breed, including the motorcycles we ride today. | Honda's worldwide racing successes during the '80s don't tell the whole story of competition. Equally as compelling as victory is the struggle, the company's willingness to risk failure in its search for innovative solutions. The now-famous NR™500 oval-piston Grand Prix machines of the early '80s absorbed enormous resources and never won a major race. But the NR500 project led to a new course, resulting in the innovative NS500 two-stroke triple, which brought Honda its first 500 GP title in 1983, and then the NSR500 V-4, which has won seven 500 GP titles to date. Characteristically, what Honda learned during its Quixotic quests often improved the breed, including the motorcycles we ride today. | ||