WILL IT RUN - 1976 Honda Elsinore CR125 - Sitting 20 Years! - VINTAGE Motocross Bike

Ойын-сауық

This is my 1976 Honda Elsinore CR125M. It's been sitting in my barn for over 20 years. A friend of mine gave me this bike right after high school. I've always had intentions of building it into a vintage motocross bike, but have just never gotten around to it. This is the year I'm going to get around to it. In this video, I clean the carburetor, check for spark, check for compression, and get this 46 year old motorcycle back running again.

Пікірлер: 155

  • @brentftaylor
    @brentftaylor Жыл бұрын

    I had a couple of early elsinores. I’ll never forget the smell :-)

  • @dashriprock2916
    @dashriprock29167 ай бұрын

    He says "I'm not a good mechanic" and proceeds to his badass toolbox full of well organized tools.

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    4 ай бұрын

    Any idiot (me) can buy tools, haha. Doesn't mean you know what you're doing!

  • @tweed252
    @tweed2529 ай бұрын

    I had a 75 Elsinore brand new at 14 years old . coming from riding a 73 Yamaha MX 100cc with the silver tank green stripe . Talk about a major transition ... !!! 6 speed Tranny , handling, power suspension .... I still think the 75 Elsinore is the most gorgeous looking motocross bike then and even now ....

  • @upsidedowndog1256
    @upsidedowndog1256 Жыл бұрын

    Those were a blast to ride! Very narrow powerband meant they were not for everybody. Would love to find one in that shape.

  • @earlwright8147
    @earlwright8147 Жыл бұрын

    That is a bad ass bike. Many people would kill to have that just for sentiment alone, not to mention the cool factor. Hope you give it the attention it deserves!

  • @mikerafonemusic6177
    @mikerafonemusic617711 ай бұрын

    i dont think you know you have a gold nugget that bike is clean for its age..sick!

  • @renemaz
    @renemaz Жыл бұрын

    It's a Honda....it will run. Definitely a sweet bike!

  • @projectclark123

    @projectclark123

    Жыл бұрын

    I have got a Honda shi 125cc

  • @grandcrappy
    @grandcrappy8 ай бұрын

    My first was the venerable x74 CR-125 Elsie. Honda made every other make up their game, quick & in a hurry.

  • @pursang101
    @pursang101 Жыл бұрын

    I was always a 250 guy,a buddy lent me his 76 cr125 for a whole summer and told me to ride it like it was mine. I loved that bike.I broke the frame by the swing arm axle but other than that never had a problem with it.

  • @michaelheiss8022

    @michaelheiss8022

    3 ай бұрын

    That’s why we upgraded to a Redline swingarm !

  • @franciscolopez3229
    @franciscolopez3229 Жыл бұрын

    Nice seeing old dusty bikes in a barn then make it run, and yup, I agree with Paul and Kevin, restore it and you'll never regret it.

  • @FAA-DPE
    @FAA-DPE Жыл бұрын

    I still have the original exhaust for that bike. Raced it way back growing up in late 70's-80's Has a wicked power band and loves being wound up tight. That bike is worth $$$ on the vintage racing circuit.

  • @warrenfox5458
    @warrenfox5458 Жыл бұрын

    What's up bring that old baby back to life redo the whole thing let it live for another 50 years nice job.

  • @jameschatson7112
    @jameschatson7112 Жыл бұрын

    I had one of these, quick little 125cc. Very collectable now,and hard to find.

  • @jodopeg
    @jodopeg4 ай бұрын

    I had that exact same bike when I was 16 y.o., got it used for $600, put another $700 into it and had a whole lot of fun..! The tech at a Yamaha dealer near me got it running like new. Great Bike... ! Don't paint it, just clean it up good. I would put a new pipe (or an after mkt if you can find one) otherwise it's a custom job.

  • @waynegouin939
    @waynegouin939 Жыл бұрын

    I owned the exact same bike in 1977.

