1981 HONDA CB650

Mint Original With Only 3,717 Miles

69-Hour Mechanical & Cosmetic Restoration

One-Owner In Stunning Original Survivor

Original Paint • Original Chrome • Original Seat • Original Exhaust • Original Airbox

If you're searching for one of the finest surviving Honda CB650s in existence, your search may very well end here.

Offered for sale is this spectacular 1981 Honda CB650 showing just 3,717 original miles. This motorcycle is an exceptionally well-preserved, one-owner-condition survivor that has just undergone an extensive 69-hour mechanical and cosmetic preservation service by the award-winning restoration team at Kaplan Cycles.

Unlike restored motorcycles that lose their originality, this CB650 retains virtually every important factory component that makes collectors appreciate an authentic survivor:

• Original factory paint
• Original chrome
• Original aluminum finishes
• Original seat cover
• Original chrome wheels
• Original chrome fenders
• Original 4-into-2 exhaust system
• Original airbox

This is exactly the type of motorcycle collectors spend years trying to locate.

Comprehensive Mechanical Preservation

Our Honda four-cylinder specialist, has restored everything from early Honda CB models—including 1969 Sandcast CB750s—to later Honda fours. After thoroughly inspecting this CB650, he remarked that the original air filter looked virtually new, a testament to how carefully this motorcycle has been preserved throughout its life.

He then completed an extensive mechanical service totaling 34 hours of professional shop labor, including:

• Installed new Yuasa battery with battery tender lead

• Removed airbox and inspected original air filter

• Removed complete carburetor rack

• Completely disassembled and ultrasonically cleaned carburetors

• Precision cleaned and micro-drilled pilot jets for greatly improved idle and cold-start performance

• Installed new intake manifold boots

• Reinstalled and perfectly synchronized carburetors

• Lubricated throttle and clutch cables

• Fresh oil and filter service using Spectro 10W-40

• Rebuilt front brake caliper

• Rebuilt front brake master cylinder

• Flushed and bled brake system with DOT 5.1 fluid

• Installed new front brake lever

• Installed new clutch lever

• Replaced headlight

• Removed and rebuilt front forks with new seals, dust seals, fresh fork oil, and proper air pressure

• Installed four new NGK DR7ES spark plugs

• Installed new fuel lines

• Installed new fuel filter

New Parts Installed

• Yuasa battery

• Air filter

• Fork seals

• Fork dust seals

• Gauge covers

• Headlight

• Brake lever

• Clutch lever

• Intake manifold boots

• Four excellent OEM turn signals

• NGK spark plugs

• Carburetor bowl gasket set

• Brake caliper seals

• Spectro 10W-40 oil

• Oil filter

Parts investment: $429

Extensive Cosmetic Preservation

Following the mechanical restoration, our detail department invested an additional 35 hours carefully preserving and refinishing every inch of the motorcycle while maintaining its originality.

Work performed included:

• Complete steam cleaning and hand detailing

• Engine degreasing

• Machine polishing engine covers

• Polishing shocks

• Polishing complete exhaust system

• Repainting footpeg mounts

• Polishing rear wheel and hub

• Cleaning and refinishing underside of rear fender

• Polishing chain guard

• Restoring hidden areas beneath the exhaust

• Swingarm paint touch-up

• Complete restoration and repainting of center stand

• Refinished brake arm

• Polished fork lowers after removing deteriorated factory clear coat

• Polished front wheel

• Detailed spokes

• Cleaned and dressed tires

• Carefully touched up factory engine paint where necessary

• Refinished front brake caliper

• Polished shift lever

• Restored underside of front fender

• Reassembled motorcycle

• Final paint touch-ups

• Comprehensive final detailing

Investment Summary

This motorcycle received:

• 34 Hours Mechanical Service

• 35 Hours Cosmetic Preservation

Total Labor: 69 Hours

At our current shop rate of $150/hour, labor alone totals:

$10,350

Plus:

$429 in new parts

Total Investment:

$10,829

This was not a restoration intended to replace originality. It was a meticulous preservation designed to keep one of Honda's finest surviving CB650s as authentic as possible while making it mechanically outstanding.

Riding Experience

The CB650 occupies a sweet spot in Honda's lineup.

Compared to the legendary CB750, it is:

• Slightly lighter

• Lower to the ground

• More maneuverable

• Easier handling

• Exceptionally smooth

• Comfortable for two-up touring

The freshly serviced inline four starts easily, idles beautifully, shifts flawlessly, and delivers smooth power throughout the rev range. It cruises comfortably at highway speeds and is every bit as enjoyable today as it was when new.

Collector Appeal

The 1981 CB650 represents the end of an era.

This was among Honda's final generation of classic steel-tank, air-cooled inline fours before liquid cooling and modern styling fundamentally changed the character of these motorcycles.

It retains everything enthusiasts love:

• Beautiful steel fuel tank

• Chrome fenders

• Chrome wheels

• Air-cooled inline-four engine

• Polished aluminum engine covers

• Classic stepped seat

• Timeless Honda styling

Today, finding one with only 3,717 original miles, this level of originality, and this quality of professional preservation is extraordinarily difficult.

Condition

This motorcycle presents beautifully.

As expected for a 45-year-old original motorcycle, it is not represented as perfect.

Known cosmetic imperfections include:

• A few small scratches that would not polish out

• One small ding in the fuel tank that could likely be removed by a qualified paintless dent repair specialist

• These minor flaws are insignificant when considering the incredible originality of this motorcycle and help confirm it has never been over-restored or hidden beneath fresh paint.

Why Buy From Kaplan Cycles?

Kaplan Cycles has built a national reputation for preserving, restoring, and selling some of the finest vintage motorcycles in America.

Our philosophy is simple:

Preserve originality whenever possible while making every motorcycle mechanically dependable and ready to enjoy.

This CB650 is a perfect example of that philosophy.

Shipping & Financing

We can arrange licensed, insured, enclosed nationwide shipping directly to your home.

Financing options are available for qualified buyers.

Contact

If you have questions, would like additional photos, or would like to discuss this exceptional Honda, please call:

Kaplan Cycles
860-454-7024

Thank you for your interest, 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.