1988 Honda ZB50
Only 1 in stock
CALL OR TEXT JR. (860) 471-0192
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Description
1988 Honda ZB50
Absolutely Pristine With 237 Original Miles
One-Year-Only U.S. Model • Investment-Grade Survivor
Bid with confidence on one of the rarest and most collectible Honda minibikes ever built.
Feast your eyes on one of the finest low mileage surviving examples of Honda's legendary 1988 ZB50.
With just 237 original miles, this spectacular one-year-only machine is an investment-quality collector motorcycle that represents one of the most desirable Honda minis of the 1980s.
Only approximately 3,000 ZB50s were produced, and Honda built them for one year only. Their sophisticated construction—including the aluminum perimeter frame, Pro-Link rear suspension, cast aluminum red wheels, full street equipment, and premium components—made them prohibitively expensive to manufacture. Honda reportedly lost money producing these motorcycles, making them one of the shortest-lived and most collectible mini motorcycles in Honda history.
Many enthusiasts consider the ZB50 the spiritual predecessor to today's Honda Grom—a miniature sport bike decades ahead of its time.
Exceptional Provenance
This ZB50 comes directly from the Jeff Cyr Collection.
Jeff was a longtime friend and fellow Honda enthusiast. We both worked at Mickey Finn Honda during the 1980s before I eventually opened Kaplan Cycles. Jeff remained with Honda for many years and quietly assembled one of the finest collections of ultra-low-mileage Hondas in the country.
After Jeff's passing, his family entrusted us with purchasing his collection. This motorcycle was one of the crown jewels—a bike that likely never would have been offered for sale otherwise.
Its provenance is fully documented, making this an extraordinary opportunity for serious Honda collectors.
Remarkable Originality
Showing only 237 original miles, this ZB50 remains astonishingly original, including:
-
Original factory paint on the Original black fuel tank with red graphics
-
Original frame decals and VIN labels
-
Original seat cover
-
Original mirrors
-
Original lenses and lighting
-
Original gauges
-
Original IRC MB28/MB29 tires
-
Original wheels
-
Original bodywork
-
Original exhaust system
The motorcycle presents as close to new as one could reasonably expect from a nearly 40-year-old collector motorcycle.
Compression tests at 135 PSI, exactly where a Fresh ZB50 Honda engine should be.
Comprehensive Preservation Service
Although exceptionally original, decades of careful indoor storage required an extensive preservation service before returning the bike to riding condition.
Rather than cutting corners, our technicians completely serviced every mechanical system while carefully preserving originality whenever possible.
Mechanical Service Included:
-
Fuel tank removed
-
Interior professionally cleaned
-
Tank Caswell sealed
-
New fuel lines
-
New fuel filter
-
New petcock
-
Carburetor completely disassembled and rebuilt
-
Jets professionally cleaned
-
New intake O-rings
-
New air filter
-
New spark plug
-
New engine oil and crush washer
-
New battery
-
New gold drive chain
-
New fuel vent hose
-
Forks rebuilt with new seals
-
Fresh fork oil installed
-
Complete tune-up performed
The motorcycle now starts easily, idles smoothly, shifts perfectly, and rides exactly as a 237-mile Honda should.
Cosmetic Preservation
This motorcycle underwent what we consider a preservation service, not a restoration.
The goal was simple:
Preserve every original component possible while returning the motorcycle to virtually showroom presentation.
The detailing department invested enormous time bringing every surface back to life.
Work included:
-
Complete steam cleaning
-
Hand detailing
-
Complete chassis cleaning
-
Wheels refinished in correct factory color
-
Swingarm refinished while retaining original factory decal
-
Rear brake hub refinished
-
Exhaust system refinished
-
Exhaust guard refinished
-
Kickstand refinished
-
Footpeg mounts refinished
-
Shift lever refinished
-
Kick starter refinished
-
Engine covers refinished and polished
-
Frame professionally touched up where appropriate
-
Vapor-honed aluminum components
-
Every accessible area cleaned beneath seat and bodywork
The motorcycle presents beautifully from every angle.
