Honda

NSR 250 Grand Prix / Luca Cadalora – 1991

Domination

"In Grand Prix racing, the class to watch in recent years has been 250cc, where - unlike the limited field that exists in 500cc racing the races are more spectacular and there has been a wide variety of machines.

Consistent Performer

The current favorite in the 2 50cc class is the Italian Luca Cadalora. World 125cc champion in 1986 riding a Garelli, Cadalora raced in the 250cc class for three years with the Marlboro- Yamaha team and was third in the world championship in 1990 before joining Rothman's-Honda for the 1991 season. After Yamahas were withdrawn from the competition in 1991, the Hondas were untouchable, and Cadalora made the most of the situation with a very consistent performance.

Dramatic Evolution

Like the 500cc machines, 250cc racers have evolved remarkably in recent years. The last of the parallel twins have disappeared from the scene and two-stroke V-twins dominate the field nowadays. Atmospheric intake valves and mechanical exhaust valves are state of the art, as are twin-beam cast aluminum frames with underslung engines, inverted forks, and dog-leg rear suspension forks. Like their 500cc big brothers, the 250s are increasingly cornered in spectacular twowheel slides, with the rider crouched low over the tank, knees - and even elbows - scraping the track!

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 247cc (54x54.5mm) liquid-cooled two stroke V-twin

Power output: over 750 hp

Valves: Atmospheric intake; mechanical exhaust

Fuel system: two 1.5 in carburetors

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox; chain final drive

Suspension: (front) inverted fork; (rear) swinging fork with single shock absorber

Brakes: (front) twin carbon fiber discs; (rear) disc

Wheels: magnesium (front) 3.25x17 in; (rear) 5.00 x 17 in

Weight: under 225 lb.

Maximum speed: over 160 mph

The dynamic duo of 250cc racing is Cadalora and Honda - both dominated the 1991 250cc championship.”