Stay tuned folks I'm sure going to try to get it listed on eBay tonight this one's a keeper I hope one of our benefactors buys it and leaves it at the Museum
I raced 250 expert class in mid 70’s as a teenager on this exact model of KX250! 🤘 All of my buddies had YZ’s, RM’s, Elsinore’s, Hodaka’s, CZ’s, Bultaco’s and I was the only 13 y.o. on this bike. It rocked 🤘 I moved sprinkler pipe in S. Idaho every summer, up to 25 lines a day @ $3.25/line...made great money...what wasn’t spent at the head shop all went into motocross. I miss this bike a lot. Wife and I are getting 2021 KTM XC-W’s a 250 for her and the 300 for me 😃, in two weeks...Merry Christmas oh YEAH! Bought two 2021 Kawasaki’s this year...a KLX140R for her and the KLX 300R for me...underpowered for both of us...just had the break-in service performed and they are now at the dealership as trade-in’s. Brand loyalty after 44 years...just not enough oomph for a guy 6’4” 200lbs.
you guys are killin me!! these vids take me back to the mid 70s when I got my first bike, a 1975 zuki ts75. I was 9 years old. greatest time of my life. I remember riding home from the Suzuki dealership with my pops, bike in the back of the truck. it was a different world, and yall take me back to it. I would lose my dad just a few years later, but he got me riding before he passed. thanks fellas. keepum coming bro!!bryan
My Dad bought one new in 1976, he let me ride it. I was 13 at the time...Great engine and front forks...Rear way to stiff for a young guy, bounced and bucked me all down the straights. Happy days..
Had the same exact bike, found it in the dungeon basement of Beno Rodi cycle salvage location in 1979, I was 14 years old then. Someone abandoned the bike and I restored it back in 1979 buy cutting grass and saving my money back in that day... WOW THANKS for the cool memories Mr Ken Kaplan
Bikes did not get abandoned---(most likely), unless they were stolen. Like deer hunters finding my 1976 KD125 in the woods 5 months after it was stolen from me.
It is best to start out riding at about the age of 10, when you still bounce off the ground pretty good. But for an adult, I think that is a good bike to start out on, with the extra pleasure of the accomplishment to restore it makes it sentimental to you. I hope you hare having good times with it. It is worth it. :)
Reminds me of the days when I would go to Spears Cycles in Washintonville NY and check out the bikes I dreamed of owning. Nice retro iron. You guys rock!
Do you guys ever get neighbors complaining about the noise? I mean... I wouldn't, I would probably be running outside with that same look of excitement on my face that a young child has when they hear Ice Cream truck music.
I had a 1974 CR 125 M1 And it was a screamer. Kawasaki and Honda have always been super competitive and the benchmark of motocross, especially in the early years. Beautiful example of a classic weapon. God bless AUSTRALIA and AMERICA. And KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES.
I owned and raced one of these for two years in Florida. Took a number of trophies. I was working at a Kaw dealer in Miami in 76. I bought it on a Friday, put a tank of gas through it on Saturday, took a second place trophy home on Sunday for a 44 mile Hare Scramble. One of the most all around fantastic motocrossers I've ever owned. If I had the cash, I'd be on the phone yesterday.
I own a unused Kawasaki kx250A3 1976 it’s in perfect new condition what’s it worth cheers. That’s a great restoration Ken and it sounds fantastic too. That bike has had a lot of love .its really rare to see one with the stand every them off to race.
man thats gnarly my dad once had a 75 or 78 kx125 and we still have whats left of the bike but the frame is in rough shape but hopefully its still salvageable
The last one I saw that clean was the last one I put together new out of the box. I worked for Kaw./Yam. dealer. But I must say go try to ride the KX400. It was so fast it would change the way you viewed life.
Had one as a senior in high school (1985). It had a big bore kit and would do 80 mph on the freeway. Would also tractor 🚜 up hills that the new bikes had trouble with. Good times 😎.
might be the nicest bike i've seen you guys post and I watch nearly every video. awesome find, i'd like to follow it on ebay but haven't seen it posted yet
Love it that's the bike I learned how to ride on on the manchester/bolton railroad tracks flew over the bars a few times and smashed that low pipe many times best $200 I ever spent in 1980 soon after we were riding from manchester to the hartford dump then through bolton to willimantic. What a blast it was
love the pipe sounds bad ass im just afraid of smashing the pipe over rocks n logs threw the trails rear shocks look upside down guess im use to them being the other way
I'm sure this bike is gone now but Kaplan cycles, have you thought about doing a online auction ? Or raffle? Like $100 a spot @ 100 spots and do a live drawing. We do them in my hot wheels collectors group's . Just a thought
My friend I think had a 1975 or 76 KX 250 or maybe a earlier KX 400. He was ripping down my road. I can't quite remember what the name of the bike. The gas tank was painted black thats what i still remember about the bike.
