Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda NS400R, a bold-looking road sports bike equipped with a newly designed water-cooled, two-stroke, 90-degree V-3 engine (total displacement: 387 cm3 ) and a full fairing as standard, on May 10th.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Press Release, April 19th, 1985 - Honda releases the road sports bike "NS400R" equipped with a water-cooled 2-stroke V-type 3-cylinder engine
Wednesday, 19 November 2025
January 19, 1983, Press Release, Honda releases the high-performance sports bike "Honda MVX250F" equipped with a 2-stroke water-cooled V-type 3-cylinder engine
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MVX250F, a high-performance sports bike with an innovative design and equipped with a newly developed 249cc, two-stroke, water-cooled, 90-degree V-type, three-cylinder engine, on February 1st.
The Honda MVX250F was developed by incorporating the latest advanced technology of the Honda NS500, a Grand Prix machine equipped with a two-stroke water-cooled 90-degree V-type three-cylinder engine that competed in the Road Race World Grand Prix for the first time last year and quickly won three championships. The MVX250F engine was developed with the aim of being high-powered, lightweight, slim, and compact, and features a unique Honda-only 90-degree V-type three-cylinder layout with two cylinders horizontally at the front of the crankcase and one cylinder at a 90-degree angle behind it. This allows for a high output of 40 horsepower and a slim, compact engine that is as slim as a two-cylinder engine, despite being a three-cylinder engine.
Furthermore, the inertial mass weight of the rear cylinder is balanced with the front two cylinders by reciprocating parts such as the connecting rod, theoretically achieving zero primary vibration. The vibration unique to two-stroke engines is reduced.
In addition, a new carburetor has been designed to match the high-performance engine. This square-type flat valve carburetor, which was used for the first time on a domestically produced commercial vehicle, not only reduced intake resistance and achieved a lightweight, compact design, but also contributed greatly to making the entire engine slimmer and more compact.
The body design was developed in pursuit of excellent maneuverability and ease of handling through lightweight design. The lightweight, high-rigidity double cradle frame, 16-inch front wheels developed from Honda's extensive racing experience both at home and abroad, and Honda's unique Pro-Link rear suspension all contribute to excellent maneuverability and a lightweight design (138 kg: dry weight).
Sales plan is
The plan is to sell 30,000 units per year in Japan.
Standard cash price is
The price is 428,000 yen.
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 6,000 yen higher. Some remote islands are excluded.)
As a result, the Honda 250cc sports bike series has expanded to 9 models and 13 types, including 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, as well as road and off-road sports bikes, catering to a wider range of users.
Honda MVX250F Main Specifications
Model MC09
Total length (m) 2.010
Overall width(m) 0.735
Total height (m) 1.155
Wheelbase(m) 1.370
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.165
Seat height(m) 0.780
Vehicle weight (kg) 155
Dry weight (kg) 138
Passenger capacity (persons) 2
Fuel economy (km/L) 38 (50km/h constant speed test value)
Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.46 (approx. 25 degrees)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.4
Engine type MC09E, 2-stroke piston reed valve, water-cooled, 90-degree V-type 3-cylinder
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 249
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 47.0×48.0
Compression Ratio 8.0
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 40/9,000
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 3.2/8,500
Carburetor Type TA01
Starting method Primary Kick
Ignition method Full transistor
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.7
Fuel tank capacity (L) 17
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratio 1st speed 2.562/2nd speed 1.850/3rd speed 1.478/, 4th speed 1.240/5th speed 1.074/6th speed 0.965
Reduction ratio 2.666
Caster (degrees) 26°30′
Trail (mm) 91
Tire size Front 100/90-16 54S, rear 110/80-18 58S
Brake Type Front hydraulic disc (inboard ventilated) /Rear mechanical leading/trailing
Suspension method Front: Telescopic (with cylindrical air spring)/ Rear: Swing arm (Prolink)
Frame Format Double Cradle
Monday, 10 November 2025
January 21, 1985, Press Release, Honda releases the land sports bike "Honda MTX200R2" equipped with a 2-stroke engine
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has improved the power output of the Honda MTX200R, a land sports bike equipped with a high-performance water-cooled two-stroke engine that provides excellent off-road performance. It has also added a disc brake to the front wheel and other enhancements, and will release the new model as the Honda MTX200RII on February 9th
The MTX200RII has improved maximum output (26PS → 28PS) through improvements to the intake and exhaust system, and in combination with the ATAC mechanism, it exhibits powerful and smooth output characteristics from low to high speeds. The radiator is made of sealed aluminum, which is easy to maintain.
