The Honda RC142 was a sports bike manufactured by Honda in 1959, part of the RC series that included motorcycles with different displacement engines. Also, the RC142 was designed for racing.
The 1959 Honda RC142 featured a lightweight and compact design, optimized for racing purposes, with a tubular steel frame that offered excellent rigidity with the weight maintained on the low side. Also, the bike packed a streamlined fairing and aerodynamic bodywork that reduced drag force and enhanced its overall performance.
As suspension, the bike had a telescopic fork on the front with dual shock absorbers on the rear for precise handling and stability. The RC142 was fitted with both front and back drum units for braking purposes, which were typical for that era.
The Honda RC142 was a successful machine in racing competitions, such as the Isle of Men TT races, where Honda proved their engineering prowess and made the brand a real force in motorcycling racing.
The bike was powered by a 124cc four-stroke twin-cylinder engine with a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) design and a twin-valve setup. The machine was designed for high-performance racing, focusing on power delivery and reliability.
Overall, the 1959 Honda RC142 was a racing machine that contributed to Honda's racing heritage. Its powerful yet small engine, lightweight design, and racing-oriented features impacted the motorcycle racing world during its era.