VOL. 53 ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 P123
no wider than a four-pot engine of the time, with
each bore diameter about the width of two fingers.
Dual overhead cams actuated 24 tiny valves, and
the short-stroke, oversquare engine revved to a
dizzying 18,000 rpm where it made 60 screaming
horsepower and hit speeds upward of 149 mph.
With its cylinder bank tipped forward and cast as
an integral part of the top crankcase, the engine
was decades ahead of any other machine, and it
pioneered technology we would see from Honda
for many years to come.
The RC166 destroyed the 250 class in 1966,
amassing 10 victories in an incredible display
of dominance, and captured the GP world
championship again in 1967. With the departure
of Honda from the Grand Prix scene in 1968, the
chapter closed on one of the most amazing GP
racing machines ever created.
Model: RC166
Year: 1966
Engine: DOHC four-stroke inline-six,
four valves per cylinder
Bore and Stroke: 39.0 x 34.8mm
Displacement: 249.42cc
Output: 60 hp
Redline: 18,000
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Gearbox: Seven-speed
Dry Weight: 251.3 pounds
Top Speed: Over 149 mph
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"THE RC165 WAS A
TECHNOLOGICAL SUCKER
PUNCH EXECUTED TO
PERFECTION; THE OTHER GUYS
NEVER SAW IT COMING."
