1978 Yamaha YZ250
Only 1 in stock
CALL OR TEXT JR. (860) 471-0192
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Description
1978 Yamaha YZ250
Absolutely Stunning & Very Fast
Bob Hannah #1 Tribute ~ Frame-Up Restored
one of the most significant and exciting 250 class 2 Strokes of Yamaha’s golden motocross era.
The late 1970s belonged to “Hurricane” Bob Hannah. In 1978, Hannah dominated American motocross, capturing both the AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA 250cc National Motocross Championship aboard Yamaha machinery. His success helped make the yellow-and-black YZ250 one of the most recognizable competition motorcycles of its generation.
This professionally restored example wears a complete Bob Hannah-inspired Staiger Designs graphics package with Hannah’s legendary number one. It isn’t merely a display piece, however. This YZ has been completely rebuilt, sorted and test-ridden—and it is an absolute rocket ship.
Professional Frame-Up Restoration
We began with an unusually clean, low-hour original motorcycle. The excellent frame rails, straight footpegs, beautiful engine cases, clean swingarm and remarkably well-preserved original wheel set all showed that this bike had lived a much easier life than most competition machines from this era.
The motorcycle was completely dismantled and every major system was inspected, restored, rebuilt or serviced as needed. Every nut and bolt was addressed during the process.
Our completed work order totaled 49 hours of professional labor:
-
Labor: $7,350
-
Parts: $1,987
-
Total restoration investment: $9,337.00, Plus the cost of the Bike
Completely Rebuilt Engine
The heart of this YZ250 was completely dismantled and rebuilt. The crankshaft was carefully inspected and found to be in excellent condition. The lower end received new crankshaft seals, while the cylinder was stripped of paint, cleaned, detailed, bead blasted, decarbonized, and bored to the second oversize.
Engine work and new components include:
-
New second-oversize piston
-
New piston rings
-
New wrist pin and circlips
-
New top-end bearing
-
New base gasket
-
New cylinder-head gasket
-
New crankshaft seals
-
New clutch plates and springs
-
New spark plug
-
New gear oil
-
Rebuilt carburetor
-
New air filter
-
New fuel lines
-
New carburetor drain lines
-
New exhaust springs and mounting hardware
-
Cylinder bead-blasted and refinished
-
Ports thoroughly cleaned and prepared
-
Cylinder head decarbonized
-
Engine cases and covers refinished
-
New shifter
-
New Allen-head clutch-cover hardware
-
Cleaned and polished engine-mounting brackets
The cylinder head retains a raw, competition-inspired appearance that gives the engine a proper factory “works bike” look.
Handmade Cone Pipe and Aluminum Silencer
One of the highlights of this motorcycle is its brand-new, handmade cone-style expansion chamber. The pipe is beautifully fabricated, fits the motorcycle properly and helps make this engine pull incredibly hard.
It is paired with a matching handmade aluminum silencer. The combination looks fantastic and gives the YZ the sharp, aggressive power delivery and sound expected from a properly prepared air-cooled Yamaha two-stroke.
This motorcycle is shockingly fast. It starts, runs and rides beautifully, and the rebuilt engine pulls like an absolute freight train.
Chassis and Suspension
The frame and swingarm were stripped, inspected and professionally refinished. The underside of the frame and the lower frame rails remain in exceptionally clean condition—something rarely found on a competition motorcycle approaching 50 years old.
Chassis and suspension work includes:
-
Completely refinished frame
-
Repainted swingarm
-
Rebuilt front forks
-
New fork seals
-
Fresh fork oil
-
Polished fork lowers
-
Air-adjustable fork caps
-
Refinished footpegs
-
Refinished rear brake lever
-
Cleaned and polished engine-mounting hardware
-
New gold drive chain
Wheels, Tires and Brakes
The original wheel set remains in remarkable condition and even retains its desirable DID identification decals. The condition of the rims, hubs and surrounding cycle parts further supports how clean this motorcycle was before restoration.
