@@davidcmcchesney Dealers were selling them really cheap by end of 1976. They were death on the marketplace being so out dated before they were built.....Honda likes to squeeze all it can out of the same design.
Make sure you have a coffee can over your tractors mufflers if they dont have a flapper. Dont want all that rain down them. Just saw while you flew by them.🙂
I bought a new 1976 CR 125 Elsinore and then I also had a 74 CR 250 with the aluminum tank very pretty bike all I can see is you got a jewel for a steal$$
Nope, Gary Jones 2500cc US National Mx Champion three consecutive years on three different manufacturers bikes. The Elsinore he piloted is on display at Honda.
A guy down the street from me had a 70's 250 Elsinore. Was a nice bike and beat most of the kids in the neighborhood. The only guy that beat him constantly had a Montesa 250 and raced NE Ohio circuit motocross & took a couple of championships at 14 years old. His Dad was a machinist and his brother worked for Weisco. Nice unmolested Elsinore, congrats on a great purchase!
Around 1981 I had a 77 Montesa Capra VB250 and my friend had a 76 250 Elsinore. I can confirm he could not keep up with me, especially on the straights. The Montesa had mounds of torque and coming out of a berm it was all I could do to keep the front wheel planted. Still, the Elsinore is a piece of history!
Watch out she don't "kick you back"! I had a '74 Elsinore that kicked back quite hard, and that probably won't be the first time you have to mess with the kicker either, I got so tired of messing with mine all the time I just pop started it, but MAN was that thing a rocketship, and hearing yours brings back memories...
Hahaha, I had a 74 Elsinore with a wisco single ring piston. That thing kicked back like no other. Whap !! I was in 7th grade, about 85 lbs. Bike was super fast and shook it's head, violent full lock, on deceleration in the bumps. Had to get back on the gas to straighten it out. Can't believe that thing didn't kill me. Good times....
My 73 250 Elsinore blew the trans to tiny bits, twice. The first time destroyed the engine completely and totally. The rod broke when the bike popped out of gear WFO and destroyed everything but the ignition and the head. New crate engine time. These things handled like choppers, the front end was kicked way out with a long wheelbase. Now a days they are the best ever.
@@RandomPrecisionMotors I flipped my 74 Elsinore over backwards, twice, in 5th gear.....once when the throttle stuck off a jump, once after smoking hooters with a friend.....destroyed the bike bit by bit......we put it between a telephone pole and a truck, used a come along to straight the rear of the frame.....then I traded it for a 1956 Ford F-100....Major chick magnet truck.
@@bradsanders6954Parallel lives… I had a 75 CR, it’s rusted at the bottom of a deep mine pit… my gPa had a 1955 ford that I wanted to be my first vehicle…. His neighbor wrapped it around a tree one night on a bender… GPa sold him the wreckage and I never got my old f-100 .. Now at 60, I can’t afford them!!!!
At 59 years old you just brought back memories of my youth! If you would have straddled it when starting in garage it would have lit off right away. And you never want to use your arm to turn that over, that's one lesson you don't want to learn. I wanted to taste & smell that blue smoke. Can't beat that low end torque as evidenced by your tracks, Outstanding display of a beautiful machine!
@atothez1931 hi, it was a nice bike I got it new in 83, so I guess it was not a loved bike. The only thing I think was a draw back was that it was 4 speed. Left side kick start. It has good suspension, fast. Not a good trail bike, felt heavy in sand. I was 16 so it was awesome. Lol. I wish I had kept it. Later I got a 83kx 125. And a 86cr125. Loved them. Good and reliable
Rain, snow or shine, Joe's out there finding the goods. Amazing how constantly consistent you are. Thanks for putting in all that time behind the scenes.
What a find and at a great price! Looks so much like a 1975 Yamaha MX175 I had when I was 20. Set it up like an IT175 with larger plastic tank. Plastic front and rear fenders and headlight and brake light. Rode it on several enduros in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. That bike could climb any hill and was very light. Engine never gave me any problems. Loved the video
Ahh Memories, from my youth, the Elsinore is very light weight and has great power, without all of the add on stuff like power valves and liquid cooling, manufactures no longer keep things simple. This was one of your best videos so far, Thank You!
What an awesome find. I'm 58.. That's the bike all the kids wanted to ride and talked about back in the day. Rare as hens teeth now.. Enjoy your new keeper..
My brother who was an engine builder raced motocross and flat track back when the Elsinore came out. They were formidable competitors and very reliable! You have a great find there and your fastidious approach with a new acquisition paid off bigtime! Congrats!
Just bought a 1976 MR250 last week in the UK as a resto project. So looking forward to building it and this video has been brilliant to watch for inspiration. Thank you. Last Honda I owned was a 1983 CR480 when I was 18, 36 years ago. " I love the smell of 2 Stroke in the morning" : Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore
I know they're not in the same class but these old bikes are just so cool looking, though I'm an old guy. I purchased a new DT250 Yama. in 1973 at 19 yrs old ($835 OTD). I still have it. It was modified by the dealer for the woods: removed signal lights; high-rise plastic front fender; fork brace; cleated foot pegs; alloy handle bars; different grips; HD knobby's all around instead of on-road-off-roads.. Competition Green..
I was 18. 1974 DT 250 bought Jan. '75 as a leftover for $950. My first bike. First thing after getting it home was to remove the turn signals and put on the cleated footpegs. Later, Preston Petty fenders, Oury grips, and Cheng Shin full knobbies (they were cheap). Wish I still had it.
