1975 Honda CR

Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed

Stunning Restored Vintage Honda CR100 Rare and Special EC Birt Sleeve-Down '75 CR125 to CR100 Engine with CR125M3 long travel Frame The Neglected 100cc Class: In 1974, Honda absolutely dominated the very popular 125cc class with their CR125 Elsinore. Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki all fell short, and had much work to do in order to compete effectively in this class. The 100cc class was also becoming very popular, and young riders were eagerly awaiting the latest racers from the major manufacturers. Honda, at the time, decided not to produce a 100cc motocross bike. Suzuki and Yamaha both produced 100cc bikes that were essentially sleeved down versions of their less-competitive 125cc bikes. There was no shortage of after-market modifications for these 100cc racers that were designed to overcome the same shortfalls that made the Suzuki and Yamaha bikes less competitive in the 125cc class. However, there was a clear understanding that the only reason that Yamaha and Suzuki were on the podium in this class was simply because Honda chose not to develop a 100cc bike. Honda's Elsinore to the Rescue: Then, a few of the aftermarket suppliers upped the ante by offering 100cc sleeve-down kits for the CR125 Elsinore. The most popular kits came from Donny Emler’s FMF, DG Racing Products, and Jeff Ward Racing Products. There’s no disputing the fact that many of the sleeve-down Elsinores were fast. Jeff Ward absolutely dominated the 100cc class in the 70s with one of these beasts. However, cost proved to be a barrier for the weekend privateers who raced on a limited budget. The cost of a new CR125 plus the cost of the sleeve kit resulted in a VERY expensive 100cc racer; reserved only for the elite few. Most riders opted to stick with modified Suzuki TM100s or Yamaha MX100s. The E.C. Birt Answer: This particular example of a sleeve-down Elsinore was clearly intended to destroy any competitor that crossed its path. The engine in this beast began its life as a 1975 CR125M, and was custom built for competition by renowned engine-builder, E.C. Birt. The ingenuity, engineering and workmanship that went into the production of this engine was pretty amazing. As shown in the photo gallery, the crankshaft counterweights were lathed to a smaller diameter in order to make room for small fins that were welded to the outside of the counterweights. This fin modification was designed to function as a supercharger to pressurize the intake ports, allowing a greater fuel/air mixture through the combustion chamber. The pipe is a hydroformed RC125-style work of art that harkens back to the days of Marty Smith. The beautifully crafted airbox is custom built to accommodate the up-pipe. And, what could possibly be better than to couple this masterpiece of a powerplant to a CR125M3 long-travel frame and Redline swingarm. It just doesn't get any better than that! Can you imagine what it would have been like to line up on the 100cc class starting gate with this bike in the mid '70s? This Elsinore would have struck fear in the hearts of every competitor who was unfortunate enough to share the same starting gate. The outcome of the race would have been pre-determined before the gate ever dropped! This is a very fast vintage 100cc bike, and is an excellent example of the “skunk-works” mentality that permeated every motocross racer’s garage during this period. The Bike that Belongs in Your Collection: This is a true concours level restoration from an award winning restorer. No expense was spared during the restoration, and this bike is on par with all of the other show winning bikes from this collection (although this particular bike has never been entered in a concours competition). Everything on this bike was disassembled, then either plated, painted, powdercoated or replaced. The tank paint is flawless and spectacular, the fenders and sideplates are brand new, and the frame has a gorgeous two-stage (red/clear) deep powdercoat. Also new are the tires, shocks, handlebars, cables, seat cover, seat foam, up-pipe, shift lever, hand levers, foot brake pedal, kick starter, and countless other parts. The seller has more invested in this piece of motocross history than the "Buy it Now" price. This bike is a true museum piece, and has been on display since being built / restored. It runs fine, but if the buyer intends to ride the bike regularly, some minor set-up work will need to be done (tighten spokes, fork oil & air pressure, etc). Click the link below to se a Youtube video of this beauty - Be sure to select the highest definition, and full screen to see all the detail: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UspBoeyOSOI Local pickup only by either the winning bidder, the contracted transporter for the winning bidder, or the agent for the winning bidder. International bidders welcome, but winning bidder must arrange for all shipping, customs, government approvals, and any other aspects of shipping. I will do my best to assist with shipping in any way, but please understand that my only required involvement in this process is to be available to release the bike to the agent of the winning bidder. Bill of sale only. $500 deposit via Paypal required within 24 hrs of auction end, with the remaining via bank cashier’s check, money order or wire transfer due within 5 days of auction end. The bike will be released after payment of remaining balance has cleared my bank, and funds are released free and clear to me.