JM Cycles & Restorations

10/12/2026

After “work” today, I got 66 miles in. I always feel so grounded when I get back. You’ll never be able to describe, to someone who doesn’t ride, the feeling of riding a motorcycle. In the car, the temperature is whatever you say it is. The smell is those trashy little tree air fresheners.

On the bike, temperature and smell change faster than the road. You actually smell pine, smoke, and cut grass. You feel the drastic cool from the shade and the sun’s heat on your back. You see the dog’s face as he chases you. He’s in the moment just like you. That moment is what you cannot describe. There is nothing. No pain, no grief, no sadness. Just haulin’ straight ass without a care in the world!

10/11/2026

Alright, I’m back. The second half of September really sucked. It’s coming back around though. Got the KX250 out the other day and got some sand practice in. Took the Dyna out for a bit today. I always enjoy how all of life’s noise disappears on the highway. Anyway, I’m back in the shop. Shoot me a pm or text with questions or to book a spot.

Song is Come All You Weary by Thrice

🤙🏻🤙🏻

09/13/2026

On these 2002-2008 Honda CRF’s, the water pump impeller shaft is “keyed” to the balancer shaft. The water pump will indicate the need for rebuilding by dripping from the weep hole on the right side of the engine. A lot of times, on these engines, the water pump will get rebuilt only to leak again in a couple of rides if not the first time out. Thinking the seals were installed incorrectly, the person will rebuild the pump again. The pump leaks AGAIN.

The balance shaft bearings went bad. Probably the ball bearing on the right side. The bearing goes bad, the impeller shaft doesn’t spin true and the seals go.

While I’m on the subject, DO NOT attempt to tighten the impeller while the shaft is installed with the right engine cover mounted to the case. You WILL break the shaft. Hold the shaft on the bearing side by the flats, with a wrench. That’s what they are there for. Tighten the impeller and continue on.

My customer’s bike was returned to him in this condition after a water pump rebuild.

09/13/2026

Got the new rim laced up on the ‘07 CRF. New wheel bearings, sprocket and hardware. Looking much better AND safer!

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

I’ve got a 2007 CRF450 in this weekend. It has several items needing attention but the rear wheel assembly wasn’t too far away from a bad day. I want you guys to periodically check your spokes. These were all loose and more than likely why the rim cracked.

With that said, I have a soft spot for the early CRF450’s. The 2007 model is the bike that got me back into riding. I bought the #58 bike from Haley David Mcgee nearly 10 years ago today. I should have kept it but it is in good hands. The 07-08 CRF’s may (arguably) be some of the best CRF’s that Honda made. However, they have some maintenance items that demand regular attention.