Honda clones RC211V in new-look NSR500.

Honda has decided to give its various MotoGP entries a uniform look by revising the design of the venerable NSR500 two-stroke to resemble that of the new RC211V.

The Japanese concern has given the older machine a new look front end with the result that two and four-stroke bikes are now hard to tell apart in that area. The most obvious change to the fairing is that it is now a lot more angular - similar to the appearance of the latest Aprilia - with two large air intakes incorporated into the design. The side bodywork has also been altered to protect more of the machine and further improve its aerodynamics, while the tail piece is now longer than on the original NSR500.

Reigning 250cc champion Daijiro Katoh is the only rider to have sampled the new look machine so far, after testing in Spain and Australia before Christmas, and Honda has not yet confirmed whether it will use the revised bodywork when the season starts in a couple of months' time.