Motorcycle Investor mag
Subscribe to our free email news
Beale's big
build book
Honda Six –
recreating a masterpiece
February 26, 2026, by
Guy 'Guido' Allen
Mike Hailwood made the screaming RC174 famous by
winning a world championship with it, back in 1967.
Then, decades later, another Briton built a new batch
Building replicas of famous and valuable factory race
machinery has been a mini industry for the last couple of
decades. However it's mostly been about cars. George Beale out of the UK
turned that idea on its ear when he made 10 replicas of
Honda's legendary RC174 297cc inline six, with factory
support.
Along the way he was wise enough to produce a book that
tracks the entire project, from concept through to the
finished product.
It looks back to the genesis of the Honda RC174,
including Honda's early Isle of Man forays. There is a
wealth of racing tales from the era.
Then it looks to the staggering resources thrown at
accurately recreating the machine, based on a rare
survivor. Along the way we're given an insight
into the failures and victories that are part of such a
complex project.
Several high-profile folk were cut loose on the end
result, which they clearly loved.
Beale's book is in some respects self-indulgent, however
it also tracks a remarkable project. We can recommend it
for anyone who appreciates the incredible technical
challenge and enjoys high production values.
The promo copy gives a taste of what to expect: "This
luxurious 236-page book, containing almost 300
photographs, tells the story of how the Honda Motor
Company authorised George to recreate the iconic
six-cylinder marvel using an original machine from Japan
to draw and re-cast the complex power unit and chassis,
culminating in the most elite classic motorcycle owners'
list in the world.
"The book charts the evolution of Honda racing machines
over their sensational nine-year journey from novices to
all-conquering world champions before their withdrawal
from the sport after their golden era.
"And on the back of this compelling history, George
describes his amazing quest to produce the ultimate
classic replica.
"The book contains interviews with key figures from the
story like Jim Redman, who made history by riding the
first Honda Six, Stuart Graham who partnered Mike Hailwood
on the Six and features company founder Soichiro
Honda's obsession to conquer the two-stroke threat posed
by Yamaha.
"That dream was ultimately delivered by Hailwood and the
book features a gallery and overview of his significant
role in the engineering masterpiece."
Our experience is the chapter structure is user-friendly
and so it's easy to dip in to the book for a brief read,
and come back later for another slice.
There are numerous anecdotes across racing, development
and engineering and, overall, it rates well as an
entertainment.
It's available online, priced at GB£65 plus shipping.
We bought a copy
and can recommend it.
Meanwhile...one of the reproductions topped the January Mecum Las Vegas sale, at a heady Au$475,000 (US$330,000, GB£241,000, €278,000).
-------------------------------------------------
Produced by AllMoto abn 61 400 694 722
Privacy: we do not collect cookies or any other data.
Top banner pic by the talented Stuart Grant!
Archives
Contact