I bought the 76 125 brand new still in the shipping crate from our local Honda dealer. I was 13 and I saved every penny I made working for my dad on the weekends and bailing hay and straw for our neighbor who was a dairy farmer on my summer vacation. The dealer was so impressed that I paid 700 dollars cash all on my own that he paid for my first years AMA dues and also my entry fee for my first race at Redbud our local track. That little red bike never did me wrong. All the other 125's were five speeds while the Honda 125 had six which came in handy a few times lol. still wish I had it.Thanks for bringing that 250 back to life, They were the first year Honda started riding RED.
Remember the 10" travel 1976 RM 125 Suzuki? Thats what I bought new once. It was the longest travel best handling 125 on the market. Like a little works bike.
@@steveanthrop8475 glad you cleared that up because I was scratching my memory. I had an 80 Elsinore cr80 with two gas shocks in the back and I think I had an 81 plastic gas tank single shock pro link but it could’ve been an 82.
When you were getting ready to start the bike, my thoughts were “I hope he has ear plugs”! Those Elsinores were some of the noisiest 2-strokes. But they sure made some power! I remember sitting at the starting line, before the MX races, and you could always tell where the Elsinores were! The Yamahas and Suzukis were quieter, but also not as much power. The only hold backs of the Honda was the suspension. Within the mid to late 70’s, the other manufacturers were changing suspension geometry and frame designs. Honda finally caught up by the late 70’s. Awesome bike, Joe! 👍
This one is dear to my heart Joe! I got this bike when I was 13 and it made me feel like I was Marty Smith! It was so beautiful and easy to ride compared to the 73 to 75 model. I added a Terry kit to the forks, Luft shocks, a Turner pipe with a Richter Performance muffler and she was perfect! Try dropping your needle one step and she will pull hard on top!
I sit and watch your channel for hours. Out of all the bikes you've bought this one is the one id want out of all of them. I was born July 4th 1976. This thing would be very sentimental to me but I know I'll never get to own one, I'm way to poor lol Keep up the good work, your the best of the best at what you do.
41:01 I’m sure this sound would make my mom and uncles all very nostalgic as they all rode Hondas of this era and man does it sound crispy. That 2 stroke tinny rasp is perfection.
What an AMAZING find Joe, and for that price, I can't believe it, as if the seller didn't know what he had.. what a historic bike. I'm so glad you got this Elsinore and will save her forever.. So nice!
The second MX bike I ever bought was this when it first came out.. I saved money for two years to go from a modified 125 Hodaka to a 250. I had to get something better looking than the Hodaka, but that chrome domed bike gave me the Bike Bug for Moto Cross. At first I was liking the Yamaha YZ but after I seen a friend with the silver green tank 250 Elsi, I had to get one. It was way more than I expected, to be honest it was scary at first but after a few days cutting track and feeling the groove of how it handled I loved it. I quickly installed a Compression release kit on mine as I was tired of getting my leg hammered by the unpredictable unexpected kick back. Wound up trading it in plus mucho mas dinero for a 1981 Maico 490.. I was at my pinnacle with that bike on the open class. Miss all my bikes, the Elsi was a fun bike at 17 years old with lots of power for a 250.
Bringing back good memories with this episode, @2vintage. My father bought the same bike (minus the silencer) in '76... I can still picture him doing wheelies up and down the street in front of the old house. I finally rode it 7 years later at age 12, grinning from ear to ear. Much of my early teens were spent on the Elsinore. Great handling bike and very reliable.
This is from my time. I had a 77 Suzuki RM 125. Those were great bikes, the Yamaha Yz was also great. I really liked the Honda but I think the YZ was the best of the bunch. But I loved my RM. I never had so much fun as a 16 year old. So much fun.
Man, please never stop making these videos as long as you enjoy making them. I learn something new every time I watch. Thanks for always posting this quality content, we all appreciate it big time.
when I was 17 I had the same 125 cc Honda, I went to the pub and to school with it, public road, that was fun, my good friend had to be on time for an exam, I said "no problem, jump on it", almost had an accident, full throttle on the public road, he was on time .. beautiful machine
Unfortunately, those C clip springs get metal fatigue, and bending them back is only temporary. Eventually, they lose tension again, but if your willing to deal with the relapse, then go for it.
Your spark tester, the way it’s intended to be used, is you’re supposed to put a “known good”, or new spark plug, in the far left hole where it says “normal light”, then up to four plugs you want to test in the other holes, and you compare the sparks as you run the test.
That 76' Elsinore CR250 was the bike everyone wanted!! My neighbor down the street had one and you could hear it every time he fired it up!! Brings you back for sure!! BTW, he barely had it off the truck before the silencer came off. Heh heh
Great find. Thanks for sharing. In my late 50's and started riding in '76 - racing in '78. I don't believe I ever saw one of these. Plenty of RM's, YZ's, Husky, Maico, Bultaco even Kawi's. There were many CR125's though and when the '78 CR250 dropped tons were around.
Good Lord what a beautiful bike. Found another Jem bud. Most definitely put that one in your collection. Been looking for one like that forever myself but every one I have found is to rough for me. Or over priced. Absolutely beautiful thank you for the video!
You know Joe, with all of the equipment you have on the Land now, you could create for yourself a test track for all of the test runs you take with your bikes.. like a loop course and /or a woodlands course. just a thought. thanks for the great content.
