1986 Honda CR250 Moto-crosser

"There are timeless classics in each field, and in the dirt bike world, there's nothing that has reached that status like the Honda CR250R. Even though it's been out of production in the U.S. since 2007, the CR probably won more combined amateur and professional races than any other motorcycle in the dirt world." - Dirt Bike magazine.

Spurred on by its rivals' successes in international moto-cross using two-stroke machines, Honda had not choice but to follow suit, despite company founder Soichiro Honda's assertion that he would never build two-stroke motorcycles. Honda's first tentative steps in developing a competitive moto-crosser were taken with a prototype that debuted in August 1971. Within a couple of years Honda was able to offer an over-the-counter production model for privateers - the CR250M - which commenced production in 1973 and was marketed in the USA as the Elsinore, taking its name from the AMA's famous moto-cross track at Lake Elsinore in California. Produced until 1976, the first CR250M featured an air-cooled engine in a tubular steel frame, while later versions of its CR250R successor boasted water cooling and an aluminium beam frame, the latter an industry first for a production moto-crosser. The CR250R would undergo continuous development as the years went by before being dropped in 2007, the final year of production.

This CR250 was restored during the Covid lockdown, since when it has been kept in storage as an ornament. The vendor advises the following works carried out include repainting the frame and reconditioning/renewing the plastics; applying a new graphics kit; rebuilding the wheels with new (non-original) rims and tyres; restoring the original seat; rebuilding the suspension; reconditioning the brakes; fitting new radiators; and replacing bearings and other service items throughout. The original exhaust system has been retained. The water pump housing of these bikes is prone to corrosion but this one's is said to be clean. Last run six months ago (therefore may require re-commissioning before returning to the road) the machine comes with a substantial quantity of invoices together with a box of spares. It should be noted that the engine number on the plaque is unclear but possibly reads '2806095'.
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