  • @kellyballard1773
    @kellyballard1773 Жыл бұрын

    I had a 1974 like that. It was silver with a green stripe. Yes it liked high ram's. I remember that mine would load up, carburetor, if you didn't run it hard to keep the carb cleaned out. If it did " load up " I would have to turn the fuel off, start it holding it wide open and start it. It wouldn't run good until it started burning excess fuel off. Like being flooded. When it cleared out, it was ready to ripp again. It only did that when trail riding. Never when in the power band. It would bring the front end up in all 6 gears. No lie. I wish I still had it. Your bike could easily bring $5000. I currently have a 1974 Honda xl 125 with the title. It only has 1500 actual miles and original tires. $300 bucks. I think that I can get $2500 for it but I will probably keep it. Thanks for the video. I love that kind of stuff.

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I hope to do more. Thank you for the kind words!

  • @stevenjones6364
    @stevenjones6364 Жыл бұрын

    That's amazing the cables was not clogged up well done 👍

  • @harbordavidson5262
    @harbordavidson5262 Жыл бұрын

    Damn what a jewel to find, I'd luv to find one in that shape. I'd carefully washed cleaned maintenance and fix any mechanical issues and leave it as is to admire, sure wldnt be beating on it. Nice bike cherish it.

  • @johnpuff4400
    @johnpuff4400 Жыл бұрын

    I had one yrs ago. That has the bigger 34mm mikuni carb and kit like I had. Big difference and narrowed the power band but screams. Nice bike

  • @nicks2wheelchannel920
    @nicks2wheelchannel920 Жыл бұрын

    Nice bike I would restore it and try to keep it close to original. I can't believe how quick she fired up too!

  • @martymahoney8233
    @martymahoney8233 Жыл бұрын

    Loved the way those Elsinores sounded back in the day, music to my ears.

  • @tonyrollman3991
    @tonyrollman3991 Жыл бұрын

    Hondas were and are still the best looking bikes ever made..the championship company !!!

  • @neilkratzer3182
    @neilkratzer3182 Жыл бұрын

    Sounds like it's going to need a top end soon but it runs and it moves. You have a winner.

  • @rapidfire-0680
    @rapidfire-0680 Жыл бұрын

    That's an old Honda for ya, those old bikes are bullet proof, second kick too, I wish I had one of those old bikes, if you take care of them they will run forever !

  • @qtrmirob
    @qtrmirob Жыл бұрын

    I would love to own that bike!!

  • @wesboos9174
    @wesboos9174 Жыл бұрын

    The compression was good I would say about 145 150. The only reason it read 100 was because of a weak kick. You want strong good kicks as if you were trying to start it. Also you want to hold the throttle wide open. Just small tips for a more accurate compression test reading

  • @restorethat4569

    @restorethat4569

    Жыл бұрын

    And it does not have any oil from the fuel on the cilinder walls that would give the rings a better seal

  • @gardeningplus7271
    @gardeningplus727110 ай бұрын

    Those days i had one like it with glass carb you could see inside the carb.1978

  • @markcole6475
    @markcole6475 Жыл бұрын

    I use to have a mid 70s Elsinore 250(can’t remember the exact year) The bike absolutely flew for what it was! 70 mph with me on it ( probably weighed 140 lbs then) Wish I still had the bike but sold it to buy a car when I was 16…

  • @vonscharf
    @vonscharf Жыл бұрын

    Had a 75 CR 125 Awesome machine. Wish I still had it . They had a sound all their own .