Additional work includes:
-
Matching Pirelli front and rear tires
-
New front and rear inner tubes
-
Front brake cleaned and serviced
-
Rear brake inspected and serviced
-
Refinished rear hub
-
Original-style sprocket in excellent condition
-
New gold drive chain
If the new owner prefers a brand-new matching set of Dunlop tires, we will install them for the cost of the tires, subject to availability.
New Controls, Bodywork and Graphics
The motorcycle has been finished with fresh plastics, controls and a complete Bob Hannah-inspired appearance package.
New components include:
-
New front number plate
-
New front fender
-
New rear fender
-
New side number plates
-
Staiger Designs Bob Hannah #1 graphics kit
-
New fuel-tank graphics
-
New mounting hardware
-
New ProTaper aluminum handlebars
-
New ProTaper crossbar pad
-
New ODI grips
-
New clutch lever
-
New front brake lever
-
New seat cover
The original Yamaha fuel tank was beautifully preserved, cleaned and polished before receiving its new graphics. The deep new seat foam makes this vintage racer considerably more comfortable than most competition motorcycles.
An Exceptional Vintage Competition Motorcycle
The 1978 YZ250 represents one of the final and most exciting chapters of Yamaha’s air-cooled motocross development. Yamaha transitioned the YZ250 to liquid cooling for 1981, making these late-1970s air-cooled machines especially desirable among collectors and vintage racers.
With its air-cooled two-stroke engine, drum brakes, period Yamaha monoshock chassis and Bob Hannah-inspired number-one graphics, this machine is an outstanding candidate for vintage motocross competition.
It would also make a spectacular centerpiece in any serious Yamaha, motocross or competition-motorcycle collection.
Most surviving YZ250s from this era were raced hard, modified repeatedly and eventually worn out. Finding one with excellent original cycle parts and then investing nearly $9,400 into a professional frame-up restoration is extremely difficult to duplicate.
This motorcycle is completely restored, mechanically sorted, test-ridden and ready for its next owner. It looks fantastic, runs beautifully and is one of the fastest, hardest-pulling 1978 250cc motocross machines we have experienced.
Call Kaplan Cycles at 860-454-7024 with any questions.
Don’t miss your opportunity to own this professionally restored 1978 Yamaha YZ250 Bob Hannah #1 tribute.
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.
Wheels
1978 Yamaha YZ250
Absolutely Stunning & Very Fast
Bob Hannah #1 Tribute ~ Frame-Up Restored
one of the most significant and exciting 250 class 2 Strokes of Yamaha’s golden motocross era.
The late 1970s belonged to “Hurricane” Bob Hannah. In 1978, Hannah dominated American motocross, capturing both the AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA 250cc National Motocross Championship aboard Yamaha machinery. His success helped make the yellow-and-black YZ250 one of the most recognizable competition motorcycles of its generation.
This professionally restored example wears a complete Bob Hannah-inspired Staiger Designs graphics package with Hannah’s legendary number one. It isn’t merely a display piece, however. This YZ has been completely rebuilt, sorted and test-ridden—and it is an absolute rocket ship.
Professional Frame-Up Restoration
We began with an unusually clean, low-hour original motorcycle. The excellent frame rails, straight footpegs, beautiful engine cases, clean swingarm and remarkably well-preserved original wheel set all showed that this bike had lived a much easier life than most competition machines from this era.
The motorcycle was completely dismantled and every major system was inspected, restored, rebuilt or serviced as needed. Every nut and bolt was addressed during the process.
Our completed work order totaled 49 hours of professional labor:
-
Labor: $7,350
-
Parts: $1,987
-
Total restoration investment: $9,337.00, Plus the cost of the Bike
Completely Rebuilt Engine
The heart of this YZ250 was completely dismantled and rebuilt. The crankshaft was carefully inspected and found to be in excellent condition. The lower end received new crankshaft seals, while the cylinder was stripped of paint, cleaned, detailed, bead blasted, decarbonized, and bored to the second oversize.
