FREDDIE SPENCER’S 1984 NS500

Freddie Spencer had won the 1983 500cc world title riding the NS500 triple, but lined up for the following season on a brand new V4 NSR500. At the Nurburgring round, he demanded the NS500 back after a spate of problems.

An ex-Marco Lucchinelli machine was hastily dusted off, Spencer took it out and dominated the race. The triple had adequate power and good torque, but Honda had to rely on the talent of Spencer to beat Lawson’s faster Yamaha.

The V4 was used to win the next two races, but after a DNF on it at Assen, Spencer used the three-cylinder again to win at Spa. His title chances disappeared when he crashed in a non-championship race at Laguna Seca and broke a collarbone.

1984 HONDA NS500

Engine

Liquid-cooled, 498cc two-stroke V3. Piston reed valve induction

Power

123bhp @ 11,000rpm

Transmission

Primary drive, dry clutch, six gears, chain-drive

Frame

Steel double cradle

Front suspension

Showa forks with mechanical anti-dive, adjustments for pre-load, rebound and compression damping

Rear suspension

Showa Pro-Link single shock, adjustments for pre-load, rebound damping and compression damping

Tyres

Michelin slicks; 3.5in x 17 front, 5.5in x 17 rear

Brakes

Front: Twin Nissin 4-piston calipers. Rear: Nissin 2-piston caliper

Maximum fuel capacity

18 litres (3.96 gall)

Weight

113kg (249lb