  • @5thgearedlined
    @5thgearedlined Жыл бұрын

    Nice fix. Your bike starts up faster then my 01 cr125 😂

  • @cheesecake9336
    @cheesecake9336 Жыл бұрын

    That’s looks very nice wish I had one

  • @johndrover6005
    @johndrover6005 Жыл бұрын

    Remember when these came onto the scene in the U.K. could spot them easily amongst the sea of yellow RMs and YZs. Great video, lovely old bike 😊

  • @mikewerner3797
    @mikewerner3797 Жыл бұрын

    Sweet bike

  • @growitplantit4390
    @growitplantit4390 Жыл бұрын

    Leave it the way it is but tidy up the working components 💃

  • @stanprunty4141
    @stanprunty41412 ай бұрын

    Had one of the first ones of these broke swingarm first week used to tear off exhaust every week and would seize engine every couple weeks had everything fmf by the end about a year later loved that bike

  • @TopRevs
    @TopRevs Жыл бұрын

    Nice bike, make a longer video of you riding it

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Will do!

  • @user-MotoZhelezki

    @user-MotoZhelezki

    Жыл бұрын

    @@4WardGarage i`m interesting too

  • @stephenbates8370
    @stephenbates8370 Жыл бұрын

    Way ahead of it's time variable geometry exaust system genius 😂

  • @flipfix
    @flipfix Жыл бұрын

    The muffler on the end of the expansion chamber is from a Honda MR250 if you didn't already know that. Sweet bike, worth a small fortune. So, I am wrong about the muffler, still doesn't change the fact that it's ugly and a power leach. 😠

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I had no idea honestly. Thank you!

  • @flipfix

    @flipfix

    Жыл бұрын

    @@4WardGarage I guess Honda put them on the CR250 as well. The muffler is quite heavy and is ugly in my humble opinion.

  • @robgrossen3905

    @robgrossen3905

    Жыл бұрын

    They had the same spark arrestor on the 125s so it is peroid correct!

  • @robgrossen3905

    @robgrossen3905

    Жыл бұрын

    But it looks like it is mounted upside down or something is funky

  • @robgrossen3905

    @robgrossen3905

    Жыл бұрын

    I would take it off you will unleash the bikes potential but don't throw it away just in case you restore the bike

  • @Ridefastorgetpassed
    @Ridefastorgetpassed Жыл бұрын

    Resto for sure

  • @TheJurgen1973
    @TheJurgen1973 Жыл бұрын

    for sure worth a restoration, it is the most fun part.....

  • @blackcatpgh13
    @blackcatpgh13 Жыл бұрын

    Looks like it would be easy to get into nice rideable condition, but that stock coffee can silencer is pretty rare, most of those were ditched as soon as they left the dealership. Look into that, could fund some parts for it, but you could probably get a hefty price on the collector market. I'd sell the silencer, fund the rest, get it mechanically sound, and take care of it but still have fun on it.

  • @dand3975
    @dand3975 Жыл бұрын

    Never saw one with the huge stock silencer,. Those must have been Removed so fast when new.

  • @susanriley6414
    @susanriley6414 Жыл бұрын

    restore it.nice old bike.

  • @everettdean1215
    @everettdean1215 Жыл бұрын

    Had a ‘75 and a ‘76 CR125. Bought both new. The 75 was lighter and faster but the ‘76 looked like Marty’s bike. Personally, I’d restore it to showroom condition because it is very, very original and complete. In fact it looks like the only change made to it is the rear sprocket and the modified ignition cover.

  • @kg-hk5zu
    @kg-hk5zu Жыл бұрын

    Had a Elsinore cr250r forever ago

  • @nathanwebb5927
    @nathanwebb5927 Жыл бұрын

    What about Kaplan's surely they would love it in they're museum

  • @robertmagnusjamieson1759
    @robertmagnusjamieson1759 Жыл бұрын

    i had one of these back in the day, the 125 was nicknamed the red bullet, while its bigger 250 version was the red rocket..and both lived up to those names! they were the last of the air cooled motocross bikes made by Honda, so they marked the end of an era. i regreted selling the 125, a second after the deal was done, and have regretted selling it ever since!🙁 😮

  • @randallburgess46
    @randallburgess466 ай бұрын

    I would restore it to like new. But some might sneer at the idea. I guarantee since it runs that good before putting new carburetor parts and such on it, it would turn a lot of heads at bike shows!