Engine work and new components include:
-
New second-oversize piston
-
New piston rings
-
New wrist pin and circlips
-
New top-end bearing
-
New base gasket
-
New cylinder-head gasket
-
New crankshaft seals
-
New clutch plates and springs
-
New spark plug
-
New gear oil
-
Rebuilt carburetor
-
New air filter
-
New fuel lines
-
New carburetor drain lines
-
New exhaust springs and mounting hardware
-
Cylinder bead-blasted and refinished
-
Ports thoroughly cleaned and prepared
-
Cylinder head decarbonized
-
Engine cases and covers refinished
-
New shifter
-
New Allen-head clutch-cover hardware
-
Cleaned and polished engine-mounting brackets
The cylinder head retains a raw, competition-inspired appearance that gives the engine a proper factory “works bike” look.
Handmade Cone Pipe and Aluminum Silencer
One of the highlights of this motorcycle is its brand-new, handmade cone-style expansion chamber. The pipe is beautifully fabricated, fits the motorcycle properly and helps make this engine pull incredibly hard.
It is paired with a matching handmade aluminum silencer. The combination looks fantastic and gives the YZ the sharp, aggressive power delivery and sound expected from a properly prepared air-cooled Yamaha two-stroke.
This motorcycle is shockingly fast. It starts, runs and rides beautifully, and the rebuilt engine pulls like an absolute freight train.
Chassis and Suspension
The frame and swingarm were stripped, inspected and professionally refinished. The underside of the frame and the lower frame rails remain in exceptionally clean condition—something rarely found on a competition motorcycle approaching 50 years old.
Chassis and suspension work includes:
-
Completely refinished frame
-
Repainted swingarm
-
Rebuilt front forks
-
New fork seals
-
Fresh fork oil
-
Polished fork lowers
-
Air-adjustable fork caps
-
Refinished footpegs
-
Refinished rear brake lever
-
Cleaned and polished engine-mounting hardware
-
New gold drive chain
Wheels, Tires and Brakes
The original wheel set remains in remarkable condition and even retains its desirable DID identification decals. The condition of the rims, hubs and surrounding cycle parts further supports how clean this motorcycle was before restoration.
Additional work includes:
-
Matching Pirelli front and rear tires
-
New front and rear inner tubes
-
Front brake cleaned and serviced
-
Rear brake inspected and serviced
-
Refinished rear hub
-
Original-style sprocket in excellent condition
-
New gold drive chain
If the new owner prefers a brand-new matching set of Dunlop tires, we will install them for the cost of the tires, subject to availability.
New Controls, Bodywork and Graphics
The motorcycle has been finished with fresh plastics, controls and a complete Bob Hannah-inspired appearance package.
New components include:
-
New front number plate
-
New front fender
-
New rear fender
-
New side number plates
-
Staiger Designs Bob Hannah #1 graphics kit
-
New fuel-tank graphics
-
New mounting hardware
-
New ProTaper aluminum handlebars
-
New ProTaper crossbar pad
-
New ODI grips
-
New clutch lever
-
New front brake lever
-
New seat cover
The original Yamaha fuel tank was beautifully preserved, cleaned and polished before receiving its new graphics. The deep new seat foam makes this vintage racer considerably more comfortable than most competition motorcycles.
An Exceptional Vintage Competition Motorcycle
The 1978 YZ250 represents one of the final and most exciting chapters of Yamaha’s air-cooled motocross development. Yamaha transitioned the YZ250 to liquid cooling for 1981, making these late-1970s air-cooled machines especially desirable among collectors and vintage racers.
With its air-cooled two-stroke engine, drum brakes, period Yamaha monoshock chassis and Bob Hannah-inspired number-one graphics, this machine is an outstanding candidate for vintage motocross competition.
It would also make a spectacular centerpiece in any serious Yamaha, motocross or competition-motorcycle collection.
Most surviving YZ250s from this era were raced hard, modified repeatedly and eventually worn out. Finding one with excellent original cycle parts and then investing nearly $9,400 into a professional frame-up restoration is extremely difficult to duplicate.
This motorcycle is completely restored, mechanically sorted, test-ridden and ready for its next owner. It looks fantastic, runs beautifully and is one of the fastest, hardest-pulling 1978 250cc motocross machines we have experienced.
Call Kaplan Cycles at 860-454-7024 with any questions.
Don’t miss your opportunity to own this professionally restored 1978 Yamaha YZ250 Bob Hannah #1 tribute.
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.
