Description
Please note: As this is a project, the bike does not currently run. The seller will be not be providing a cold-start video.
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
In the early 1970s, Honda separated itself from its competitors and became the world’s largest motorcycle company relying on the strength of its four-stroke engines. But in the US, two-stroke motorcycles still ruled, so Honda responded with two-stroke Elsinores in 125cc and 250cc displacements. The 250 Elsinore was immediately used by Honda`s team rider Gary Jones to win the AMA 250 national championship, followed a year later by Marty Smith on the CR125.
For 1975, Honda swapped out the tank stripe and sidecover colors from green to red, which would end up being a sneak preview for the all red model in 1976. Other updates included stronger welds to address previous issues with broken footpegs, stronger rear sprocket bolts, and minor porting changes to tweak the powerband and boost the top-end. The 123cc piston-port motor produced 19 horsepower.
Feeling pressure from Yamaha and Suzuki, 1979 saw the Elsinore’s biggest change to date. The motor output shaft was shifted to the right, the exhaust now swept up and under the seat, and the front wheel changed to 23 inches. In fact, the bike re-design was so dramatic that few of the new parts could interchange with the originals.
This example is VIN: JE012010498. The seller purchased the bike six to seven years ago on eBay and states, “I bought it to restore, things took too long to get done, plus some health issues has caused me to lose interest. Even if I did restore it, I wouldn’t be able to ride it. And, I don’t own bikes I can’t ride. While it’s not running, it really only needs an air filter, oil and fuel and it will run. There is a ton of compression.”
There is no odometer. True mileage unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Newly chromed top end with ceramic coated Wiseco piston. Cylinder head, exhaust port, and piston were all ceramic coated. All new engine gaskets. Bottom end was split and cleaned. New stainless steel front/rear axles and swingarm pivot. Restored foot pegs. New Terry cables. Restored front brake plate with pads. Numerous new nuts and bolts. Needs: Rear shock. Tires. Chain. Rear brake pads. Air filter. Carb needs a cleaning. Forks need maintenance. Currently no transmission oil. Engine should be pressured check.”
Modifications:
PFR expansion chamber and silencer ($550 value).
Terry cables.
Aluminum chain guide. New stainless steel axles and swingarm pivot.
Ceramic coated cylinder head and exhaust port.
Not shown: Ceramic coated Wiseco piston.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler and Motocross tires which have aged out. The seller will include a newer Motocross M15 front tire with the sale.
The bike is kick start, there are no keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Austin, Texas, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Elsinore CR125R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
