MICK DOOHAN’S 1995 NSR500

The second time Doohan won the world 500 championship was on this NSR500. Doohan instantly became attached to the bike and continued his dominance with seven wins, three seconds, two non-finishes and a fourth to wrap up the championship. It was also the year Doohan said racing was boring without Schwantz and Rainey. In a later statement he back-pedalled, though he later repeated that claim.

Even though Doohan was on the best bike out there he still got chased to the championship title by surprise contender Darryl Beattie. But this NSR continued Doohan’s dominance and led the NSR on to what we know it as today.

1995 HONDA NSR500

Engine

Liquid-cooled, 494cc two-stroke V4. 2 x 36mm Keihin carbs. Electronically controlled exhaust valve

Power

180bhp-plus

Transmission

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

Frame

HRC twin-spar aluminium frame with carbon-fibre rear subframe

Front suspension

Showa inverted forks, adjustments

for pre-load, rebound damping and

compression damping

Rear suspension

Showa rear shock with rising-rate linkage, adjustments for pre-load, rebound and compression damping and ride height

Tyres

Michelin slicks; 180/50 x 17 rear, 120/45 x 17 front

Brakes

Front: Twin Brembo 320mm

carbon-fibre discs with 4-piston calipers. Rear: Honda 190mm disc with 2-piston caliper

Fuel tank

22 litres (4.84 gall)

Weight

130kg (286lb)