VOL. 53 ISSUE 32 AUGUST 16, 2016 P99
Look closely at the RC116 and you'll see the
front brake is not a disc, not even a drum, but a
rim-friction bicycle-type caliper brake. And in like
form, the tires look more like they belong on a
bicycle than on a motorcycle. Just how did that
front brake work? As one of the team technicians
noted, "Those 50s didn't need much brake. At the
Spa circuit in Belgium, they only used their brakes
twice per lap." The key to going fast on a 50 was
to never slow down.
With a weight of only 110 pounds, the
RC116 was minimalism in motion, slim, light,
aerodynamic, almost jewel-like in its execution,
and capable of propelling a rider along at more
than 109 mph.
Model: RC116
Year: 1966
Engine: DOHC four-stroke parallel-twin,
four valves per cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 35.5 x 25.14mm
Displacement: 49.77cc
Output: 14 hp
Redline: 22,500
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Gearbox: Nine-speed
Dry Weight: 110.2 pounds
Top Speed: Over 109 mph
* From an interview for Honda Red Rider magazine in 2006.
"HONDA HAD BEEN RACING IN
THE 50CC CLASS WITHOUT A
CHAMPIONSHIP UNTIL 1965,
WHEN THE COMPANY WON THE
TITLE ON AN RC115."
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