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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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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== |