I found your channel today. Great content so far! I was given an all original 1986 CR125 last week with the engine torn down in a box. The bike was parked near a wood stove In 1989 where the base gasket dried out and leaked coolant into the case trashing the bottom end. It has sat in my cousins shed since as a home for thousands of generations of mice. I am now debating on whether to restore this bike. Your channel is starting to give me the ambition to take it on. I've done a lot of motorcycle repairs over the years but never a job this big and old.
When cold, shift earlier keeping the revs lower. Speed shift. I cringed every time you kick started it. Push start until you get your replacement parts. Replace the kick starter gear since you have a couple of attenuated teeth. Nice bike for sure. Another successful endeavor.
I bought a 1976 Honda Trail 90 from my neighbor in 2009. I fixed it up and rode it for a couple years. I had to cobble the electrical together, but it worked. I'm 6'4" so I looked ridiculous on it, but man it was a fun little bike. I eventually sold it to my dad to use at his cabin in MT. That Elsinore is a gem, nice find!
That bike reminds me of my 75 Husqvarna. Loved that bike, but if you rode it all day, you felt it in every bone of your body. A guy, me and my brother went to church with, gave it to us, as payment for helping him move. He had 3 of them, that he used to race. Bike was ridiculous. I remember thinking the back sprocket was the biggest I had ever seen. Me and my brother rode the wheels off that thing, up until some guy ran into the side of it with his 3 wheeler, and broke the shift shaft. That was back before the Internet days, and we never could find another shaft for it. We tried having it welded but it never lasted . Wish I had that bike now.... Lol
Nice, I had one back in the day, only it was silver. See if you can find a Bultaco 250cc dirt bike, they were pretty nice way back when. Rather than blowing your leg out trying to start these stubborn bikes, concider using your cordless drill to turn them over, it works great.
What a find! I've been riding for 50 years and still enjoy your videos. I remember when these came out.....was riding an MXB400 Yamaha....my "learner" bike. A heck of a bike to learn on! I rode both one these Hondas that year and a YZ125.....both has a bunch on top as I remember.
I have been riding since I was five years old. My fourth bike was this Honda CR but a 125. I was completely two-stroke addicted. Great bike beautiful 250
High school friend acquired a 1973 Elsinore in our senior year of '82. It was absolutely Mint! Looked like it hadn't ever been rode on. It was such a beast!
Wow, that is one sharp looking bike! Seems like a really good deal! To be the same age as I am, Ill be 48 on the 24th of this month, I wish I was in as good of condition as that bike
Had a MT 250 Elsinore in 1977, street legal. Had oil injection and paid $700 for it with 300 miles on it. Great bike and I did race it. When I blew a piston, I replaced key engine parts with CR stuff and added Testors model airplane fuel to the oil tank to get a little extra oomph out it.
I had the 1975 CR125M Honda Elsinore in Silver and Black paint tone. Powerful fast dirt bike and Honda made a quality motorcycle that is still treasured to this day. Nice flashback to my early teenage years riding freely without a care in the world. 😊
That's awesome Joe! Love the video and would like to see more bikes from the 60s and the 70s. I think I have the same problem with the kick start. Immense thanks for explaining the issue with it! Watching all your videos from about a year ago. Love the procedure you do for finding the issues. Thanks a lot for that! Last year I bought a '74 Honda MT125 Elsinore for $800 from a guy close to Joliet, IL. MT125/250 is the enduro version of CR with lights and turn signals (mine are missing) and a bit detuned engine. The bike runs when bump started, but a lot of things are missing including the entire electric system. I bought some parts from ebay though, like speedo and tacho meters + new battery, bar handles etc. You may try running NGK B9ES spark plug instead of BR9ES. R means it has a 5K ohm resistor which adds additional resistance and usually is not needed for vintage bikes.
I am 61 years old I had 2 Elsinores in my teens both 125`s A 1976 and a 1978, I had no idea they were worth that kind of money, but my favorite was my 1979 CR 125, the suspension on the rear was night and day, I believe it was 12 or 13 inches of clearence on the shocks.
Those were fantastic bikes. Good find. It has been well taken care of. You gotta sell some bikes or get a bigger shop. You are about out of room to work there Joe!!
I was 14 years old in 1976 when this bike came out and I wanted one badly. I did get lucky enough to ride one though Good buddy had one. Have a good one Joe Nice pickup buddy
What a great 2-stroke bark that thing has! You are right, they are about the same loudness with or without the little muffler that came with them. Music to my ears.
I rode the '75 125 Elsinore back in the late 1970's. Added a radial head, up pipe and put in a 30mm Mikuni carb. A GREAT bike...wish I still had it. Great video by the way...brings back memories!
I have a 1974 Kawasaki 250, makes me want to get it started and tear up some dirt. Ill probably sell it because im pushing 80, just too old to break anything...lol... Great job as always Joe ..
A 76 Honda Elsinore!!! Wow one of Hondas Holy Grails. Such a beautiful bike. That nostalgic sound. That bike in that condition is a perfect addition to your collection. Love the content. Looking forward to next video
Actually, by 1976, Honda CR250's were outclassed by Yamaha and Suzuki. Even Husky and Penton/KTM. Crappy suspension, brakes and power compared to those competitors. Not rare at all.
That looks suspiciously in great condition from 1976! The seat doesn't never have a rip if it has not been replaced. Great bike such an icon for that period. Steve McQueen is a legend and this bike has probably done the most to bring MX to into the mainstream in the beginning than any other bike. Great find. Keep it foreverbits in great hands 👐!
Dang! I had the exact same bike when I was in high school…ended up selling it so I could buy car….dumbest thing I ever did….well not the dumbest…😅 Sweet video…brings back memories!
