1977 HONDA CR125M ELSINORE

COMPLETE FRAME-OFF, NUT-AND-BOLT RESTORATION; GORGEOUS CLASSIC STUNNING SHOW QUALITY 

A VINTAGE MOTOCROSS CLASSIC!

A SPECTACULAR, PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED 1977 HONDA CR125M ELSINORE! ORIGINAL HONDA FRAME, FUEL TANK, DID WHEELS, REBUILT ENGINE, NEW PISTON, NEW CLUTCH, RESTORED SUSPENSION, PERIOD PERFORMANCE MULHOLLAND SHOCKS, NEW DUNLOP TIRES & MUCH MORE! OVER $13,500 INVESTED INTO THE RESTORATION LABOR & PARTS!

Feast your eyes on this absolutely stunning 1977 Honda CR125M Elsinore, a legendary piece of motocross history that looks like it just rolled out of the Honda dealership showroom!

Nearly 50 years after leaving the factory, this iconic red Honda two-stroke has been brought back to its former glory through an extensive, professional, frame-up, nut-and-bolt restoration.

Starting with an exceptionally clean, low-hour original survivor, it was completely dismantled down to the bare frame, meticulously restoring, refinishing, rebuilding, or replacing components throughout.

The result is a spectacular example of one of Honda's most recognizable vintage motocross machines, suitable for a serious collection, museum display, vintage racing, or simply enjoying the unmistakable sound and performance of a classic air-cooled Honda two-stroke.

THIS IS A COMPREHENSIVE MECHANICAL AND COSMETIC RESTORATION

FRAME, FUEL TANK & BODYWORK RESTORATION

The restoration began with complete disassembly, followed by extensive preparation and refinishing of the original Honda chassis.

• Original Honda frame sandblasted, prepared, and refinished in factory-style Honda red.

• Original Honda fuel tank professionally restored and repainted with correct original-style graphics.

• Original aluminum fuel cap meticulously restored.

• Brand-new fuel petcock, fuel lines, and tank drain hose.

• Fuel delivery system thoroughly serviced.

• Brand-new front fender.

• Reproduction front number plate with proper factory-style Honda mounting bracket, rather than inexpensive universal hose-clamp mounting.

• Brand-new side number plates featuring correct Elsinore CR125M graphics.

• Brand-new rear fender.

• Original triple clamps professionally restored.

• New steering-head bearings.

• Original swingarm restored and repainted.

• Footpegs, kickstand, chain guide, and miscellaneous chassis components restored and refinished.

• New and restored hardware throughout the motorcycle.

• Brand-new seat foam and professionally fitted seat cover.

The attention to detail is evident everywhere you look. From the beautifully refinished frame to the correct number-plate mounting hardware and restored original fuel cap, this machine presents exceptionally well.

Even the seat is a reminder of motocross history. Unlike modern razor-thin motocross saddles, these vintage Elsinore's featured generously padded seats that helped riders absorb the punishment of rough motocross tracks.

ENGINE REBUILD & MECHANICAL RESTORATION

The legendary air-cooled Honda 125cc two-stroke engine received extensive mechanical and cosmetic attention.

ENGINE WORK INCLUDES:

• Engine removed from chassis and completely cleaned and cosmetically restored.

• Engine cases vapor honed, prepared, and refinished.

• Cylinder cleaned and vapor honed to an attractive natural aluminum finish.

• Cylinder bored to first oversize, 0.020 inch over standard.

• New .020 oversize piston installed with new rings, wristpin, wristpin top end bearing & circlips.

• Cylinder head cleaned, vapor honed, and decarbonized.

• New NGK spark plugs supplied.

• Carburetor completely rebuilt and restored.

• Carburetor rejetted.

• Original airbox restored.

• New airbox rubber components.

• New air filter.

• New clutch installed.

• Engine side covers refinished.

• Original kickstarter beautifully restored.

• Original shift lever cleaned and polished.

• New drain and vent hoses.

The engine looks fantastic, with its refinished cases contrasting beautifully against the clean natural-aluminum cylinder.

These Honda air-cooled two-strokes earned their reputation through simplicity, strong performance, easy maintenance, and excellent parts support.

ORIGINAL EXHAUST – EXCEPTIONAL SURVIVOR CONDITION

One of the standout features of this motorcycle is the condition of its exhaust system.

Anyone familiar with vintage motocross motorcycles knows that original expansion chambers and exhaust systems were frequently crushed, dented, repaired, or destroyed during competition.

This example retains its exhaust in remarkable condition, with just one very small ding noted.

The underside, an area commonly damaged by rocks, jumps, and rough terrain, is exceptionally clean.

RESTORED FRONT SUSPENSION & STEERING

The complete front suspension and steering assembly received substantial attention.

• Original Honda front forks restored.

• Fork lowers prepared and repainted in correct factory-style silver.

• Brand-new fork seals.

• Brand-new fork boots.

• Original triple clamps restored.

• New steering-head bearings.

• Front brake completely serviced and rebuilt.

• Front brake backing plate restored.

• Original Honda wheel hub cleaned and refinished.

• Original DID front rim retained.

• Original spokes retained in excellent condition.

• Original DID identification decal still present.

• Brand-new Dunlop front tire.

• Brand-new inner tube and rim strip.

The original wheels and their surviving DID decals are particularly noteworthy. Many motocross motorcycles from this era were extensively raced, modified, and repaired, leaving very few with such well-preserved original wheel assemblies.

This Elsinore is equipped with upgraded period-style Mulholland performance rear shocks, a desirable improvement over the original equipment.

The shocks were removed, dismantled, cleaned, and refinished during the restoration.

Performance shock upgrades were commonplace during the 1970s and 1980s, when serious racers frequently replaced factory shocks to improve durability and suspension performance.

