Rob's Review of Brian's Honda RC181 Replica

Rob's Review - Honda RC181 Replica

Here’s a bike we’ve had little physically to do with, our input has only been moral support and occasional advice but it absolutely merits sharing with you. We have followed the trials and tribulations of its creation and its creator with much interest over the 18 months or so it’s taken to build.

It’s a meticulous replica of a 1966/7 Honda RC181 as ridden by a certain Michael Stanley Bailey Hailwood MBE, a 9-time World champion or Mike the Bike as he was commonly known as.

Although the RC181 was more powerful than the all-conquering MV Agusta of Giacomo Agostini, the handling and reliability were no match for the Italian duo. Honda retired from Grand Prix racing in 1967 after failing to win the title. It wasn’t until their return to GP in the 80’s before Freddie Spencer would win their first much coveted 500cc World Championship in 1983.

The man with the inspiration to build this replica is Brian Yeomans, a regular customer and great friend to all at 21 st Moto. 

The project started life as a very tired non-runner CB500 Four. I’ve seen a few Hailwood Honda replicas over the years and admit to being sceptical about what standard to expect. But talking with Brian it soon became apparent that he was “setting the bar” extremely high.

Brian studied every detail and image that Google and many other sources could provide and set to creating his vision.

Brian was the project manager and builder. He also researched and employed the services of many experts in their field to achieve the result he wanted. 

And I’m sure you’ll agree the result is worth all the effort. Brian’s attention to detail is second to none. It justifiably won a best bike award at the recent Canada Heights bike show and I’m sure many more awards are to follow.

See the photos and video below and see what you think!

Brian would like to thank all of the following for their help in making this project a reality.
Aluminium tank and seat unit by Tony Holt at Holtworks. 01621 742059
Paintwork and fabrication Will Alder. 07803 343230
Engine build Mick Sales. 07808156667
Exhaust and fabrication by John Campbell and Dave Redgate at Campbell Custom Exhausts. 07946729990
Poder coating by Curtis at CSP Shot Blasting & Powder Coating 01732 886556
Chrome plating by Darren at Rosey Electro Plating. 07512424818
Wheels by Chris at Willis Wheels. 01992 5223735
Seat upholstery by Lee at Viking Motorcycle Seats. 07977 874075
Polishing by Peter at South Eastern Metal Polishing. 07500 004634
Vapour blasting by Dave at TSR. 01732 462883