Description
Additional photos of this 1975 Honda Elsinore CR125M 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.
This example is VIN: CR125ME-2012186. The seller acquired it two years ago from a dealership in Oregon.
There is no odometer, and true mileage is unknown. The seller estimates that it has 20 hours of usage. “Other than just firing it up and riding it around my driveway, I wrote it down the street and back one time.” He adds that there are no known mechanical issues and supplies a cold start video below. “It starts up perfectly and runs through all the gears as it should.”
Per the seller, this is in “original condition, with a few minor exceptions. The left side plate is aftermarket, although I do have the original which is cracked. The side cases were powdercoated because of very slight wear marks, and the exhaust system has a few minor dings on the side but is perfect underneath. I like my bikes as cosmetically perfect as possible so I opted to put a ceramic coating on the pipe. All the frame rails, plastic, fenders, seat, handlebars, chain, sprockets, levers, etc. are all original and look like new.”
Cosmetic Blemishes:
“The tank has a very small crease on the left side only visible at certain angles and the right side has one nick in the tank. I am very particular about the bikes that I purchase, pretty much all of them are in mint condition, whether restored or original.”
“The stickers, paint, and everything else are original from 1975.”
The sale includes the original left sidecover, a spare right side cover, gasket kit, and some miscellaneous spare parts.
Currently located in Renton, Washington, this Honda is offered on a notarized Bill of Sale only. Have any Elsinore stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
