1986 HONDA CR500R

 MUSEUM-QUALITY FRAME-OFF RESTORATION – 200 HOURS – OVER $40,000 INVESTED – THE ULTIMATE OEM-PLUS CR500!

ONE OF THE FINEST 1986 HONDA CR500R RESTORATIONS WE HAVE EVER COMPLETED AT KAPLAN CYCLES!

200 HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION LABOR | $4,116 IN NEW PARTS | APPROXIMATELY $40,000 TOTAL INVESTMENT | COMPLETELY REBUILT ENGINE | RESTORED ORIGINAL OEM HONDA COMPONENTS | RACE-INSPIRED UPGRADES | MUSEUM-QUALITY PRESENTATION

SOLD TO ONE OF OUR MOST VALUED COLLECTORS FOR $25,500!

Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on what we consider to be the finest 1986 Honda CR500R we have ever built!

Here at Kaplan Cycles, we've been riding, racing, collecting, and restoring Honda CR500s for decades. We've restored countless examples of these legendary 500cc two-stroke motocross machines, but this particular motorcycle stands above the rest.

This was not an ordinary cosmetic refurbishment or a quick frame-off restoration. This was a meticulous, uncompromising, nut-and-bolt restoration performed by our master restoration technician, Rick, over the course of several months.

The mission was simple: Build the best 1986 Honda CR500R we have ever produced, regardless of the time, effort, or expense required.

And that is exactly what we accomplished.

With approximately 200 hours of professional restoration labor, $4,116 in new parts, and approximately $40,000 invested including the original motorcycle, this extraordinary CR500 represents an incredible commitment to craftsmanship, preservation, and two-stroke motocross history.

Every component was carefully evaluated. Every bearing, seal, bushing, and gasket received the attention it deserved. Original Honda hardware was professionally replated, aluminum components were vapor honed, and irreplaceable factory parts were painstakingly restored.

The finished result is nothing short of spectacular.

COMPLETE ENGINE REBUILD – RIGHT DOWN TO THE CASES

The legendary Honda 500cc two-stroke engine was completely dismantled and professionally rebuilt from the crankcases up.

The original engine cases are exceptionally clean, structurally sound factory originals that have never required welding or case repairs.

The cases were carefully refinished and painted in the correct low-gloss factory-style black finish.

Engine restoration and upgrades include:

• Complete engine disassembly and crankcase inspection

• Professionally rebuilt crankshaft

• All-new crankshaft bearings

• All-new transmission bearings

• New crankshaft seals

• New shifter shaft seal

• New kickstarter shaft seal

• New ProX piston and piston rings

• New wrist pin and wrist pin bearing

• New cylinder base gasket

• New cylinder head gasket

• New engine gaskets and seals throughout

• Completely rebuilt carburetor with new jets

• New intake components

• New reed valves

• New fuel petcock and fuel lines

• New fuel and carburetor drain hoses

• Correct-style fuel line clamps and hardware

• New spark plug

• New clutch inner components and clutch housing

• New outer clutch cover

• New billet aluminum water pump cover

• New water pump impeller, seals, gasket, and hardware

• Brand-new radiators finished in factory-style black

• New silicone radiator hoses

• Engine Ice high-performance coolant

• New engine mounting hardware

• Beautifully refinished original engine cases and aluminum components

Absolutely no shortcuts were taken.

Even the smallest engine components were carefully inspected, restored, refinished, or replaced as needed.

The engine presents beautifully and has the benefit of a comprehensive mechanical rebuild rather than merely looking restored from the outside.

ORIGINAL OEM HONDA FUEL TANK AND RADIATOR SHROUDS – METICULOUSLY RESTORED

One of the most significant details on this motorcycle is the preservation of its original-style 1986 Honda bodywork.

Rather than settle for aftermarket replacements, we sourced and restored a genuine 1986 Honda CR500 fuel tank and retained the correct original Honda radiator shrouds.

The difference is immediately apparent.

The factory fit, contours, finish, and appearance are precisely what enthusiasts appreciate about authentic OEM Honda components.

Approximately 10 hours of specialized restoration labor went into the fuel tank and radiator shrouds alone.

We actually had a different tank installed earlier in the restoration process before deciding it wasn't correct for the year. Rather than compromise, we sourced a proper original 1986 tank at an additional expense of approximately $650 and completed the restoration the way it should have been done.

This also ensured the correct relationship and fit between the fuel tank, radiator shrouds, and seat assembly.

Additional bodywork restoration includes:

• Original OEM 1986 Honda fuel tank, professionally restored

• Original OEM Honda radiator shrouds, beautifully refinished

• New front fender

• New rear fender

• New front number plate

• Correct yellow number plate backgrounds

• New seat foam

• New seat cover

• Restored factory-style mounting hardware

• Correct rubber grommets, mounting bushings, and fasteners

The finished appearance is extraordinary. In many respects, this motorcycle looks even better than it would have when delivered new in 1986.

