Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/694092
Honda MR175 Elsinore Restoration? No, how 'bout resurrection? Living in Maine, no doubt, the Winters can be very long and boring. Over the years, I've found waking up old interesting, vintage dirt bikes to be a great way to keep occupied while waiting for Spring. Searching Craigslist every morning while sipping coffee can sometimes be a great way to stumble onto a new project and here's one that just seemed like it needed to find its way into my shop. Found in Western MA. Craigslist was this well worn but totally original Honda MR175 Elsinore. Having rebuilt two MR's in the past, I figured why not and hit the road with my Black Lab, "Lucy" for a trip to North Adams, MA. Although it was a few more hours away than I typically like to travel for a rather roached out old Honda, the roads were clear, had the time to drive and away we went. One thing I really like about buy- ing old rides is the thrill of the hunt and meeting the people. The dude selling the bike seemed like the real deal right off the bat, he said he had owned this bike for many years but was realistic that it needed to go to the right guy and he did not have time for yet another project. After a four hour drive, I met this bearded dude at his place of business, a cool old brick mill building with wooden floors that creak when you walk on them. Once we entered his part of the building, I soon realized this guy was a motorcyclist to the core. Al- though vintage dirt was not his bag, vintage road racing was certainly 36 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com