1987 YAMAHA YZ125
SOLD
THIS UNIT HAS SOLD AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Description
1987 YAMAHA YZ125
A True Frame-Off Nut & Bolt Restoration
With Over $12K+ Invested, It is Stunning!
If you know vintage motocross, you already understand what you’re looking at here.
This is a 1987 Yamaha YZ125 from the pinnacle era of two-stroke motocross, and examples in this condition are extremely rare.
What sets this bike apart isn’t just the restoration—it’s the exceptional core it started from.
The Foundation – A True Survivor
We always start with the frame rails—and this one is what we call “California clean.”
-
Frame rails are pristine – no dents, no flattening, no abuse
-
In New England, most of these are hammered from rocks—this one is not
-
Original radiators, wheels, and major components are straight and clean
-
Clear evidence this bike was never cartwheeled or raced hard
Simply put: you cannot build a bike like this without a core this clean
Comprehensive Frame-Off Restoration
This was a full nut-and-bolt, frame-off restoration—no shortcuts, no “spray bomb” jobs.
The bike was taken down to the bare frame and rebuilt to a show-level standard.
Restoration Summary:
-
50.5 hours of professional shop labor ($150/hr) = $7,575
-
Plus $4,599 in new parts alone
-
Total documented investment: $12,174+ (not including the bike cost!)
-
7-page work order included (3 pages labor + 4 pages parts)
Chassis & Suspension
-
Frame professionally powder-coated
-
Shock spring powder-coated
-
Forks fully rebuilt (new seals, springs, boots)
-
Rear shock rebuilt (new seals, nitrogen, bumper)
-
New swingarm bearings
-
Original swingarm in excellent condition
Wheels & Brakes:
-
Original DID Takasago rims (1986 date-coded)
-
Hubs vapor blasted & refinished
-
New Buchanan spokes front & rear
-
New wheel bearings, seals, tubes, rim strips, rim locks
-
Brakes fully rebuilt (front & rear)
-
New pads, rebuilt caliper & master cylinder
All New Controls, Plastics & Details
-
New fuel tank, shrouds, fenders, front & side number plates
-
New seat foam & cover
-
New Original graphics (period correct)
-
New Gold Renthal bars w/ pad
-
New ODI grips, throttle assembly, cables, levers
-
New chain guide, rollers, slider, adjusters
-
New Oversized foot pegs upgrade
-
New Zinc-plated original hardware (Moto Blast)
The result: factory-fresh appearance with tasteful upgrades
Engine – Full Crank-Up Rebuild
This is where the bike truly shines.
-
Complete engine teardown (cases split)
-
Cases vapor blasted & refinished
-
All new bearings, seals, and gaskets
-
New crank bearings & seals
-
New clutch
-
Transmission inspected – excellent condition
-
Top end rebuilt:
-
Fresh Bored cylinder
-
New Wiseco piston
-
New rings, clips, bearings
-
Rebuilt water pump
-
Rebuilt carburetor
-
New intake boot & reed valves
Fuel System:
-
New fuel tank, petcock, fuel lines, carb fully rebuilt
Cooling:
-
New silicone radiator hoses
-
Fresh coolant
This is a true zero-hour engine build
Exhaust & Notes
-
DEP silencer ($260 upgrade)
-
Original pipe restored (minor cosmetic dings – typical for vintage MX)
If desired, upgrade potential:
-
Cone pipe (PFR Works style)
-
Pro Circuit shorty silencer for more aggressive tone
Fluids & Final Setup
Every system has been refreshed:
-
New gear oil
-
New fork oil
-
New shock oil (AMSOIL Shock Therapy)
-
New brake fluid
-
New coolant
Minor Details
-
Shock decal is being replaced with a new reproduction one (it came in AFTER the video!)
-
Pipe has a few small dings (cosmetic only)
The Bottom Line
You could spend:
-
$3,000–$4,000 finding a decent core
-
Months sourcing parts
-
$12,000+ restoring it
…and still not end up with a bike this clean.
This one is DONE and it is SPECTACULAR
Shipping, Financing & Contact
-
Nationwide shipping available
-
Financing options available
-
Call us: 860-454-7024
Whether you want:
-
A museum-quality showpiece
-
A man-cave centerpiece
-
Or a bike ready for MX Rewind vintage racing
This YZ125 checks every box.
Kaplan Cycles – Our Promise
We don’t cut corners. Every motorcycle we sell is:
-
Professionally restored or serviced by expert technicians
-
Fully inspected, tested, and documented
-
Backed by decades of experience in vintage and modern motorcycles
-
Supported with concierge-level service before and after the sale
We take pride in delivering motorcycles that exceed expectations—not just meet them.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call.
