1972 HONDA CL450 Scrambler – Double Overhead Cam

Frame-Off Restored | 7,242 Original Miles

Museum Quality

"One of the finest Honda CL450 Scramblers we've ever seen."

Offered for sale from the New England Motorcycle Museum is this absolutely spectacular 1972 Honda CL450 Scrambler, one of Honda's most iconic dual-purpose motorcycles and one of the most technologically advanced motorcycles of its era.

Showing just 7,242 original miles, this low-mileage survivor has been treated to an extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration while preserving its original character and factory components. The result is a motorcycle that looks, rides, starts, and performs as though it just rolled off the Honda showroom floor over fifty years ago.

We have restored more Honda CL-series motorcycles than almost anyone in the country over the past fifteen years, and we're confident this is one of the finest CL450s we've ever had the privilege to offer.

Comprehensive Restoration

Every major system on this motorcycle has been restored or serviced to an exceptionally high standard.

Beginning at the front:

• Original front wheel completely disassembled and restored

• Original rim polished and refinished

• New spokes installed

• Hub professionally vapor honed

• New front tire

• Front brake system completely rebuilt

• New brake shoes and brake cable

• Front forks restored with polished lowers

• New fork seals and fork boots

• Original front fender professionally rechromed

• Original headlight and mounts restored

• Original gauges present in outstanding condition with crystal-clear lenses and beautiful faces

Unlike many vintage scramblers, this motorcycle was never abused off-road. It spent many years in a private Michigan collection, which explains the remarkable preservation of its original components.

Beautiful Original Components

The originality of this motorcycle is what truly separates it from most examples currently on the market.

Highlights include:

• Original chrome handlebars

• Original switch housings

• Like-new grips

• Beautifully restored fuel tank

• Brilliant new factory-correct paint

• Reproduction factory warning decal

• Excellent original fuel cap

• Restored original tank badges

• Beautifully restored side covers

• Restored side emblems

• Brand-new seat cover professionally installed

• Original rear fender professionally rechromed

• Excellent original turn signals

• Original taillight assembly in showroom condition

The entire motorcycle presents beautifully from every angle.

Mechanically Outstanding

The restoration was far more than cosmetic.

The fuel system has been completely rebuilt:

• Fuel tank professionally restored inside and out

• New fuel petcock

• New fuel lines

• Carburetors professionally rebuilt and synchronized

• Original airbox retained

• New air filters

Additional mechanical work includes:

• New battery

• Electric and kick starter both function perfectly

• New spark plugs

• New plug wires

• Valve adjustment completed

• Fresh engine oil and complete service

The legendary 444cc double overhead cam parallel twin starts instantly, idles smoothly, revs freely, and produces excellent power throughout the RPM range.

The clutch engages smoothly, the transmission shifts precisely, and the motorcycle rides exactly as Honda intended.

Exceptional Attention to Detail

Throughout the restoration:

• Engine covers professionally polished

• Aluminum components polished throughout

• Engine cases beautifully detailed

• New gaskets and seals installed where required

• Frame professionally refinished

• Foot pegs restored

• Shift lever restored

• Kickstand restored with new spring

• Center stand restored

• Hardware refinished throughout

The level of craftsmanship is evident everywhere you look.

Investment-Grade Honda

The Honda CL450 has become one of the most desirable Japanese collector motorcycles of the early 1970s.

Recent auction results reflect the growing appreciation for premium examples.

Several restored CL450 Scramblers have recently sold for over $10,000, with two Mecum sales reaching approximately $16,500. Based on their condition, we believe this motorcycle compares very favorably.

Even more remarkable are the extremely rare factory "Flying Dragon" custom-paint CL450s, with recent Mecum auction sales reportedly reaching $38,500 and one bringing an astonishing $58,500, illustrating just how rapidly interest in collectible vintage Hondas continues to grow.

The reality is simple:

A rough $2,000-$3,500 project motorcycle purchased from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can easily consume hundreds of hours of restoration labor, thousands of dollars in chrome plating, paint, engine work, polishing, and replacement parts. At today's restoration shop rates—often $150 per hour or more—duplicating a motorcycle of this caliber simply isn't economically feasible.

That is precisely why premium, professionally restored examples continue to command strong prices.

Condition is everything.

This motorcycle is already finished.

No waiting.

No hunting impossible-to-find parts.

No restoration expenses.

Simply fuel it, start it, and enjoy one of Honda's finest classic motorcycles.

Why Buy From Kaplan Cycles?

For decades, Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum have specialized in restoring and preserving the world's finest vintage motorcycles.

Our restorations are known nationwide for authenticity, attention to detail, and mechanical excellence.

If you search "Kaplan CL450" or "Kaplan CL350" on YouTube, you'll see many examples of our previous Honda restorations.

Among them all, we believe this is one of the very best.

Whether you're adding to a serious Honda collection, looking for a museum-quality investment, or searching for an exceptional vintage motorcycle to ride and enjoy, this CL450 checks every box.

It is currently displayed in the New England Motorcycle Museum and is being offered for sale locally as well as on eBay. If it sells through our website or social media before the auction concludes, we reserve the right to end the listing early.

Opportunities to purchase a CL450 restored to this standard are exceptionally rare.

Bid with confidence.

Good luck, 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.