In 1973, Honda took a bold leap. At a time when motocross bikes were still specialty items mostly reserved for European builders, Honda—already a leading force in street motorcycles—suddenly entered the off-road scene.
They didn’t just dip a toe in the water; they cannonballed in, creating one of the most influential motocross bikes of all time. The Honda Elsinore, named after the storied Elsinore Grand Prix, wasn’t just a motorcycle; it was a spark, a shot of adrenaline that changed motocross forever.
A Glimpse Into the Early Days of Motocross
In the early ’70s, the off-road motorcycling scene was still in its formative stages in America. European brands like Husqvarna, CZ, and Bultaco dominated motocross, known for their rugged builds and racing heritage. Honda wanted to bring that same passion for racing into the dirt. It was a gamble, as Honda had no background in motocross, but the company had a reputation for quality and innovation—and they had a plan.
Honda’s engineers took what they knew about speed, control, and reliability and reshaped it into something new. It was light, powerful, and as stylish as it was practical, wrapped in a bold metallic green and silver livery. Suddenly, a bike was here that was reliable, affordable, and actually looked cool doing it.
The Making of the Elsinore
Creating the Honda Elsinore wasn’t as simple as adapting a street bike to off-road duty. Honda started from scratch, building a purpose-made, race-ready machine. The result was the CR250M, with the “M” designating motocross. It was Honda’s answer to the dirt trails and jumping tracks of motocross racing, and the factory team knew it had to be tough enough to handle brutal conditions.
The CR250M’s heart was a two-stroke, single-cylinder engine that produced 28 horsepower—a generous amount at the time for a lightweight bike. Its aluminum alloy engine cases were groundbreaking; not only did they save weight, but they could take a pounding, too. With a weight of just over 210 pounds, it was significantly lighter than most of the competition, making it a nimble, easy-to-handle option in a world where brutish muscle tended to win out. And Honda priced it at a point that made it accessible to a broader audience, opening the floodgates for a new generation of riders.
A Winning Legacy
The CR250M Elsinore burst onto the scene with a storied debut. Motocross legend Gary Jones rode it to win the 1973 AMA 250cc National Championship, making it immediately clear that Honda’s new kid on the block was here to stay. From the first lap, it was evident that the Elsinore wasn’t just a newcomer; it was a contender.
The lightweight frame, superior suspension, and powerful engine all worked in concert, giving riders an edge on the track. In the hands of skilled riders like Jones, the Elsinore demonstrated incredible agility, its low weight and responsive power delivery allowing for sharp turns and controlled jumps. It was a groundbreaking achievement, and it helped inspire a new era of off-road racing.
Design and Engineering Brilliance
Honda didn’t shy away from putting its best engineering talent behind the Elsinore, and it shows. The CR250M’s compact design and well-placed controls made it easier for riders to handle and control. The chassis was made of chromoly steel tubing, strong yet flexible, allowing the Elsinore to absorb impacts without rattling the rider to pieces. This gave it an advantage on bumpy trails and punishing courses, where some of the competition’s bikes would buck and heave.
The front forks offered 7 inches of travel, while the rear suspension provided about 4.5 inches—more than capable of handling the jumps and dips of a motocross track in 1973. And while it may seem rudimentary by today’s standards, this suspension setup was revolutionary at the time. In an era of slapdash and rugged engineering, Honda created a fine-tuned machine that wasn’t just fast; it was precise.
How the Elsinore Changed Motocross
The Elsinore didn’t just make waves in motocross; it changed the entire game. Its arrival meant that more than just hardcore racers could now access a competitive, well-built motocross bike. The Elsinore was affordable enough to attract casual riders, but it performed well enough to satisfy seasoned racers. Suddenly, Honda had created an accessible way for average riders to get into the world of motocross, leading to an explosion in the sport’s popularity.
By the time Honda released the 125cc version, the CR125M Elsinore, the off-road craze was in full swing. Young riders could now get their hands on a smaller, lighter bike with the same reliability and spirit as the original CR250M. Motocross in America had its moment of ignition, and the Elsinore was the match.
The Legacy of the Elsinore Today
The Honda Elsinore might not be a common sight on tracks or trails today, but its legacy endures. The CR250M helped set Honda on a trajectory that would make them a leader in off-road motorcycles, establishing the company’s reputation as an innovator in both the dirt and street realms. Today, Honda’s CRF series bikes carry the torch, embodying the same spirit of lightweight agility and race-ready reliability that began with the Elsinore.
Collectors and enthusiasts now seek out Elsinores, both for their nostalgic value and their pivotal role in motocross history. Honda’s bold step into the off-road market in the early ’70s didn’t just pay off; it became an enduring legacy. Without the Elsinore, it’s hard to imagine Honda’s modern-day dominance in the world of dirt bikes.
A Legacy Born on the Dirt
The Honda Elsinore didn’t just turn heads—it redefined an entire category of motorcycles. It opened up the rugged sport of motocross to riders of all kinds and proved that Honda could compete with the best. The Elsinore paved the way for Honda’s future off-road endeavors, setting a standard for reliability, performance, and innovation that still echoes in today’s dirt bike industry.
In the world of motocross, there are bikes, and then there are legends. The Honda Elsinore is firmly in the latter category, and decades later, it still serves as a reminder of Honda’s willingness to push boundaries and take risks. The CR250M was more than just a bike; it was a revolution on two wheels. And to those who rode it, it was a revelation.
