Back in the late 1960s, Soichiro Honda famously declared that “Honda will never build a two-stroke motorcycle.” And it’s not without good reason; the Big Red had developed a reputation for reliable, user-friendly four-strokes, so Mr. Honda wanted to avoid the costs and complications that would come about were his company to deviate from its bread and butter.
Lucky for us, his engineers had other plans. After Honda pulled out of GP racing in 1967, the team found themselves wanting for a project. Despite Mr. Honda’s sentiments, they got to work on developing a top secret two-stroke motor and took the resulting prototype to a National race in 1971. Just two years later, the CR250M hit the showroom floors and Honda had won its first U.S. National Championship.
For all of the bike’s promise, it did lag behind as the competition found its footing. Thus, Honda went back to the drawing board and released an all-new 250cc two-stroke dubbed the CR250R Elsinore. Along with a right-side output shaft and a reed-valve intake, it also benefitted from a loud, fire-engine red paint scheme. Basic specs for the CR amounted to 36 hp, 28 lb-ft of torque, and a 234 lb dry weight.
As Cycle World put it in its period review: “The praise could go on all day. Darkness fell before we could feel any fade in the suspension. The staff cowtrailers enjoyed the CR even if they don’t have the skill to use all the power. The experts, our desert racer and professional motocross man, liked the Elsinore as soon as they fired it up. The longer they rode it, the better they liked it.”
This example is VIN: CR250R2108865.
There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
The seller acquired it fourteen years ago as a project to perform a “frame-up restoration” with.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, replace the transmission oil, cleaned the carb, replaced the air filter, and the intake manifold.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum Ok
Forks: Leaking
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: PDC
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC
Tire % Remaining Front: Dry Rot 60%
Tire % Remaining Rear: Dry Rot 40%
Tire Press. Front: 0 Flat
Tire Press. Rear: 0 Flat
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Runs Ok on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Rear Brake Plate is loose
-Both Front and Rear Tires are flat
-Needs new grips they are degraded
-Torn Seat
-Kickstarter does not return
-No Killswitch
Recommendations:
-Front and Rear Tires and Tubes
-Rear brake diagnostic for loose plate
-Seat upholstery
-Repair Kickstarter
Modifications:
Progressive Suspension shocks.
FMF Turbine Core 2 exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Cross Competition M12 tires that have aged out.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any CR250R Elsinore stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
