c.1972 Honda CR125M Elsinore Moto-Crosser

c.1972 Honda CR125M Elsinore Moto-Crosser
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. CR125M-3109121
Engine no. None visible
Taking its name from the AMA's famous moto-cross track at Lake Elsinore, California (like its 250cc sibling), Honda's CR125 two-stroke moto-crosser was first introduced in 1973 and would remain at the top of the class until the sport's switch to four-strokes a few years ago. What set the little Honda apart from the opposition was that it was light, powerful, well built and – above all – reliable, virtues that were lacking in much of the opposition. In 1974, a CR125M ridden by Marty Smith won the AMA National Motocross championship, echoing the success of Gary Jones on a factory CR250M in 1973 and adding to the Elsinore's popularity. 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 fame, 'upside-downers', and disc stoppers at both ends. The Elsinore name was dropped after 1982.

The example offered here appears to have been well restored to substantially original condition. There are no documents with this Lot.