FRAME, SWINGARM AND CHASSIS – FULL NUT-AND-BOLT RESTORATION

The motorcycle was completely dismantled down to the bare frame.

The frame was professionally sandblasted and powder-coated in the correct Honda factory-style color.

The original swingarm received a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration, with the aluminum carefully refinished to an exceptionally high standard.

Every chassis bearing was replaced, including:

• New steering head bearings

• New swingarm pivot bearings

• New suspension linkage bearings

• New rear shock bearings and bushings

• New front wheel bearings

• New rear wheel bearings

• New mounting bushings and associated hardware

The original triple clamps were beautifully vapor honed and clear-coated, retaining the authentic factory appearance while delivering an outstanding presentation.

The original footpegs were exceptionally well preserved, a testament to the condition of the motorcycle we started with. They were carefully restored and refitted with refreshed hardware.

The original rear brake pedal, swingarm adjuster plates, axle hardware, springs, and numerous other factory components were restored and professionally replated.

Even the back side of the original airbox, an area normally subjected to years of sand, rocks, and roost, was carefully restored to an exceptionally clean condition.

PROFESSIONALLY REBUILT SUSPENSION – RACE TECH COMPONENTS

The 1986 Honda CR500R is a historically significant machine, featuring Honda's first-generation cartridge-style front forks on the CR500.

Both ends of the suspension were completely rebuilt.

Front suspension:

• Complete fork disassembly and inspection

• Professionally rebuilt cartridge forks

• New fork seals

• Race Tech replacement bushings

• New reproduction fork boots

• Correct-style fork boot clamps

• Beautifully restored factory-style fork finish

• Restored and replated axle and pinch bolt hardware

Rear suspension:

• Complete rear shock disassembly and rebuild

• New shock seal head

• New nitrogen bladder

• New piston band

• Nitrogen charge to 175 PSI

• Refinished shock body

• Repainted original shock spring

• New shock bumper

• New shock bearings and bushings

• Restored factory-style warning decals

The suspension was restored with the same attention to detail as the engine and chassis, combining period-correct appearance with refreshed internal components.

PREMIUM EXCEL WHEELS, DUNLOP TIRES AND COMPLETE BRAKE RESTORATION

The wheels are among the most beautiful features of this build.

Rather than reusing worn-out rims, we installed premium-quality Excel rims with new spokes and professionally refinished original Honda hubs.

Wheel and tire restoration includes:

• New Takasago Excel rims

• Specially drilled rear rim for the original Honda drum brake hub

• New front and rear spokes

• New rim strips

• Vapor-honed and refinished original wheel hubs

• New front and rear wheel bearings

• Professionally replated original axle hardware

• Brand-new Dunlop Geomax MX34 motocross tires

Brake system restoration includes:

• Completely restored front brake caliper

• Rebuilt front brake master cylinder

• Restored front brake rotor

• New front brake hydraulic line

• New brake line mounting hardware

• New front brake lever

• Restored rear drum brake backing plate

• New rear brake shoes

• Refinished rear brake linkage and hardware

• Professionally replated original Honda brake components

The result is a wheel and brake package that looks magnificent while preserving the character of Honda's original race-winning design.

FMF GOLD SERIES EXHAUST AND OEM HONDA SILENCER

To complement the restored engine, we selected a brand-new FMF Gold Series Gnarly expansion chamber.

This premium aftermarket pipe delivers an unmistakable performance-oriented appearance and perfectly complements the Honda's aggressive 500cc two-stroke personality.

The original factory Honda silencer was retained and professionally restored, preserving an important original component.

This combination delivers the appearance of a meticulously prepared period motocross machine while maintaining many of its authentic Honda characteristics.

RENTHAL CONTROLS AND PREMIUM FINAL-DRIVE COMPONENTS

We wanted this motorcycle to represent the ultimate CR500 that a serious rider, racer, or collector would want to own.

That meant selecting high-quality performance components while maintaining the distinctive appearance of the original 1986 model.

Upgrades and restored components include:

• New Renthal handlebars

• New Renthal crossbar pad

• New handgrips

• New throttle tube

• New throttle cable

• New clutch cable

• New clutch perch and lever

• New kill switch

• New front brake lever

• New gearshift lever

• New Renthal front sprocket

• New Renthal rear sprocket

• New ProX gold drive chain

• New sprocket bolts

• New chain guide

• New chain slider

• New chain rollers

• New airbox components and grommets

• New Twin Air foam air filter

• Fully restored original Honda airbox

Even the smallest details, including the correct-style clamps, rubber mounts, drain hoses, fasteners, and cable routing, received meticulous attention.

ORIGINAL HONDA HARDWARE – PROFESSIONALLY RE-ZINC PLATED

This is one of the details that separates an exceptional restoration from an ordinary one.

Instead of simply replacing every original fastener with generic aftermarket hardware, Rick carefully collected the original factory Honda hardware and had it professionally re-zinc plated.

Approximately $325 was invested in the professional hardware replating process alone.

Original components restored and replated include the axles, springs, brake hardware, swingarm adjuster plates, various chassis fasteners, and numerous other factory Honda pieces.

