1980 HONDA CR250R ELSINORE

EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL SURVIVOR – RUNS LIKE NEW

There is an old saying in the collector-motorcycle world: “They are only original once.” This remarkable 1980 Honda CR250R Elsinore is a perfect example.

We are known for performing comprehensive, frame-off restorations and turning classic motocross motorcycles into pristine, showroom-quality machines. However, this is the first CR250R we have owned that we made the deliberate decision not to restore. The reason is simple: we have never encountered another original 1980 CR250R preserved in this condition.

This motorcycle remains original right down to its tires, chain and sprockets, fork boots, seat cover, handlebars, number plates, cables, hardware, wheels, shocks, and major finishes. The only non-original cosmetic items we installed are a new set of grips and the Honda crossbar pad.

THEY ARE ONLY ORIGINAL ONCE

Most 1980 CR250Rs that arrive at our facility require complete restoration. Their exhaust systems are typically rusted, their frames and engines need refinishing, and their plastics are usually damaged or replaced. This motorcycle is different.

We intentionally preserved its original factory finishes, patina, hardware, and character. It provides collectors and restorers with an extremely rare opportunity to see what these motorcycles actually looked like when they left a Honda dealership in 1980.

The original identification badge on the steering stem is exceptionally well preserved and is the nicest 1980 example we have seen.

Even the original handlebars retain their extremely unusual factory finish. These bars were not originally black. They have a distinctive dark-gray color with a subtle blue-green tint that is nearly impossible to duplicate correctly during a restoration. Most restored examples get this detail wrong. If you want to know exactly what the original bars, front number plate, cables, and hardware are supposed to look like, this motorcycle is the benchmark.

ORIGINAL FACTORY COMPONENTS

This CR250R retains an extraordinary number of original components, including:

• Original fuel tank

• Original front and rear number plates

• Original side panels and plastics

• Original seat cover

• Original handlebars

• Original control cables

• Original fork boots

• Original fork lowers

• Original shocks

• Original footpegs

• Original chain and sprockets

• Original front and rear wheels

• Original DID rim decals

• Original tires

• Original frame and swingarm finishes

• Original engine, which has never been opened

The original fork lowers are in beautiful condition. The rear wheel is exceptionally clean, and both wheels retain their original DID decals.

Remarkably, the original rear shocks remain intact and still provide damping after approximately 46 years.

The original footpegs are also in excellent condition.

MECHANICALLY SERVICED AND READY TO RUN

Although we preserved the motorcycle cosmetically, our technicians performed the necessary maintenance to make sure it runs properly and can be enjoyed.

The following work was completed:

• Fuel tank cleaned

• Carburetor rebuilt and cleaned

• New fuel lines installed

• New air filter installed

• Airbox thoroughly cleaned

• Transmission oil changed

• New spark plug installed

• Chain cleaned and lubricated

• Motorcycle steam-cleaned and carefully hand-washed

• Compression tested perfect

• Cylinder inspected with a borescope

• Complete 100-point inspection performed

• Nuts, bolts, and major fasteners checked and tightened

The engine has never been opened. Compression tested perfectly, and the borescope inspection showed the internal condition to be excellent.

This bike starts, runs, and feels like a fresh, low-hour motorcycle. When you sit on it and ride it, it feels remarkably close to a new machine. In many cases, even fully restored motorcycles do not feel as tight and authentic as a well-preserved, low-hour original like this one.

HONEST ORIGINAL CONDITION

This is an exceptional original survivor, but we are not representing it as flawless.

The original frame rails show paint wear from normal use, and there are several small chips and signs of age in the factory finish. However, there are no significant dents in the frame rails, swingarm, or other major metal components.

The original fuel tank displays age-related patina and has stress cracks near the front. This is common with original plastic tanks of this age, and the condition can be seen in the photographs and video. We chose to preserve the original tank because it is an important part of this motorcycle’s originality.

There is also one flat spot on the front rim, most likely caused by hitting a rock, curb, or another hard object sometime during the motorcycle’s life. It may be possible for a qualified wheel specialist to correct it, but we are selling the motorcycle exactly as shown. The rear wheel is in excellent condition.

Please study all photographs carefully and call us with any questions. We want the next owner to understand exactly what makes this motorcycle special, as well as the minor imperfections associated with an unrestored, 46-year-old motocross bike.

PRESERVE IT OR RESTORE IT

This CR250R can be enjoyed exactly as it sits, preserved as an original collector’s motorcycle, or used as the foundation for an extraordinary concours-level restoration.

Comprehensive frame-off restorations on these motorcycles can easily exceed $12,000 today. If we were going to restore this example, we would refinish the frame and engine, service and cosmetically restore the shocks, install fresh tires, and fit a high-quality reproduction plastic and fuel-tank kit.

However, we believe its authenticity and originality deserve to be preserved. Original motorcycles this complete are becoming extremely difficult to find, and once the factory finishes are removed, they can never truly be replaced.

READY TO RIDE OR DISPLAY

This motorcycle is ready to run, ride, show, or proudly display in a serious Honda or vintage-motocross collection.

If the next owner intends to race it, we strongly recommend preserving the original tires and installing a new set of modern tires for safety. The major service and inspection work has already been completed, and the motorcycle is ready for its next caretaker.

AUCTION AND PURCHASE INFORMATION

The reserve price is a reasonable $7,500.

For additional information or to discuss purchasing this motorcycle, please call Junior directly:

Junior: 860-471-0192

We can assist with professional motorcycle shipping directly to your home anywhere in the continental United States. Please call for a shipping quote or additional details.

This is a rare opportunity to own an exceptionally complete and authentic 1980 Honda CR250R Elsinore that has never been cosmetically restored or taken apart. Whether you preserve it, display it, ride it, or eventually restore it, this motorcycle represents an increasingly scarce piece of Honda motocross history.

They are only original once.

Thanks for looking, 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.