  • @PeterC-up9ue
    @PeterC-up9ue Жыл бұрын

    My first motorbike was a 70s CR 125', perhaps an Elsinore. not sure. Anyways it had the same power-pipe but with a home made baffle at end of exhaust. It soon fell off completely, so I was given a power-pipe from a Suzuki RM 125. I rode my CR 125 with a broken exhaust to a backyard welder, who rolled a big Dooby then got to work cutting the RM pipe in three places to curve around the engine. This resulted in a stylized power pipe that would hit powerband much better. It also had part of the pipe curve up close to the tank and my right knee. I noticed that your back muffler moved under revs, perhaps you should remove altogether for better power band.

  • @DJMIGHTYZION
    @DJMIGHTYZION Жыл бұрын

    That’s a beaut I’d definitely restore it worth a fortune as well 👍

  • @user-MotoZhelezki
    @user-MotoZhelezki Жыл бұрын

    nice bike! Honda it`s cool! good luck!

  • @mikedaugharty5544
    @mikedaugharty5544 Жыл бұрын

    Bought one brand new just like that exactly like that very good start on a motorcycle they do have a high RPM ban and they don't like low RPM's real nice looking bike there have fun with it I wouldn't mind finding one just like it myself but they are so hard to find they're either total junk or expensive as heck enjoy

  • @saschakorner9317
    @saschakorner9317 Жыл бұрын

    What in the world is that for an exhaust 😁 it looks strange but also really cool...😆

  • @coreyfuchs730
    @coreyfuchs730 Жыл бұрын

    Sweet bike... big power..

  • @1joe22
    @1joe22 Жыл бұрын

    I had one of these in the early 80s went like stink when it hit the power band, scared me to death, so loud with out the silencer but ran better then piston went bang. still got the manual lol, wish i still had the bike.

  • @stevenevans5106
    @stevenevans5106 Жыл бұрын

    It should have a Kehin carb OEM.

  • @MitzvosGolem1
    @MitzvosGolem1 Жыл бұрын

    12,000 rpm to go on these Top end sounds a little loose check piston and wrist pin etc . Suppose to change them after Every few races . We raced these in 70s when I was 14yo . Before Rm Suzuki came out .

  • @paulbudford
    @paulbudford Жыл бұрын

    Well worth spending some money on. Too good to just for away.

  • @bourdon845
    @bourdon845 Жыл бұрын

    Cool !!

  • @francisconavarro956Tx
    @francisconavarro956Tx Жыл бұрын

    Can you do a video you riding it that would be awesome bro!!!

  • @saschakorner9317
    @saschakorner9317 Жыл бұрын

    Today i wanted to replace my head gasked on my yamaha aerox....and as i was in the Garage....the landlord has shut off the electric....no light...no heater....no work....thx landlord....by the way, everything is payd😉🤣

  • @raydodson2514
    @raydodson2514 Жыл бұрын

    I had one and it was a fun bike. it was stolen February 1977.

  • @brianjoy3407

    @brianjoy3407

    2 ай бұрын

    Crazy. I was born February of 77. Lol

  • @herbertsmith6416
    @herbertsmith6416 Жыл бұрын

    That's cool.

  • @Drivehead103
    @Drivehead103 Жыл бұрын

    Original rear tire with the variable pitch knobbies

  • @fullmetaljacket7
    @fullmetaljacket7 Жыл бұрын

    Sounds like it needs a top end.

  • @Chipsster
    @Chipsster Жыл бұрын

    Don't paint it. Clean it up and leave the orig. If it were in bad shape i'd say paint it but it's not, so orig only adds to the nostalgia which is irreplaceable in character. The way it looks rn gives of such nostalgic vibes that to ruin would be a shame. If there was a way to put a layer or two of matte or medium clear coat over it without ruining the current look i would look into that as opposed to repainting if you plan on using it. To protect from the elements, and the orig.

