2008 YAMAHA YZ250

Showroom Mint Museum Quality

225 PSI Compression - VERY FAST

33-Hour Professional Full Service, Tune & Detail

Race Ready

If you're searching for one of the cleanest, lowest-hour Yamaha YZ250s available anywhere, you've just found it.

The Yamaha YZ250 has earned legendary status for good reason. Its explosive power delivery, bulletproof reliability, and industry-leading KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) suspension have made it one of the most respected two-strokes ever built. Even today, many riders consider the YZ250 the benchmark for 250cc two-stroke motocross bikes.

Anyone who's spent time on a modern 250 four-stroke owes it to themselves to experience one of these machines. The power-to-weight ratio is nothing short of incredible, with instant throttle response, tremendous torque, and effortless front-end lift that makes clearing obstacles, whoops, and technical terrain feel almost effortless. It's easy to understand why so many racers continue to choose the YZ250 nearly two decades after this model was introduced.

This YZ250 came from the personal collection of our late friend, Jeff Cyr, an avid motorcycle enthusiast who meticulously maintained every machine he owned. After Jeff's passing, his brother Tim entrusted Kaplan Cycles with selling his collection.

We made Tim a promise that every one of Jeff's motorcycles would receive the same care and attention Jeff himself would have expected.

This Yamaha is a tribute to that promise.

Before beginning the cosmetic restoration, we carefully inspected the engine. The results were exceptional:

• 225 PSI Compression / New Piston & Rings

• Borescope inspection revealed beautiful cylinder crosshatching

• Extremely clean combustion chamber

• Starts easily on the first kick

• Outstanding throttle response

• Original OEM exhaust system in exceptional condition

This engine is incredibly strong.

Professionally Serviced by Kaplan Cycles

Once the bike arrived at our facility, it was completely disassembled for inspection and detailing.

The following work was professionally completed:

• Complete 100-point inspection

• Carburetor rebuilt / New float needle and seat

• New fuel drain lines

• New Twin Air air filter

• Airbox cleaned

• Fresh VP Racing Fuel

• New NGK spark plug

• Cooling system serviced with fresh coolant

• Gear oil changed

• Steering, suspension and chassis bearings cleaned and greased

• Silencer professionally repacked

• Front brake serviced, flushed and bled

• New rear brake pads

• New rear brake retainer clip

• New rear caliper guard

The engine had previously received:

• Fresh top-end service With New Piston & Rings

• New base gasket & New head gasket

Everything was inspected and verified during our service.

Cosmetic Restoration

To bring the bike back to near showroom condition, we installed:

• Brand new Staiger Designs custom graphics

• New front fender

• New front number plate

• New side number plates

• New tank graphics

• New swingarm graphics

• New fork protectors

• New ODI grips

• New ProTaper red/white/blue crossbar pad

• New Dunlop front tire and tube

• New Dunlop rear tire and tube

• New gold drive chain

• New black front sprocket

• New black rear sprocket

Additional refinishing included:

• Exhaust professionally refinished

• Clutch cover refinished

• Frame rails cleaned and restored using the same Scotch-Brite process utilized by professional race teams

Outstanding Original Components

One of the most remarkable aspects of this motorcycle is how many original factory components remain in outstanding condition.

Highlights include:

• Original Takasago Excel front rim with factory decals still present

• Original Takasago Excel rear rim with factory decals intact

• Original OEM expansion chamber

• Original ignition cover in excellent condition

• Original chain guide in exceptional condition

• Chain slider appears nearly new

• Radiators are exceptionally clean with straight fins

• Tight kick starter

• Straight frame rails

• Excellent foot pegs

• Excellent brake pedal

• Excellent controls throughout

We've seen motorcycles only weeks old that show more wear than this one.

Based on its condition, we believe this machine has extremely low original hours.

Legendary KYB SSS Suspension

The KYB Speed Sensitive System suspension remains one of the finest production motocross suspension packages ever produced.

The suspension on this bike is outstanding both front and rear and performs exactly as Yamaha intended.

Whether you're racing motocross, riding woods, or simply enjoying one of the greatest two-strokes ever built, this suspension package continues to set the standard.

Investment in Quality

Kaplan Cycles invested:

• 33 hours of professional shop labor @ $150 Per Hour

• Labor value: $4,800

• Parts investment: $1,250

Total documented restoration and service investment: $6,050

This motorcycle was not simply cleaned and listed for sale.

It was professionally inspected, serviced, detailed, and restored to a standard that reflects our reputation.

Why Buy This YZ250?

• Exceptionally low-hour example

• 225 PSI compression

• First-kick starting

• Outstanding mechanical condition

• Beautiful original factory components

• New tires, chain, sprockets, graphics and plastics

• Freshly serviced throughout

• Race ready

• Professionally prepared by Kaplan Cycles

The remarkable thing about the YZ250 is that Yamaha got it right years ago. Even today's models remain fundamentally similar because the original design was simply that good.

Whether you're looking for a serious race bike, an investment-quality two-stroke, or one of the finest riding motocross bikes ever built, this Yamaha delivers.

If you're searching for a pristine YZ250 that's ready to head straight to the starting gate, this is one you won't want to miss.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact Kaplan Cycles. We would be happy to discuss the motorcycle in detail.

Thank you for your interest, and 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.