1981 HONDA CB650 CUSTOM

MINT ORIGINAL WITH ONLY 7,800 ORIGINAL MILES

STUNNING ORIGINAL PAINT & CHROME

MUSEUM DISPLAY BIKE!

RARE SURVIVOR! BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL CONDITION! CLASSIC HONDA INLINE FOUR! AN EXCEPTIONAL WINTER PROJECT!

Offered for sale by Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum is this absolutely stunning 1981 Honda CB650 Custom, a remarkably well-preserved example of Honda's legendary four-cylinder motorcycles!

With only 7,800 original miles showing, gorgeous original factory blue, silver, and gold paint, beautiful chrome, and an exceptionally clean overall appearance, this CB650 Custom is a true time capsule.

This motorcycle has spent years on display at the New England Motorcycle Museum, where it has been admired and preserved as part of our classic motorcycle collection. With several new collections arriving, we're rotating some of our longtime display motorcycles out of the museum to make room for the next generation of classics.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an exceptionally clean, low-mileage vintage Honda that's ready for a proper mechanical recommissioning.

THE LEGENDARY HONDA CB650 FOUR

The CB650 Custom represents everything that made Honda's four-cylinder motorcycles legendary: smooth power delivery, exceptional engineering, reliability, and timeless styling.

Powered by Honda's 626cc air-cooled, single-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder engine, featuring four carburetors and four individual chrome exhaust pipes, the CB650 delivers that unmistakable sound and smoothness that made Honda fours famous.

And this isn't just the standard CB650. This is the desirable Custom model, featuring distinctive factory styling that sets it apart from the conventional models.

Factory CB650 Custom highlights include:

• Legendary 626cc air-cooled inline four-cylinder engine

• Single overhead camshaft design

• Four carburetors

• Four beautiful individual chrome exhaust pipes

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Distinctive 16-inch rear wheel with wide rear tire

• Factory stepped two-up saddle

• Pullback handlebars for a comfortable riding position

• Sculpted teardrop-style fuel tank

• Beautiful original blue, silver, and gold factory paint scheme

• Electric starting system

• Factory center stand

The four individual chrome exhaust pipes are one of the defining features of this motorcycle. They give this classic Honda an unmistakable appearance that you simply don't see on modern motorcycles.

AN EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN ORIGINAL SURVIVOR

What makes this particular CB650 Custom special is its remarkable cosmetic preservation.

The paint and chrome are original factory finishes, not a recent restoration.

Take a close look at the photos and video. The original blue, silver, and gold paint presents beautifully, with the kind of color and finish that makes this motorcycle stand out even among other machines.

The chrome exhaust pipes are exceptionally attractive, and the overall appearance is remarkably well preserved for a motorcycle manufactured in 1981.

Condition highlights:

• Only 7,800 original miles showing

• Beautiful original factory paint

• Excellent-appearing original chrome

• Original factory four-pipe exhaust system

• Original saddle in outstanding condition

• Original factory mirrors

• Beautiful, clean instrument gauges

• Smooth, light clutch lever operation

• Original factory center stand intact

• Clean handlebars, grips, levers, and mirrors

• No apparent evidence of the motorcycle having been dropped or crashed

• Very clean overall engine and chassis presentation

• New England Motorcycle Museum display motorcycle

The original saddle is particularly impressive, presenting in near-mint cosmetic condition.

The gauges look beautiful, the clutch pull is smooth as butter, and there is no visible road rash on the grips, levers, or mirrors that would suggest a previous accident.

From the original paint to the four chrome exhaust pipes, this motorcycle has the appearance of a carefully preserved survivor.

Finding a CB650 Custom this clean, with such low indicated mileage and so many original components intact, is becoming increasingly difficult.

MECHANICAL CONDITION – PLEASE READ

THIS MOTORCYCLE IS BEING SOLD AS-IS, AS A NON-RUNNING RECOMMISSIONING PROJECT.

This motorcycle has spent years on display at the New England Motorcycle Museum and has not been prepared for regular road use.

It will require a complete mechanical inspection and recommissioning before being returned to service.

