First launched in late 1973, the MT250 trail bike was based on the CR Moto-cross machinery of the same name. Early models, the KO type, had a chrome plated heat shield on the Hi-line exhaust system. All model years had silver fuel tanks, with Daytona orange, Tahitian red and Aquarius blue/black fuel tank top stripes. The five speed piston port two strokes all had oil injection, and were as good as anything at that time the opposition could produce.
1974 HONDA CB750
Honda of Japan introduced the CB750 motorcycle to the US and European markets in 1969. The bike was targeted directly at the US market.
Under development for a year, the CB750 offered two unprecedented features, a front disc brake and a transverse straight-4 engine with an overhead camshaft, neither of which was previously available on a mainstream, affordable production bike.
Cycle magazine called the CB750 “the most sophisticated production bike ever” upon its introduction. Cycle World called it a masterpiece, highlighting Honda’s painstaking durability testing, the bike’s 120 mph (190 km/h) top speed, the fade-free performance of the braking, the comfortable ride and excellent instrumentation. The CB750 was the first modern four-cylinder machine from a mainstream manufacturer, and the term super-bike was coined to describe it. The bike offered other important features that added to its compelling value: electric starter, kill switch, dual mirrors, flashing turn signals, easily maintained valves and overall smoothness and freedom from vibration both underway and at a standstill.
The Discovery Channel ranked the Honda CB750 third among the top ten greatest motorbikes of all time.
1974 HONDA CB750, classic motocross bikes, Motocross classics1972 SUZUKI TS250
The two-stroke air-cooled single cylinder Suzuki TS250 was introduced in 1969 and was built as a dual purpose, enthusiasts in the USA called them the ‘Street Scramble’ machine. It was based fairly closely on the TM250 production moto-cross model. The 1969 model gave 23hp and came with a five-speed gearbox. The Suzuki TS250 was called ‘The Savage’ in the USA and ‘Hustler’ in Japan. A great classic off-road bike, that commands very high classic values both in the USA and Japan.
1972 SUZUKI TS250, classic motocross bikes, Motocross classicsHONDA Z50
The Honda Z-Series refers to the lineage of mini bikes manufactured by Honda Motorcycles. Though Honda’s official model designations are typically Z50A, Z50J, Z50M, Z50R and ZB50, they are more commonly referred to as the “Monkey” or “Gorilla” because of the way people are said to look when riding one of such bikes. Sales of the bike began in March 1964 with the Z50M mode. The original model of the Honda Z-series was originally produced as a children’s ride at a Japanese amusement park, but was eventually refined and put into mass production, hitting the European market in 1967. Since then Honda has produced a wide variety of Honda Z-series mini bikes, with annual model updates still in effect.
classic motocross bikes, HONDA Z50, Motocross classics1972 SUZUKI TS250
The two-stroke air-cooled single cylinder Suzuki TS250 was introduced in 1969 and was built as a dual purpose, or as the USA called them ‘Street Scramble’ machine. It was based fairly closely on the TM250 production moto-cross model. The 1969 model gave 23hp and came with a five-speed gearbox.
Called the ‘Savage’ in the USA and ‘Hustler’ in Japan, it gradually became a little less powerful in the search for more mid-range performance, and dare we say better reliability. The Japanese models were in a lower state of tune with just18.5hp when first launched; this was to be increased to 22hp from 1971 onwards. A great classic off-roader, that commands sky-high classic values both in the USA and Japan.
1972 SUZUKI R350 REBEL
A awesomely fast 350 two-stroke twin when it was launched in 1969. It’s 315cc piston-port engine gave an easy 39hp at 7,500rpm, and weighed about 149kg. It was the fastest 350cc machine available in 1972, and was able to out-drag the Honda CB450, as well as the Triumph 500 twins with a standing quarter of less than 15 seconds! The T350 Rebel though was not all good news; its handling was borderline evil, as many North American customers found out! The power was simply too much for the chassis, but it still made for an exciting ride, and became something of a legend over time. Few have survived and those that did are highly coveted by collectors, especially in North America market.
1972 SUZUKI R350 REBEL, classic motocross bikes1974 CAN-AM TNT250
Specifications of this model will be added at a later date.
1974 CAN-AM TNT250, classic motocross bikes, Motocross classics