1978 SUZUKI RM250

Mint Original Survivor

Possibly the Finest Original Example in Existence

100% OEM Time Capsule - Starts First Kick

If you're searching for the closest thing to a brand-new 1978 Suzuki RM250 that still exists, your search ends here.

Kaplan Cycles is proud to offer what we believe is one of the finest, most original 1978 Suzuki RM250 motocross motorcycles on the planet. This is not a restored motorcycle. It is an extraordinarily preserved, low-hour survivor that was purchased new, ridden only a handful of times, then carefully stored for approximately 46 years.

Having sold more vintage motocross motorcycles than virtually anyone in the United States, we've seen countless RM250s over the years. Simply put, we have never seen another original example that compares to this one.

Mechanical Condition

Before this motorcycle was ever started, our master technician Rick performed a boroscope inspection of the engine.

The cylinder was found to be in remarkable original condition with:

• Original piston

• Perfect factory crosshatch still visible

• Absolutely no rust

• Outstanding compression and sealing surfaces

The top end remains completely original and untouched.

To properly recommission the motorcycle, the following service was performed:

• Carburetor professionally cleaned and serviced

• Fuel tank flushed

• Fresh VP ethanol-free fuel installed

• New air filter installed

• Transmission oil changed

• Fork oil changed

• Entire chassis professionally greased

• Original chain cleaned and lubricated

The motorcycle starts first kick virtually every time.

The transmission is incredibly tight and shifts with the crisp feel of a new motorcycle. During deceleration, the engine settles into a wonderfully smooth idle unlike almost any vintage two-stroke—a testament to just how tight and unworn this engine truly is.

Incredible Originality

Nearly every component on this motorcycle remains exactly as it left the Suzuki factory.

Highlights include:

• Original untouched fuel tank

• Original seat

• Original rear fender with factory fin design

• Original front fender

• Original side panels

• Original grips

• Original levers

• Original handlebars

• Original cables

• Original Suzuki dust covers

• Original fork boots

• Original front brake cable guides

• Original shifter

• Original foot pegs

• Original kickstand

• Original swingarm finish

• Original chain

• Original front and rear sprockets

• Original intake boot

• Original fuel line

• Original spark plug

• Original VIN tag

• Original frame paint

• Original engine finish

• Original cylinder paint

• Original wheel hub paint

• Original brake backing plates

• Original exhaust system

• Original Suzuki hardware throughout

Even details most restorations never preserve are still present, including:

• Original Suzuki-logo hardware

• Original Suzuki rubber components

• Original factory zip ties

• Original gas cap tether

• Original fork decals

• Original Takasago aluminum rims with factory decals

These are details that collectors immediately recognize and appreciate because they simply do not survive on most vintage motocross bikes.

Rare Original Tires

Perhaps most remarkable of all, this RM250 still wears what we believe are its original factory tires.

They retain approximately 95% tread and clearly show the motorcycle's extremely limited use.

Finding a vintage motocross bike still equipped with its original tires, original chain, original sprockets, original fuel line, and original spark plug is virtually unheard of.

Cosmetics

This motorcycle has never undergone a cosmetic restoration.

The plastics are original.

The paint is original.

The finishes are original.

The frame has never been repainted.

The engine has never been refinished.

The tank has never been polished or restored.

The motorcycle was simply given a careful steam cleaning, hand wash, and preservation service.

For accuracy and full disclosure:

• The front number plate green portion was repainted.

• New tank decals were installed.

• There is one very small ding in the original exhaust pipe that could likely be professionally removed if desired.

• A few very minor touch-ups were performed on one side panel graphic.

• The original tires retain honest patina consistent with their age.

Otherwise, what you see is genuine factory originality that cannot be duplicated.

Collector Quality

Anyone can restore an RM250.

Finding one that has survived nearly five decades this untouched is another story entirely.

The only way to improve upon this motorcycle would be to find one still sealed in its original shipping crate.

Original survivors continue to command the strongest interest among serious collectors because they are only original once.

This motorcycle represents a benchmark example for collectors, museums, and Suzuki enthusiasts alike.

Why Buy From Kaplan Cycles?

Kaplan Cycles has built one of the nation's premier reputations for vintage motorcycle sales and restorations. We've sold thousands of collector motorcycles and have restored some of the finest vintage motocross machines in existence.

In fact, we currently have another 1978½ RM250 in our collection—but that motorcycle is a fully restored restomod with Fox Air Shox, polished aluminum components, and numerous upgrades.

As beautiful as that restoration is, it simply cannot replace the value and authenticity of an untouched survivor like this one.

This RM250 is truly the real deal.

Auction Information

This extraordinary Suzuki RM250 is being offered to the highest bidder.

If you're looking for one of the finest original vintage motocross motorcycles available anywhere in the world today, this is an opportunity that may never come around again.

Questions are always welcome.

For additional information or to discuss a Buy It Now option before the auction concludes, contact Junior at Kaplan Cycles: (860) 471-0192.

Bid with confidence, and may the best collector win.

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.