Honda NSR125R JC20

The NSR 125-R type JC20 , was Honda's response to the ever increasingly popular 125 class and increased completion not only from its fellow Japanese rivals but more so from the Italian brands like Aprilia with its AF1 series, Cagiva's Freccia and Mito, and Gilera with its SP models. Customers were no longer interested in small, budget bikes but desired real motorcycles with big bike features that just so happened to be 125cc. It is characterised by its full fairing and was offered alongside the NSR-F with which it shares the chassis and engine.

The R featured a unique warning light bridge that extended from the fuel tank, over the top yoke where it met the bodywork under the clocks. The ignition was relocated to a special panel inside the right side of the clocks.

Warning lights with the ignition obscured by the front brake cylinder

The R was an immediate success in sales and on the track where it took over from the F which, despite the absence of the fairing, achieved good success in the '88 edition of the Sport Production championship.

Followed on the track directly by the Honda Italia Racing service , the new R conquered the top positions in the rankings on many occasions and in 1989 it won the title in the over 21 category .

The NSR125R follows the same multi-spoke wheel and fender updates as the F model and in 1991 and 1992 two special versions dedicated to the Sport Production championship were also put on sale and could be purchased freely with or without a driver's license.

The NSR125R remained in production until the very early months of 1993 , when it was replaced by the new NSR-R JC22 .

Motor Single cylinder, 2 stroke, liquid cooled
Displacement 124.8cc
Bore x Stroke 54 x 54.5 mm
Maximum Power 21.3 kW
Clutch Multi-disc in oil bath
Start-up Electric
Chassis Die-cast aluminum alloy
Front suspension Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear suspension Swingarm with hydraulic monoshock
Front brake Hydraulic disc
Rear brake Swingarm with hydraulic monoshock
Weight (dry) 132 kg.

Pre-production drawings of paintwork studies

NSR125 RK 1989

Red/ White/ Blue

Red/ White

White/Blue/ Aqua/ Pink

NSR125 RL 1990

New Grimeca six spoke wheels and a front mudguard with a thinner profile

Red/ White/ Blue, 'HRC' style

White/ Blue/ Red/ Aqua

NSR125 RM 1991

Black, Purple, Aqua, Pink

NSR125 RN 1992

Red/ White/ Blue, 

Black/ Bronze

NSR125 R3M SP91

Produced in 1991, the NSR 125 R3M, or SP91, is a special version designed to race in the Sport Production '91 championship, where Honda had achieved great success in previous editions. Featuring updated suspension, centre stand delete. New cylinder, piston, compression ratio, ignition, gearbox, Arrow exhaust kick start only

SP91

NSR125 R3N SP92

SP92

Honda NSR125 F JC20

Making its debut in 87 (on sale 88) the first generation of the NSR125F was a step forward over the proceeding NS model and series and again like the NS it assembled in Rome, Italy, by Honda Italia Industriale.

The all new NSR125 JC20 featured a unique 'Allcast' aluminium frame by Grimeca made in two halves and then bolted together, a new single cylinder two-stroke engine with the RC-valve power valve system and electric start, producing an extremely healthy 31hp. Suspension was by Marzocchi and new cast alloy wheels again by Grimeca.  

The NSR125 JC20 remained largely unchanged during its production run, with only minor updates coming in 1990 with multi spoke wheels and colour changes. In 1992, it was replaced by the NSR 125 F Raiden  model, which featured a new frame design derived from the Japan only CBR400 NC29.   

Technical Specs

Motor: Single cylinder, 2 stroke, liquid cooled with RC valve 
Bore x stroke: 54 x 54.5 mm
Displacement: 124.8cc
Maximum Power: 31hp / 21.3 kW @10500rpm
Clutch: Multi-disc in oil bath
Start-up: Electric
Chassis: Die-cast alloy by Grimeca
Front suspension: 35mm Marzocchi hydraulic fork
Rear suspension: Prolink with Marzocchi shock
Front brake: 316mm Hydraulic disc, twin piston calliper
Rear brake: 220mm Hydraulic disc, single piston calliper 
Front Tyre: 100/80 -17
Rear Tyre: 130/70-18
Seat Height: 800mm
Weight (dry): 132 Kg.

NSR125FJ 88

Blue/ Black

Green/ Black

Red/ White/ Green

NSR125FK 1989

White/ Blue/ Pink

Red/ White

NSR125FL - known as the F11 - 1990

The FL is a lightly updated version of the F and features:

New air intakes called AIS (Air Intake System) which improve engine breathing by channelling fresh air directly to the airbox.
NEW instrumentation graphics with black background.
Slimmer profile front fender.
New alloy wheels

Black/ Aqua

Red

NSR125FM 1991

This version is the first NSR F officially imported in to the UK and available in two colours.

