1978 Yamaha XS500 DOHC Classic Vintage Twin

Gorgeous Original Black & Gold

Project Bike – 29K Miles

1978 YAMAHA XS500 DOHC | 500cc FOUR-STROKE TWIN | 5-SPEED | FACTORY MAG WHEELS

VINTAGE SURVIVOR | RESTORATION PROJECT

ESTATE SALE / SOLD ON BILL OF SALE / NO TITLE / ASK ABOUT OUR TITLE PROGRAM

Offered for sale by Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum is this classic 1978 Yamaha XS500 DOHC, a vintage Japanese twin-cylinder motorcycle featuring Yamaha's double overhead camshaft engine, five-speed transmission, factory cast-alloy mag wheels, and beautiful original black-and-gold paint scheme.

With its sleek fuel tank, classic lines, and sporty café racer styling, the XS500 represents an exciting era in Yamaha motorcycle history. These vintage Japanese twins are becoming increasingly desirable among collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts looking for an affordable classic with plenty of character.

This example shows approximately 29,000 miles on the odometer and retains numerous desirable original factory components.

FROM A PRIVATE YAMAHA COLLECTION

This motorcycle was recently acquired from the estate of a local Connecticut motorcycle enthusiast named Mike, who sadly passed away.

Mike was a dedicated motorcyclist who had assembled an impressive collection of classic Japanese motorcycles. We purchased six vintage Yamahas from his estate, including:

• Yamaha XS750 Triple

• Yamaha XS500 DOHC Twin

• Yamaha XT500 Four-Stroke Enduro

• Yamaha DT400 Two-Stroke Enduro

• Yamaha R5 350 Two-Stroke Twin

• Yamaha RS100 Street Bike

These motorcycles were stored indoors in Mike's warehouse, in a dry, protected environment.

Due to our extensive restoration backlog at Kaplan Cycles, we have decided to offer these motorcycles to the public as restoration projects rather than have them sit in storage waiting to be serviced.

This is an excellent opportunity for a vintage Yamaha enthusiast to acquire a classic survivor motorcycle with an interesting history.

ORIGINALITY & COSMETIC CONDITION

One of the most attractive features of this XS500 is its original factory black-and-gold paint scheme, which gives the motorcycle a distinctive vintage café racer appearance.

Notable features include:

• Original factory black-and-gold fuel tank and paint scheme

• Original-style factory cast-alloy mag wheels

• 500cc DOHC parallel-twin four-stroke engine

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Approximately 29,000 miles showing on the odometer

• Recently installed replacement seat cover

• Numerous original factory components

• Classic 1970s Yamaha styling

• Indoor warehouse storage history

• Solid candidate for restoration or customization

Considering its age, the motorcycle presents in overall good cosmetic condition and provides an excellent foundation for a vintage restoration.

The attractive black-and-gold color combination, factory mag wheels, and classic twin-cylinder engine make this a particularly appealing project for collectors and café racer enthusiasts.

MECHANICAL CONDITION – PROJECT BIKE

IMPORTANT: THIS MOTORCYCLE IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING AND IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, AS A RESTORATION PROJECT.

We have not performed a mechanical restoration, comprehensive inspection, or recommissioning service on this motorcycle.

After sitting in storage, it will require a thorough mechanical evaluation and service before being returned to road use.

We recommend that the next owner plan on performing the following work:

• Complete fuel system inspection and cleaning

• Carburetor cleaning and rebuilding

• Fuel tank inspection and servicing as necessary

• Complete brake system inspection and recommissioning

• Engine oil and fluid changes

• Battery inspection or replacement

• Tire inspection and replacement as necessary

• General mechanical inspection and servicing throughout

Known missing or modified components:

Ignition Key: The original ignition & gas cap key is missing. The ignition switch and gas cap have been modified and can currently be turned on and off with a screwdriver. The buyer should plan on repairing or replacing the ignition switch assembly.

Kickstarter: The kickstarter lever is missing. We do not know what happened to it during the previous owner's storage or maintenance of the motorcycle. A replacement will need to be sourced if desired or required.

The motorcycle has not been confirmed to run, and we make no representations regarding its internal engine condition or mechanical roadworthiness.

We are selling it exactly as received from the estate, without attempting to restore or recommission it.

AN EXCELLENT WINTER RESTORATION PROJECT

The Yamaha XS500 is an interesting and increasingly uncommon example of Yamaha's 1970s engineering.

Its double overhead camshaft twin-cylinder engine, five-speed transmission, and stylish factory bodywork make it an appealing alternative to the more commonly seen Honda CB and Yamaha XS650 models.

Whether your goal is a factory-style restoration, a period-correct café racer, or simply preserving a classic Japanese motorcycle, this XS500 offers plenty of potential.

Finding a nearly 50-year-old motorcycle with its original paint scheme, factory mag wheels, and so many of its original components still present is becoming increasingly difficult.

This is a project motorcycle that deserves to be brought back to life by someone who appreciates vintage Yamaha craftsmanship.

PAPERWORK & TERMS OF SALE

This motorcycle is being sold with a BILL OF SALE ONLY. No title is included.

• Sold strictly AS-IS, WHERE-IS

• Not currently running

• Requires mechanical restoration and recommissioning

• Approximately 29,000 miles displayed; actual mileage is not verified

• Missing ignition key

• Modified ignition switch

• Missing kickstarter lever

• No warranty expressed or implied

• Buyer is responsible for verifying registration and titling requirements in their state

• Buyer is responsible for transportation or shipping arrangements

Please review all photographs and the accompanying video carefully to evaluate the motorcycle's cosmetic condition and completeness.

CONTACT KAPLAN CYCLES

For additional information or questions about this classic Yamaha XS500, please contact:

Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum

Phone: 860-454-7024

Rockville, Connecticut

We specialize in vintage, classic, collectible, and investment-grade motorcycles and regularly offer motorcycles from private collections and estates.

Don't miss your opportunity to own a classic 1978 Yamaha XS500 DOHC twin with original black-and-gold styling and excellent restoration potential.

Thanks for watching, and God Bless America!

— Ken Kaplan Sr.
Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum

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.