1972 Harley-Davidson Shortster

Concours Plus Frame-Off Restoration

The Finest Example Available In The U.S.A.

"If a 10 is perfect, this motorcycle is an 11."

Kaplan Cycles is proud to offer what we believe is one of the finest 1972 Harley-Davidson Shortsters in existence. This is not simply a restored motorcycle—it is a no-expense-spared, Concours Plus, museum-quality restoration performed to a standard rarely seen today.

The restoration began with an incredibly original 230-mile survivor that had been preserved inside a private Museum for decades. We believe is as close to a factory-new 1972 Shortster as can be achieved.

Restoration Highlights

• Complete frame-off restoration

• Original 230-mile motorcycle used as the restoration platform

• Every nut, bolt, bracket, fastener, and component restored or refinished to factory-original specifications

• Every chrome component removed and professionally triple chrome plated

• All aluminum components professionally polished

• Every painted surface professionally refinished

• Fuel tank professionally restored with a stunning multi-stage finish featuring seven coats of paint and clear

• Beautifully restored original-style seat

• Inside of the fuel tank restored to like-new condition

• New tires

• New brakes

• New chain

Engine

The engine was completely rebuilt from the crankshaft up, including:

• New crank bearings

• Complete top-end rebuild

• Professionally assembled to factory specifications

The motorcycle starts easily, runs beautifully, and performs exactly as a properly restored Harley-Davidson should.

It takes a little practice to master shifting it properly, But Once You Master it you can shift it fine. On this Year Shortster Harley-Davidson used a shifting mechanism off of another model.

Attention to Detail

This restoration was completed without compromise. Every visible and hidden component received the same level of attention. The finish quality, chrome work, paint, hardware, and mechanical restoration reflect hundreds of individual restoration decisions made with one goal: absolute perfection.

The restoration is complemented by a period-correct 1972 Texas Shortster license plate, providing the perfect finishing touch to this show-quality motorcycle.

Investment Quality

A restoration of this caliber simply cannot be duplicated inexpensively.

Approximate restoration investment includes:

• Approximately 65 hours of professional shop labor

• Roughly $10,000 in labor

• Several thousand dollars in parts, chrome plating, paint, polishing, and restoration services

The restoration alone represents approximately a $12,000 investment, not including the cost of acquiring the original 230-mile motorcycle.

Our Opinion

In over 30 years of buying, restoring, and selling collectible motorcycles, we have rarely encountered a Shortster restored to this level. While beauty is subjective, we believe this is among the finest—if not the finest—1972 Harley-Davidson Shortsters currently available anywhere.

If you're searching for the cheapest example, this is not it.

If you're searching for the motorcycle that will stand apart at every show, impress the most knowledgeable collectors, and remain a centerpiece in any serious collection, this may be the one.

This motorcycle is fully detailed, ready to ride, ready to show, and ready to be enjoyed for the next 50 years.

We welcome inspections and are happy to answer any questions.

For additional information, call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-454-7024.

Thank you for your interest, and God Bless America.

Kaplan Cycles
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, 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.