Restoration X Cycles

06/21/2026

Afternoon to everyone. I was released from the hospital late morning today. I focused on meeting all the criteria of the care team, so that I could be released. I knew going in, that walking around the neurological floor would be the key to being released. The two drains that were installed were removed. I do have a wound vac and a back brace. I’m home now with Laura, she will take exceptional care of me. She is my rock, and my best friend.

As I mentioned in my previous post this was a huge surgery 6.5 hours and 4 hours in recovery. Although the road to full recovery will be long and difficult, I will do everything to follow the instructions of my care team.
I’m actually feeling very good, pain is under control and Laura has everything set up to make me comfortable. I’ll use this time to look for parts and place orders for current projects. Being the sole person running and operating RXC makes things a bit challenging. When the time is right I’ll be back at it, saving one bike at a time and making dreams come true for my clients. Thank you to everyone for your get well wishes and for following Restoration X Cycles LLC

restorationxcycles.com

John

06/19/2026

As some of you know, slightly over a year ago I had back surgery. I did get some relief on my right side. However, I still had some pain but, what was unusual was the intense pain on my left side of my back. I have been in so much pain the last year, I walk all hunched over and hurt so bad after working all day that I wanted to give it up.

I spent nine months going to appointments trying to figure out what happened. The short story is, the next levels up from L5 S1 gave out, the space in between my discs was literally gone. So, for the next year more imagining, tests,physical therapy and Dr appointments. I had surgery for the second time yesterday . Yesterday surgery was 6.5 hours, 4 hours in recovery and finally made it to my room at 7pm. Feeling fairly good with meds. Plan is to get up and walk a bit today . And most importantly be positive and optimistic that this will be the road to a better quality of life. After all, I have motorcycles to restore. I feel bad that my current clients have to wait a bit longer to get their bikes, I will get them done as promised. I take all my obligations seriously.

Thank you for reading this post

John

The 81 YZ 125 was what I was working on the day before I had surgery. I was trying like hell to finish it before going out. I cane a little but short on the competition.

06/16/2026

It’s finally done! This is Gerard 1987 Yamaha YZ 250. This YZ has been upgraded with full Race Tech suspension, power reeds, gold excel rims. Alloy (correct sized tank) OEM fenders. Pro Tapper Bars. HPI ignition system. Motor was completely rebuilt. This bike will be raced in Australia. As per usual the bike was built to-the customer specifications. A huge thank you, goes out to Dave for his hard work in installing the Race Tech suspension to the client specifications. Last two photos is how I purchased the bike five years ago.

Restoration X Cycles
“It’s Just a Better Build

restorationxcycles.com

06/07/2026

Brett my 15 bike client asked me to step out of my comfort zone and restore a Honda XR 75. Still waiting on a few parts to arrive. Disclaimer: motor rebuild was outsourced. I’m one person running all of RXC’s operations, marketing, all social media and website. In addition all purchasing, parts locating and bike building 30+ bikes per year.

06/06/2026

Up For Sale is a rare one year ALL white 1981 Yamaha IT 125. I restored this last year on my dime and it’s been in my shop ever since. Such a cool little bike, would be a great addition to someone’s collection. For Sale Now! $5996

Restoration X Cycles
“It’s Just a Better Build”
restorationxcycles.com

06/05/2026

Super rare 1981 Yamaha IT 125. Just a little test on this Friday afternoon. For sale $5995

06/03/2026

Here is this old school 1976 YZ 250 running. The guys that raced these bike must have been tougher than nails. It’s a heavy bike and the suspension is a bit stiff. I learned a lot from doing this project.
restorationxcycles.com

06/02/2026

This was a tough project! Although it's done, I still wish it had turned out better.
Parts availability was a huge problem.
Brett from Australia commissioned me to build him a lineup of 1976 YZ's, I still have the YZ 400 to do. This YZ 250 has a very rare Webco head.
First time I have ever seen one in person. This was the last year for the metal tank. Last two photos are how I purchased it last summer. Although the bike looks complete there were so many hidden issues found once the disassembly took place. Someone painted the tank the wrong color, It had to be redone. I anticipate this bike will be here for awhile before it's shipped to Australia and during that time I will make a few changes, only to appease myself to make it "Just a Better Build" Thank you for following this page, please like and share these posts

John

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

I was looking over my build board for the next 14 months, and I realized I don’t have any Yamaha IT’s as future builds.
I owed a 83 IT 250 for 30 years, so much fun and rock solid reliable.
When I started restoring motorcycles some 37 years ago, all I restarted for the first ten years were IT’s.
The IT’s are incredible trail bikes, they are a blast to ride, easy to work on and parts are available. I have a bunch of IT’s available on my inventory. Let’s get your IT build started today.

80 IT 125
81 IT 125
81 IT 125 Done for sale $5995
81 IT 465 not purchased yet
81 IT 175
83 IT 175
83 IT 250
84 IT 250 from Canada
83 IT 490

Here are some photos of IT’s I’ve restored over the years.

Process, procedure, and pricing on my website restorationxcycles.com