I started working for a Honda dealer in '77', we had several brand new units on the floor, on sale for a bargain. This bike was not competitive in the class, 76 on. But the gear box was hugely improved and a direct install in early cases.
This brings back a lot of memories. I bought the exact same bike in 1977. I was 16 years old at the time. It was the owner of our local Honda dealerships personal bike. He only rode it three times. He was going to desert race it but changed his mind so he sold it to me... I took the silencer off for a couple days and put it back on. We rode at least 3-4 hours every day, so it didn't take long for the noise to get old. Honestly, it really didn't affect the power very much putting it back on, and it was a lot more enjoyable to ride..
I do some puttering on these once in while but I NEVER see the deals here in Maine like you get but this tool and I’m sure you know this watching you take off that side cover reminded me the BEST tool I have ever bought in my life is an impact driver. Not the air powered one but the one you hit with a hammer. Since owning that I have NEVER not been able to get any bolt out. They can be 95% stripped and not once has that thing ever slipped anyways I love your channel but I think you gotta cut back on the 45 second or longer commercials waaay to long I have actually left videos because of this but again nice bike 😎🤟🏻
Cool bike! Back in the 1980's my cousin had a 175 Elsinore and my friend purchased a brand new 1976 CR125 Elsinore in 1984. They were rippin' bikes! I had a 1980 XR200 and had to replace the kickstart gear about 3 times over 2 years & it was not easy. You have to take the motor out of the frame & take all the gears out to get to it.
This is not just a bike, it's a piece of history.
I remember those days !!
@@jwfinley7808 Me too brother. I was 13 years old when this came out....
I was 15 years old and remember it well. Take care of it and treat it well.
We gotta see a dyno run, this thing BARKS :)
also when a dirt buke seat was comfortable. My KLX250 seat burns my but after about an hour...I could ride my 79 CR125 all day no problem.
I got this bike for my 15th birthday. I rode the heck out of her for 36 years 4 rebuilds, years of fun. Sold it for 11,000.00. best bday gift ever.
seriously the best birthday gift ever the gift just kept on giving
How much was it new ? $2200 ?
@@davidcmcchesney Dealers were selling them really cheap by end of 1976. They were death on the marketplace being so out dated before they were built.....Honda likes to squeeze all it can out of the same design.
@@davidcmcchesney We paid 1100 for a new 250 Elsinore in 1974. 76 couldnt have been that much more.
@@davidcmcchesney
As a reference 1979 CR250R'S were going for around $1850 in 1979.
You know its good when you stand out in the rain to do a walk around! Thanks for helping us relive our youth
Dang it Joe, I gotta go to work in 10 minutes! You do this to me every time 🤣 we’ll continue this at 5.
Me too,,I'll bring the tasty cold beverages
Just watch at work like the rest of us 😂
Well I'll watch it for ya...
Take the day off, I’ll ok it with your boss. Grab a 6 pack on the way home.
I know right the new vids pop up and yank your shirt sleeve lmaoooo
Make sure you have a coffee can over your tractors mufflers if they dont have a flapper. Dont want all that rain down them. Just saw while you flew by them.🙂
I bought a new 1976 CR 125 Elsinore and then I also had a 74 CR 250 with the aluminum tank very pretty bike all I can see is you got a jewel for a steal$$
Did you pay more than 2200$ for your bike in 1976 ?
@@elvis4182 he paid about half that for these 70s Elsinores.
@@MarkAlan-no7mb Yeah, before Bidenflation turned the US$ into toilet paper!
1970s Japanese air cooled scramblers were things of beauty, what a keeper.
This is a real 2 VINTAGE bike!!!! Love it!!!
1973 Gary Jones , motocross champion on a Honda Elsinore 250. Looks fast as heckle just sitting there.
You talking gary jones from picayune ms ?
Heckle?
Nope, Gary Jones 2500cc US National Mx Champion three consecutive years on three different manufacturers bikes. The Elsinore he piloted is on display at Honda.
A guy down the street from me had a 70's 250 Elsinore. Was a nice bike and beat most of the kids in the neighborhood. The only guy that beat him constantly had a Montesa 250 and raced NE Ohio circuit motocross & took a couple of championships at 14 years old. His Dad was a machinist and his brother worked for Weisco.
Nice unmolested Elsinore, congrats on a great purchase!
Cool 😎
Around 1981 I had a 77 Montesa Capra VB250 and my friend had a 76 250 Elsinore. I can confirm he could not keep up with me, especially on the straights. The Montesa had mounds of torque and coming out of a berm it was all I could do to keep the front wheel planted. Still, the Elsinore is a piece of history!
Watch out she don't "kick you back"! I had a '74 Elsinore that kicked back quite hard, and that probably won't be the first time you have to mess with the kicker either, I got so tired of messing with mine all the time I just pop started it, but MAN was that thing a rocketship, and hearing yours brings back memories...
Hahaha, I had a 74 Elsinore with a wisco single ring piston. That thing kicked back like no other. Whap !! I was in 7th grade, about 85 lbs. Bike was super fast and shook it's head, violent full lock, on deceleration in the bumps. Had to get back on the gas to straighten it out. Can't believe that thing didn't kill me. Good times....
My 73 250 Elsinore blew the trans to tiny bits, twice. The first time destroyed the engine completely and totally. The rod broke when the bike popped out of gear WFO and destroyed everything but the ignition and the head. New crate engine time.
These things handled like choppers, the front end was kicked way out with a long wheelbase.
Now a days they are the best ever.