In addition, the Pro-Link rear suspension, which is popular for its excellent road-holding ability, now features a high-rigidity aluminum swing arm and a rear damper with a reservoir.
In terms of equipment, the front wheel is equipped with a hydraulic disc brake with dual piston calipers exclusively for off-road use, and the high-intensity (35W/36.5W) halogen headlight with a reinforced resin lens is newly added, making it a fully equipped model suitable for a high-performance land sports bike.
*ATAC...Auto-controlled Torque Amplification Chamber: A mechanism that automatically changes the exhaust volume according to engine speed to obtain effective exhaust pulsation.
Sales Plan (Domestic Annual Plan) 6,000 units
National Standard Cash Price 299,000 yen
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 8,000 yen higher. Prices exclude some other remote islands.)
Main specifications
Model MD13
Total length (m) 2.085
Overall width(m) 0.845
Total height (m) 1.170
Wheelbase(m) 1.350
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.280
Seat height(m) 0.845
Vehicle weight (kg) 113
Dry weight (kg) 103
Passenger capacity (persons) 2
Fuel economy (km/L) 45 (50km/h steady state test value)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.0
Engine type MD07E Water-cooled 2-stroke piston reed valve single cylinder
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 193
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 67.0×55.0
Compression Ratio 7.1
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 28/8,000
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 2.6/7,500
Carburetor Type PE65
Starting method kick
Ignition method Non-contact CDI
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.2
Fuel tank capacity(L) 9
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratio 1st gear 3.090
2nd speed 1.937
3rd speed 1.368
4-speed 1.090
5-speed 0.916
6-speed 0.769
Reduction ratio 3.230
Caster (degrees) 27°30′
Trail (mm) 112
Tire size before 2.75-21-4PR
rear 4.10-18-4PR
Brake Type before Hydraulic disc
rear Mechanical Leading Trailing
Suspension method before Telescopic (used with cylindrical air spring)
rear Swing arm (Prolink)
Frame Format Semi-double cradle
January 28, 1983, Press Release, Honda releases the on- and off-road bike "HONDA MTX200R" equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke engine
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the Honda MTX200R, an on- and off-road bike equipped with a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine (total displacement 193 cm3 ), which allows for comfortable riding on rough terrain and in urban areas, on February 5th.
The engine installed in the MTX200R is lightweight and compact, utilizing a number of technologies acquired from motocross races both in Japan and overseas, and delivers a high output of 26 PS/7,500 rpm and 130 horsepower per liter. In particular, the adoption of Honda's unique ATAC (Automatic Adjusting Torque Amplification Exhaust System) provides powerful performance at high rpm and tenacious, flat torque performance at mid- to high-rpm. This allows you to enjoy powerful and smooth riding from low to high speeds. Furthermore, this engine, combined with the thoroughly lightweight (dry weight 102 kg) and compact body, achieves the smallest power-to-weight ratio of 3.92 kg/PS among domestic on- and off-road vehicles.
The suspension uses the well-known Pro-Link rear suspension and the front air-assisted suspension with Honda's unique fork mechanism (which reduces friction between the fork pipe and bottom case), allowing it to demonstrate excellent road-following performance from rough ground to paved roads. The slim body provides good foot reach while ensuring a road clearance of 285mm, making it ideal for riding on rough roads. Combined with the seat that is laid out all the way to the top of the tank, it allows the rider to obtain an appropriate riding position according to the road conditions.
Sales plan is
Planned domestic sales of 6,000 units per year
Standard cash price is is 289,000 yen.
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 5,000 yen higher. Excluding some remote islands)
Other key features
●6-speed return gears for full enjoyment on technical runs.
●Large front fender with air intake to improve the radiator's cooling effect.
●Square cross-section hollow rear fork made of lightweight, high-rigidity high-tensile steel tubes.
●110mm front and rear brakes provide powerful braking power.
●The speedometer and tachometer are set at an easy-to-read angle, and various indicators are laid out functionally.
