1953 Harley‑Davidson ST‑165 Teleglide

Rare Museum‑Quality, Concours‑Level Restoration

Feast your eyes on a nearly impossible find.

This is a spectacular 1953 Harley‑Davidson ST‑165, the legendary Teleglide—Harley’s answer to the lightweight British bikes of the era. With its telescopic front fork, hard‑tail rear with twin massive under‑seat springs, Stunning Italian blue paint, beautiful leather saddle, and world‑class chrome, this machine is nothing short of a Concours level classic.

Why this one stands above the rest

• Full frame‑off restoration by Dr. Bill Bucholz
  The restoration was handled by the man himself, aka Dr. Bill—over a two year Journey to excellence. Every nut, bolt, and component was brought up to an extremely High standard, with paint and chrome that exceed even brand‑new factory finish. It’s the real deal: no‑expense‑spared, museum‑grade work.
  

• Engine and driveline rebuilt from the ground up
  The engine is new from the crank up: new bearings, seals, pistons, rings, base and head gaskets, new clutch, and a completely rebuilt carburetor. New wiring harness, new battery, fresh spark plug—everything that could wear or age over 72 years is now new.

• It looks, runs, and rides better than the day it left the showroom in 1953.
  

• Flawless paint, chrome, and finishes throughout
  Six coats of clear over original‑style graphics, wet‑sanded and buffed to perfection. All black components were painted and clear‑coated to match tank quality. Every chrome part was stripped, rechromed, and finished to the highest luster triple chrome plating available. It’s truly world‑class.
  

• New rubber, new tires, and completely sorted
  Every rubber item, gasket, and seal that may have aged was replaced. New fuel lines, petcock, filter; everything inspected, cleaned, and checked. The bike was carefully prepared, test‑ridden, and verified to be as close to perfect as any restored classic.
  

• Proven museum provenance
  Part of the Roy Thacker Collection, donated to the New England Motorcycle Museum. Roy is a generous benefactor whose donation of 20 of his 93‑bike collection is fueling this months auction. This bike is a centerpiece of that effort, and it truly belongs in a museum—yet it’s available to the highest bidder.
  

• Signature detail and unique craftsmanship
  Includes the Dr. Bill signature plate on the rear, a rare mark of authenticity from a master restorer. Where rubber parts weren’t available, Dr. Bill manufactured them himself using his machinist, painting, and mold‑making skills. This level of craftsmanship is extremely rare today.
  

Condition and usage

• Essentially brand‑new, a one‑mile test‑ride
  After restoration and musuem storage, the bike underwent a detailed inspection and a brief, careful test ride. It now shows one mile on the odometer and is ready to display or ride. The bike has been maintained to the highest standard, and if desired, the seller can provide additional preservation steps such as fogging the tank and cylinders for long‑term storage.
  

• Runs and rides like new
  The carburetion, electrical, and overall function are rated a perfect 10. This is not a static showpiece—it’s a living, breathing, fully functional classic that behaves like a brand‑new machine from 1953.
  

Historical context & rarity

• The ST‑165 was Harley‑Davidson’s entry into the lightweight market to compete with BSA and Triumph. ST stands for Strada Turismo—a road‑going bike. Its distinctive fender balance, peanut tank, chrome bars, and large headlight make it instantly recognizable and deeply iconic.
  

• Fewer of these survived compared to Harley’s larger twins. The ones that do exist, especially restored to this level, are unobtanium. Comparable examples do appear in high‑profile auctions; Mecum lists and sells ST‑165s in recent auctions, underscoring their collectible status.
  

Price context

• The Restoration alone cost Over $10,000 plus the purchase price of the bike, shipping, and two years of painstaking labor by Dr. Bill. If you’re looking for the best example in the world, this is it—no corners cut, no shortcuts taken.
  

• Comparable machines at major auctions have topped $17,600 recently & enthusiast sales often command prices well into five figures, depending on condition and provenance. This bike’s unmatched level of restoration, provenance, and museum ties position it as one of the most desirable ST‑165s ever offered.
  

Display, ownership, shipping

• On display now at the museum; also available for local or online sale. Serious buyers are encouraged to call; this bike is expected to move quickly once the price is announced.
  

• Contact: 860‑454‑7024, Monday–Friday, 9–5. Kenny Jr. or Jordan Kaplan will assist.

• Enclosed, Licensed, Insured Kaplan Certified Shipping to your door is available for a smooth, turnkey purchase, The Kaplans Will Handling Everything, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
  

• If you love the museum and the history, you are welcome to leave it on display. If you want to take it home—owned outright—this is the finest example we’ve ever had. It may be the finest anywhere.
  

The bottom line: this 1953 ST‑165 is a rare, museum‑quality masterpiece. It’s as close to perfection as any classic motorcycle can be. If you want an icon that stands apart from every other small Harley out there, this is your chance—before someone else claims the crown.

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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

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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.

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Warranty:

All Motorycles 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.