  • @alexanderthegreat5276
    @alexanderthegreat5276 Жыл бұрын

    Now this is Honda reliability at its finest😮‍💨

  • @bryanandrew7729
    @bryanandrew7729 Жыл бұрын

    Restore it I had the same bike years ago I traded it and a 1980 xl 250s for a part payment on a 1981 xr500r I got ripped off mine was a barn find the tank was like new the motor had blown piston I put new piston rebored to 155 it went good it's funny my rear shocks were stuffed too

  • @herbertsmith6416
    @herbertsmith6416 Жыл бұрын

    I think they. All had that silencer on the end of the expansion chamber.

  • @jeffreyness9741
    @jeffreyness9741 Жыл бұрын

    I'm 8 minutes in and I'm thinking 100 PSI is fine cuz there is might be stuck or just needs to run and go through a couple heat cycles then check it

  • @lee4847
    @lee4847 Жыл бұрын

    Little end and some other vibration

  • @DH-mf2lv
    @DH-mf2lv6 күн бұрын

    What did you do to the carb? How about the tank? Thanks for sharing!

  • @m.o.f9802
    @m.o.f9802 Жыл бұрын

    Nice bike, but you have defenitely a bottom end damage maybe the crankshaft bearings.

  • @rossscoggins4695
    @rossscoggins4695 Жыл бұрын

    Anything that is worth doing is worth doing right the first time so if ur going to put money in might as well fully restore it

  • @Dammit_Dale
    @Dammit_Dale Жыл бұрын

    wasnt the "elsinore" 125 named after the Elsinore Grand Prix in California?

  • @zrx4me1

    @zrx4me1

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @Yamahayz1
    @Yamahayz1 Жыл бұрын

    Had the same bike ... It was loud ....

  • @PiotrTester
    @PiotrTester Жыл бұрын

    Honda from Terminator 2?

  • @JuckFoeBurden
    @JuckFoeBurden Жыл бұрын

    Please get rid of the 4-stroke muffler first thing. It moves when you gas it. It's going to come off and go in the spokes!

  • @roofertilldeath2071
    @roofertilldeath2071 Жыл бұрын

    Lets rev the piss out of it

  • @damhall9300
    @damhall9300 Жыл бұрын

    The good old days ) raced a 76 cr 125 . Was bored 60 over with a 250 carb . Very fast and fun machine. TRADED it in on a 77 YZ 250. The first monoshock bike. That was a leg breaker once the power band kicked in. Things got blurry in a hurry . Still love the smell of KLOTZ in the am. Only an old 2 stroke rider will know what KLOTZ is ; ))

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Is klotz smell better than maxima 927? It’s a toss up for me but I think klotz might take it.

  • @L2fish
    @L2fish Жыл бұрын

    Damn I want that! Change the crank seals or you could blow it up

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    That’s a good call!

  • @nosmog1026
    @nosmog1026 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Brad, great vid! I'd like to buy it Been looking for a '76/77, I raced one in '76. Let me know, thx!

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Unfortunately, it’s not for sale. I’m keeping this one! Thanks though!

  • @acerig4675

    @acerig4675

    Жыл бұрын

    @@4WardGarage brad don’t run it with the cracked intake boot

  • @arnenelson4495
    @arnenelson4495 Жыл бұрын

    Such a dumb question. Of course it will run IF you do your part.

  • @adriankruger3254
    @adriankruger3254 Жыл бұрын

    Need to lose the 4 stroke muffler--expansion pipe won't be able to breathe

  • @nigelstevens3627
    @nigelstevens3627 Жыл бұрын

    its a honda.....of course it runs...

  • @leeholden8112
    @leeholden8112 Жыл бұрын

    Tear the whole bike down powder coat the frame fresh paint full resto

  • @Roscoe.P.Coldchain
    @Roscoe.P.Coldchain Жыл бұрын

    Are you selling it please..?

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Not this one! Sorry!

