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Difference between revisions of "Honda CR250M"
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The CR250M Elsinore was replaced in 1978 with the [[Honda CR250R]]. | The CR250M Elsinore was replaced in 1978 with the [[Honda CR250R]]. | ||
==Intro== | |||
Introduced in February 1973, the revolutionary Elsinore was Honda's first two-stroke sold in America and the first purpose-built motocross machine from the world's largest motorcycle producer. And it changed the face of American motocross forever. | |||
Few things have the power and longevity of a good idea. There are countless examples of them in Honda's history, and one of the most significant is the 1973 CR™250M Elsinore. | |||
Originally known simply as the Elsinore, it was the first production motocrosser from Honda and the first two-stroke Honda sold in America. The Elsinore was a pure motocrosser-fast, reliable and good handling. In addition to its well-rounded approach, the Elsinore was distinguished by its lightness. A beautiful polished aluminum fuel tank (Who can forget the green stripe on top?!) chrome-moly frame, silver plastic fenders and magnesium bits scattered throughout gave the Elsinore a jewel-like persona. | |||
With 29 horsepower on tap, the five-speed, 225-pound Elsinore had a power-to-weight ratio and handling that redefined the 250 motocross class. Shortly after its arrival on the scene, the Elsinore carried Gary Jones to the 1973 AMA 250 National title - Honda's first. Led by the original Elsinore, Honda CR250s have won an astounding 24 National and Supercross titles. | |||
The Elsinore began a lineage of innovative Honda motocrossers leading directly to today's sophisticated aluminum-framed CR250R. Like the current CR, the Elsinore (and 125 Elsinore that followed in 1974) was the most technologically advanced motocrosser of the day. | |||
Perhaps even more significantly, the Elsinore began Honda's commitment to American motocross, a commitment that had a profound impact on the growth and popularity of a sport still in its infancy. The Elsinore name dropped off the [[Honda CR250R|CR250]] in 1982, but the impact of this revolutionary machine lives on in a sport that has captured the heart and commands the attention of mainstream America. | |||
==1973-1974== | ==1973-1974== | ||