1976 HONDA MR250 ELSINORE – VINTAGE 2-STROKE ENDURO – CLASSIC RESTORATION PROJECT – PARTS BIKE

RARE 1976 HONDA MR250 ELSINORE | 250CC 2-STROKE | VINTAGE HONDA ENDURO | RESTORATION CANDIDATE | SOLD AS-IS

NO RESERVE AUCTION , HIGH BDDER WINS

Offered for sale by Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum is this classic 1976 Honda MR250 Elsinore, a highly collectible vintage Japanese two-stroke enduro motorcycle with excellent restoration potential.

This motorcycle comes from the estate of our late friend Mike, a passionate Connecticut motorcycle enthusiast who had assembled a collection of 23 classic Hondas, many of which he was in the process of restoring. Unfortunately, Mike passed away before completing his projects, and we acquired several of these motorcycles from his estate.

The MR250 Elsinore represents an exciting chapter in Honda's off-road racing heritage. Developed during the golden era of Japanese two-stroke motorcycles, the MR250 combined Honda's legendary Elsinore engineering with enduro-oriented features designed for off-road and trail riding.

Today, these classic 1970s Honda two-strokes are increasingly sought after by collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and restoration specialists.

CONDITION & ORIGINAL COMPONENTS

This 1976 Honda MR250 is being offered as a parts or restoration project, with several desirable original components remaining intact.

Fuel Tank: The original Honda fuel tank is in very good overall condition for its age. One side appears free of dents, while the opposite side has a few small dings near the front. Importantly, there is no visible rust-through. Original vintage Elsinore tanks are becoming increasingly difficult to find in restorable condition, making this a valuable component of the motorcycle.

Seat: The original saddle assembly is present and appears structurally sound. The seat will need a replacement cover as part of the restoration process.

Front Suspension: The front fork chrome appears to be in good condition, and the front-end assembly feels reasonably tight. These are encouraging signs for anyone considering a restoration.

Frame: The original frame appears solid, with frame rails that look to be in good condition. This provides a promising foundation for a complete rebuild or vintage restoration project.

Engine: The engine cases appear to be in good cosmetic condition. The mechanical condition of the engine has not been verified, and prospective buyers should plan on a complete inspection before attempting operation.

Identification: The original Honda VIN identification tag remains intact on the frame, an important detail for collectors seeking an authentic vintage Honda restoration candidate.

KNOWN MISSING PARTS

Please be advised that the following major components are missing:

• Exhaust system

• Carburetor

Mike had motorcycle parts stored in several locations, including his basement and warehouse, and some components may have been sold before we acquired the collection. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate the exhaust or carburetor for this machine.

No additional parts are included with the sale. What you see in the photographs and video is exactly what you will receive.

This motorcycle is not being represented as complete, running, or ready to ride.

A GREAT WINTER RESTORATION PROJECT

For the vintage Honda enthusiast, the MR250 Elsinore offers an excellent opportunity to bring a classic 1970s two-stroke enduro back to life.

Whether you're looking to perform a complete frame-up restoration, build a vintage trail machine, or use the motorcycle as a source of hard-to-find original Honda components, this machine deserves consideration.

The intact Honda identification tag, original fuel tank, seat assembly, front suspension, engine cases, and apparently solid frame make it a worthwhile candidate for someone with the time, knowledge, and resources to complete the project.

These motorcycles are now approximately 50 years old, and finding restorable examples with so many major original components still present is becoming increasingly challenging.

PART OF A 23-MOTORCYCLE HONDA ESTATE COLLECTION

This MR250 was acquired alongside several other desirable vintage Hondas, including:

• 1975 Honda CB750 Four

• 1975 Honda CB550 Four

• 1976 Honda CB500T Twin

• Two 1971 Honda CB350 Twins

• Vintage Honda 50

At Kaplan Cycles, we have an extensive inventory of classic motorcycles awaiting restoration, with a backlog exceeding one year. Although we would love to restore every motorcycle that comes through our doors, we simply cannot get to all of them.

Rather than allowing this classic Elsinore to sit in storage, we've decided to offer it to the next enthusiast who can give it the attention it deserves.

IMPORTANT SALES INFORMATION

THIS MOTORCYCLE IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, AS A NON-RUNNING PARTS OR RESTORATION PROJECT.

The motorcycle has not been mechanically restored, serviced, or road-tested by our shop. Its internal engine condition, completeness, and operational status have not been verified.

The buyer should expect to perform mechanical repairs, locate missing components, and complete a thorough inspection and restoration before attempting to operate the motorcycle.

Please carefully review all photographs and video footage to evaluate its condition and included components.

No warranties or guarantees regarding mechanical condition, completeness, or future operability are expressed or implied.

OWN A PIECE OF HONDA ELSINORE HISTORY!

The 1976 Honda MR250 Elsinore is a true survivor from one of the most exciting eras in off-road motorcycling. With its classic Honda two-stroke engineering, iconic Elsinore heritage, and increasingly collectible status, this machine offers an opportunity for the right vintage motorcycle enthusiast.

Don't miss your chance to acquire this 50-year-old Honda Elsinore restoration project!

For additional information, please contact Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum.

Thanks for looking, and as always, God Bless America!

— Ken Kaplan Sr.
Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum
Rockville, Connecticut

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 by our team.

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.

• 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 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, and we will help make it right.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

 That means:
• 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; restoring an as-is project bike sale, 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 do not register pre owned motorcycles. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state if they are included.

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 if the motorcycle was advertised with keys, some project bikes have no keys, all restored bikes will include keys

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.