  • @darrennoonan6147
    @darrennoonan6147 Жыл бұрын

    If it was mine l would restore it

  • @artmchugh5644
    @artmchugh5644 Жыл бұрын

    That is a MR muffler welded on 😦😦😦😦😦🏍🏍🏍

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Learning as I go. I’ll get a decent exhaust on there as soon as I can financially. I couldn’t tell what it was honestly.

  • @artmchugh5644

    @artmchugh5644

    Жыл бұрын

    @@4WardGarage no worries buddy !! I raced a first year 73? 250 Elsinore 😀😀😀 my last mx was a red engine Elsinore 250 with many Yamaha in between!!!😁😁😁😁🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏁🏁🍺🍺🍺

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    @@artmchugh5644 I still try to race when I can. I’d love to do a vintage race on this thing!

  • @artmchugh5644

    @artmchugh5644

    Жыл бұрын

    @@4WardGarage hell yeah!!! Are you vintage also ??😂😂😁😁😁😁🏍🏍🏁

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    @@artmchugh5644 Ha! I’m approaching vintage but I don’t think I’m quite there yet!

  • @batmanlives6456
    @batmanlives6456 Жыл бұрын

    It’s a Honda …. Put some fresh two cycle gas in it and it will fire on first or second kick No worries

  • @batmanlives6456

    @batmanlives6456

    Жыл бұрын

    See I told you so… These were unstoppable

  • @jrgunman
    @jrgunman Жыл бұрын

    Sell it to me, had one when I was 16 in 1976

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    No way! Gotta hang on to this one for sentimental value.

  • @paulvandersluys7412
    @paulvandersluys7412 Жыл бұрын

    Restore it ,elsinores collectable

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Should I ride it after or just keep it nice?

  • @paulvandersluys7412

    @paulvandersluys7412

    Жыл бұрын

    @@4WardGarage I would restore the bike to the point it can be ridden by you whenever you want,can make it look good and the value will still increase, 100% resto costs heaps and mega labour hours involved.found out on cr450 and xr100

  • @williamhensley7745
    @williamhensley7745 Жыл бұрын

    Restore

  • @myerkord
    @myerkord Жыл бұрын

    That pipe is as Ugly as Sin I'd just replace it with a FMF pipe

  • @hawkeye681
    @hawkeye681 Жыл бұрын

    AHHH!!! Should have loosened up that intake boot before ripping out that carb?!?!? Get rid of that air filter before it disintegrates into the cylinder!!! Dont gas it immediately after starting especially after a decades long sit!!??!! Let her warm up a bit before going for infinity RPM's?!?!! Thats a cool machine from my era but i preferred the 79' when they went with the up expansion chamber. Ive got 3 vintage 79' 250'S (RM,CR,KX) I rebuilt from roach status in my hangar. Golden spectro in the morning makes for a great start to a day!!!

  • @wonkylommiter6364

    @wonkylommiter6364

    Жыл бұрын

    *AHHH!!! Should have loosened up that intake boot before ripping out that carb?!?!? Get rid of that air filter before it disintegrates into the cylinder!!! Dont gas it immediately after starting especially after a decades long sit!!??!! Let her warm up a bit before going for infinity RPM's?!?!! * Exactly my thoughts! made me cringe.

  • @user-gf7tf7nn5h
    @user-gf7tf7nn5h Жыл бұрын

    Супер!👍 А вот Российский ЗиД! kzread.info/dash/bejne/qntrq5aipa-Wg9Y.html

  • @KEVIN-mp4if
    @KEVIN-mp4if Жыл бұрын

    Restore the bike

  • @4WardGarage

    @4WardGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I like the idea!

  • @bananabrooks3836
    @bananabrooks3836 Жыл бұрын

    "I'm not a good mechanic" This guy doesn't deserve to even attempt to work on one of Hondas finest, let alone ride the poor thing. Please sell it quickly to an enthusiast.

  • @patrickrichard1966
    @patrickrichard1966 Жыл бұрын

    Moteur froid !!!👎👎👎

  • @heresjohnny6377
    @heresjohnny6377 Жыл бұрын

    AWESOME 👌

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