@@bradsanders6954 did notice a distinct headshake at speed with my '74, but at the same time I was always lookin' for a 6th Gear that wasn't there...
@@RandomPrecisionMotors I flipped my 74 Elsinore over backwards, twice, in 5th gear.....once when the throttle stuck off a jump, once after smoking hooters with a friend.....destroyed the bike bit by bit......we put it between a telephone pole and a truck, used a come along to straight the rear of the frame.....then I traded it for a 1956 Ford F-100....Major chick magnet truck.
@@bradsanders6954Parallel lives… I had a 75 CR, it’s rusted at the bottom of a deep mine pit… my gPa had a 1955 ford that I wanted to be my first vehicle…. His neighbor wrapped it around a tree one night on a bender… GPa sold him the wreckage and I never got my old f-100 ..
Now at 60, I can’t afford them!!!!
Man, I remember when these came out. They were rippers and everyone wanted one. Great find.
At 59 years old you just brought back memories of my youth! If you would have straddled it when starting in garage it would have lit off right away. And you never want to use your arm to turn that over, that's one lesson you don't want to learn. I wanted to taste & smell that blue smoke. Can't beat that low end torque as evidenced by your tracks, Outstanding display of a beautiful machine!
Who needs a garden tiller when you have one of these bikes, awesome!
By far the most bad ass bike you've done to date. Those things are awesome. I remember seeing them as a little kid.
I had a 1976 125. I was 14 back in 1981 it was a great bike. I beat on it for 2 yrs, then bought a 1980 cr 450. Those were great memories
how was the cr450? always heard they was not good bikes. i have an 83 cr480 im currently restoring.
@atothez1931 hi, it was a nice bike I got it new in 83, so I guess it was not a loved bike. The only thing I think was a draw back was that it was 4 speed. Left side kick start.
It has good suspension, fast.
Not a good trail bike, felt heavy in sand. I was 16 so it was awesome. Lol. I wish I had kept it. Later I got a 83kx 125. And a 86cr125. Loved them. Good and reliable
There was no 450 in 1980 ,it was an 81
@nomasker1360 Yeah, not sure why I was thinking 1980, yes 81 only year.
That initial fire sounded like a machine gun. Nice find man.
Rain, snow or shine, Joe's out there finding the goods. Amazing how constantly consistent you are. Thanks for putting in all that time behind the scenes.
I owned a 1976 Mr 250 Elsinore in 1979 one of the best enduro’s Honda ever built I miss that bike I added a super trap exhaust
Nice I had one as well in the late 99's early 2000's
I had a 1976 MT 250 Elsinore in 1987, i kept it for a few years and sold it, I wish I still had that bike.
Supertrapp! I haven't heard that for quite a while.
I had a 76 mr 250 also,I loved that bike
I had 2 MR's ,, 175 & 250 ,, both were great woods bikes but very heavy bikes
What a find and at a great price! Looks so much like a 1975 Yamaha MX175 I had when I was 20. Set it up like an IT175 with larger plastic tank. Plastic front and rear fenders and headlight and brake light. Rode it on several enduros in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. That bike could climb any hill and was very light. Engine never gave me any problems. Loved the video
I can tell you really love this bike. You stand out in the rain for a long time just talking about it. Respect!
Yes get it outta the rain ,sheesh!🤷🤔🤔👁👁👁😬😬
@@craigmorgan4676 Yep, I was thinking the same thing the whole time.
wow had one back in the 70's, a real time capsule.
I remember as a kid we would say "The Elsinore can climb a tree!" nothing touched these bikes back in the day.
The Bultaco's would out hill climb that Honda all the livelong day
@@MichaelLyons-h4i yeah, for one year maybe
Ahh Memories, from my youth, the Elsinore is very light weight and has great power, without all of the add on stuff like power valves and liquid cooling, manufactures no longer keep things simple. This was one of your best videos so far, Thank You!
Beautiful classic Honda! Not sure if you noticed but you vacuumed up the builder of that mouse nest right at the end 😀
Memory overload! I remember bikes sounding like that all over the fields back in the 70s and 80s.
Great find ! A bike from my era. I remember the Cycle magazine had the 2 red factory race Elsinores on the cover when they first came out.
What an awesome find. I'm 58.. That's the bike all the kids wanted to ride and talked about back in the day. Rare as hens teeth now.. Enjoy your new keeper..
My brother who was an engine builder raced motocross and flat track back when the Elsinore came out. They were formidable competitors and very reliable! You have a great find there and your fastidious approach with a new acquisition paid off bigtime! Congrats!
Just bought a 1976 MR250 last week in the UK as a resto project.
So looking forward to building it and this video has been brilliant to watch for inspiration. Thank you.
Last Honda I owned was a 1983 CR480 when I was 18, 36 years ago.
" I love the smell of 2 Stroke in the morning" : Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore
I know they're not in the same class but these old bikes are just so cool looking, though I'm an old guy. I purchased a new DT250 Yama. in 1973 at 19 yrs old ($835 OTD). I still have it. It was modified by the dealer for the woods: removed signal lights; high-rise plastic front fender; fork brace; cleated foot pegs; alloy handle bars; different grips; HD knobby's all around instead of on-road-off-roads.. Competition Green..
Dt250 absolutely AWESOME bikes 🤠🤟
I was 18. 1974 DT 250 bought Jan. '75 as a leftover for $950. My first bike. First thing after getting it home was to remove the turn signals and put on the cleated footpegs. Later, Preston Petty fenders, Oury grips, and Cheng Shin full knobbies (they were cheap). Wish I still had it.
