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1988 HONDA CR250R

SOLD
THIS UNIT HAS SOLD AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Description

1988 HONDA CR250R “TEAM SURF / PRO CIRCUIT”

WORKS-LEVEL FACTORY PRIVATEER BIKE

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DETAILS

Ultra-Rare • Varner Racing Engine •Investment-Grade Moto History

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a true factory works motocross bike, you already know the reality—they’re virtually unobtainable, and when one surfaces, you’re looking at $200,000–$250,000+… if you can even get access.

This is the next best thing—and in many ways, the most attainable version of that dream ever built.

THE CLOSEST THING TO A FACTORY WORKS BIKE

This 1988 Honda CR250 is a SURF Racing / Pro Circuit–built machine, representing the golden era when elite privateer teams blurred the line between factory and private effort.

Riders like Rick Johnson and David Bailey dominated the era on factory Hondas, while privateers like Jeff Glass proved that SURF-backed Pro Circuit bikes could holeshot and run top 10 against factory teams.

Jeff Glass famously holeshot RedBud on a SURF bike and consistently ran:

  • Top 10 finishes

  • Top 20 in Supercross & Nationals

  • Reliable main event qualifier

This bike represents that exact level of competition.

FACTORY-LEVEL COMPONENTS & RACE ENGINEERING

WOULD COST A FORTUNE IN PARTS TO DUPLICATE PLUS OVER 100 HOURS OF SHOP LABOR @ $150 P.H. - $15,000 IN LABOR ALONE

This is not a replica built from a stock bike—

this is a true works-style build loaded with rare, handcrafted components:

Engine & Performance

  • Varner Racing–built engine (ported cylinder with logo)

  • High-performance Keihin carburetor

  • Ram Air Fuel Tank Into a New Twin Air filter

  • Substantially more power than stock—an absolute ripper

  • Easily outperforms modern 250 four-strokes in raw power & torque

Pro Circuit Race Components

  • Period-correct Pro Circuit pipe (mint, no dents – unobtanium)

  • Pro Circuit silencer (factory sound)

  • Pro Circuit engine covers

  • Full Pro Circuit suspension setup

Works Parts

  • Hand-fabricated Aluminum subframe, Aluminum airbox + aluminum fuel tank

  • Twin Ram Air intake system through the fuel tank (extremely rare)

  • Works-style hubs (SURF signature setup)

  • Takasago Excel rims with Buchanan spokes

Race-Ready Hardware

  • Showa race suspension

  • Oversized foot pegs

  • Stainless shifter

  • MSR quick-adjust clutch perch

  • Renthal bars, grips, and crossbar pad

CONDITION – COLLECTOR QUALITY

This bike is exceptionally preserved and mechanically dialed:

  • Frame rails: Pristine & Perfect – no dents or damage

  • OEM Honda radiator: Like new (no bent fins)

  • Swingarm: Excellent condition

  • Wheels, chain, sprockets: Near new

  • Pipe: Pristine – zero dents

  • Runs: Absolutely phenomenal

Likely fitted with a fresh frame during its final service of the season it looks brand new

a common practice for factory-level bikes.

ORIGINAL DETAILS & PATINA

  • Original SURF graphics package

  • Iconic green/orange seat (original cover)

  • Original Pro Circuit fork decals (preserved—not replaced)

  • White powder-coated frame for that unmistakable factory look

We intentionally left original elements untouched to preserve authenticity.

PROVENANCE

  • Part of the Jack Weaver Collection for over 30 years

  • Displayed and preserved—not ridden during that time

  • One of 100+ bikes in a legendary private collection

This was widely regarded as the crown jewel of the collection.

INVESTMENT-GRADE MOTO HISTORY

This bike represents a pivotal moment in motocross:

  • Rise of Pro Circuit

  • Privateers competing with factory teams

  • Evolution of Honda’s HPP power valve era

  • Introduction of cartridge fork technology

You simply don’t see these come up for sale—we haven’t seen another in years.

WHY THIS BIKE MATTERS

  • Ultra-rare SURF / Pro Circuit race bike

  • True factory-level engineering

  • Documented racing pedigree

  • Museum-quality presentation

  • One of the closest things to a works bike you can actually own

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’re looking for:

  • A centerpiece for your collection

  • A museum-level motocross artifact

  • A high-end investment-grade vintage race bike

Your ship has come in.

THE KAPLAN CYCLES DIFFERENCE

At Kaplan Cycles, we don’t just sell motorcycles—we preserve and elevate them.

Every machine we offer reflects:

  • Passion for motocross history

  • Expert curation and mechanical integrity

  • Concierge-level support before and after the sale

We stand behind what we sell—period.

Contact us today to secure this once-in-a-lifetime machine.

Opportunities like this don’t come around twice.

Thanks for looking, and God Bless America


WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”


AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192


We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.


Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.

 

Wheels

1988 HONDA CR250R “TEAM SURF / PRO CIRCUIT”

WORKS-LEVEL FACTORY PRIVATEER BIKE

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DETAILS

Ultra-Rare • Varner Racing Engine •Investment-Grade Moto History

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a true factory works motocross bike, you already know the reality—they’re virtually unobtainable, and when one surfaces, you’re looking at $200,000–$250,000+… if you can even get access.

This is the next best thing—and in many ways, the most attainable version of that dream ever built.

THE CLOSEST THING TO A FACTORY WORKS BIKE

This 1988 Honda CR250 is a SURF Racing / Pro Circuit–built machine, representing the golden era when elite privateer teams blurred the line between factory and private effort.

Riders like Rick Johnson and David Bailey dominated the era on factory Hondas, while privateers like Jeff Glass proved that SURF-backed Pro Circuit bikes could holeshot and run top 10 against factory teams.

Jeff Glass famously holeshot RedBud on a SURF bike and consistently ran:

  • Top 10 finishes

  • Top 20 in Supercross & Nationals

  • Reliable main event qualifier

This bike represents that exact level of competition.

FACTORY-LEVEL COMPONENTS & RACE ENGINEERING

WOULD COST A FORTUNE IN PARTS TO DUPLICATE PLUS OVER 100 HOURS OF SHOP LABOR @ $150 P.H. - $15,000 IN LABOR ALONE

This is not a replica built from a stock bike—

this is a true works-style build loaded with rare, handcrafted components:

Engine & Performance

  • Varner Racing–built engine (ported cylinder with logo)

  • High-performance Keihin carburetor

  • Ram Air Fuel Tank Into a New Twin Air filter

  • Substantially more power than stock—an absolute ripper

  • Easily outperforms modern 250 four-strokes in raw power & torque

Pro Circuit Race Components

  • Period-correct Pro Circuit pipe (mint, no dents – unobtanium)

  • Pro Circuit silencer (factory sound)

  • Pro Circuit engine covers

  • Full Pro Circuit suspension setup

Works Parts

  • Hand-fabricated Aluminum subframe, Aluminum airbox + aluminum fuel tank

  • Twin Ram Air intake system through the fuel tank (extremely rare)

  • Works-style hubs (SURF signature setup)

  • Takasago Excel rims with Buchanan spokes

Race-Ready Hardware

  • Showa race suspension

  • Oversized foot pegs

  • Stainless shifter

  • MSR quick-adjust clutch perch

  • Renthal bars, grips, and crossbar pad

CONDITION – COLLECTOR QUALITY

This bike is exceptionally preserved and mechanically dialed:

  • Frame rails: Pristine & Perfect – no dents or damage

  • OEM Honda radiator: Like new (no bent fins)

  • Swingarm: Excellent condition

  • Wheels, chain, sprockets: Near new

  • Pipe: Pristine – zero dents

  • Runs: Absolutely phenomenal

Likely fitted with a fresh frame during its final service of the season it looks brand new

a common practice for factory-level bikes.

ORIGINAL DETAILS & PATINA

  • Original SURF graphics package

  • Iconic green/orange seat (original cover)

  • Original Pro Circuit fork decals (preserved—not replaced)

  • White powder-coated frame for that unmistakable factory look

We intentionally left original elements untouched to preserve authenticity.

PROVENANCE

  • Part of the Jack Weaver Collection for over 30 years

  • Displayed and preserved—not ridden during that time

  • One of 100+ bikes in a legendary private collection

This was widely regarded as the crown jewel of the collection.

INVESTMENT-GRADE MOTO HISTORY

This bike represents a pivotal moment in motocross:

  • Rise of Pro Circuit

  • Privateers competing with factory teams

  • Evolution of Honda’s HPP power valve era

  • Introduction of cartridge fork technology

You simply don’t see these come up for sale—we haven’t seen another in years.

WHY THIS BIKE MATTERS

  • Ultra-rare SURF / Pro Circuit race bike

  • True factory-level engineering

  • Documented racing pedigree

  • Museum-quality presentation

  • One of the closest things to a works bike you can actually own

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’re looking for:

  • A centerpiece for your collection

  • A museum-level motocross artifact

  • A high-end investment-grade vintage race bike

Your ship has come in.

THE KAPLAN CYCLES DIFFERENCE

At Kaplan Cycles, we don’t just sell motorcycles—we preserve and elevate them.

Every machine we offer reflects:

  • Passion for motocross history

  • Expert curation and mechanical integrity

  • Concierge-level support before and after the sale

We stand behind what we sell—period.

Contact us today to secure this once-in-a-lifetime machine.

Opportunities like this don’t come around twice.

Thanks for looking, and God Bless America


WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”


AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192


We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.


Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.

 

Congratulations! You qualify for free shipping!
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