Known items requiring attention include:

• Complete carburetor rebuilding and cleaning

• Fuel tank and fuel system cleaning and inspection

• New battery

• Gas cap key replacement or replacement gas cap

• Complete mechanical inspection and service

• Inspection of tires, brakes, suspension, and all safety-related systems

• Replacement of fluids and other age-related maintenance items as necessary

IMPORTANT GAS CAP KEY INFORMATION:

The motorcycle comes with two ignition keys, including a spare. However, the gas cap was keyed separately, and its key has been misplaced.

The new owner will need to obtain a replacement gas cap key or replace the gas cap.

We have not completed the work necessary to return this motorcycle to running condition, and we are selling it exactly as described.

With more than 240 motorcycles in our inventory awaiting service, restoration, or preparation for sale, we simply cannot restore every classic motorcycle that comes through our doors.

Rather than let this beautiful machine continue sitting in storage, we're offering it to the next enthusiast who can give it the attention it deserves.

THE PERFECT WINTER PROJECT

Imagine having this stunning CB650 Custom in your garage this winter.

The cosmetic preservation is already a major advantage. The original paint, beautiful chrome exhaust, seat, gauges, mirrors, and cycle parts provide a fantastic foundation for a sympathetic mechanical recommissioning.

Go through the carburetors, Clean old fuel residue from tank and Caswell seal the inside of fuel tank, service the fuel system, install a battery, inspect and service the remaining mechanical systems, and address whatever else the motorcycle needs.

With proper work, this Honda has the potential to become an outstanding vintage weekend cruiser, a collectible survivor, or a welcome addition to a classic Japanese motorcycle collection.

Best of all, you won't have to start with a motorcycle that needs a complete cosmetic restoration.

The original finish and overall presentation are what make this particular example so desirable.

A FORMER NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM DISPLAY BIKE

This beautiful Honda has been part of our collection at the New England Motorcycle Museum.

We're constantly acquiring exceptional motorcycles and bringing new collections into the museum. To keep the displays fresh, we occasionally offer some of our longtime museum motorcycles for sale.

This is one of those opportunities.

Whether you're a serious Honda collector, a vintage Japanese motorcycle enthusiast, or someone who remembers riding these motorcycles when they were new, this CB650 Custom deserves a close look.

They are only original once, and this one has retained the character and appearance that make a well-preserved vintage Honda special.

WHY BUY FROM KAPLAN CYCLES?

Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum specialize in classic, vintage, collectible, and enthusiast motorcycles.

Our team has extensive experience acquiring, restoring, servicing, and selling motorcycles from virtually every era of motorcycling history.

We pride ourselves on presenting our motorcycles with detailed photographs, walkaround videos, and straightforward descriptions so buyers can understand what they're purchasing.

This Honda is being offered as an as-is project, and we encourage prospective buyers to review all photos, watch the accompanying video, and contact us with any questions.

DON'T MISS THIS CLASSIC HONDA!

1981 HONDA CB650 CUSTOM

ONLY 7,800 ORIGINAL MILES SHOWING!

ORIGINAL BLUE, SILVER & GOLD FACTORY PAINT!

BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL FOUR-PIPE CHROME EXHAUST!

FORMER NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM DISPLAY BIKE!

EXCELLENT COSMETIC PRESERVATION!

SOLD AS-IS – NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING - MECHANICAL RECOMMISSIONING REQUIRED!

This is a wonderful opportunity to own a beautiful example of one of Honda's iconic early-1980s four-cylinder Custom motorcycles.

The combination of extremely low indicated mileage, original factory finishes, remarkably preserved cosmetics, and years of museum display makes this a motorcycle worth considering for any serious Honda enthusiast.

Call Kaplan Cycles at 860-454-7024 with any questions.

Visit www.KaplanCycles.com to see our extensive selection of classic motorcycles, collectible machines, restoration projects, and new motorcycles.

Located at the New England Motorcycle Museum in Rockville, Connecticut.

Thanks for looking, and God Bless America!

— Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum

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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”

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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

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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.

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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.