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1983 Yamaha IT250

Regular price $11,500.00

Only 1 in stock

CALL OR TEXT JR. (860) 471-0192

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Description

1983 YAMAHA IT250 

Rare Mint Survivor With 965 Miles

Stunning Frame-Off Restoration To Showroom New

If you're looking for the finest 1983 Yamaha IT250 on the market today, your search is over.

This is a comprehensive frame-off restoration completed to a high standard using one of the cleanest original IT250s we've ever had the privilege to start with.

The Yamaha IT250 was one of the greatest woods bikes of its era. Lightweight, reliable, simple, powerful, and nearly indestructible, these air-cooled two-strokes dominated trails, enduros, and hare scrambles throughout the 1980s.

A Rare Survivor Foundation

The biggest mistake restorers make is starting with the wrong bike.

We didn't. 

This IT250 began life as an exceptionally clean, low-mileage survivor showing only 965 miles on the odometer. 

Every indication suggests those miles are original.

The frame rails are pristine.

The engine cases are exceptionally clean.

The original wheel set is straight and true.

The fork lowers were undamaged.

The swingarm is beautiful.

The footpegs remain straight and unworn.

The sprocket cover shows none of the damage typically found on hard-ridden machines.

In short, this was exactly the kind of motorcycle worthy of a full restoration.

Comprehensive Frame-Off Restoration

The motorcycle was completely dismantled down to a bare frame.

Every major component was removed, inspected, refinished, rebuilt, or replaced.

The frame was:

• Sanded
• Primed
• Painted in the correct Yamaha factory gloss finish

Additional restored components include:

• Swingarm
• Footpegs
• Kickstand
• Shifter
• Brake pedal
• Triple clamps
• Engine covers
• Brake backing plates

The attention to detail throughout the build is exceptional.

Engine Rebuilt By Kaplan Cycles

The engine was completely disassembled and professionally rebuilt including:

• New Cylinder Bore
New Wiseco 68.5mm piston
• New wrist pin & New circlips
• New top-end bearing
• New head gasket
• New base gasket
• New reed cage gasket
• New reeds
• New exhaust gasket
• Cases thoroughly cleaned and refinished
• New HPI 6-volt voltage regulator

The ports were carefully cleaned emery clothed

The engine starts easily, idles beautifully, pulls hard throughout the rev range, and delivers exactly the kind of crisp throttle response that made the IT250 legendary.

Performance Upgrades

 several tasteful upgrades were added to improve performance and reliability.

These include:

• Brand-new Mikuni carburetor
• New Custom Finished DG Works expansion chamber
• DG Aluminum silencer
• New reed valves
• Twin Air air filter
• New intake boots

 

The DG pipe was further refined using our in-house finishing process that creates the beautiful factory works-style appearance you see today. The pipe was carefully finished and heat-treated to achieve the gorgeous factory-race look normally seen only on period race bikes.

The result is both visually stunning and highly functional.

Suspension & Chassis

The forks were completely rebuilt with:

• New fork seals
• New dust seals
• New fork boots
• New fork oil

The fork lowers were refinished to a beautiful factory appearance.

The steering stem received:

• New steering head bearings
• New races
• New dust cover

The rear suspension was completely serviced including:

• Shock rebuild
• New shock bumper
• New shock protector
• New linkage bearings and bushings

The bike rides exactly the way a properly sorted IT250 should.

Wheels & Brakes

The original wheels were retained because they were exceptionally clean.

The hubs were restored and refinished.

New components include:

• Dunlop front tire
• Dunlop rear tire
• New tubes
• New rim strips

The braking system was serviced and restored for proper operation.

New Components Throughout

The list of new parts is extensive:

• New Clark fuel tank
• New fuel cap
• New breather hose
• New Yamaha seat foam
• New Yamaha seat cover
• New Yamaha tool bag
• New front fender
• New rear fender
• New side panels
• New taillight
• New headlight assembly
• New front number plate
• New graphics package designed by Christy Kaplan
• New Renthal handlebars
• New clutch lever
• New brake lever
• New throttle assembly
• New ODI grips
• New fuel petcock
• New fuel lines
• New fuel filter
• New JT rear sprocket
• New gold chain
• New chain slider
New Hardware & More

 

Everywhere you look, there is evidence of thoughtful restoration work and attention to detail.

The Investment

This restoration consumed an astonishing amount of time and resources.

Documented labor:

51 Hours @ $150/hr = $7,650

Documented parts:

$2,300

Total documented investment:

$9,950

And that's before considering the value of the original low-mile donor motorcycle.

Simply put, you could not duplicate this motorcycle today for the asking price.

Why This IT250 Matters

The IT250 represents everything enthusiasts love about vintage off-road motorcycles.

It's simple.

It's reliable.

It's easy to maintain.

It's powerful.

It's lightweight.

And unlike many modern motorcycles, every component can still be serviced and rebuilt.

This is a forever bike.

A machine you can ride, display, collect, and enjoy for decades to come.

Whether you're a Yamaha collector, vintage racer, enduro enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a beautifully restored classic motorcycle, this IT250 is among the finest examples you'll find anywhere.

Call Kenny Jr. at 860-454-7024 for additional information.

Licensed and insured nationwide shipping is available.

High-resolution photographs are available at KaplanCycles.com.

Finding an IT250 is easy.

