Over on the auction site we got a never-ridden example of a bike that started many a race career!
In 1977, Honda introduced the MT125R: a bike that Cycle World said “is almost a contradiction in terms; a production Grand Prix motorcycle.” They continued, “the MT has to be one of the most rational motorcycles ever built. Honda’s racing and design departments had a nicely defined job. Make a pure racing bike for private owners, using all possible production – there have been enough Elsinores made by now to call the Elsie that – parts.” This enabled a MSRP of just $1,764, which made it viable option for privateer racers – legends like Randy Mamola and Dylan Code used these as their first race bikes.
Developed by Honda Racing Service Center (RSC), the MT125R was essentially an MX engine wrapped in full fiberglass bodywork and fitted with street brakes made up of various components from existing Honda models like the ST90 and CB200. In addition to its brakes, the MT models shared numerous engine parts with its dirt-going counterpart: the CR125M. The 1977 MT125R was powered by an air-cooled 123cc two-stroke single that made a claimed 26 horsepower connected to a wet multi-plate six speed transmission. Interestingly the tachometer on the MT didn’t register a reading until the engine got up to 5,000rpm. From there the revs would go as high as 14,000, making peak power at around 10,000rpm.
This example (VIN: 125R2F1257, Engine Number: 125R2E0001257) has been with the seller since 2019, it originally was distributed to a Honda dealership in Chicago that kept it on display. The seller had us take care of a couple of minor things before listing it but it’s never been fired up so it’ll be interesting to see what the next owner wants to do with it!
Find this MT for sale in Panorama City, California with bidding up to $5,131 with the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
Disclosure: Bike-urious is a partner in Iconic Motorbike Auctions.