Ahhhh. A 38mm carb, and a bigger exhaust port, (3mm up/more duration, most likely) for more top end power, (did you forget the pipe difference, or run the stock pipe?). I understand your "code". :)
Are you Guy Martins long lost American brother? That is a well restored old girl, definitely worth preserving......with the odd old school MX race here and there.
Doug Domokos AKA “ the Wheelie King “ use to ride one of those 👑. My buddy Greg had a 76 KX 400 he was known as “ twinkle toes” for his innate abilities to get notchy gear boxes to neutral. AKA “ the big kid “ his low pipe was smashed flat but it still ran fine. Kawasaki,, come out ahead on a Kawasaki.
I know 1976 2-stroke MX engines were not as fast as they are today, but I did have a 1976 KD125 (looked like a KX, but a trail machine), that I think would give that a run for it's money. That bike has a worn "out of round" cylinder,----------------------when they start running like enduro's. My bet, if it was rebuilt, a new piston and ring may have been put into a out of round cylinder. Bore it, and fit it with another new piston/ring, and I bet it gains close to 10hp from this run.
Stay tuned folks I'm sure going to try to get it listed on eBay tonight this one's a keeper I hope one of our benefactors buys it and leaves it at the Museum
Kaplan Cycles New England Motorcycle Museum bro this is epic! You are definitely a badass. .keep up the great work on the vlogs
Kaplan Cycles New England Motorcycle Museum that would give any modern 250 a Serious Run for its Money 💚
So this is what Wolverine does in his time after X-Men. Freakin AWESOME!
I raced 250 expert class in mid 70’s as a teenager on this exact model of KX250! 🤘 All of my buddies had YZ’s, RM’s, Elsinore’s, Hodaka’s, CZ’s, Bultaco’s and I was the only 13 y.o. on this bike. It rocked 🤘 I moved sprinkler pipe in S. Idaho every summer, up to 25 lines a day @ $3.25/line...made great money...what wasn’t spent at the head shop all went into motocross. I miss this bike a lot. Wife and I are getting 2021 KTM XC-W’s a 250 for her and the 300 for me 😃, in two weeks...Merry Christmas oh YEAH! Bought two 2021 Kawasaki’s this year...a KLX140R for her and the KLX 300R for me...underpowered for both of us...just had the break-in service performed and they are now at the dealership as trade-in’s. Brand loyalty after 44 years...just not enough oomph for a guy 6’4” 200lbs.
you guys are killin me!! these vids take me back to the mid 70s when I got my first bike, a 1975 zuki ts75. I was 9 years old. greatest time of my life. I remember riding home from the Suzuki dealership with my pops, bike in the back of the truck. it was a different world, and yall take me back to it. I would lose my dad just a few years later, but he got me riding before he passed. thanks fellas. keepum coming bro!!bryan
flyinbryan1619 thanks brother that's why we do this
My Dad bought one new in 1976, he let me ride it. I was 13 at the time...Great engine and front forks...Rear way to stiff for a young guy, bounced and bucked me all down the straights. Happy days..
Back in the day you could find dirt EVERYWHERE.Now it's all wal marts and endless houses.
@@KaplanCycles ❤️❤️❤️
Had the same exact bike, found it in the dungeon basement of Beno Rodi cycle salvage location in 1979, I was 14 years old then. Someone abandoned the bike and I restored it back in 1979 buy cutting grass and saving my money back in that day... WOW THANKS for the cool memories Mr Ken Kaplan
Bikes did not get abandoned---(most likely), unless they were stolen. Like deer hunters finding my 1976 KD125 in the woods 5 months after it was stolen from me.
That guy looks like he is in the 70s also lol rock on brother love the style bike and rider lol 🤘🤙👌
when I watched this movie, I thought about the same
Jake Hynds Wolverine 😁
As a teenager, I had one of these in the early 80s, what a beast!
