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Honda unveiled their answer to Yamaha's TT500 at the March 19 AMA , National Championship Enduro in South Carolina. The overhead cam, four '
valve, twin exhaust port. four-stroke is basically a "grown up" version of the XL250S. The bike is said to have a displacement of 498cc. Honda '
Research and Development in Japan is preparing a special motocross version of the enduro engine for multi-British champion John Banks to drop in to
one of his Merlyn Racing-prepared frames and ride in the Grand Prix and British Championship events this year. Honda is presently fielding an
American Enduro team composed of riders Rick Munyon, Don Sanford and' Mike Hannon with Bill Bell handling the mechanical chores and Bob
Nichelson serving as team manager. Sanford rode the 500 in the S.C. Enduro, finishing out of the top overall places. Photos by Jack Mangus.
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