The upgraded shocks complement the restored original swingarm and period-correct appearance of this motorcycle.

REAR WHEEL, DRIVETRAIN & BRAKING SYSTEM

The rear of the motorcycle received the same careful attention as the front.

• Original Honda rear wheel retained.

• Original DID rear rim with surviving identification decal.

• Original rear hub vapor honed and refinished.

• Brand-new Dunlop rear tire, still displaying its fresh molded rubber nibs.

• New rear inner tube and rim strip.

• Brand-new gold drive chain.

• New sprocket.

• Rear brake assembly completely serviced.

• Rear brake backing plate restored and refinished.

• Original rear brake pedal cleaned and polished.

• New brake return spring.

• Rear brake linkage and rod retained in excellent condition.

• Original rear axle and hardware cleaned and restored.

• Original swingarm restored and painted.

• Chain guide refinished.

The rear brake rod is exceptionally straight and clean, another indication that this motorcycle began life as a well-preserved example rather than a heavily abused racing machine.

NEW CONTROLS & RIDER EQUIPMENT

Virtually everything the rider touches has been restored or replaced.

• Brand-new Renthal handlebars.

• New Renthal crossbar pad.

• Brand-new ODI handgrips.

• New clutch lever and perch.

• New front brake lever and perch.

• Brand-new clutch cable.

• Brand-new front brake cable.

• Brand-new throttle cable.

• New throttle tube.

• New seat foam and cover.

• Restored original kickstarter.

• Restored original foot controls.

The cockpit looks fresh, clean, purposeful, and ready for action.

AN $13,500 PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION

Restoring a nearly 50-year-old motocross motorcycle to this standard involves considerably more than replacing a few worn parts and applying fresh paint.

The entire machine must be dismantled, evaluated, cleaned, repaired, refinished, and carefully reassembled.

At Kaplan Cycles, our shop labor rate is $150 per hour.

A comparable professional restoration can easily involve:

These figures represent what we estimate it would cost to duplicate a comparable restoration, depending on the starting condition of the motorcycle. They do not include the acquisition cost of a suitable original machine.

And that's assuming you start with a good core motorcycle!

With many vintage motocross restorations, finding original components in usable condition can be the biggest challenge. Sometimes it takes two or three donor motorcycles just to build one complete, correct example.

Fortunately, this Elsinore started with an excellent original foundation, including its original fuel tank, frame, wheel assemblies, and numerous important factory components.

The good news? This Elsinore is already finished. The expensive, time-consuming restoration work has been done!

A TRUE PIECE OF MOTOCROSS HISTORY

The Honda CR125M Elsinore occupies a special place in American motocross history.

During the 1970s, Honda's Elsinore models helped introduce an entire generation of riders to lightweight, high-performance Japanese motocross motorcycles.

The combination of a responsive air-cooled two-stroke engine, lightweight chassis, nimble handling, and Honda engineering made these machines immensely popular with racers and recreational riders alike.

Today, these Elsinores are highly desirable among vintage motocross enthusiasts and collectors.

Their appeal extends beyond their performance. For many riders, the Elsinore represents the golden era of motocross: two-stroke engines, open-face helmets, long-travel suspension development, and weekend afternoons spent riding with friends.

This example captures that era beautifully.

Whether you're looking for a centerpiece for your motorcycle collection, an exceptional museum-quality display machine, or a candidate for vintage motocross competition, this 1977 CR125M deserves serious consideration.

Vintage Elsinores also remain attractive to enthusiasts because their straightforward air-cooled engines are relatively easy to service, with an established aftermarket and specialist parts community.

WHY BUY THIS ELSINORE?

ORIGINALITY: Built from a clean original motorcycle retaining important factory Honda components.

QUALITY: Extensive frame-up cosmetic and mechanical restoration.

MECHANICAL INVESTMENT: New piston, rebuilt carburetor, new clutch, serviced brakes, and suspension restoration.

PRESENTATION: Beautiful Honda red finish, restored original fuel tank, clean engine, new plastics, and fresh Dunlop tires.

PERIOD CHARACTER: Original DID wheels, factory components, rare original exhaust, and upgraded vintage-style rear shocks.

COLLECTIBILITY: One of the most recognizable names in vintage Japanese motocross.

VALUE: A $13,500 professional restoration investment, with the work already completed.

AVAILABLE NOW AT KAPLAN CYCLES

This spectacular 1977 Honda CR125M Elsinore is proudly offered by Kaplan Cycles, home of the New England Motorcycle Museum in Rockville, Connecticut.

We specialize in exceptional vintage, classic, collectible, and performance motorcycles.

Our historic multi-story motorcycle facility houses hundreds of incredible motorcycles, from professionally restored vintage machines to modern performance motorcycles and new models from the manufacturers we represent.

We welcome serious collectors, vintage motocross enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship and excitement of classic motorcycles.

Nationwide shipping is available! We can help arrange transportation directly to your door anywhere in the continental United States.

Financing options are available, subject to approval.

Visit www.KaplanCycles.com to view our current inventory of exceptional motorcycles.

For additional information, purchasing details, or shipping arrangements, please contact Kaplan Cycles directly.

DON'T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED 1977 HONDA CR125M ELSINORE!

They simply don't make them like this anymore, and finding one restored to this standard takes considerable time, expertise, and investment.

This is a motorcycle that deserves to be preserved, admired, and enjoyed by future generations.

A TRUE HONDA CLASSIC. A STUNNING RESTORATION. A WINNER IN EVERY RESPECT.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Please review all photographs and contact Kaplan Cycles with any questions regarding the motorcycle's condition, specifications, operation, or sale.

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.