I bought the 76 125 brand new still in the shipping crate from our local Honda dealer. I was 13 and I saved every penny I made working for my dad on the weekends and bailing hay and straw for our neighbor who was a dairy farmer on my summer vacation. The dealer was so impressed that I paid 700 dollars cash all on my own that he paid for my first years AMA dues and also my entry fee for my first race at Redbud our local track. That little red bike never did me wrong. All the other 125's were five speeds while the Honda 125 had six which came in handy a few times lol. still wish I had it.Thanks for bringing that 250 back to life, They were the first year Honda started riding RED.
Remember the 10" travel 1976 RM 125 Suzuki? Thats what I bought new once.
It was the longest travel best handling 125 on the market. Like a little works bike.
Wow! Out of all the bikes you have this one is by far the best, what a find, a true jem! The Sound is amazing. I assume this is a keeper.
I can honestly say this is the first video I’ve watched where I have been genuinely excited to see you take a bike for a test rip
Got a semi running 77 cr80 Elsinore out back of shop. Gonna do full resto on it this summer
Those bikes are great, they sound amazing to.
They didn't make the CR80 until 1980.
@@steveanthrop8475 You are spot on. 1980 first year CR80. Why do people just make stuff up on here? Unreal.
@@steveanthrop8475 glad you cleared that up because I was scratching my memory. I had an 80 Elsinore cr80 with two gas shocks in the back and I think I had an 81 plastic gas tank single shock pro link but it could’ve been an 82.
When you were getting ready to start the bike, my thoughts were “I hope he has ear plugs”! Those Elsinores were some of the noisiest 2-strokes. But they sure made some power! I remember sitting at the starting line, before the MX races, and you could always tell where the Elsinores were! The Yamahas and Suzukis were quieter, but also not as much power. The only hold backs of the Honda was the suspension. Within the mid to late 70’s, the other manufacturers were changing suspension geometry and frame designs. Honda finally caught up by the late 70’s.
Awesome bike, Joe! 👍
This one is dear to my heart Joe! I got this bike when I was 13 and it made me feel like I was Marty Smith! It was so beautiful and easy to ride compared to the 73 to 75 model. I added a Terry kit to the forks, Luft shocks, a Turner pipe with a Richter Performance muffler and she was perfect! Try dropping your needle one step and she will pull hard on top!
I sit and watch your channel for hours. Out of all the bikes you've bought this one is the one id want out of all of them. I was born July 4th 1976. This thing would be very sentimental to me but I know I'll never get to own one, I'm way to poor lol Keep up the good work, your the best of the best at what you do.
I like how you clean up , repair and reuse as much as you can.
41:01 I’m sure this sound would make my mom and uncles all very nostalgic as they all rode Hondas of this era and man does it sound crispy. That 2 stroke tinny rasp is perfection.
Best sounding bike you've ever had! Aside from needing to be tuned a little bit better...
What an AMAZING find Joe, and for that price, I can't believe it, as if the seller didn't know what he had.. what a historic bike. I'm so glad you got this Elsinore and will save her forever.. So nice!
The second MX bike I ever bought was this when it first came out..
I saved money for two years to go from a modified 125 Hodaka to a 250.
I had to get something better looking than the Hodaka, but that chrome domed bike gave me the Bike Bug for Moto Cross.
At first I was liking the Yamaha YZ but after I seen a friend with the silver green tank 250 Elsi, I had to get one.
It was way more than I expected, to be honest it was scary at first but after a few days cutting track and feeling the groove of how it handled I loved it.
I quickly installed a Compression release kit on mine as I was tired of getting my leg hammered by the unpredictable unexpected kick back.
Wound up trading it in plus mucho mas dinero for a 1981 Maico 490..
I was at my pinnacle with that bike on the open class.
Miss all my bikes, the Elsi was a fun bike at 17 years old with lots of power for a 250.
Bringing back good memories with this episode, @2vintage. My father bought the same bike (minus the silencer) in '76... I can still picture him doing wheelies up and down the street in front of the old house. I finally rode it 7 years later at age 12, grinning from ear to ear. Much of my early teens were spent on the Elsinore. Great handling bike and very reliable.
This is from my time. I had a 77 Suzuki RM 125. Those were great bikes, the Yamaha Yz was also great. I really liked the Honda but I think the YZ was the best of the bunch. But I loved my RM. I never had so much fun as a 16 year old. So much fun.
Man, please never stop making these videos as long as you enjoy making them.
I learn something new every time I watch.
Thanks for always posting this quality content, we all appreciate it big time.
Hearing it run put a smile on my face
when I was 17 I had the same 125 cc Honda, I went to the pub and to school with it, public road, that was fun, my good friend had to be on time for an exam, I said "no problem, jump on it", almost had an accident, full throttle on the public road, he was on time .. beautiful machine
Unfortunately, those C clip springs get metal fatigue, and bending them back is only temporary. Eventually, they lose tension again, but if your willing to deal with the relapse, then go for it.
Thank You for getting that bike. I had the 77 model and you brought back a lot of great memories.
If you actually DID have one, please share a photo. Honda never made a 1977 CR250 model. Went from 1976 to 1978. Skipped 1977.
@@MSH_361 I apologize, mine was actually a 1975 with red stripe on top of the fuel tank
I was a 13 yr old kid in 76 and this was thee bike as i rode my 76 XR75 pretending it was an ELSIE . The old bike are real beauties !!
That bike brings back so many great memories, ripping across the ridge and furrow feilds.
