The Honda CR is one of the most iconic and successful motocross bikes of all time. It was born in 1973, when Honda decided to enter the booming market of off-road racing with a revolutionary machine: the CR250M Elsinore. Named after the famous track in California, the Elsinore was a lightweight, powerful and reliable two-stroke bike that changed the game in motocross. It was the first production bike to feature a single-shock rear suspension, a plastic fuel tank and a red color scheme. It was also the first bike to win an AMA Motocross Championship, with Gary Jones taking the 250cc title in 1973.
The Elsinore was followed by the CR125M in 1974, which dominated the 125cc class for years, winning six consecutive titles from 1974 to 1979 with riders like Marty Smith, Bob Hannah and Broc Glover. The CR line expanded to include the CR500M in 1979, a beast of a bike that produced over 60 horsepower and was nicknamed the “Ping King” for its tendency to detonate at high rpm. The CR500M was later renamed the CR480R, then the CR500R, and became a legend in the hands of riders like David Bailey, Rick Johnson, Jeff Stanton and Jeremy McGrath.
The CR series evolved over the years, introducing innovations such as liquid cooling, disc brakes, inverted forks, aluminum frames and electronic power valves. The bikes were always competitive and won countless championships and races in all classes and disciplines, from motocross to supercross to enduro to freestyle. Some of the most memorable moments in motocross history were made on a CR, such as Bob Hannah’s comeback win at Hangtown in 1986, Ricky Carmichael’s perfect season in 2002, Travis Pastrana’s double backflip at X Games in 2006 and Ken Roczen’s miraculous return to racing in 2018.
The CR line was discontinued in 2007, when Honda switched to four-stroke engines for its motocross bikes. The last model was the CR250R, which had a loyal fan base that still cherishes its performance and character. The CR name lives on in the CRF line of four-stroke bikes, which have also been successful and popular among riders of all levels. However, many motocross enthusiasts still miss the sound, smell and thrill of riding a two-stroke CR, and hope that one day Honda will bring back the legendary bike that started it all.