Thanks for looking, and as always…
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
1987 YAMAHA YZ125
A True Frame-Off Nut & Bolt Restoration
With Over $12K+ Invested, It is Stunning!
If you know vintage motocross, you already understand what you’re looking at here.
This is a 1987 Yamaha YZ125 from the pinnacle era of two-stroke motocross, and examples in this condition are extremely rare.
What sets this bike apart isn’t just the restoration—it’s the exceptional core it started from.
The Foundation – A True Survivor
We always start with the frame rails—and this one is what we call “California clean.”
-
Frame rails are pristine – no dents, no flattening, no abuse
-
In New England, most of these are hammered from rocks—this one is not
-
Original radiators, wheels, and major components are straight and clean
-
Clear evidence this bike was never cartwheeled or raced hard
Simply put: you cannot build a bike like this without a core this clean
Comprehensive Frame-Off Restoration
This was a full nut-and-bolt, frame-off restoration—no shortcuts, no “spray bomb” jobs.
The bike was taken down to the bare frame and rebuilt to a show-level standard.
Restoration Summary:
-
50.5 hours of professional shop labor ($150/hr) = $7,575
-
Plus $4,599 in new parts alone
-
Total documented investment: $12,174+ (not including the bike cost!)
-
7-page work order included (3 pages labor + 4 pages parts)
Chassis & Suspension
-
Frame professionally powder-coated
-
Shock spring powder-coated
-
Forks fully rebuilt (new seals, springs, boots)
-
Rear shock rebuilt (new seals, nitrogen, bumper)
-
New swingarm bearings
-
Original swingarm in excellent condition
Wheels & Brakes:
-
Original DID Takasago rims (1986 date-coded)
-
Hubs vapor blasted & refinished
-
New Buchanan spokes front & rear
-
New wheel bearings, seals, tubes, rim strips, rim locks
-
Brakes fully rebuilt (front & rear)
-
New pads, rebuilt caliper & master cylinder
All New Controls, Plastics & Details
-
New fuel tank, shrouds, fenders, front & side number plates
-
New seat foam & cover
-
New Original graphics (period correct)
-
New Gold Renthal bars w/ pad
-
New ODI grips, throttle assembly, cables, levers
-
New chain guide, rollers, slider, adjusters
-
New Oversized foot pegs upgrade
-
New Zinc-plated original hardware (Moto Blast)
The result: factory-fresh appearance with tasteful upgrades
Engine – Full Crank-Up Rebuild
This is where the bike truly shines.
-
Complete engine teardown (cases split)
-
Cases vapor blasted & refinished
-
All new bearings, seals, and gaskets
-
New crank bearings & seals
-
New clutch
-
Transmission inspected – excellent condition
-
Top end rebuilt:
-
Fresh Bored cylinder
-
New Wiseco piston
-
New rings, clips, bearings
-
Rebuilt water pump
-
Rebuilt carburetor
-
New intake boot & reed valves
Fuel System:
-
New fuel tank, petcock, fuel lines, carb fully rebuilt
Cooling:
-
New silicone radiator hoses
-
Fresh coolant
This is a true zero-hour engine build
Exhaust & Notes
-
DEP silencer ($260 upgrade)
-
Original pipe restored (minor cosmetic dings – typical for vintage MX)
If desired, upgrade potential:
-
Cone pipe (PFR Works style)
-
Pro Circuit shorty silencer for more aggressive tone
Fluids & Final Setup
Every system has been refreshed:
-
New gear oil
-
New fork oil
-
New shock oil (AMSOIL Shock Therapy)
-
New brake fluid
-
New coolant
Minor Details
-
Shock decal is being replaced with a new reproduction one (it came in AFTER the video!)
-
Pipe has a few small dings (cosmetic only)
The Bottom Line
You could spend:
-
$3,000–$4,000 finding a decent core
-
Months sourcing parts
-
$12,000+ restoring it
…and still not end up with a bike this clean.
This one is DONE and it is SPECTACULAR
Shipping, Financing & Contact
-
Nationwide shipping available
-
Financing options available
-
Call us: 860-454-7024
Whether you want:
-
A museum-quality showpiece
-
A man-cave centerpiece
-
Or a bike ready for MX Rewind vintage racing
This YZ125 checks every box.
Kaplan Cycles – Our Promise
We don’t cut corners. Every motorcycle we sell is:
-
Professionally restored or serviced by expert technicians
-
Fully inspected, tested, and documented
-
Backed by decades of experience in vintage and modern motorcycles
-
Supported with concierge-level service before and after the sale
We take pride in delivering motorcycles that exceed expectations—not just meet them.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call.
Thanks for looking, and as always…
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.