Black/ Red

White/ Pink

Black/ Red/ Silver

Silver/ Black

NSR125FN 1992

Blue/ Red

Honda NS125F, R and R2

NS125F

The Honda NS125 was first presented at the Bologna Motor Show in December 1984 and went on sale in April 1985. The engine is a liquid cooled, 124.5 cc (7.60 cu in), two-stroke which used Honda's ATAC system (Automatically Controlled Torque Amplification Chamber). The NS was Honda's first attempt at the high end 125cc sports bike market in Italy; therefore it was built in Atessa, Italy and many of the parts used were made by well known Italian brands such as Dell'Orto for the carburettor, Marzocchi forks and single rear shock and Grimeca wheels and front disk brake. Honda, Japan supplied the spec sheets and a few parts like the electrics, piston and barrel. Colours are White and Silver or Red and Grey.

Specs

Type: Single cylinder, two-stroke, reed valve induction, liquid cooled
Displacement: 124.5 cm3
Bore X Stroke: 56 x 50.6mm
Compression Ratio: 6.5:1
Fuel System: 26 mm Dell`Orto PHBH 26 FS
Horsepower: 12ps @ 7000rpm (25 HP)
Gearbox: 6-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Starter: Kick
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork 35 mm
Rear Suspension: Pro-link monoshock hydraulic
Front Brake: Single disc 245 mm
Rear Brake: Drum 86.4 mm
Dimensions: w 2010mm x w 720mm x h 1140mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Wheelbase: 1349 mm
Dry Weight: 107kg
Fuel Capacity: 14.4 L
Tyres specs: Front: 3.25-16 - Rear: 3.50-18

The NS125F 1986 model, type TC01, was offered in the UK market for the first time with a heavily restricted 12bhp engine and without the ATAC power vlave system. Colours are Blue, White and Red and Red and Grey.

The 1987 model featured revised alloy 'rear set' foot pegs for the rider and pillion opposed to the welded frame style of the previous version. UK colours remained the same with Red and White with white wheels offered in Europe.

Racing + Trofeo kit

The NS-F competed in the 1986 Italian 125 sport production class, which due to its infancy and lack of competitors it easily won. Honda Italia organised a single brand 'Trophy' race with over 100 entrants and offered a 'Trophy' (Trofeo) Kit which included side and fork covers which was sold as an aftermarket add on.

NS125F with the addition of the Trofeo kit

NS125R

Presented in January 1987 and marketed soon after, the NS-R, also TC01 type, is the faired version of the NS-F presented two years earlier and with which it shares chassis and engine.

The UK (restricted) versions were offered in VFR750 colours of plain White or plain Red to accentuate its big bike looks and feel, indeed the NS was considerably larger than its main Japanese rivals. To go along with the 'VFR' style the bike featured 'NSR' on the fairing often causing confusion that this model was a NSR rather than a NS - R,!

NS125R - UK spec

The R model was offered in White with Red stripe in Europe

NS125R2

The R2 model had twin front disc brakes and was offered in Rothmans and Parisienne (Cornu) and finally the Adriatico in the colours of the Italian flag which was made for the Japanese market.

Rothmans

Parisienne - Jacques Cornu replica

Adriatico

Honda MTX80 S, R, R2

"Closely following the lines of its bigger brother and the winning lines of Honda's outstanding works Motocross machines, the MTX80 adds an exciting style to your riding. Its 12ps liquid cooled engine is a match for many 125's and is backed by a full size frame 21" front wheel, engine balancer for minimal vibration and Honda's renowned Pro Link suspension."

The MTX80S HD06 was Honda's second gen off-road styled lightweight and an evolution of the MT8. The first generation MTX80S used the same longer stroke air-cooled motor first found in the MB8 and MT8 but had an updated cradle style chassis featuring a pro-link rear suspension and a more conventional fuel tank.

MTX80C

The Second generation MTX80R HD08 model was completely revised to bring it in line with its road going stablemate to the high-tech MBX80. It featured the shorter stroke, higher revving liquid cooled 79cc motor producing a heady 12ps and weighing just 89.5kg it ensured great performance. Styling was based on the Honda CR motocross bikes of the era. Versions include round or square front headlights and pillion foot pegs either on a subframe loop or mounted to the swing arm.

MTX80RF with square headlight

MTX80RS with round headlight

The third generation bike the MTX80R2 HD09 was based on the larger MTX125 chassis using the engine from the pervious HD08 machine. Improvements other than size came in the form of larger/ stiffer forks and a 240mm front disc brake. Again power was claimed at a full 12ps at 8000rpm which was the maximum power a learner bike could have in the UK anyway but with the bonus of cheaper insurance premiums of the 79cc engine.

