Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Gudday Guys,

I have a CR125M Frame which needs, and is about to receive a lot of restoration.

I have noticed that there is what appears to be a second set of spring hangers attached, part way up the frame closer to the engine.

Does anyone know why they are there?

If they are spring hangers, do they use the same springs or different springs?

Ray

Hi Ray. If I'm understanding correctly....sounds like someone added another set of shock mounts. Pretty common modification back in the day, trying to get a little more and better rear suspension. Do they look like you can remove them? If you're going to restore it, that is!

Ray, I picked up a old CR125 that I'm guessing is in the 1974-1975 range. (just because the shocks are mounted fairly straight up) The frame also has another set of shock mounts closer to the engine which are thicker metal than the rear ones. Is this the case with yours?

One more thing:

If I post the vin numbers on this site, can someone tell me what year the bike actually is. ( A Honda dealer couldn't help me) I've been going by pictures that I've been able to dig up on the net

I have a Honda ID Guide and can tell you what you have if you send me the frame and/or engine numbers.

Hi tomh, sneak and nathan,

After 60 odd hits and no replies I was beginning to think nobody loved me then I get 3 replies!!! There is a god in heaven!

The frame is identified as follows: CR125M - S/No. 1012679 year of Mfg - 11/73.

The fitments look like they are supposed to be there, but look like Honda had an afterthought and added them to change the ride height or to sort out a handling problem.

There is a brace welded to the frame which appears to be a strengthening tube to disperse the load back into the frame.
This brace lies in the same direction as the relocated springs and the load is dispersed along its length.

If I use the shocks/springs that are with the frame in the forward location the rear jacks up about 100mm (thats 4" to you american folks who still live in imperial land).

thanks for your input

ray

Ray,

Your bike is a 1974 CR125M. It did not come with two sets of upper shock mounts. They must have been added by someone. The shock orientation was pretty much straight up and down, with a slight forward lean.

Nathan

Nathan,

Thanks for that - Looks like I get the grinder out.

cheers

Ray

Nathan, I found a web site that listed Vin numbers for the older 125's. Since my number starts with 1 its telling me that its a 1974. A vin number starting with 2 is a 1975. Am I on track here or ?

Correct. The 1974 CR 125 VIN starts with a 1. The 1975 CR125 starts with a 2. Pick up the Honda ID Guide Manuel + I think there is more info located on this site.

Yes sounds like someone fabricated something differen't on that frame. If you haven't allready took a grinder to it send me a pic & I'll tell you whats up!

Good Luck.

Thanks, looks like 1974 it is.

I would also like to see the extra shock mounts and compare them to mine. Its odd that we both have the extra mounts. The ones closer to the engine are also stronger looking than the ones over the Axle.

Gary

The serial numbers for all CR's, MR's & MT's from the Honda ID Guide are listed in the Reference area of http://www.honda-elsinore.com.