New hardware was selected for the engine and bodywork where appropriate.

This painstaking process preserves the authenticity of the motorcycle while delivering a level of visual refinement rarely seen on restored vintage motocross machines.

THE RESTORATION INVESTMENT – APPROXIMATELY $40,000

This is where the extraordinary level of commitment to this motorcycle becomes apparent.

This does not include the countless hours spent overseeing the project, researching components, discussing restoration decisions, and ensuring the finished motorcycle met our expectations.

Our master restoration technician, Rick, devoted months to bringing this Honda to this extraordinary level.

There was never a discussion about cutting corners to save money.

The only question was: How can we make this the best 1986 CR500R we have ever built?

That commitment is reflected in every square inch of this motorcycle.

RESTORED TO SHOW QUALITY – BUILT WITH A RACER'S EYE

This is not a strict 100-point factory-original restoration, nor was it intended to be.

We consider this an OEM-plus restoration, combining the original Honda engineering and appearance with carefully selected premium components.

The FMF exhaust, Excel rims, gold drive chain, Renthal handlebars, Race Tech fork components, and other thoughtful upgrades represent the accessories that serious racers and enthusiasts appreciate.

At the same time, we went to extraordinary lengths to retain and preserve authentic original Honda components, including the fuel tank, radiator shrouds, engine cases, swingarm, triple clamps, airbox, original silencer, and factory fasteners.

That combination creates an exceptionally desirable collector's motorcycle with a level of detail and presentation that would be extremely difficult and expensive to reproduce.

COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED, INSPECTED AND TEST-RIDDEN

This is not simply a static display motorcycle assembled to look good in photographs.

Following its comprehensive restoration, the CR500 underwent a complete nut-and-bolt inspection and was test-ridden by both Rick and myself.

The motorcycle was evaluated following assembly, and the completed restoration was checked to ensure the systems operated as intended.

It presents at an extraordinary level and represents the very best craftsmanship our restoration department has to offer.

A LEGENDARY CHAPTER IN TWO-STROKE MOTOCROSS HISTORY

The 1986 Honda CR500R represents one of the most iconic eras of open-class motocross.

Powered by Honda's legendary liquid-cooled 500cc two-stroke engine, the CR500 developed a reputation for explosive acceleration, tremendous torque, and uncompromising performance.

These machines were built for experienced racers who demanded extraordinary power and control.

Today, exceptional examples of the early CR500s are highly sought after by vintage motocross enthusiasts and serious collectors.

While many surviving examples have endured decades of hard racing, modifications, and mechanical wear, finding one restored to this level is truly remarkable.

This particular motorcycle represents an extraordinary opportunity to appreciate the mechanical engineering, craftsmanship, and motocross heritage of Honda's legendary 500cc two-stroke.

PROUDLY RESTORED BY KAPLAN CYCLES

At Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum, restoring and preserving historically significant motorcycles is much more than a business.

It is a lifelong passion.

We've spent decades working with legendary machines like the CR500, and our restoration department has completed an extraordinary number of vintage Honda projects.

However, very few motorcycles receive the approximately 200 hours of restoration work invested in this example.

Rick's workmanship on this motorcycle is among the finest we have ever seen.

From the professionally refinished triple clamps to the pristine aluminum swingarm, restored engine cases, original OEM Honda plastics, rebuilt suspension, new bearings, and replated factory hardware, the quality of this restoration must be seen up close to be fully appreciated.

This motorcycle is a testament to what can be accomplished when experienced craftsmen are given the opportunity to pursue perfection without compromise.

SOLD – $25,500

We're proud to announce that this spectacular 1986 Honda CR500R has been sold to our valued collector and longtime friend Randy.

Despite our approximately $40,000 investment in the motorcycle, we sold it for $25,500.

Sometimes the financial return on a project doesn't reflect the countless hours and dedication involved. But the satisfaction of bringing one of these legendary machines back to this extraordinary level makes it worthwhile.

We're grateful that this Honda will be joining an exceptional private motorcycle collection where its history, workmanship, and significance will be appreciated.

A special thank-you to Randy and Dana for their continued friendship, support, and enthusiasm for our restorations.

And a tremendous thank-you to Rick for the months of meticulous craftsmanship required to create this spectacular motorcycle.

This is more than a restored 1986 Honda CR500R. It is a hand-built tribute to one of the greatest open-class motocross machines ever produced.

An extraordinary example of Honda two-stroke history, lovingly restored and perfected at Kaplan Cycles.

God bless Honda Motor Company, God bless America, and thank you for supporting Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum!

KAPLAN CYCLES / NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

200 West Main Street, Rockville, Connecticut

Preserving motorcycle history, one extraordinary restoration at a time.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS MOTORCYCLE HAS ALREADY BEEN SOLD. THIS DESCRIPTION DOCUMENTS THE EXTENSIVE RESTORATION AND QUALITY OF WORK PERFORMED BY KAPLAN CYCLES.

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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.