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

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  • čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
  • 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.

Komentáře • 156

  • @brentftaylor
    @brentftaylor Před rokem +2

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

  • @renemaz
    @renemaz Před rokem +8

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

  • @dashriprock2916
    @dashriprock2916 Před 10 měsíci +1

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

    • @4WardGarage
      @4WardGarage  Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @upsidedowndog1256
    @upsidedowndog1256 Před rokem +5

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

  • @mikerafonemusic6177
    @mikerafonemusic6177 Před rokem +1

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

  • @pursang101
    @pursang101 Před rokem +4

    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.

  • @grandcrappy
    @grandcrappy Před 11 měsíci +1

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

  • @FAA-DPE
    @FAA-DPE Před rokem +3

    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.

  • @earlwright8147
    @earlwright8147 Před rokem +11

    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!

  • @franciscolopez3229
    @franciscolopez3229 Před rokem +5

    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.

  • @kellyballard1773
    @kellyballard1773 Před rokem +2

    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  Před rokem

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

  • @jodopeg
    @jodopeg Před 7 měsíci +1

    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.

  • @warrenfox5458
    @warrenfox5458 Před rokem +4

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

  • @stevenjones6364
    @stevenjones6364 Před rokem +2

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

  • @wesboos9174
    @wesboos9174 Před rokem +18

    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 Před rokem +3

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

  • @johnpuff4400
    @johnpuff4400 Před rokem +2

    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

  • @tweed252
    @tweed252 Před rokem +1

    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 ....

  • @martymahoney8233
    @martymahoney8233 Před rokem +2

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

  • @waynegouin939
    @waynegouin939 Před rokem +2

    I owned the exact same bike in 1977.

  • @tonyrollman3991
    @tonyrollman3991 Před rokem +1

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

  • @jameschatson7112
    @jameschatson7112 Před rokem +3

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

  • @rapidfire-0680
    @rapidfire-0680 Před rokem +3

    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 Před rokem +2

    I would love to own that bike!!

  • @neilkratzer3182
    @neilkratzer3182 Před rokem +4

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

  • @nicks2wheelchannel920
    @nicks2wheelchannel920 Před rokem +6

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

  • @vonscharf
    @vonscharf Před rokem +1

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

  • @markcole6475
    @markcole6475 Před rokem +3

    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…

  • @flipfix
    @flipfix Před rokem +12

    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  Před rokem +1

      I had no idea honestly. Thank you!

    • @flipfix
      @flipfix Před rokem +3

      @@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 Před rokem +4

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

    • @robgrossen3905
      @robgrossen3905 Před rokem +4

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

    • @robgrossen3905
      @robgrossen3905 Před rokem +3

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

  • @5thgearedlined
    @5thgearedlined Před rokem +3

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

  • @mikewerner3797
    @mikewerner3797 Před rokem +1

    Sweet bike

  • @johndrover6005
    @johndrover6005 Před rokem +1

    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 😊

  • @TopRevs
    @TopRevs Před rokem +7

    Nice bike, make a longer video of you riding it

  • @cheesecake9336
    @cheesecake9336 Před rokem +2

    That’s looks very nice wish I had one

  • @harbordavidson5262
    @harbordavidson5262 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @gardeningplus7271
    @gardeningplus7271 Před rokem +1

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

  • @growitplantit4390
    @growitplantit4390 Před rokem +1

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

  • @stanprunty4141
    @stanprunty4141 Před 5 měsíci

    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

  • @stephenbates8370
    @stephenbates8370 Před rokem +1

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

  • @Ridefastorgetpassed
    @Ridefastorgetpassed Před rokem +1

    Resto for sure

  • @everettdean1215
    @everettdean1215 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @TheJurgen1973
    @TheJurgen1973 Před rokem +2

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

  • @susanriley6414
    @susanriley6414 Před rokem +1

    restore it.nice old bike.

  • @blackcatpgh13
    @blackcatpgh13 Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @robertmagnusjamieson1759

    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!🙁
    😮

  • @user-MotoZhelezki
    @user-MotoZhelezki Před rokem +2

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

  • @coreyfuchs730
    @coreyfuchs730 Před rokem +1

    Sweet bike... big power..

  • @mikedaugharty5544
    @mikedaugharty5544 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @randallburgess46
    @randallburgess46 Před 9 měsíci +1

    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!

  • @DJMIGHTYZION
    @DJMIGHTYZION Před rokem +2

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

  • @PeterC-up9ue
    @PeterC-up9ue Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @saschakorner9317
    @saschakorner9317 Před rokem +1

    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😉🤣

  • @saschakorner9317
    @saschakorner9317 Před rokem +1

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

  • @dand3975
    @dand3975 Před rokem +2

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

  • @kg-hk5zu
    @kg-hk5zu Před rokem +1

    Had a Elsinore cr250r forever ago

  • @MitzvosGolem1
    @MitzvosGolem1 Před rokem +2

    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 .

