c1977 Honda MT125R (Production GP Racer) Motorcycle

Description

One of the finest production road-racing motorcycles produced in the 1970s, Honda's fabulous little MT125R was built exclusively for the US market in strictly limited number in the late 1970s. For many racers of the day the MT125R was how they cut their teeth, with the likes of Randy Mamola achieving great success in 125cc class racing. Powered by an air-cooled two-stroke single derived from the production CR125 and developing 26 horsepower, the specification included a six-speed close-ratio gearbox, a front disc brake (mechanical on the original Mark I and hydraulic on the subsequent Mark II/III versions) and was delivered as a kit which included a fibreglass tank, fairing, guard and seat cowling. The factory Racing Service Corp. tachometer only began reading at 5,000 rpm and ran all the way up to 14,000 rpm and depending on the heft of the rider, could top 115 mph down the straights. Standard equipment included the factory prop stand while RSC offered a rare kit to convert the MT125R's motor to liquid-cooling. Although the exact production figures for the MT125R aren't clear, it has been suggested as few as 200 were imported in each of the two years (1977-1978) it was sold in the US. Very few of these exotic bikes ever reached Australia, making this example not only exceptionally rare, but hugely collectible.