Investment Summary
The ZB50 has become one of the fastest appreciating Honda minis in the collector market.
Comparable low-mileage examples have recently sold for:
-
$13,750
-
$10,450
-
$8,000
These publicly recorded auction sales at Mecum and Other Sites demonstrate the tremendous collector demand for original, ultra-low-mileage ZB50s.
Finding one with:
-
Only 237 original miles
-
Original paint
-
Original tires
-
Documented provenance
-
Professional preservation
-
Complete mechanical servicing
is extraordinarily rare.
Shop Investment
Our philosophy has never been to perform the cheapest restoration.
We perform the work required to make every motorcycle as correct and as beautiful as possible.
This ZB50 received:
-
57 total shop labor hours
-
Shop labor billed at $150/hour
-
$8,550 in labor
-
$487 in new parts
Total service investment:
$9,037.72
This figure does not include acquisition cost, transportation, or the time spent securing the motorcycle from the Jeff Seer Collection.
Our reserve reflects the quality of the motorcycle—not simply the mileage.
Condition
The motorcycle is exceptionally clean throughout.
The only item missing is the original exhaust heat shield, which was not included when we acquired the motorcycle from Jeff's estate. Other than that, this machine remains remarkably complete and original.
Clean title
-
Professional mechanical service
-
Fully detailed presentation
-
Ready to ride or display
-
Shipping
We can arrange licensed, insured, enclosed transportation anywhere in the continental United States.
The motorcycle is currently displayed inside the New England Motorcycle Museum, and the purchaser is welcome to leave it on exhibit here for as long as desired.
Investment-quality motorcycles like this deserve to be preserved and appreciated.
If you've been searching for one of the finest surviving Honda ZB50s in existence, this may be your opportunity.
Good luck bidding, and thank you for your interest.
Questions?
Call 860-454-7024
Bid with confidence.
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
1988 Honda ZB50
Absolutely Pristine With 237 Original Miles
One-Year-Only U.S. Model • Investment-Grade Survivor
Bid with confidence on one of the rarest and most collectible Honda minibikes ever built.
Feast your eyes on one of the finest low mileage surviving examples of Honda's legendary 1988 ZB50.
With just 237 original miles, this spectacular one-year-only machine is an investment-quality collector motorcycle that represents one of the most desirable Honda minis of the 1980s.
Only approximately 3,000 ZB50s were produced, and Honda built them for one year only. Their sophisticated construction—including the aluminum perimeter frame, Pro-Link rear suspension, cast aluminum red wheels, full street equipment, and premium components—made them prohibitively expensive to manufacture. Honda reportedly lost money producing these motorcycles, making them one of the shortest-lived and most collectible mini motorcycles in Honda history.
Many enthusiasts consider the ZB50 the spiritual predecessor to today's Honda Grom—a miniature sport bike decades ahead of its time.
Exceptional Provenance
This ZB50 comes directly from the Jeff Cyr Collection.
Jeff was a longtime friend and fellow Honda enthusiast. We both worked at Mickey Finn Honda during the 1980s before I eventually opened Kaplan Cycles. Jeff remained with Honda for many years and quietly assembled one of the finest collections of ultra-low-mileage Hondas in the country.
After Jeff's passing, his family entrusted us with purchasing his collection. This motorcycle was one of the crown jewels—a bike that likely never would have been offered for sale otherwise.
Its provenance is fully documented, making this an extraordinary opportunity for serious Honda collectors.
Remarkable Originality
Showing only 237 original miles, this ZB50 remains astonishingly original, including:
-
Original factory paint on the Original black fuel tank with red graphics
-
Original frame decals and VIN labels
-
Original seat cover
-
Original mirrors
-
Original lenses and lighting
-
Original gauges
-
Original IRC MB28/MB29 tires
-
Original wheels
-
Original bodywork
-
Original exhaust system
The motorcycle presents as close to new as one could reasonably expect from a nearly 40-year-old collector motorcycle.
