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By 1973 [[Honda]] had a reputation for | By 1973 [[Honda]] had a reputation for building outstanding [[4-stroke]] [[motorcycles]]. However, two-stroke bikes offered by other manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha were winning the road racing events. Furthermore, in the 1970's, four-stroke motorcycles did not stand a chance against two-strokes in motocross racing. In 1973 Honda stunned the world with its revolutionary Elsinore CR250M two-stroke. | ||
It was Honda's first two-stroke (apart from some early attempts 25 years before) and the first purpose-built, production motocross machine from Honda. It changed motocross bikes forever with its light weight, 29 horsepower over a broad [[Revolutions per minute|RPM]] band, and superlative handling. As a complete package, it challenged the established European dominance. | It was Honda's first two-stroke (apart from some early attempts 25 years before) and the first purpose-built, production motocross machine from Honda. It changed motocross bikes forever with its light weight, 29 horsepower over a broad [[Revolutions per minute|RPM]] band, and superlative handling. As a complete package, it challenged the established European dominance. |