1986 HONDA Z50R

A Mint Original Survivor

One of the finest original 1986 Honda Z50Rs available today.

If you're a serious Honda minibike collector, you already know the significance of the 1986 model year. With its iconic red, white, and blue tank graphics, blue seat, and gold wheels, the 1986 Z50R is widely regarded as one of the most desirable and collectible production Z50s ever built. Aside from the legendary Christmas Special models, few Z50s command the attention and enthusiasm that these bikes generate among collectors.

This particular machine comes from the personal collection of our good friend Mike Parent, a longtime enthusiast who has carefully preserved this Honda for many years. Mike has decided it's time for the next caretaker to enjoy this remarkable piece of Honda history.

Finding an original Z50R is difficult.

Finding one this original is nearly impossible.

This bike retains:

• Original paint

• Original fuel tank

• Original seat and seat cover

• Original front and rear fenders

• Original number plates

• Original handlebars

• Original shocks

• Original exhaust system

• Original warning decals

• Original fork decals

• Original steering stem decals

• Original tires with date codes

The only non-original component is a beautiful new gold chain that was installed during servicing.

Even the original tires remain in place, displaying date codes from the 17th week of 1985—remarkable evidence of the bike's low-use history and careful ownership.

While preserving originality was our top priority, we performed a comprehensive mechanical inspection and detail service to ensure the bike presents and performs at the highest level.

Over 20 hours of professional shop labor were invested in bringing this Z50R to the stunning condition you see today, Service work includes:

• Fuel tank cleaned

• Fresh VP Racing 94 fuel installed

• New fuel lines

• Carburetor rebuilt

• New air filter installed

• Engine oil changed

• Points cleaned and adjusted

• Full mechanical inspection completed

The engine starts easily, runs beautifully, has excellent compression, and sounds exactly as a Honda Z50 should. No smoke, no unusual noises, and no excuses.

Rotisserie-Level Cosmetic Detailing

The motorcycle was:

• Steam cleaned

• Hand washed

• Degreased

• Carefully detailed throughout

Original components were repainted where appropriate, including:

• Engine side covers

• Kickstand

• Foot pegs

• Kickstarter

• Shift lever

• Exhaust system

• Exhaust heat shield

• Lower chain guide

• Side panel mounting brackets

The result is an exceptionally clean and highly original survivor that presents almost like a museum-quality restoration while retaining its authenticity.

Condition

This Honda is extraordinarily well-preserved and presents as close to mint as you will likely find for a 40-year-old minibike.

As expected for an original survivor, there are a few minor imperfections:

• Light patina consistent with age

• A few scratches on the front fender

• Two small dents on one side of the fuel tank

The opposite side of the tank is exceptionally straight and clean. A skilled paintless dent specialist could likely remove the dents if desired.

The details tell the story:

• Original warning sticker still present on the swingarm

• Original 1986 fork decals remain intact

• Original steering stem decal still visible

• Original shocks retain their gold finish

• Original tires remain fitted

• Matching originality throughout

These are the signs of a motorcycle that has been cared for and preserved rather than restored and recreated.

The market for highly original Honda minibikes continues to strengthen, and collector-grade examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This 1986 Z50R checks all the boxes: originality, documentation, presentation, mechanical condition, and desirability.

Whether you're adding it to a serious Honda collection, displaying it in your office, museum, or showroom, or simply reliving your childhood, this is the kind of Z50R that rarely becomes available.

This motorcycle is currently on display at the New England Motorcycle Museum and can be viewed seven days a week until sold.

Nationwide shipping is available.

For additional information, high-resolution photos, or to purchase the bike before the auction ends, contact:

Ken Kaplan Jr.
860-454-7024

Additional high-resolution images are available at KaplanCycles.com.

Don't miss this opportunity to own one of the finest surviving examples of Honda's iconic Z50R.

Bid with confidence.
Worldwide collector quality.
Museum worthy.

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.