Compression tests at 135 PSI, exactly where a Fresh ZB50 Honda engine should be.
Comprehensive Preservation Service
Although exceptionally original, decades of careful indoor storage required an extensive preservation service before returning the bike to riding condition.
Rather than cutting corners, our technicians completely serviced every mechanical system while carefully preserving originality whenever possible.
Mechanical Service Included:
-
Fuel tank removed
-
Interior professionally cleaned
-
Tank Caswell sealed
-
New fuel lines
-
New fuel filter
-
New petcock
-
Carburetor completely disassembled and rebuilt
-
Jets professionally cleaned
-
New intake O-rings
-
New air filter
-
New spark plug
-
New engine oil and crush washer
-
New battery
-
New gold drive chain
-
New fuel vent hose
-
Forks rebuilt with new seals
-
Fresh fork oil installed
-
Complete tune-up performed
The motorcycle now starts easily, idles smoothly, shifts perfectly, and rides exactly as a 237-mile Honda should.
Cosmetic Preservation
This motorcycle underwent what we consider a preservation service, not a restoration.
The goal was simple:
Preserve every original component possible while returning the motorcycle to virtually showroom presentation.
The detailing department invested enormous time bringing every surface back to life.
Work included:
-
Complete steam cleaning
-
Hand detailing
-
Complete chassis cleaning
-
Wheels refinished in correct factory color
-
Swingarm refinished while retaining original factory decal
-
Rear brake hub refinished
-
Exhaust system refinished
-
Exhaust guard refinished
-
Kickstand refinished
-
Footpeg mounts refinished
-
Shift lever refinished
-
Kick starter refinished
-
Engine covers refinished and polished
-
Frame professionally touched up where appropriate
-
Vapor-honed aluminum components
-
Every accessible area cleaned beneath seat and bodywork
The motorcycle presents beautifully from every angle.
Investment Summary
The ZB50 has become one of the fastest appreciating Honda minis in the collector market.
Comparable low-mileage examples have recently sold for:
-
$13,750
-
$10,450
-
$8,000
These publicly recorded auction sales at Mecum and Other Sites demonstrate the tremendous collector demand for original, ultra-low-mileage ZB50s.
Finding one with:
-
Only 237 original miles
-
Original paint
-
Original tires
-
Documented provenance
-
Professional preservation
-
Complete mechanical servicing
is extraordinarily rare.
Shop Investment
Our philosophy has never been to perform the cheapest restoration.
We perform the work required to make every motorcycle as correct and as beautiful as possible.
This ZB50 received:
-
57 total shop labor hours
-
Shop labor billed at $150/hour
-
$8,550 in labor
-
$487 in new parts
Total service investment:
$9,037.72
This figure does not include acquisition cost, transportation, or the time spent securing the motorcycle from the Jeff Seer Collection.
Our reserve reflects the quality of the motorcycle—not simply the mileage.
Condition
The motorcycle is exceptionally clean throughout.
The only item missing is the original exhaust heat shield, which was not included when we acquired the motorcycle from Jeff's estate. Other than that, this machine remains remarkably complete and original.
Clean title
-
Professional mechanical service
-
Fully detailed presentation
-
Ready to ride or display
-
Shipping
We can arrange licensed, insured, enclosed transportation anywhere in the continental United States.
The motorcycle is currently displayed inside the New England Motorcycle Museum, and the purchaser is welcome to leave it on exhibit here for as long as desired.
Investment-quality motorcycles like this deserve to be preserved and appreciated.
If you've been searching for one of the finest surviving Honda ZB50s in existence, this may be your opportunity.
Good luck bidding, and thank you for your interest.
Questions?
Call 860-454-7024
Bid with confidence.
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.
