1982 Honda MB5

Museum Quality Original Survivor

Rare One-Year-Only U.S. Model – 2,881 Miles – Fully Serviced

Ultra-Rare All Original One-Year-Only Honda MB5

Up for auction is what may be one of the finest original Honda MB5s remaining anywhere in the country.

The Honda MB5 was imported into the United States for just one year—1982—making it one of Honda's rarest and most collectible small-displacement motorcycles. Styled like a miniature Grand Prix road racer, the MB5 combined Honda engineering excellence with incredible fuel economy, lightweight performance, and unmistakable 1980s sport-bike styling.

Powered by a 49cc two-stroke engine producing approximately 7 horsepower, the MB5 was capable of speeds exceeding 50 mph while achieving fuel economy in the neighborhood of 75 MPG. It was marketed as an economical transportation alternative, but enthusiasts quickly recognized it as a miniature GP-inspired motorcycle with genuine sporting character.

Today, original unmodified MB5s are extraordinarily difficult to find.

From the Collection of a Honda Legend

This motorcycle comes from the private collection of a lifelong Honda enthusiast and longtime Honda dealership employee. Jeff spent decades working in the motorcycle industry and assembled an impressive collection of exceptionally preserved Hondas, all chosen for their originality and condition.

His collection included pristine examples of CT70s, XR70s, XL80s, and numerous other highly collectible Honda models. This MB5 was the only example in his collection and was clearly one of his favorites.

Finding an MB5 is difficult.

Finding an MB5 this original is Unobtanium.

Originality

This MB5 remains remarkably original throughout:

• Original bodywork

• Original graphics

• Original exhaust system

• Original wheels

• Original chain

• Original controls

• Original switchgear

• Original instrumentation

• Original tires

• Original grips and trim pieces

The motorcycle currently shows just 2,881 original miles.

Many surviving MB5s have been heavily modified with big-bore kits, expansion chambers, carburetor upgrades, aftermarket bodywork, and performance modifications. This example has avoided all of that and remains true to its original Honda configuration.

Mechanical Restoration & Service

Although the motorcycle was exceptionally preserved, we performed extensive mechanical servicing to ensure it operates as beautifully as it presents.

Services include:

• Brand new 34mm piston

• New piston rings

• New base gasket

• New head gasket

• New exhaust gasket

• New intake manifold gasket

• New spark plug

• New battery

• New air filter

• Carburetor rebuilt

• Fuel system serviced

• Fresh gear oil

• Electronics tested and verified

• Tire pressures set

• Complete safety inspection

• 100-point mechanical checkover

Only quality components were used, including NOS Honda parts whenever available.

The bike currently contains fresh VP 94 fuel and starts, runs, and rides exactly as it should.

Museum-Quality Cosmetic Restoration

After mechanical servicing, the motorcycle underwent a meticulous rotisserie-style museum-quality detailing and preservation process.

The bike was carefully dismantled, cleaned, restored, and reassembled using its original components.

Work performed includes:

• Steam cleaning

• Hand washing and degreasing

• Paint correction and polishing

• Chrome polishing throughout

• Exhaust refinished

• Engine side covers refinished

• Center stand refinished

• Kick starter refinished

• Shift lever refinished

• Rear brake lever refinished

• Foot peg brackets refinished

• Front wheel hub refinished

• Rear wheel hub refinished

• Swingarm professionally touched up using correct Honda paint

• Shock springs refinished

• Front brake components detailed

• Front wheel polished

• Complete reassembly and detailing

Over 55 hours of professional labor were invested in bringing this MB5 to its current condition.

At our current labor rate of $150 per hour, that represents $8,250 in labor alone, plus parts and materials.

Condition

This motorcycle presents as a true museum-quality collector piece.

The paint is outstanding.

The chrome remains exceptional for its age.

The gauges, switchgear, decals, and trim pieces remain beautifully preserved.

There may be minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with a 44-year-old original motorcycle, the tires have 85% tread left and exhibit normal minor dry cracking. this is without question one of the nicest original MB5s we have ever encountered.

Unless you find a new-in-the-crate example, it would be difficult to imagine finding a more original or better-preserved MB5.

Investment Quality Collectible

The Honda MB5 has become one of the most sought-after small-displacement Hondas ever sold in America.

Its one-year-only U.S. production, unique styling, and cult following continue to drive collector demand.

Unlike a new motorcycle that depreciates, this MB5 represents a highly collectible piece of Honda history that has steadily increased in value over time.

Whether displayed in a private collection, motorcycle museum, Honda collection, or occasionally enjoyed on the road, this is a motorcycle that will attract attention and admiration wherever it appears.

Why Buy From Kaplan Cycles?

Kaplan Cycles has sold thousands of vintage motorcycles worldwide and is home to the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Every motorcycle we offer receives extensive inspection, servicing, and professional detailing before being presented for sale. Our goal is simple: provide the finest collector motorcycles possible while accurately representing every machine we sell.

Our Concierge Services Include:

• Competitive financing available

• Nationwide shipping assistance

• White-glove enclosed transport available

• International shipping assistance

• Detailed walk-around videos available upon request

• Professional support before and after the sale

Contact Information

For additional information, videos, photographs, or shipping quotes, contact:

Kaplan Cycles
Rockville, Connecticut

Phone: 860-454-7024

Ask for Kenny Kaplan Jr.

We would be happy to assist with financing, transportation, or any questions regarding this exceptional Honda MB5.

Thank you for your interest 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 test riding

• every motorcycle is personally ridden by Ken Sr to ensure it is right, then he inspects them before, and after final 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.