I bought a 74 KX250 new and campaigned it until 1978. It was the hole shot king in the 250 class. Thanks for the memories
Im currently restoring a 1979 klx 250. These bikes look amazing and apparently are hella fun to ride. My first bike so haven’t ridden it yet
It is best to start out riding at about the age of 10, when you still bounce off the ground pretty good. But for an adult, I think that is a good bike to start out on, with the extra pleasure of the accomplishment to restore it makes it sentimental to you. I hope you hare having good times with it. It is worth it. :)
Reminds me of the days when I would go to Spears Cycles in Washintonville NY and check out the bikes I dreamed of owning. Nice retro iron. You guys rock!
Ken,you have to be the luckiest man in the world to be surrounded by such beautifuk vintage mx bikes
Do you guys ever get neighbors complaining about the noise? I mean... I wouldn't, I would probably be running outside with that same look of excitement on my face that a young child has when they hear Ice Cream truck music.
I had a 1974 CR 125 M1 And it was a screamer. Kawasaki and Honda have always been super competitive and the benchmark of motocross, especially in the early years. Beautiful example of a classic weapon. God bless AUSTRALIA and AMERICA. And KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES.
I owned and raced one of these for two years in Florida. Took a number of trophies. I was working at a Kaw dealer in Miami in 76. I bought it on a Friday, put a tank of gas through it on Saturday, took a second place trophy home on Sunday for a 44 mile Hare Scramble. One of the most all around fantastic motocrossers I've ever owned. If I had the cash, I'd be on the phone yesterday.
I just put this video on my Facebook Page Guys!
I own a unused Kawasaki kx250A3 1976 it’s in perfect new condition what’s it worth cheers. That’s a great restoration Ken and it sounds fantastic too. That bike has had a lot of love .its really rare to see one with the stand every them off to race.
I had a 76 kx 125 when I was a kid....seeing this brings back memories.....
man thats gnarly my dad once had a 75 or 78 kx125 and we still have whats left of the bike but the frame is in rough shape but hopefully its still salvageable
The last one I saw that clean was the last one I put together new out of the box. I worked for Kaw./Yam. dealer. But I must say go try to ride the KX400. It was so fast it would change the way you viewed life.
The 250 & 400 would put a hurt on you fast. Only one I have seen cleaner was the last one I put together right out of the box back in the day.
You are officially my new role model 👍
Very crisp sounding.
One of my dream bikes when I was a kid
Absolutely awesome stuff Ken, those vintage old 2 strokes are just timeless Best of luck from BC on the museum 👍
😲😲😲😲.....Man, that think is gorgeous, especially the Gas Tank! Love that Old School 70's Team Green Look!
Had one as a senior in high school (1985). It had a big bore kit and would do 80 mph on the freeway. Would also tractor 🚜 up hills that the new bikes had trouble with. Good times 😎.
Holy Heck! It's Buddy Repperton from the movie "Christine" he lives!
That takes me back racing my 74 CR against Then Kawis, we couldn't even imagine disc brakes and water cooling back then.
Awesome bike. They should make em retro nowdays.
I remember when these hit the market. Cream of the crop bike. Awesome restoration, 👍👍
I love the old bikes. That thing is so cool.
might be the nicest bike i've seen you guys post and I watch nearly every video. awesome find, i'd like to follow it on ebay but haven't seen it posted yet
HardSpaghetti it's going up tonight or tomorrow on eBay
What a freaking awesome bike , sound is so crisp ! Also what idiots give this a thumbs down ??
Love it that's the bike I learned how to ride on on the manchester/bolton railroad tracks flew over the bars a few times and smashed that low pipe many times best $200 I ever spent in 1980 soon after we were riding from manchester to the hartford dump then through bolton to willimantic. What a blast it was
Just don't let Larry ride it!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
love the pipe sounds bad ass im just afraid of smashing the pipe over rocks n logs threw the trails rear shocks look upside down guess im use to them being the other way
I'm sure this bike is gone now but Kaplan cycles, have you thought about doing a online auction ? Or raffle? Like $100 a spot @ 100 spots and do a live drawing. We do them in my hot wheels collectors group's . Just a thought
Looks like a showroom quality bike ! = )
My friend I think had a 1975 or 76 KX 250 or maybe a earlier KX 400. He was ripping down my road. I can't quite remember what the name of the bike. The gas tank was painted black thats what i still remember about the bike.
The dudes hair cut is a perfect match for this bike
i had a suzuki rm 250 3rd bore, jetted nicely, it was a animal!!!!!!!!!! 2nd gear dead stop on pavement spin forever. wisco piston was great!!
