Ben Walker
Department Director
Lot 289
1976 Honda CR250M Elsinore
Engine no. CR250ME-3003442
Amended
26 January 2017, 12:00 PST
Las Vegas, Rio's Hotel & CasinoSold for US$5,980 inc. premium
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1976 Honda CR250M Elsinore
Engine no. CR250ME-3003442
Engine no. CR250ME-3003442
The pace of development in motocross was brutally quick in the 1970s, so within two years of the blockbuster CR250 Elsinore's introduction, its rear suspension was looking decidedly antiquated as long-travel setups came to the fore. A redesigned chassis with moved-up shocks gave the CR at least a fighting chance against Yamaha Monoshockers and the like. A coat of bright Honda Red paint on virtually everything except the motor announced the changes, echoing the look of Team Honda's factory racers.
This '76 Elsinore is from the estate of motorcycle collector Mike Owens, partner in the Legends and Heroes traveling motocross museum. Until Owens' 2015 passing, this bike was on prime display in the museum trailer that was hauled to AMA Supercross races. Amazingly, it has never been started and never ridden. The original owner kept the Elsinore safe and sound, knowing that the 1975-76 models' long-travel rear suspension – a first for Honda – would one day make the bike highly collectible. Owens purchased the Honda in 2009 and immediately made it part of the Legends and Heroes display.
Though the bike has never been started, it is showing minor examples of 'museum-rash,' including a cracked front number plate, minor scuffs and scrapes to the frame, and the fork sliders display the usual light oxidation for a bike of this age. This CR250, which has to be one of the few 0-mile examples in the world, has remained on static display since being acquired by the Carter Collection.
Saleroom notices
Offered on a Bill of Sale. The frame number is CR250M-3003414.