Unassembled 1979 Honda Elsinore Sells for $70,000
A 1979 Honda CR125R Elsinore still in its factory crate sold on Bring a Trailer for $70,000, far above its estimated value.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Motorcycles
A 1979 Honda CR125R Elsinore, never assembled and still in its original factory crate, sold through an online auction on Bring a Trailer for $70,000. The winning bidder plans to ship the motorcycle to Australia.
Why it matters
The price far exceeds the roughly $4,100 to $5,800 Hagerty estimates for a bike in good condition, showing how a sealed, unassembled example can command a premium among collectors. The sale highlights strong international demand for vintage Honda motocross machines.
The 1979 CR125R carries a 123cc two-stroke engine, 23-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and a six-speed manual transmission. Hagerty estimates a good-condition example at $4,100 to $5,800, while this unassembled example sold for $70,000.
The players
Honda
Japanese automaker that launched its first production motocross bike in 1973 and later dominated the 500cc class of the Motocross World Championship.
Bring a Trailer
Online auction marketplace specializing in collectible and enthusiast vehicles, where the motorcycle was sold.
Hagerty
Insurance and valuation company whose estimates for collector vehicles are widely used by buyers and sellers.
The details
The previous owner bought the bike in 2011 and kept it sealed in its factory crate, which contained the original engine, wheels, and transmission. Bidding on the Bring a Trailer listing climbed far above the bike's estimated value before the hammer fell at $70,000.
Timeline
1973: Honda launched its first production motocross bike.
1976: Honda's motocross bikes adopted their red paint scheme.
1979: The CR125R Elsinore model year was introduced.
2011: The previous owner purchased the bike.
2026: The Elsinore auction closed on Bring a Trailer.
Roadmap
The CR125R was launched in 1979, the same year Honda took the 500cc riders' and manufacturers' titles in the Motocross World Championship. That racing success helped establish the red-painted Honda motocross lineup that collectors now seek out.
Buyers of vintage motocross bikes should expect that sealed, unassembled examples can sell far above typical valuation estimates. Collectors considering international purchases should factor in shipping costs and import logistics.
The takeaway
Condition and originality can matter as much as model year when collectors price rare motorcycles. Verify valuation references such as Hagerty's estimates before bidding, since auction results can diverge sharply from them.
Further reading
Explore more collectible two-wheel history in our Motorcycles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SlashGear.