●Changeable brake pedal.
●Square halogen headlights (35W/36.5W) are more effective for night driving
●Dog-leg type lever with excellent operability.
●Both front and rear wheels feature aluminum rims.
Main specifications
Model MD07
Total length (m) 2.085
Overall width(m) 0.830
Total height (m) 1.175
Wheelbase(m) 1.350
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.285
Seat height(m) 0.845
Vehicle weight (kg) 112
Dry weight (kg) 102
Passenger capacity (persons) 2
Fuel economy (km/L) 50.0 (50km/h steady state test value)
Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.50 (approx. 26 degrees)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.0
Engine type MD07E, water-cooled 2-stroke,
piston reed valve single cylinder
Displacement ( cm3 ) 193
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 67.0×55.0
Compression Ratio 7.5
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 26/7,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 2.6/7,000
Carburetor Type PE65
Starting method Primary Kick
Ignition method Non-contact CDI
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.2
Fuel tank capacity(L) 9.0
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratio 1st gear 3.090
2nd speed 1.937
3rd speed 1.368
4-speed 1.090
5-speed 0.916
6-speed 0.769
Caster (degrees) 27°30′
Trail (mm) 112
Tire size before 2.75-21-4PR
rear 4.10-18-4PR
Brake Type before Mechanical Leading Trailing
rear Mechanical Leading Trailing
Suspension method before Telescopic type (used with cylindrical air spring)
rear Swing arm type (Prolink)
Frame Format Semi-double cradle
October 29, 1982, Press Release, Honda releases new off-road model "Honda MTX125R" equipped with a water-cooled 2-stroke engine
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release the off-road model "Honda MTX125R" on November 15th. The new model is equipped with a newly designed water-cooled, two-stroke, 124cc single-cylinder engine that incorporates know-how gained from motocross races both in Japan and overseas, as well as Honda's unique ATAC (Automatic Adjusting Torque Amplification Exhaust System)
The MTX125R has a high power performance of 18PS/7500rpm, 145hp per liter, and the revolutionary ATAC system automatically changes the exhaust volume according to the engine speed, giving it power at high speeds and a flat torque characteristic at low speeds, which is hard to believe for a two-stroke engine. This allows for smooth riding from low to high speeds.
The powerful form of the bike, which has the image of a motocrosser, is also lightweight (99kg dry weight) and compact, with a power-to-weight ratio of 5.5kg per horsepower, giving it a powerful ride. It also features a Pro-Link rear suspension, which is popular for its excellent road-following ability, a front air-assisted suspension with Honda's unique fork mechanism, and a 6-speed transmission with a wide gear ratio. While ensuring a road clearance of 285mm, the bike's slim body makes it easy for the rider to reach the ground, and its large seat is designed to provide a free riding position, giving it excellent off-road performance and allowing the rider to enjoy a variety of sporty riding styles, from driving in urban areas to forest road touring.
The sales plan is
The plan is to sell 12,000 units per year in Japan.
Standard cash price is
249,000 yen
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 5,000 yen higher, excluding some remote islands)
Other key features
●The engine is a water-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder, 124cc engine that is powerful yet easy to handle, with a maximum output of 18PS/7500rpm and a maximum torque of 1.7kg-m/7000rpm.
●The radiator is positioned to prevent dirt from getting in from below. It is a lightweight, highly efficient radiator system made of single-core aluminum.
●Square cross-section hollow rear fork made of lightweight, high-rigidity high-tensile steel tubes.
●Large front fender with air intake to improve the radiator's cooling effect.
●Adoption of a foldable shift and brake pedal.
●A fearless meter visor that protects the meter from dirt, sand, etc.
●The speedometer and tachometer are set at an easy-to-read angle, and various indicators are functionally laid out.
●Halogen headlights (35/36.5W) that are effective for night driving.
●The rear fender is reminiscent of a motocross bike, with the taillight set lower.
●The lever uses a newly designed dog-leg type that improves operability.
●Uses a compact 12V, 3A battery.
