Despite Honda’s RC110’s lack of success during competition, it nonetheless went on to become a highly prized machine. Honda also released a slightly lesser-known toned-down production version of the little racer – the CR110 – that was available to the public. Different sources make different claims but ultimately I’m confident saying around 210-230 CR’s were sold globally. Though I imagine there are more CR models on display in collections and living rooms than there are models actually being club raced today, this example has been fully rebuilt and is 100% ready to race…or display.
This 1962 example is all original and features a stock (rebuilt) engine, frame, and a new aluminum fairing. The seller’s photos reveal a near pristine power plant, new rims and new tires. This small displacement bare-bones racer has also been coated with new paint that replicates the original factory coat. Frank Melling of MotoUSA did a great story on the CR110 that’s well worth a read if you’re interested in these machines.
Two different CR110 models were produced by the Japanese manufacturer; a five-speed road-going model complete with lights and silencers that made 7hp at 12,700rpm, and a racing version that boasted eight gears and made 8.5hp at 13,500rpm. This example is the latter of the two. Interestingly, Soichiro Honda played a very hands on role in the creation of the RC and CR 110’s, reportedly putting in countless hours working on developing the now iconic motorcycle. Even though it didn’t win races, I hope Soichiro Honda knew that his hard work and devotion gave birth to a beloved machine that’s now cherished by collectors and vintage enthusiasts.
A reliable source claims that the CR110’s 8.5hp engine was capable of getting the machine up to 90mph which is pretty impressive for a motorcycle that doesn’t require any kind of license. [Editor’s Note: I found this hard to believe but the Moto-USA article above suggests it was possible with “a feather-light pilot glued to the gas tank.”] These machines are particularly small physically too. Seeing riders over 6′ hunched over one of these iconic two-wheelers is almost comical. The mechanical simplicity and ingenuity that went into these machines is just one of many elements that make them so special. Honda’s ability to problem-solve was on full display in the development of the CR110. Not enough torque from the 1/20th liter engine? Strap on a gearbox with an additional three gears, problem solved.
You can find this all-original 1962 Honda CR110 racer for sale here on RaceBikeMart.com in the Netherlands with a price of $34,300 (or €29,500)