A rare Honda NSR500VF racing motorcycle, one of only 20 units manufactured by the Japanese brand, is now available for purchase at a price that will make many motorcycle enthusiasts gasp.
This machine, hailing from the golden era of 500cc two-stroke racing, represents a milestone in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history. Known for their brutal power – around 200 horsepower – and featherweight of approximately 120 kg, these bikes were as difficult to ride as they were expensive to build and maintain.
To make competitions more accessible to private teams, Honda developed the VF version of the NSR500, equipped with a V2 engine instead of the more complex V4. Although less powerful (about 40 hp less), the V2 proved competitive under certain circumstances, even being used by Honda’s factory team.
The example in question was purchased new from Padgetts, a specialist in Honda racing motorcycles, and was raced in the United Kingdom between 1997 and 1999. After retiring from the tracks, the bike was preserved as a display piece.
Despite requiring some restoration work to function again, the motorcycle comes with an extensive set of original parts, including Marvic wheels, special HRC tools, sprockets, and internal engine components.
The auction for this rarity has an estimated value between 81,000 and 105,000 euros (70,000 to 90,000 pounds), but given its uniqueness, the final price could surprise even the most optimistic.
For motorcycle racing enthusiasts, this Honda NSR500VF represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of racing history, albeit at a truly exceptional price.