MTX80R2

Model years 

1982-86 MTX80S HD06

1983-86 MTX80R HD08

1986-89 MTX80R 2 HD09

	MTX80S	MTX80R	MTX80R2
Engine type	Air Cooled	Liquid Cooled	Liquid Cooled
Engine size	78cc	79cc	79cc
Max power	8.1ps	12ps, 8000rpm	12ps, 8000rpm
Transmission	6 speed	6 speed	6 speed
Wheelbase	1130mm	1340mm	1345mm
Seat Height	810mm	840mm	840mm
Weight	94kg	89.5kg	104kg
Fuel Capacity	9 litres	8 litres	9 litres
Front Wheel	2.50 21	2.50 21	2.50 21
Rear Wheel	315 18	3.25 18	3.25 18
Front Break	Drum	Drum	Disc
Rear Break	Drum	Drum	Drum
Rear suspension	Pro Link	Pro Link	Pro Link

The M family

I have been attempting to produce a family tree for all the Honda M models. The models can be grouped into to distinct series, the first are all models with the same basic engine architecture which includes all models sub 100cc (including H100) and secondly all models that are directly related by model series but not connected with engine architecture which is all models 125cc and over.

50cc, MB5, MT5, MM50, MTX50, MBX50, MCX50, TLM50, RTL50, MTX50R, NS50, NSR50, NS-1, NSR50 (mini), CRM50

75cc, MBX75, NSR75

80cc, MB80, MT80, MBX80, MTX80, MCX80, NSR80 (mini), CRM80

100cc +, H100 (MB100), MBX125, MTX125, MTX200, MVX250

Honda NS50F, NSR75 and NS1

The NS50 and NS-1 models have the final evolution of the M engine architecture that dates back to the MB5. The NS50F was also sold in some markets as a NSR50, but both are designated as an AC08 model, but with a full fairing and 'of the era' paint schemes. There are is also a full size model variant of the NSR50R (with duel seat and conventional fuel tank, model AC14), not to be confused with the NSR 50/80 Gag bikes.

1987 NS50F

The NS50F / AC08 was introduced as the successor to the previous MBX models and used styling inspired by the CBR 'Aero' models of the era. The NS50F borrows heavily from the MBX not only with the engine but also with the modded chassis to accept new bodywork and a fuel tank that is modded to take the half fairing. Equipped with 17-inch front and rear aluminium cast wheels, a seat cowl with a built-in glove compartment, and bright halogen headlights.

Type 1

1998-90 NS50F 

In 1988, the engine was updated with a new airbox and exhaust to improve usability at medium to low speeds. The following year, in 1989, it gained a dual headlight set up with a more heavily drilled front disc rotor.

Type 2

NS50F Special Edition 1988

AC08 NSR50 version with full fairing and Tiger 2 paint scheme

NSR75 Spanish Market version

The NS50F was also produced in Honda's Montessa factory with a 75cc engine to meet the Spanish licencing laws and confusingly also called it an NSR, this replaced the MBX75.

1990 NS50F (wire wheels)
For the 1990 model year a stripped down version of NS50F was available with some funky (of the era, think Aprilia!) graphics and featured wire wheels and drum brakes. What was interesting is that this bike was sold with optional extras, which included the handlebar fairing, radiator cover and belly pan from the MBX

NS50F fitted with the optional extras

NS50R HRC

HRC launched the NS50R in 1996 when production of the NS50F road bike ended, it featured the familiar single cylinder liquid cooled engine producing 7.2hp at 10,000rpm but running pre-mix fuelling. Other features included alloy rear sets, single seat, 3 spoke wheels and stripped of the road running gear it came in at just 75kg and sold for Y198,000.

1991-94 NS-1

The 1991 NS-1 / AC12 type that appeared as a successor to the NS50F and sold together with the ‘Gag bike’ style NSR50 / 80. 

The NS-1was a full-size sports model styled like a small MC21 NSR250 featuring a 17-inch wheels, single seat unit, full fairing and produced a healthy 7.2hp at 10,000rpm from its single cylinder liquid cooled engine. The NS-1 features an all new pressed steel chassis designed to mimic the alloy chassis's of more expensive bikes, again the engine is an evolution of the MB/X design.

A cool feature of NS-1 was it’s ‘Met-in’space situated where the fuel tank traditionally lived that opens up and is large enough for a full-face helmet with the fuel tank under the seat. Also available were lots of official accessories that even included a rack that fitted on top of the rear seat hump!

Met In

1995-96 NS-1

In 1995 the model was updated with the addition of the RVF style twin headlights and improved electrical system.In 1997 the model featured a blacked out frame and wheels. The NS-1 was very popular despite the fact that it was very expensive, about 300,000 yen.

1995 With twin headlights

1997 NS-1

Colours, solid red, solid silver and HRC

1997 Twin headlights and black chassis

NS-1 - MH80R

As an interesting footnote Moriwaki Engineering, a Honda-based tuning and manufacturing company, sold a racer machine called the "MH80R" which used the NS-1 as a base and fitted the CR80MX engine. The MH80R was used in a one-make race series not only in Japan but also overseas. Check it out on their website here

NSR50R AC14