The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, c.1963 Honda 50cc CR110 Racing Motorcycle

'Not only did they epitomise the virtues of a racing motorcycle, being small, light, fast and simple, but they handled wonderfully well, and if properly (and rather expensively) maintained they were remarkably reliable.' – Brian Woolley on the Honda CRs, Directory of Classic Racing Motorcycles.

Little more than one year after its breakthrough first success at World Championship level in 1961, Honda made its state-of-the-art Grand Prix technology available to privateers in the form of the 50cc CR110 and 125cc CR93 over-the-counter racers. Like their works equivalents, the 50cc single and 125cc twin employed gear-driven double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, this combination of tiny cylinders and minuscule valves enabling them to rev safely well into five figures, the CR110's maximum power of 8.5bhp arriving at a then stratospheric 13,500rpm. Both models employed a tubular steel frame, devoid of lower rails, to which was attached a conventional set of cycle parts, and while the '50' boasted no fewer than eight gears in the gearbox, the more tractable '125' made do with six. First made available in 1963, the duo immediately achieved a dominance of their respective classes that would last for many years, and countless stars of the future, including Bill Ivy, Jim Curry, Rod Scivyer and sidecar champion Chris Vincent, gained their early experience aboard the diminutive CRs.

This CR110 was owned from new by Bill Barker, a Yorkshire-based motorcycle dealer, and is believed to have competed in the Isle of Man TT on several occasions (the 50cc race featured from 1962 to 1968). It was later acquired by well-known collector Tony O'Neill, who completed its restoration circa 1996, before passing into the collection of early motoring connoisseur Mike Timms around 1998. Robert acquired the machine at Bonhams' October 2006 Stafford Sale, since when it has been carefully stored and displayed as part of his collection.

The high-level exhaust and rear disc brake are the only noted deviations from original specification. Only a relative handful of CR110s were imported into the UK, and this fine example – with its excellent provenance and long-term custodianship – represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these jewel-like masterpieces, so highly prized by collectors today. It is particularly fitting that the CR110 is offered here alongside Robert's Dream 50 (Lot 252), the modern homage to Honda's jewel-like racer.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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