Honda RC181

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Honda RC181

Manufacturer	Honda
Class	racing, 500 cc class
Engine	1966: 489.9 cc (30 cu in) 1967: 499.6 cc (30 cu in) four-stroke four cylinders inline[1]
Bore / stroke	1966: 57 mm × 48 mm (2.2 in × 1.9 in) 1967: 57.56 mm × 48 mm (2.266 in × 1.890 in)
Top speed	over 165 mph (266 km/h)
Power	1966: 85 hp (63 kW; 86 PS) @ 12,000 rpm 1967: 93 hp (69 kW; 94 PS) @ 12,600 rpm

The Honda RC181 was a road racing motorcycle built by Honda which raced in the 500cc class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the 1966 and 1967 seasons.

The bike debuted in 1966 and won five out of nine races that season, three with Mike Hailwood and two with Jim Redman. Hailwood finished second in the championship standings behind Giacomo Agostini on a MV Agusta. The Honda however won the constructor championship.

The next season Hailwood finished again second in the championship having the same number of points as the winner Agostini. At the end of the 1967 season Honda withdrew from the Grand Prix motorcycle racing. In the two seasons of racing in the 500cc class the Honda RC181 won ten races out of nineteen entered.