Love the sound of that Bad Boy...... Gotta love them 2 strokes !!!!!!
this bike is beautiful when i had old bikes i wanted new ones its funny how things change😀👍✌🌈🌏
Wolverine rides that bike so beautifully 🤙 what a machine 🤩
Awesome example of a classic kx250.nice job👍
Absolutely stunning and dam it sounds perfect 👌
That kawi snaps beautifully ✊✊
sick bike love the pipe
Sounds crisp. 🏁🇯🇵
Loved mine , it had white front fender. , 38 mm an 3 mm off exhaust port , 1/2 mile track
Ahhhh. A 38mm carb, and a bigger exhaust port, (3mm up/more duration, most likely) for more top end power, (did you forget the pipe difference, or run the stock pipe?).
I understand your "code". :)
Are you Guy Martins long lost American brother?
That is a well restored old girl, definitely worth preserving......with the odd old school MX race here and there.
Doug Domokos AKA “ the Wheelie King “ use to ride one of those 👑.
My buddy Greg had a 76 KX 400 he was known as “ twinkle toes” for his innate abilities to get notchy gear boxes to neutral. AKA “ the big kid “ his low pipe was smashed flat but it still ran fine.
Kawasaki,, come out ahead on a Kawasaki.
Doug was famous here 🇬🇧
One of the most sickest bad ass sounding bikes ever.
We've come a long way. Nice bike though. I love retro bikes.
Sounds fucking amazing, from a time where they didnt give a shit about emissions, i love it
Remember my brother's CR 250 vs Nick D'ys KX 250 in 1973-76 Kx was pretty fast!
Love that old paint scheme?
Was that 4thgear wheely?
very nice, i've got a 1977 suzuki ts250 restored/modernized my favorite bike
1976 - 12 years old and in the throes of intense covetousness. Oh, you better believe I remember this beauty. #WitchyWoman
I used to ride one of these bikes in my teens. It would make you have a come to Jesus meeting really quick.
Wow gorgeous my friend bought one new it was the cats meow
I know 1976 2-stroke MX engines were not as fast as they are today, but I did have a 1976 KD125 (looked like a KX, but a trail machine), that I think would give that a run for it's money. That bike has a worn "out of round" cylinder,----------------------when they start running like enduro's. My bet, if it was rebuilt, a new piston and ring may have been put into a out of round cylinder. Bore it, and fit it with another new piston/ring, and I bet it gains close to 10hp from this run.
Does it have more power and speed than the new ones ?
Wow is right,had a few of these as teens,none ran that well ,all very heavy,and yes every one of them was ruined by us teens
That’s a sick DirtBike, hopefully you decided to keep it for your museum.
You guys should build a double jump in that little stretch of grass. Or a whoop section maybe?
Nice! Do more wheelies
That’s a sick bike man..
I really like air cooled bikes from the 70s they are simple and effective
Love the stuff on your channel and awesome bikes.
I had the same bike but far less hair. You win! :-)
My 76 Elsinore barked like that
One of my favorites!
Awesome video and that is one sweet Bike.
Bikes like this is why I can't hear for shit anymore lol but dat sound!
I'm gonna be gentle with this bike......lol!
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Awesome ! Just dont let Larry near it.
Kaplan than sure do sounds good for a 70 2t
I'm envious of his life
There is no human life with out free enterprise and the right to create/compete in business. Just slavery.
One of the original Kawasaki green streak!!!
I remember them bikes throwin a rooster tail on me while i was dickn round on a ke 125 lol
I had 3 different kx .....all fast as hell
I don’t wear a helmet on a bicycle, but that thing, yes. I had An early 80s liquid cooled one and it kicked my ass.
When dirt bikes ruled
I can smell the Castrol R !!!!!!👍
WOW, that’s a 💎 gem ! ! !
That thing sounds sick. !!!!
What did it end up selling for?
You guys buy bicycles too?
That bike sounds nasty! I love it!
Nice ride but you look like u had a wild time last night with the bed hair haha
What a beauty
Good ole 2 stroke, nice bike!
its like wolvrine on a motorcycle lol
i was thinking danzig
damn, that sounds crisp
I had a kx125 in 76 they have a rotary valve intake they didn't have Reed valves yet,Suzuki did though
nice bike ! God bless you
that things crazy 10/10
Down swept pipe dual shocks and bars so wide no one under 15 can reach both grips lol love old dirt bikes😊
Very nice, would not kick it out of my garage...(if I had one )..lol