In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Honda created a multitude of beloved Grand Prix bikes (not to say that its recent RC machines haven’t been pretty legendary too). But two-and-a-half decades before two strokes would be phased off of the main racing stages, Honda introduced the MT125R which was a production track-only machine that Honda made available to the public directly through its US dealer network. It was offered in ’77 and ’78 to privateer and club competitors. Because the MT is far less iconic than many of Honda’s other racers, it comes at a much lower price, meaning you can buy this relatively clean, original ’70’s factory Honda racer for more than a grand under five figures.
Developed by Honda Racing Service Center (RSC), the MT125R was essentially an MX engine wrapped in full fiberglass bodywork and fitted with street brakes made up of various components from existing Honda models like the ST90 and CB200. In addition to its brakes, the MT models shared numerous engine parts with its dirt-going counterpart: the CR125M. While the non-production version had little success in the GP races it ran in, it nonetheless supposedly put a lot of riders on podiums in the private club leagues of that era.
The 1977 MT125R was powered by an air-cooled 123cc two-stroke single that made 26hp, (though dyno results suggest a little less), connected to a wet multi-plate six speed transmission. Interestingly the tachometer on the MT didn’t register a reading until the engine got up to 5,000rpm. From there the revs would go as high as 14,000, making peak power at around 10,000rpm. There’s a fun video from a few years back someone posted a video of an MTR trying to battle it out with some modern supersports at Cadwell Park (a popular U.K. track):
The powerplant on this ’77 example has recently undergone a rebuild that included a new top end before the entire engine was powder-coated along with its frame which is one of the few parts that was engineered solely for the MTR. This example is 100% race ready and the current owner says the sale includes “a handful of extra parts” though fails to specify what parts.
In addition to the obviously missing windscreen and seat-cushion, this example also seemingly lacks the factory prop stand, or at least the paint-can the bike is resting on would suggest as much. This 1977 example unfortunately lacks the updates made to the machine in ’78 like a redesigned expansion chamber, hydraulic front disc brake, and an extra two ponies. Honda RSC also offered an optional liquid-cooled kit that was made up of a liquid-cooled cylinder, cylinder head, radiator, hoses, water pump, hardware, and a temperature gauge. These kits are seldom found on most MTR racers so it’s by no means a strike against this example which appears to have its original tach which is a must on this model.
I do personally think it’s a little weird that this bike underwent some serious and laborious work, yet the owner didn’t opt to finish the job with a seat-pad and windscreen. BikeScreen.com carries windscreens for all sorts of vintage machines for under $150 (including the MTR) and a razor and piece of foam could solve the seat problem so I’m a little perplexed. Either way these are quick and easy fixes and this bike is still an awesome little factory vintage racer that is in what the seller described as “exceptional shape”, for a pretty reasonable price.
You can find this 1977 Honda MT125R for sale here on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California with a price of $8,900.