Your spark tester, the way it’s intended to be used, is you’re supposed to put a “known good”, or new spark plug, in the far left hole where it says “normal light”, then up to four plugs you want to test in the other holes, and you compare the sparks as you run the test.
He runs the plug up to 4500 and if it glitches a sec he says welp. Bad plug hahaha.
Just buy a new plug for every vehicle. How hard is it😊
That 76' Elsinore CR250 was the bike everyone wanted!! My neighbor down the street had one and you could hear it every time he fired it up!! Brings you back for sure!!
BTW, he barely had it off the truck before the silencer came off. Heh heh
You know how many guys are drooling over that bike right now 🤤
Great find. Thanks for sharing. In my late 50's and started riding in '76 - racing in '78. I don't believe I ever saw one of these. Plenty of RM's, YZ's, Husky, Maico, Bultaco even Kawi's. There were many CR125's though and when the '78 CR250 dropped tons were around.
Good Lord what a beautiful bike. Found another Jem bud. Most definitely put that one in your collection. Been looking for one like that forever myself but every one I have found is to rough for me. Or over priced. Absolutely beautiful thank you for the video!
You know Joe, with all of the equipment you have on the Land now, you could create for yourself a test track for all of the test runs you take with your bikes.. like a loop course and /or a woodlands course. just a thought. thanks for the great content.
Well crap… was just getting ready to leave the house and now I’m going to be 51:09 minutes late. 😊
I found your channel today. Great content so far! I was given an all original 1986 CR125 last week with the engine torn down in a box. The bike was parked near a wood stove In 1989 where the base gasket dried out and leaked coolant into the case trashing the bottom end. It has sat in my cousins shed since as a home for thousands of generations of mice. I am now debating on whether to restore this bike. Your channel is starting to give me the ambition to take it on. I've done a lot of motorcycle repairs over the years but never a job this big and old.
When cold, shift earlier keeping the revs lower. Speed shift. I cringed every time you kick started it. Push start until you get your replacement parts. Replace the kick starter gear since you have a couple of attenuated teeth. Nice bike for sure. Another successful endeavor.
I googled this bike and looks correct except shocks,some graphics and many were indeed missing the silencer. Great find Joe.
Nice find Joe! I owned a 1976 Honda 125 Elsinore. Also bought a 1985 Honda CR500 new. That thing was a beast.
I bet that 500 was a handful
The '85 Honda CR 500 was the most brutal big-bore Honda ever built. From '86 on, they were trying to de-tune them to make them more rideable.
Nice find. I had a 76 CR250 in the early 2000s. got a lot of looks when I used to ride it back then. Sold it for $800 a few years later.
Oh man how I miss that sound! Makes me happy and sad at the same damn time😅😢
I hear you. Knowing how great it was and never being able to go back and do it again damn near brings a tear to my eye every time.
I bought a 1976 Honda Trail 90 from my neighbor in 2009. I fixed it up and rode it for a couple years. I had to cobble the electrical together, but it worked. I'm 6'4" so I looked ridiculous on it, but man it was a fun little bike. I eventually sold it to my dad to use at his cabin in MT. That Elsinore is a gem, nice find!
That bike reminds me of my 75 Husqvarna. Loved that bike, but if you rode it all day, you felt it in every bone of your body. A guy, me and my brother went to church with, gave it to us, as payment for helping him move. He had 3 of them, that he used to race. Bike was ridiculous. I remember thinking the back sprocket was the biggest I had ever seen. Me and my brother rode the wheels off that thing, up until some guy ran into the side of it with his 3 wheeler, and broke the shift shaft. That was back before the Internet days, and we never could find another shaft for it. We tried having it welded but it never lasted . Wish I had that bike now.... Lol
Nice, I had one back in the day, only it was silver. See if you can find a Bultaco 250cc dirt bike, they were pretty nice way back when.
Rather than blowing your leg out trying to start these stubborn bikes, concider using your cordless drill to turn them over, it works great.
What a cool old bike. The guy must have looped and scared himself on it and parked it for a long time.
What a find! I've been riding for 50 years and still enjoy your videos. I remember when these came out.....was riding an MXB400 Yamaha....my "learner" bike. A heck of a bike to learn on! I rode both one these Hondas that year and a YZ125.....both has a bunch on top as I remember.
"Just a couple scratches on the tank" And missed the big dent next to the scratches completely lol.
Steering stop on frame is broke forks hit the tank and dented
This whole channel’s premise is fake
I noticed that, too. Joe's a positive thinker. 🤣
Oh no! A 50 year old bike has a dent! It's ruined completely!🙄😂
@@stephenrasmussen8160 dents on tank no big deal u goin have them . broking steering stops will but u down hard
each time i watch more videos i notice your workmanship and finesse get better and better.this is my dream bike you are working on right there.
I may have a silencer still from when I took mine off, it would be in a pile though... 1500$ you say.. hmmm... I might have to go looking for it.
Little tip starting 2 strokes lean over till gas comes out overflow will fire up within a couple kicks usually always
Had a 1976 125 Elsinore with a performance pipe in the 70s and that crackle sound was superb. Brings back memories, thanks for sharing.
I have been riding since I was five years old. My fourth bike was this Honda CR but a 125. I was completely two-stroke addicted. Great bike beautiful 250
High school friend acquired a 1973 Elsinore in our senior year of '82. It was absolutely Mint! Looked like it hadn't ever been rode on. It was such a beast!
Those were beast back then, that one is a beast now. Didn't use silencers back then. Loved the loud sounds. The start line at a race sounded awesome.