Main specifications
Model JD05
Total length (m) 2.085
Overall width(m) 0.830
Total height (m) 1.175
Wheelbase(m) 1.350
Minimum ground clearance(m) 0.285
Seat height(m) 0.845
Vehicle weight (kg) 109
Dry weight (kg) 99
Passenger capacity (persons) 2
Fuel economy (km/L) 55 (50km/h steady state test value)
Climbing ability (tanθ) 0.40 (approx. 22 degrees)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.0
Engine type JD05E, water-cooled 2-stroke, piston reed valve, single cylinder
Displacement ( cm3 ) 124
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 56.0×50.6
Compression Ratio 7.5
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 18/7,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 1.7/7,000
Carburetor Type PE60
Starting method Primary Kick
Ignition method Non-contact CDI
Lubrication Method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.8
Fuel tank capacity(L) 9.0
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratio 1st gear 3.090
2nd speed 2.000
3rd speed 1.473
4-speed 1.136
5-speed 0.958
6-speed 0.807
Caster (degrees) 27°30′
Trail (mm) 112
Tire size before 2.75-21-4PR
rear 4.10-18-4PR
Brake Type before Mechanical Leading Trailing
rear Mechanical Leading Trailing
Suspension method before Telescopic
rear Swing arm (Prolink)
Frame Format Semi-double cradle
Thursday, 23 October 2025
Press Release, Jan21st 1986, Limited sale of special edition road sports bike "Honda NS250R" ('85 Champion colour version)
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin limited sales (4,000 units) of the special edition Honda NS250R, a road sports bike popular for its bold style and excellent driving performance, from January 22.
This special edition NS250R comes in Champion Replica colors (Rothmans International colors) to commemorate F. Spencer's victory in both the 500cc and 250cc classes of the 1985 Road Racing World Championships .
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The engine is a two-stroke water-cooled V-twin engine. The frame is an aluminum double cradle frame with square cross-section pipes. The front wheel suspension is an air-assisted suspension with load adjustment, and the rear wheel is a Pro-Link suspension with multi-stage load adjustment, making it a fully equipped high-performance road sports bike.
*Rothmans International is a British tobacco manufacturer that actively supports motor sports activities, mainly in Europe. Since 1985, it has had a sponsorship contract with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), and has supported the Motorcycle World Championships 500/250 and Endurance Championship activities.
Sales Plan 4,000 units (limited edition)
National Standard Cash Price 549,000 yen
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 9,000 yen higher. Other prices exclude some remote islands.)
Main specifications table
Model MC11
Total length (m) 2.005
Overall width (m) 0.720
Overall height (m) 1.125
Wheelbase (m) 1.375
Minimum ground clearance (m) 0.135
Seat height(m) 0.780
Vehicle weight (kg) 161
Dry weight (kg) 144
Passenger capacity (persons) 2
Fuel economy (km/L) 36 (50km/h steady state test value)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.8
Engine type MC11E
Water-cooled, 2-stroke, 90-degree V-twin
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 249
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 56.0×50.6
Compression Ratio 7.0
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 45/9,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 3.6/8,500
Carburetor Type TA06
Starting method Kick Type
Ignition method CDI type magnet ignition
Lubrication method Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.7
Fuel tank capacity(L) 19
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratio 1st gear 2.800
2nd speed 1.800
3rd speed 1.375
4-speed 1.153
5-speed 1.000
6-speed 0.900
Reduction ratio 1st/2nd 2.481/2.800
Caster (degrees) 27°15′
Trail (mm) 100
Tire size before 100/90-16 54S
rear 110/90-17 60S
Brake Type before Hydraulic double disc
rear Hydraulic disc
Suspension method before Telescopic (air-assisted suspension)
rear Swing arm (Prolink)
Frame Format Double Cradle
Press Release, April 25th 1984, Honda releases new road sports bike "NS250F/R" incorporating the latest technology
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will release two types of high-performance road sports bike, the Honda NS250F/R, on May 25th. The bike features a bold style, a newly designed water-cooled, two-stroke, 90-degree V-twin engine (total displacement: 249 cm3 ), and utilizes the latest technology, such as a lightweight cylinder coated with a new material that is resistant to seizure and abrasion, and an electrically operated automatically adjusting torque amplifying exhaust mechanism.
The NS250F/R was developed by incorporating many of the latest advanced technologies acquired from the Honda NS500, the champion racer of the 1983 Road Race World GP500. The major difference between the two types is that the NS250F uses a steel frame, while the NS250R is equipped with an aluminum frame and full fairing.
