Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Well, here it goes anyway. Please feel free to move this to the appropriate topic, just email me & let me know where it was moved so I know where to look for answers.

I inherited my Dad's Honda's 1973 - 125 (is it right to assume it's an Elsinor??). Biggest problem: I don't have the key (that I know), so it's not been started in over 3 yrs. I'm also not a motorcycle/motorbike-kinda-girl. I don't know if I'm ready to "get rid of it" 'cause it was my Dad's, but it's just sitting around. I'm not into rebuilding either. Wish I was.

I'm hoping frequent-er of this website/forums will be able to help me w/a value for this little bugger.

Thanks for your time & knowledge in advance... Nu

since it has a key, I'm guessing it also has lights and is not an Elsie, but a 1973 CB125 street bike. I could, however, be wrong. Perhaps post up some pictures so we can see its overall condition. If its in good original condition, a bike of its year is probably valued pretty high depending on its condition, history etc.

_________________
1980 CR250R Elsinore

It's possible that it could be a 74 MT125 Elsinore. Frame and/or engine serial number will absolutely nail this bikes identity down. Can you post them?

Thanks guys (gals?). I'll try to get a picture. I think it does have a light; I'll have to check.

Where would the serial number be on the frame and/or engine?

Thanks again!! Cheers!

Hi:

First look behind the headlight for the serial number. write this number down.
As long as the bike not siting out in the rain for years it can be rebuilt. Check the gas tank by removing the gas cap and looking inside with a flashlight for rust. The carb should be taken off and cleaned and rebuilt, aslo the gas tank should be cleaned. Most shops can do this for you.
If you have access to a bicycle tire pump. Pump up the tires to see if they hold air. Look at the tires checking for Dry Rot. This will look like cracks in the sidewalls.
You can probally find a key for you bike at Honda. On the ignition there is a number in the area where the key goes into the ignition switch. Write it down and take it to your dealer. He will use this number as referance to order a new key.
Lift the seat. find the battery. On the side of the batery is a number. Ex: 6N63B is a battery for a 1973 Honda MT 125. Double check me on this number, but I believe this is the battery you need. Your dealer will be able to get a battery and charge it for you. There are only 2 bolts to fasten the battery. There is a plus + and a minus - side on top of the battery. The RED wire goes to the plus, the BLACK wire goes to the minus.
You can also order a service manual for your bike. Hayes, and Chilton are some names of books.
This will get you started. Don't be afraid of the unknown. You will learn as you go along. I'm sure your father would be proud of your effort.

My name is Lee Curry, Owner of Proformance Cycle. Myself and others on the message board will help you. Good luck!

Hi:

First look behind the headlight for the serial number. write this number down.
As long as the bike not siting out in the rain for years it can be rebuilt. Check the gas tank by removing the gas cap and looking inside with a flashlight for rust. The carb should be taken off and cleaned and rebuilt, aslo the gas tank should be cleaned. Most shops can do this for you.
If you have access to a bicycle tire pump. Pump up the tires to see if they hold air. Look at the tires checking for Dry Rot. This will look like cracks in the sidewalls.
You can probally find a key for you bike at Honda. On the ignition there is a number in the area where the key goes into the ignition switch. Write it down and take it to your dealer. He will use this number as referance to order a new key.
Lift the seat. find the battery. On the side of the batery is a number. Ex: 6N63B is a battery for a 1973 Honda MT 125. Double check me on this number, but I believe this is the battery you need. Your dealer will be able to get a battery and charge it for you. There are only 2 bolts to fasten the battery. There is a plus + and a minus - side on top of the battery. The RED wire goes to the plus, the BLACK wire goes to the minus.
You can also order a service manual for your bike. Hayes, and Chilton are some names of books.
This will get you started. Don't be afraid of the unknown. You will learn as you go along. I'm sure your father would be proud of your effort.

My name is Lee Curry, Owner of Proformance Cycle. Myself and others on the message board will help you. Good luck!

The serial number is on the front most part of the frame, right under the handle bars. You may have to turn the front wheel to the side to get the forks out of the way to read it.

But the easiest way to check is: What color is the engine? If it is silver then it is probably a 4 stroke, if it is brown or black it is a two stroke.

http://100megsfree4.com/honda/

Is a favorite of mine to get a blurb about whatever model you have.

G'morning! Wow... ! Thanks for all the info - wooo weeee! I came to the right place!

The gas tank is blue, but it looks like it took a spill @ some point & I can see other paint colors @ the scratch point. I'm going to go check for the serial # now.

Thanks again!!

I got the serial #

CL 125S - 1005604

Date of manufacture: 08/1972 (on the title it says 1973)


What does this info mean?:

GVWR 515 lbs

GAWR F 170 lbs

R 370 lbs

I'm guessing the "lbs" has to do w/pounds & weight, but why the 3 different weights?

I'll try to take some pix once my toddler is down for a nap. Hopefully my husband will be able to help get the pix either posted here or @ our website to view.

Got some pix!! It's not the gas tank that was scratched in a "wreak/slide", it was a "cover" (don't know what it's covering) below the seat. The "cover" is plastic. The gas tank does have some scratches on top; it doesn't look like it was from a wreak.

I'll ask my husband to help me post the pix later today.

Lee, you've got me thinking of rebuilding - the thought is a little exciting. I just don't know when I'd EVER get around to it. & if I ever rode a motorcycle (which I've never really been interested in doing) where would I ride a bike like this? It's not much of a bike... I'd be, quite honest, affraid to ride it on the highway; around the city, I think I'd manage ok.

Thanks again for all the help.

sounds like you've got yourself a 1973 CL125 Scrambler. I do believe it is a rare bike. good luck. someone should be around to follow up soon.!!

_________________
1980 CR250R Elsinore

Yes, you have a 1973 CL 125S. It has a 4-stroke engine, not a 2-stroke like Elsinores. I looked up the serial number in the Honda ID guide and it lists it as either being Candy Ruby Red or Hawiian Blue Metallic as the original color. The tank stripes should be white. Exhaust should be exiting on right side along the top of the engine case. It is supposed to be street legal though so you could fix it and ride it to work or the store. Good luck.

NuSkewl:

That is a great bike! It is not a scary fast ride. I consider it a beginner bike, but that's cool. It would be great on gas. Good for riding around town or country road cruising, as long as your not in a big hurry!
I don't know your area where you live. I hope it will work for you if you decide to restore it.

Thanks guys! It's the blue color. The exhaust does go along the right & over the enging a bit. Hee hee... what a thought... ME... on a motorcycle! I might be back to get help w/fixin' it up, but not 'til after we move & get settled into a NuHouse.

So now that we know what we're talkin' about..., any idea of a value... even if it's not in 110% condition??

You've been gems! Thanks for the help & encouragement... I'll see if I can't still get some pix posted.

Ok... the photos can be viewed @:

http://www.tkrin.net/motorcycle

Take a look!!