The five motorcycles that will be featured in today’s article have unique histories and features. From rare bikes like the Honda RC166 to motorcycles like the Hesketh V1000, will be discussed today. Each bike has its own place in motorcycle history and many enthusiasts want to have these bikes in their collection.
1. **Honda CX500 Turbo**
The Honda CX500 Turbo was a motorcycle from the 1980s that aimed to capitalize on the turbocharging trend of that era. It was designed to boost the performance of the ordinary CX500 with its V-Twin engine. However, the CX500 itself wasn’t very exciting and didn’t hold much value. The CX500 Turbo didn’t help change that perception and was only in production for a single year in 1982. The CX650 Turbo’s successor also had a short production run the following year. Today, very few licensed CX500 Turbos are combined in the UK and America.
2. **Hesketh V1000**
The Hesketh V1000 was an ambitious project by Lord Alexander Hesketh to establish a new British motorcycle manufacturer. It featured a V-Twin engine developed in-house, providing modest power. Marketed as a luxury sports motorcycle that could revive the British motorcycle industry, the Hesketh V1000 faced engine issues and only 149 units were produced, leading to its ultimate failure.
3. **Norton Manx**
The Norton Manx is a legendary British racing motorcycle that was highly successful for many years. It was a dominant force in Grand Prix racing, even after the introduction of multi-cylinder Italian motorcycles. The Norton Manx provided a level playing field for talented amateur riders to compete against established stars in its heyday. Around 1,100 units were built, and there is still a demand for replica models in the market.
4. **Confederate X132 Hellcat**
The Confederate Hellcat X132 is a unique and futuristic-looking motorcycle designed by Pierre Terblanche. Hand-built and powered by a powerful 2,163cc V-Twin engine, the Hellcat X132 featured extensive use of carbon fiber to keep its weight low. It was produced between 2012 and 2017, with only 65 units ever made, making it a rare and sought-after collector’s item.
5. **Honda RC166**
The Honda RC166 is a highly coveted racing motorcycle from the 1960s. It was an innovative and technologically advanced bike with a six-cylinder, 250cc engine that could rev up to an astounding 18,000rpm. The exhaust note of the RC166 was as impressive as its performance. Only a handful of these bikes were built, and the official Honda race team exclusively used them. Owning an RC166 today is a rare and expensive privilege, with prices reaching millions of dollars if one is ever available for sale.
