1978.5 SUZUKI RM250 MX

Fresh Frame-Off Restoration

Rebuilt Engine Pumping Out 185 PSI Compression

Exceptionally rare 1978.5 Suzuki RM250—the famous mid-year model that Suzuki produced only once. During motocross's golden era, manufacturers made dramatic improvements almost every season, and the 1978.5 RM250 represented a major leap forward over the 1976 and 1977 models.

It remains one of the most desirable vintage RM250s ever built.

This motorcycle was built as a high-end period-correct resto-mod—restored to an exceptional standard while incorporating tasteful performance upgrades that enthusiasts would have installed during the late 1970s. The result is a machine that looks fantastic, performs even better, and is ready to be enjoyed.

This motorcycle was intentionally built to be ridden and raced, exactly as these legendary two-strokes were meant to be. The Frame Off Restoration Was Expensive, but worth it;

• 50 hours shop labor @ $150 PH = $7500 Plus Over $2,000 In New Parts =

• Over $9,500 invested in restoration labor, parts, paint, and graphics

• New piston and rings, All New Gaskets

• Carburetor professionally rebuilt and tuned with New air filter

• Transmission shifts perfectly

• Clutch operates flawlessly

• Engine runs exceptionally strong with the explosive power these RM250s are famous for

This RM250 has been upgraded using high-quality components while maintaining the authentic late-1970s racing appearance.

• Classic Fox Air Shocks (professionally polished and restored)

• Polished & Rebuilt forks with Air Fork Caps, New fork seals, New dust seals & Fresh fork oil

• Modern Suzuki aluminum silencer

• Renthal handlebars

• ODI Ruffian grips

• New Whirlpool throttle assembly

• New throttle cable

• New clutch cable

• New brake lever

• New Gold chain

• New sprockets

• New Front & Read Fenders.

• New Front & Side Number Plates

• New Graphics

The upgraded suspension gives this RM250 outstanding ride quality while preserving the classic vintage motocross look.

The chassis received extensive attention during restoration.

• Frame professionally repainted

• Swingarm beautifully polished

• Swingarm bearings greased & in excellent condition

• Original Suzuki hardware retained where appropriate

• Original Suzuki "S" marked swingarm bolt still present

• New hardware throughout the motorcycle

• Original front hub restored and refinished

• Brand-new Dunlop tires front and rear

• New tubes

• Front and rear brakes serviced

• Original Straight footpegs

• New gold chain and sprockets

The original fuel tank was painstakingly sanded and polished—a process requiring many hours of labor.

then professionally polished and retains the original gas cap With New vent hose & New fuel line

• Rebuilt carburetor

• New carburetor drain lines

• Restored airbox With Brand-new air filter

The tank presents beautifully with only one small scratch that was too deep to completely remove during polishing.

The attention to detail throughout this restoration is outstanding.

• New seat foam

• New seat cover

• Polished engine covers

• Refinished engine cases

• Polished engine mounts

• New engine hardware throughout

The polished Fox Air Shocks, polished swingarm, polished forks, and fresh graphics give this RM250 an aggressive factory race-bike appearance that perfectly captures the spirit of late-1970s motocross.

Why This Bike Is Special

Finding a genuine 1978.5 RM250 is difficult enough.

Finding one restored to this level for sale is rare.

Whether displayed in a private collection, ridden during vintage motocross events, or entered into AHRMA competition, this RM250 will stand out wherever it goes.

This motorcycle represents the perfect balance between collectibility and rideability—equally at home in a museum or lining up at the starting gate for a vintage race.

If you have been searching for a restored 1978.5 Suzuki RM250s, this is an outstanding opportunity.

For additional information, shipping assistance, or to purchase the motorcycle, contact Kenny Jr. at (860) 454-7024.

Don't miss your opportunity to own one of Suzuki's most iconic two-stroke motocross motorcycles.

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.