Wow, that is one sharp looking bike! Seems like a really good deal! To be the same age as I am, Ill be 48 on the 24th of this month, I wish I was in as good of condition as that bike
Had a MT 250 Elsinore in 1977, street legal. Had oil injection and paid $700 for it with 300 miles on it. Great bike and I did race it. When I blew a piston, I replaced key engine parts with CR stuff and added Testors model airplane fuel to the oil tank to get a little extra oomph out it.
Testors made plastic models and glue, not performance fuel.
@@bradsanders6954 for radio controlled planes. Still have a bottle
I was 11 om 76 and remeber a neighbour had a simlar bike, this is a beauty
Thanks for sharing
I had the 1975 CR125M Honda Elsinore in Silver and Black paint tone.
Powerful fast dirt bike and Honda made a quality motorcycle that is still treasured to this day. Nice flashback to my early teenage years riding freely without a care in the world. 😊
That's awesome Joe! Love the video and would like to see more bikes from the 60s and the 70s.
I think I have the same problem with the kick start. Immense thanks for explaining the issue with it! Watching all your videos from about a year ago. Love the procedure you do for finding the issues. Thanks a lot for that!
Last year I bought a '74 Honda MT125 Elsinore for $800 from a guy close to Joliet, IL. MT125/250 is the enduro version of CR with lights and turn signals (mine are missing) and a bit detuned engine. The bike runs when bump started, but a lot of things are missing including the entire electric system. I bought some parts from ebay though, like speedo and tacho meters + new battery, bar handles etc.
You may try running NGK B9ES spark plug instead of BR9ES. R means it has a 5K ohm resistor which adds additional resistance and usually is not needed for vintage bikes.
I am 61 years old I had 2 Elsinores in my teens both 125`s A 1976 and a 1978, I had no idea they were worth that kind of money, but my favorite was my 1979 CR 125, the suspension on the rear was night and day, I believe it was 12 or 13 inches of clearence on the shocks.
Those were fantastic bikes.
Good find. It has been well taken care of.
You gotta sell some bikes or get a bigger shop.
You are about out of room to work there Joe!!
I was 14 years old in 1976 when this bike came out and I wanted one badly. I did get lucky enough to ride one though Good buddy had one. Have a good one Joe Nice pickup buddy
What a great 2-stroke bark that thing has! You are right, they are about the same loudness with or without the little muffler that came with them. Music to my ears.
I rode the '75 125 Elsinore back in the late 1970's. Added a radial head, up pipe and put in a 30mm Mikuni carb. A GREAT bike...wish I still had it. Great video by the way...brings back memories!
I have a 1974 Kawasaki 250, makes me want to get it started and tear up some dirt. Ill probably sell it because im pushing 80, just too old to break anything...lol...
Great job as always Joe ..
A 76 Honda Elsinore!!! Wow one of Hondas Holy Grails. Such a beautiful bike. That nostalgic sound. That bike in that condition is a perfect addition to your collection. Love the content. Looking forward to next video
Actually, by 1976, Honda CR250's were outclassed by Yamaha and Suzuki. Even Husky and Penton/KTM. Crappy suspension, brakes and power compared to those competitors. Not rare at all.
That looks suspiciously in great condition from 1976! The seat doesn't never have a rip if it has not been replaced. Great bike such an icon for that period. Steve McQueen is a legend and this bike has probably done the most to bring MX to into the mainstream in the beginning than any other bike. Great find. Keep it foreverbits in great hands 👐!
Dang! I had the exact same bike when I was in high school…ended up selling it so I could buy car….dumbest thing I ever did….well not the dumbest…😅
Sweet video…brings back memories!
I started working for a Honda dealer in '77', we had several brand new units on the floor, on sale for a bargain. This bike was not competitive in the class, 76 on. But the gear box was hugely improved and a direct install in early cases.
Interesting. I have owned several bikes but I never stopped to think how the kickstart works. 👍
I had a 1979 Elsinore 125. Paid $300 for it back in 1992. You'll never experience a powerband in any dirt bike like an Elsinore. Fun (killer) bikes!
man this brings back memories I was a 15 and a freshman in high school when this bike came out.
This brings back a lot of memories. I bought the exact same bike in 1977. I was 16 years old at the time.
It was the owner of our local Honda dealerships personal bike. He only rode it three times. He was going
to desert race it but changed his mind so he sold it to me...
I took the silencer off for a couple days and put it back on. We rode at least 3-4 hours every day, so it didn't take long
for the noise to get old. Honestly, it really didn't affect the power very much putting it back on, and it was a lot
more enjoyable to ride..
You brought back a lot of memories, my friends had the early 70s elsinores, silver, great bikes
I do some puttering on these once in while but I NEVER see the deals here in Maine like you get but this tool and I’m sure you know this watching you take off that side cover reminded me the BEST tool I have ever bought in my life is an impact driver. Not the air powered one but the one you hit with a hammer. Since owning that I have NEVER not been able to get any bolt out. They can be 95% stripped and not once has that thing ever slipped anyways I love your channel but I think you gotta cut back on the 45 second or longer commercials waaay to long I have actually left videos because of this but again nice bike 😎🤟🏻
Cool bike! Back in the 1980's my cousin had a 175 Elsinore and my friend purchased a brand new 1976 CR125 Elsinore in 1984. They were rippin' bikes!
I had a 1980 XR200 and had to replace the kickstart gear about 3 times over 2 years & it was not easy. You have to take the motor out of the frame & take all the gears out to get to it.