HONDA NS400R (1984-1985) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1985, Honda launched the NS400R, a street-legal road-oriented machine powered by a two-stroke engine and manufactured by Honda between 1985 and 1987. The NS400R was inspired by the NS500, a 500cc MotoGP machine ridden by Freddie Spencer, also known as the RS500R.

The NS400R was a limited-production machine sold between 1985 and 1988, dating back to 1979. Also, the NS400R was the largest-displacement two-stroke motorcycle ever manufactured by Honda.

The Honda four-stroke World Grand Prix machines lagged behind the competition, while the two-stroke motorcycles led 500cc motocross racing. After internal deliberations, Honda decided to move forward with the two-stroke engine development.

The bike had a double cradle steel frame fitted with an air-assisted fork and an anti-dive system taking care of the front suspension, while on the rear, the suspension was handled by an adjustable Pro-Link shock absorber.

The braking performance was achieved by dual-piston calipers with two 256 mm discs on the front wheel and a 220 mm disc with a two-piston caliper on the rear, offering strong stopping power.

As for power, the 1985 Honda NS400R was fitted with a 387cc two-stroke three-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, boasting 72 hp at 9,500 rpm and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) of torque at 8,000 rpm.

The power from the engine was transferred to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission and a chain drive, giving the bike a top speed of 202 kph (126 mph).