VINTAGE MOTO MONDAY: 1973 Honda CR250M Elsinore

This bike, Honda's first production MXer and first two-stroke, changed the face of American motocross. Named after the Elsinore Grand Prix, the CR250M became the bike of choice for legions of motocrossers because it was light, fast, and reliable—not to mention years ahead of European machines in overall user friendliness.

The Elsinore had an aluminum tank, magnesium engine cases, and plastic fenders, the front even fitted with an OE mud flap emblazoned with the letters “CR.” The Jones brothers, Gary and DeWayne, along with their father Don, developed the Elsinore for racing, and Gary went on to win the 1973 AMA 250 National title on an Elsinore. Fun fact: Back in 1973, a CR250 piston cost $11.40. Rings would set you back an extra $3.