ELF Honda Race Bikes

Some vintage video of the Elf 2 500cc Moto GP in action. Along with some Eddy Lawson aboard the Yamaha.

The Elf prototype was among one of the most innovative bikes developed in the Late 70's early 80's.  Designed by André De Cortanze and Daniel Tréma for Elf Petroleum. The engine acts as a true stress member with front and rear suspension attached to the engine cases. The suspension design incorporates what is now Honda's signature pro link single sided rear swingarm while the front end is a single sided, hub center steer, double triangulated design inspired from F1 car geometry.   The original prototype was powered by a Yamaha 750 engine. Soon after the original prototype was constructed,  Honda's F1 program approached Elf with an offer to supply a 1000cc DOHC RSC engine to power it's predecessor the Elf "E" for the 1980 Endurance season.

Check out the selection of Progressive Suspension at DennisKirk.com

By 1983 Honda and Elf had developed a 500cc 3 cylinder platform to compete in the Moto GP series where it was campaigned until 1987.