A fourth world championship in a row forHonda'sMick Doohanwith another dominating performance. He brokeGiacomo Agostini's record for victories in one season with 12 wins.[1]It was also dominating year for Honda with eight of the top ten riders aboard Hondas.[1]TheYamahaandSuzukiteams were in disarray.[1]Kenny Robertsleft Yamaha to start his own venture with a lightweight, three-cylinderModenas.[1]Wayne Rainey'steam was left with the inconsistentNorifumi AbeandSete Gibernau,a rookie.[1]Daryl Beattiewasn't able to come back from head injuries and retired at the end of the year whileAnthony Gobertfailed a drug test and was dismissed by the Suzuki team.[1]The Elf team soldiered on with their Swiss-Auto V4 butApriliadecided to pull their V twin from the 500 class at the end of the year.[1]
Max Biaggihad a harder time defending his title fromTetsuya HaradaandRalf Waldmann,not clinching the title until the last race of the year.[1]A new star emerged from the 125 class withValentino Rossiwinning 11 races for a commanding win on an Aprilia.[1]
As of 2025 it was the last season that only one manufacturer won every race in one season in the premier class to date.