Honda’s history in Grand Prix racing is packed with icons, and the NSR500 sits right near the top. This was the bike that ruled the 500cc class in the '80s and '90s, and it became downright legendary under the hands of Australian rider Mick Doohan. From 1994 to 1998, Doohan absolutely dominated the championship, winning five titles in a row and cementing his place in racing history.
The original NSR500 was a two-stroke V4 monster, brutal and uncompromising, with a powerband that punished anyone who wasn’t razor-sharp on the throttle. These days, you’d be lucky to even see one in person. Most are locked away in private collections or museums. Which is why builds like this one, spotted in Spain, are so interesting.
At first glance, it looks like a real GP bike. But underneath the bodywork is a 1998 Honda VFR800 Fi, a completely different animal. This one’s a four-stroke, fuel-injected V4, known for its gear-driven cams and bulletproof reliability. It makes around 105 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque, and it was one of the most respected sport-touring platforms of its time.
