RARE DENTON ENGINEERING 1978 HONDA RC500 FACTORY REPLICA TRIBUTE

1978 Honda RC500 Replica – Phil Denton Engineering | Unraced | Museum-Grade Works Tribute
Guys—this one stops you in your tracks.
I’ve ridden more Honda CR500s than just about anyone alive over the last decade. Every year, every variation, billet aluminum frame monsters, full race builds—you name it. Out of all of them, this bike lands on the podium as the sexiest CR500-based machine we have ever had through the shop. And that’s saying something.
What you’re looking at here is not a production motorcycle. It never existed for the public. This is a faithful tribute to Honda’s factory RC500 Grand Prix race bikes—the same machines ridden by legends like Brad Lackey, Graham Noyce, and Jim “Bimbo” Pomeroy. Originals were hand-built by Honda Racing and, if one ever surfaced today, would command $300,000–$500,000+—assuming you could even pry one loose.
The Story
This motorcycle was built in the UK by Phil Denton Engineering, one of the most respected custom race fabricators in the world. Denton built three RC500 replicas for Farleigh Castle (Vet MX GP). Two were raced overseas. This one was not.
Instead, it was shipped to the United States to a private collector—and it has remained effectively unused. This is the crown jewel of that collection and the first example of its kind we’ve seen offered in the U.S.
Chassis & Suspension
Hand-built aluminum swingarm, fabricated to Denton’s own specifications
Period-correct FOX Air Shocks (brand new)
Fully rebuilt Honda CR480 front end (forks, triple clamps, front wheel)
Frame started life as a mint 1980 Honda CR250, professionally modified for RC500 configuration
Custom CNC-machined aluminum engine mounts
Oversized PFR footpegs, Renthal bars, new grips, levers, and cables
Dished fasteners throughout (appear to be titanium)
All bearings, brakes, hubs, and running gear completely refreshed
Engine & Performance
This is where the magic really happens.
Donor engine: Honda CR480, bored and built closer to 500cc
Full crank-up rebuild with balanced crank
Ported and polished cylinder
High-compression head (over 200 PSI)
Compression release for easier starting
Keihin carburetor with V-Force reed system
Custom handmade airbox
Custom handmade exhaust system
Flywheel weight spacer for tractable, usable power
Engine cases professionally coated; sealed with Yamabond
Zero leaks, flawless assembly
I’ve ridden Ken O’Connor liquid-cooled CR500s. I’ve ridden dozens of brutal big-bore two-strokes. This engine is the smoothest, least-vibrating 500 I’ve ever been on. No rear-fender shake. No harmonic buzz. It pulls clean from down low all the way to redline with incredible control.
The bike has never been raced and has only seen the most minimal parking-lot riding. You can still see it in the original tire.
Authentic RC500 Details
Aluminum fuel tank with professional paint and removable protective clear vinyl
Correct 1978 RC500 bodywork layout (number plates in original pre-1979 FIM position)
Currently wearing #9X, but we can change numbers if desired (including Brad Lackey-style layouts)
Unpainted cylinder head for authenticity (can be painted if requested)
Condition
Museum-grade. Jaw-dropping. Better in person than in photos.
It looks like a factory works bike because it was engineered like one—by someone who actually knew what he was doing.
Market Context
A similar UK-based RC500 tribute is currently offered at $50,000
Authentic works bikes are unobtainable and effectively priceless
This example is unraced, unmolested, and impeccably built
We are offering this at auction and letting the market decide its value. The reserve will be well below the overseas asking prices.
Why This Bike Matters
Honda never sold a works 500 in this era. This is as close as it gets.
If you want true Honda Grand Prix history without spending half a million dollars, this is it.
Fresh service completed:
New oil
Fresh VP fuel
Air filter checked
Full nut-and-bolt inspection
📞 Questions? Call us at 860-454-7024
If you want an exclusive, historically significant, brutally beautiful Honda that will never be repeated—this is your shot.
Thanks for looking,
God Bless America

Lowest nationwide pricing and NO FLUFF dealer fees. Call/Text 860-471-0192

AUCTIONS + MORE: https://linktr.ee/kaplanamerica

Filmed + Edit by Tyler Merullo

For all inquiries visit https://www.kaplancycles.com/

Follow us! Instagram: @kaplan.america
Facebook.com/KaplanCycles & Facebook.com/NewEnglandMotorcycleMuseum

Donate to the 501c-3 New England Motorcycle Museum; https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/cha...

MAIL:
Kaplan Cycles LLC
200 West Main St. STE 4
Vernon, CT 06066