The engine is lightweight, slim and compact, with a V-shaped narrowing angle of 90 degrees to reduce primary vibration. The NS cylinder is coated with a film of silicon carbide particles dispersed on a nickel base for the inner wall of the cylinder. This has made it possible to realize a lightweight aluminum one-piece cylinder made of the same material as the piston (made of aluminum), which is extremely resistant to seizure and wear.
The automatic adjustment torque amplification exhaust mechanism (ATAC) is also used, which electrically detects the engine speed, automatically changes the exhaust volume, and provides effective exhaust pulsation. This enables high revolutions and high output (maximum output 45PS/9,500rpm, maximum torque 3.6kg-m/8,500rpm).
The body design is based on computer analysis, and uses a double cradle frame (F type is made of steel, R type is made of aluminum) with square cross-section pipes, which is lightweight and highly rigid. The front wheel suspension is equipped with an air-assisted suspension that allows load adjustment, and the rear wheel is equipped with a Prolink suspension that allows multi-stage load adjustment. The front wheel is equipped with a compact brake torque response anti-dive mechanism (TRAC) that reduces the change in body posture when braking, and it exhibits excellent road tracking. The brakes are double front and single rear disc brakes equipped with semi-metal pads and dual piston calipers. The wheels are all aluminum, 16 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear, with boomerang type for the F type and NS Comstar wheels for the R type. In addition , the R type is equipped with a full fairing as standard, making it a fully equipped high-performance road sports bike.
As a result, the 250cc class sports bikes have been enriched to 9 models and 14 types, and can meet the needs of a wider range of customers.
The domestic sales plan is NS250F/R series: 16,000 units planned
The national standard cash price is NS250F 429,000 yen NS250R 539,000 yen
(Prices for Hokkaido and Okinawa are 9,000 yen higher. Other, some remote islands are excluded.)
Other key features
- The carburetor is a compact, slant-type flat valve carburetor that allows for a large main bore (inner diameter of the main body) and provides good responsiveness.
- Uses a small, lightweight, all-aluminum radiator with excellent cooling performance.
- Equipped with a large-capacity 19L fuel tank suitable for long-distance touring.
- Uses high-intensity (60W/55W) halogen headlights (F is round, R is square).
- Equipped with large side covers that are integrated into the rear cowl.
- A front fork spoiler is used to rectify the wind coming from the front. (R)
- A side stand with cover that becomes one with the fairing when riding is used. (R)
- Double horn adopted (F)
- Equipped with rear fork stabilizer. (F)
Main specifications table
NS250F | NS250R
Model MC11
Total length (m) 2.005
Overall width (m) 0.720
Overall height (m) 1.040 | 1.125
Wheelbase (m) 1.375
Minimum ground clearance (m) 0.145 | 0.135
Seat height(m) 0.780
Vehicle weight (kg) 161
Dry weight (kg) 144
Passenger capacity (persons) 2
Fuel economy (km/L) 36 (50km/h steady state test value)
Minimum turning radius (m) 2.8
Engine type MC11E
Water-cooled, 2-stroke, 90-degree V-twin
Total displacement (cm 3 ) 249
Inner diameter x stroke (mm) 56.0×50.6
Compression Ratio 7.0
Maximum power output (PS/rpm) 45/9,500
Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) 3.6/8,500
Carburetor Type TA07 | TA06
Starting method Kick Type
Ignition method CDI type magnet ignition
Lubricated oil type Separate lubrication type
Lubricating oil capacity (L) 1.7
Fuel tank capacity(L) 19
Clutch type Wet type multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type Constant mesh 6-speed return
Gear ratio 1st gear 2.800, 2nd speed 1.800, 3rd speed 1.375, 4-speed 1.153, 5-speed 1.000
, 6-speed 0.900
Reduction ratio 1st/2nd 2.481/2.800
Caster (degrees) 2.7°15′
Trail (mm) 100
Tire size before 100/90-16 54 S - rear 110/90-17 60S
Brake Type front Hydraulic double disc - rear Hydraulic disc
Suspension front Telescopic (air-assisted suspension) - rear Swing arm (Prolink)
Frame Format Double Cradle





