  • @1joe22
    @1joe22 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @alexanderthegreat5276
    @alexanderthegreat5276 Před rokem +2

    Now this is Honda reliability at its finest😮‍💨

  • @bourdon845
    @bourdon845 Před rokem +1

    Cool !!

  • @nathanwebb5927
    @nathanwebb5927 Před rokem +2

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

  • @johnrobinson8712
    @johnrobinson8712 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Good sprockets chain and tires it can't be that worn out it sure doesn't look it .previous even left the spark arrestor on it

  • @Chipsster
    @Chipsster Před rokem +3

    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.

  • @paulbudford
    @paulbudford Před rokem +1

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

  • @damhall9300
    @damhall9300 Před rokem +1

    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  Před rokem +1

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

  • @stevenevans5106
    @stevenevans5106 Před rokem +2

    It should have a Kehin carb OEM.

  • @raydodson2514
    @raydodson2514 Před rokem +2

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

    • @brianjoy3407
      @brianjoy3407 Před 5 měsíci

      Crazy. I was born February of 77. Lol

  • @fullmetaljacket7
    @fullmetaljacket7 Před rokem +2

    Sounds like it needs a top end.

  • @francisconavarro956Tx
    @francisconavarro956Tx Před rokem +1

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

  • @herbertsmith6416
    @herbertsmith6416 Před rokem +1

    That's cool.

  • @bryanandrew7729
    @bryanandrew7729 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @Drivehead103
    @Drivehead103 Před rokem +1

    Original rear tire with the variable pitch knobbies

  • @rossscoggins4695
    @rossscoggins4695 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @herbertsmith6416
    @herbertsmith6416 Před rokem +1

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

  • @m.o.f9802
    @m.o.f9802 Před rokem +2

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

  • @JuckFoeBurden
    @JuckFoeBurden Před rokem +1

    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!

  • @lee4847
    @lee4847 Před rokem +1

    Little end and some other vibration

  • @PiotrTester
    @PiotrTester Před rokem +2

    Honda from Terminator 2?

  • @jeffreyness9741
    @jeffreyness9741 Před rokem +1

    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

  • @arnenelson4495
    @arnenelson4495 Před rokem +1

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

  • @Yamahayz1
    @Yamahayz1 Před rokem +2

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

  • @L2fish
    @L2fish Před rokem +1

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

  • @Dammit_Dale
    @Dammit_Dale Před rokem +2

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

  • @nosmog1026
    @nosmog1026 Před rokem +2

    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  Před rokem +1

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

    • @acerig4675
      @acerig4675 Před rokem

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

  • @roofertilldeath2071
    @roofertilldeath2071 Před rokem +3

    Lets rev the piss out of it

  • @DH-mf2lv
    @DH-mf2lv Před 3 měsíci +1

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

    • @4WardGarage
      @4WardGarage  Před 2 měsíci

      I did absolutely nothing to the tank, but I did clean the carburetor. I still need to get a proper carburetor rebuild kit.

  • @adriankruger3254
    @adriankruger3254 Před rokem +2

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

  • @leeholden8112
    @leeholden8112 Před rokem +1

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

  • @nigelstevens3627
    @nigelstevens3627 Před rokem +1

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

  • @batmanlives6456
    @batmanlives6456 Před rokem +1

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

  • @artmchugh5644
    @artmchugh5644 Před rokem +1

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

    • @4WardGarage
      @4WardGarage  Před rokem

      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 Před rokem +1

      @@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  Před rokem

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

    • @artmchugh5644
      @artmchugh5644 Před rokem +1

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

    • @4WardGarage
      @4WardGarage  Před rokem

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

  • @darrennoonan6147
    @darrennoonan6147 Před rokem +1

    If it was mine l would restore it

  • @jrgunman
    @jrgunman Před rokem +1

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

    • @4WardGarage
      @4WardGarage  Před rokem

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

  • @Roscoe.P.Coldchain
    @Roscoe.P.Coldchain Před rokem +1

    Are you selling it please..?

  • @myerkord
    @myerkord Před rokem +2

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

  • @paulvandersluys7412
    @paulvandersluys7412 Před rokem +1

    Restore it ,elsinores collectable

    • @4WardGarage
      @4WardGarage  Před rokem

      Should I ride it after or just keep it nice?

    • @paulvandersluys7412
      @paulvandersluys7412 Před rokem +1

      @@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 Před rokem +1

    Restore

  • @hawkeye681
    @hawkeye681 Před rokem +2

    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 Před rokem

      *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.

  • @bananabrooks3836
    @bananabrooks3836 Před rokem +2

    "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.

  • @KEVIN-mp4if
    @KEVIN-mp4if Před rokem +1

    Restore the bike

  • @user-gf7tf7nn5h
    @user-gf7tf7nn5h Před rokem +1

    Супер!👍
    А вот Российский ЗиД!
    czcams.com/video/xG7I4iuL0Ss/video.html

  • @patrickrichard1966
    @patrickrichard1966 Před rokem +1

    Moteur froid !!!👎👎👎