1977 Honda CR125M Elsinore, Frame no. CR125M-3105998 Engine no. CR125ME-3000754

1977 Honda CR125M Elsinore
Frame no. CR125M-3105998
Engine no. CR125ME-3000754
By the early 1970s, Honda had separated itself from its Japanese competitors and become the world's largest motorcycle company on the strength of its four-stroke engine designs. Yet Honda wanted to be a player in the booming U.S. motocross market, and at the time that meant two-stroke power. First introduced in 1973 under the 'Elsinore' model name (like its 250cc sibling), Honda's CR125 two-stroke moto-crosser remained at the top of the quarter-litre class until the sport's switch to four-strokes. The CR125 debuted in steel-framed form with air-cooled engine, twin-shock rear suspension, 'right-way-up' forks and drum brakes, ending its days in 2008 with a liquid-cooled motor, mono-shock rear suspension, an alloy beam frame, 'upside-downers' and disc stoppers at both ends. The blockbuster Elsinore used by team rider Gary Jones to take the AMA 250 national championship. It was followed a year later by the CR125, on which a young Marty Smith added another title to Honda's growing tally of off-road accomplishments. Showroom sales exploded.

The pace of development in motocross was brutally quick, though, and within two years the CR125's 4 inches or rear suspension travel was looking pretty skimpy. A redesigned chassis with moved-up shocks gave a competitive 7 inches of travel and the CR125 was back in the hunt. A coat of bright Honda Red paint on virtually everything except the motor announced the changes.

This 1977 Elsinore is beautifully restored. A competition-only model, the bike is sold on a bill of sale. It requires the usual safety checks before use.