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 is VIN: 125R2F1257, Engine Number: 125R2E0001257. The seller acquired it from a private party in 2019.
The seller has not ridden this bike during his ownership. There is no odometer but the seller states that the bike has never been ridden.
“This bike is a zero mile NOS bike which originated from a dealership in Chicago. I bought it from a picker who bought the bike at auction from the original dealership who never sold the bike since new..”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, check for spark, confirm the engine turns over freely, replace a petcock o-ring, and re-bond the fuel filler neck.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: High
Transmission Oil Quality: Age unknown
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 Race Bike
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: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 29 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 31 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: No start attempted
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
Front: 2.50-18
Rear: 2.50-18
Notes:
***BIKE IS NOS, and never been run***
*No start attempted
-Race bike: no lights, indicators or horn
-Drive chain is ok, but it’s loose + dirty
-Few cosmetic imperfections:
-Rub mark on LH mid fairing
-Scratches on LH swing arm
-Cracked gel coat LH tail section
-Rub marks on top of tail section
-Light oxidation on fork leg lowers
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Carb service (assuming the service is needed)
-Gerbox oil (due to age)
-Chain service
Modifications:
Honda decals on the fairings.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Dunlop Racing tires which have aged out.
The sale includes a stand.
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 MT125R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