Finding one restored to this level is nearly impossible.

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

1983 YAMAHA IT250 

Rare Mint Survivor With 965 Miles

Stunning Frame-Off Restoration To Showroom New

If you're looking for the finest 1983 Yamaha IT250 on the market today, your search is over.

This is a comprehensive frame-off restoration completed to a high standard using one of the cleanest original IT250s we've ever had the privilege to start with.

The Yamaha IT250 was one of the greatest woods bikes of its era. Lightweight, reliable, simple, powerful, and nearly indestructible, these air-cooled two-strokes dominated trails, enduros, and hare scrambles throughout the 1980s.

A Rare Survivor Foundation

The biggest mistake restorers make is starting with the wrong bike.

We didn't. 

This IT250 began life as an exceptionally clean, low-mileage survivor showing only 965 miles on the odometer. 

Every indication suggests those miles are original.

The frame rails are pristine.

The engine cases are exceptionally clean.

The original wheel set is straight and true.

The fork lowers were undamaged.

The swingarm is beautiful.

The footpegs remain straight and unworn.

The sprocket cover shows none of the damage typically found on hard-ridden machines.

In short, this was exactly the kind of motorcycle worthy of a full restoration.

Comprehensive Frame-Off Restoration

The motorcycle was completely dismantled down to a bare frame.

Every major component was removed, inspected, refinished, rebuilt, or replaced.

The frame was:

• Sanded
• Primed
• Painted in the correct Yamaha factory gloss finish

Additional restored components include:

• Swingarm
• Footpegs
• Kickstand
• Shifter
• Brake pedal
• Triple clamps
• Engine covers
• Brake backing plates

The attention to detail throughout the build is exceptional.

Engine Rebuilt By Kaplan Cycles

The engine was completely disassembled and professionally rebuilt including:

• New Cylinder Bore
New Wiseco 68.5mm piston
• New wrist pin & New circlips
• New top-end bearing
• New head gasket
• New base gasket
• New reed cage gasket
• New reeds
• New exhaust gasket
• Cases thoroughly cleaned and refinished
• New HPI 6-volt voltage regulator

The ports were carefully cleaned emery clothed

The engine starts easily, idles beautifully, pulls hard throughout the rev range, and delivers exactly the kind of crisp throttle response that made the IT250 legendary.

Performance Upgrades

 several tasteful upgrades were added to improve performance and reliability.

These include:

• Brand-new Mikuni carburetor
• New Custom Finished DG Works expansion chamber
• DG Aluminum silencer
• New reed valves
• Twin Air air filter
• New intake boots

 

The DG pipe was further refined using our in-house finishing process that creates the beautiful factory works-style appearance you see today. The pipe was carefully finished and heat-treated to achieve the gorgeous factory-race look normally seen only on period race bikes.

The result is both visually stunning and highly functional.

Suspension & Chassis

The forks were completely rebuilt with:

• New fork seals
• New dust seals
• New fork boots
• New fork oil

The fork lowers were refinished to a beautiful factory appearance.

The steering stem received:

• New steering head bearings
• New races
• New dust cover

The rear suspension was completely serviced including:

• Shock rebuild
• New shock bumper
• New shock protector
• New linkage bearings and bushings

The bike rides exactly the way a properly sorted IT250 should.

Wheels & Brakes

The original wheels were retained because they were exceptionally clean.

The hubs were restored and refinished.

New components include:

• Dunlop front tire
• Dunlop rear tire
• New tubes
• New rim strips

The braking system was serviced and restored for proper operation.

New Components Throughout

The list of new parts is extensive:

• New Clark fuel tank
• New fuel cap
• New breather hose
• New Yamaha seat foam
• New Yamaha seat cover
• New Yamaha tool bag
• New front fender
• New rear fender
• New side panels
• New taillight
• New headlight assembly
• New front number plate
• New graphics package designed by Christy Kaplan
• New Renthal handlebars
• New clutch lever
• New brake lever
• New throttle assembly
• New ODI grips
• New fuel petcock
• New fuel lines
• New fuel filter
• New JT rear sprocket
• New gold chain
• New chain slider
New Hardware & More

 

Everywhere you look, there is evidence of thoughtful restoration work and attention to detail.

The Investment

This restoration consumed an astonishing amount of time and resources.

Documented labor:

51 Hours @ $150/hr = $7,650

Documented parts:

$2,300

Total documented investment:

$9,950

And that's before considering the value of the original low-mile donor motorcycle.

Simply put, you could not duplicate this motorcycle today for the asking price.

Why This IT250 Matters

The IT250 represents everything enthusiasts love about vintage off-road motorcycles.

It's simple.

It's reliable.

It's easy to maintain.

It's powerful.

It's lightweight.

And unlike many modern motorcycles, every component can still be serviced and rebuilt.

This is a forever bike.

A machine you can ride, display, collect, and enjoy for decades to come.

Whether you're a Yamaha collector, vintage racer, enduro enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a beautifully restored classic motorcycle, this IT250 is among the finest examples you'll find anywhere.

Call Kenny Jr. at 860-454-7024 for additional information.

Licensed and insured nationwide shipping is available.

High-resolution photographs are available at KaplanCycles.com.

Finding an IT250 is easy.

Finding one restored to this level is nearly impossible.

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.

Congratulations! You qualify for free shipping!
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