Aside from its groundbreaking performance and reliability, what made this possibly the most successful 125 motocross bike ever, were its price and availability. Priced at $895, it was substantially less than its European competitors, and Honda's dealer network (which started in the US in 1959) was second to none, so finding parts wasn't an issue as it was for much of the competition. The quality of craftsmanship is readily apparent, as the same Dirt Bike test stated, "Nothing leaks on this bike. Nothing. This is as it should be. We hope the rest of the whole line of leaky bikes listens to this. There is no longer any excuse for sloppy workmanship or materials."

The first few years of Elsinore 125s may have also been the most modified 125 models ever. Who could forget the iconic photograph of the young Donnie Emler with an FMF pipe he built with his own hands slung over his shoulder destined for Marty Smith's 1974 CR125M? The popularity of Elsinore largely contributed to a new American business category – motocross-specific performance companies. The aforementioned Flying Machine Factory, DG, Miller Mano, TM, and CH, to name a few. From 1974 – 1976 there were more Elsinore 125s on the starting line of any given 125 class than any other brand.

Although the first purpose-built 125s came from European manufacturers, the AMA launched the AMA National 125 Championship series a year before the FIM's creation of the 125 World Championship. There were only four races in the AMA series. Honda hired Marty Smith away from Monark and rode the CR125M to two race wins and the National Championship. Not surprisingly, the four top riders in the championship were on CR125s. In 1975 Marty Smith won his second straight 125 National Championship and the inaugural 125 USGP at Mid-Ohio.