1975 Honda CR125 Elsinore

In Japan, Off-Road by Cas VanderwoudeLeave a Comment

A Honda 2 stroke?

Back in 1973, Honda released their best ever dirt bike – the CR125 Elsinore. Prior to this, Honda dirt bikes were … well … not appreciated. That was about to change very quickly. At 20 HP, 188 LBS wet and sporting a 6 speed transmission, the Elsinores not only handled rather well, they went like the clappers.

The Elsinore had a 4 stroke engine of course – that’s all Honda makes, right? Wrong, it was a 2 stroke. I can’t be sure but I cannot recall Honda making a 2 stroke engine prior to this. Anyways, the 125 (and 250) Elsinores were winners for Honda. They were great motorcycles amidst a sea of mediocrity.

Find this nice example in Kona (Hawai`i) for $2,000. It looks ready to race after a little carb fettling according to the seller. Find it here on Craigslist in Hawai`i. The icing on this cake is that you might have to travel here to pick it up. (The riding season in Hawai`i starts on January 1 and ends December 31 every year)