1989 HONDA CR125R

DETAILS

• YEAR - 1989

• MILEAGE - 25

• MAKE - HONDA

• MODEL - CR125R

• VIN - JH2JE0104KM000929
  

The blood-red era of Honda motocross dominance is alive and well with this absolutely stunning 1989 Honda CR125R. Restored to an uncompromising standard by legendary Kaplan Cycles master technician Chris “The Wizard” Kelly, this is one of the finest CR125 restorations to ever leave our facility. If you know vintage Hondas, you already know the significance of the 1989 CR lineup—arguably one of the most collectible, best-looking, and most desirable CRs Honda ever produced. This one is museum quality and mechanically as close to brand new as you’re going to find anywhere in the country.

Chris Kelly spent several months performing a meticulous frame-off concours-level restoration on this machine. Chris has been restoring Honda two-strokes since the 1980s and was our lead mechanic here at Kaplan Cycles for over 15 years before retiring. At 65 years old, he has likely restored more CRs than almost anyone on the planet. This restoration reflects four decades of Honda CR expertise.

Starting with an exceptionally clean original chassis, the frame was stripped, inspected, and refinished in the correct factory blood-red color. The frame rails are absolutely pristine with no dents or damage—what we call “California rails.” The original swingarm is equally mint and beautifully restored.

The engine received a complete professional rebuild from the crankshaft up. The cases were fully dismantled, vapor honed, and refinished in the proper OEM color. The crankshaft was rebuilt with new bearings, seals, and a new Pro-X connecting rod. Additional engine work includes:

• New piston and rings
• New top-end bearing
• New base and head gaskets
• Brand new clutch assembly
• New water pump components
• New shifter
• New countershaft sprocket and protector
• All new engine hardware
• New hoses throughout
• Pro Circuit pipe and silencer
• Brand new aluminum radiators

The engine cases were professionally repaired in one small area and finished to an extremely high standard. The powertrain is absolutely flawless—tight, responsive, vibration-free, and every bit as crisp as a new CR125R felt in 1989.

Once the engine and chassis were completed, attention turned to the running gear. Virtually every bearing, seal, wear item, and fastener on the bike was replaced or restored:

• New rear wheel bearings
• New linkage bearings
• New steering head bearings
• New chain rollers and sliders
• New Renthal sprocket and gold chain
• New chain adjusters
• New inspection covers
• New rear master cylinder rebuild
• New peg hardware
• New brake line mounts

The rear wheel was completely rebuilt with:

• New Takasago XL rim
• New spokes
• New rim band
• New tube
• New Dunlop tire
• Refinished original hub

The front wheel received the same treatment and matches the rear with a brand-new Takasago XL rim, new spokes, new tube, new rim strip, new rim lock, and brand-new Dunlop tire. The only original component retained was the OEM hub. The tires have never touched dirt and still have the original molding nubs.

Both front and rear brake systems were completely rebuilt including:

• Rebuilt master cylinders
• Rebuilt calipers with new pistons and seals
• New brake pads
• Restored original front rotor
• New front brake cable

The suspension was restored to the same exacting level. The forks were completely rebuilt with new seals, springs, boots, and hardware. The rear shock was fully rebuilt by Chris himself with:

• New shock head
• New shock bumper
• New seals
• Fresh nitrogen and oil
• Cosmetic restoration and re-clear coating
 • Refinished spring

The cockpit and bodywork are equally impressive:

• New Renthal handlebars
• New Renthal crossbar pad
• New ODI lock-on grips
• New throttle assembly
• New clutch lever and perch
• New OEM Honda brake reservoir cover
• New clutch cable
• New kill switch
• Vapor honed and clear-coated triple clamps
• New seat foam and seat cover
• New plastics and graphics kit
• New front number plate and fender
• New radiator shrouds
• All new mounting hardware throughout

The restoration documentation speaks for itself. The bike comes with an 11-page work order detailing over 65.5 hours of professional shop labor and approximately $3,500 in parts alone. At our current shop rate of $150/hour, the restoration total exceeds $13,325. This is exactly why it’s almost always less expensive to purchase a completed restoration than commission one from scratch.

Kaplan Cycles currently has over 186 motorcycles awaiting restoration, and we typically allow our master technicians to choose projects they are passionate about. Chris specifically chose this CR125 because of his love for the 1989 CR platform, and it shows in every inch of this build.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate centerpiece for your collection, a museum-grade display bike, an MX Rewind weapon for Unadilla, or simply the nicest 1989 CR125R you’ll likely ever find, this motorcycle checks every box.

This bike is being offered with a reasonable reserve substantially below the actual restoration investment.

We can arrange nationwide shipping in licensed, insured, enclosed transport directly to your door, white glove shipping. Financing is also available in-house.

This motorcycle is currently on display on the third floor of the New England Motorcycle Museum and may be viewed seven days a week.

For additional information, call Kaplan Cycles at 860-454-7024.

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.