This project began in 2021, when I picked up this 2005 Honda CR85R that needed several repairs. The piston was seized to the cylinder, the crankshaft was in poor condition, the rear shock was blown, the chain and sprockets needed replacing — and that was just the beginning. The rest of the chassis, however, was in very good shape, but the previous owner didn’t want to invest any more into the bike. I ended up buying it for $600.
I started by tearing the bike down completely, all the way to the bare chassis, with the intention of rebuilding it. At that time, I had no plans of taking on such a serious restoration. The original goal was simply to get it running again and sell it. Many of the components were still in decent condition, but it’s hard for me to ignore my obsession with rebuilding bikes without leaving any detail to chance.
Things really escalated when I came across a lot of 17-inch supermoto wheels that included an unexpected surprise. Hidden among the wide supermoto rims was a beautiful gold Excel Takasago wheel, size 17 x 1.40. That was all it took to turn this project from a simple resurrection into a full restomod rebuild.
It’s no secret that I’m easy to tempt when it comes to building bikes. Normally, I focus my builds around riding enjoyment — bikes built with a specific purpose in mind. This project was different.
The Honda CR85 takes me straight back to my childhood, to a time when I dreamed of owning a motocross bike. After convincing my father to trade my trusty PW50 for hockey equipment, I went without a bike between the ages of 10 and 14. During those years, flipping through the famous MotoHebdo magazines was what kept my hope alive that I’d someday own a bike again. The CR85 was always my favorites. (For those born in the 2000s, MotoHebdo was a classified ads newspaper where people listed used motorcycles. It was essentially the Marketplace of 25–30 years ago.)
The style I chose for this bike comes from my very first exposure to motocross — the mid-1990s. It was impossible to walk into a dealership with my father without leaving with a stack of brochures that I would study religiously once we got home. Bright colors and expansion chambers were everywhere.
Rebuilding a bike purely for the pleasure of it did me a lot of good. It allowed me to fully embrace the artistic side I had the chance to develop alongside Yan Julien during my time at Obsession Moto. He’s the one who taught me how to see a bike in my head before it even takes shape. Although I drew inspiration from a few existing builds, my intention was never to create a replica.
This is MY CR85.
The engine was completely rebuilt, with no detail overlooked. The cylinder was reconditioned at STP1958, a Pro-X piston was installed, a new crankshaft fitted, along with new transmission bearings. Anything questionable was replaced.
The clutch cover received a titanium-colored Cerakote finish, along with a few chassis components that had dulled over time. The plastic ignition cover was replaced with a two-piece aluminum Boyesen unit.
I ordered a gold Excel Takasago rear rim, size 14 x 1.6, to match the front, along with the required spoke kits from Dubya Wheels in California. Since the original wheels were in excellent condition, I didn’t want to take them apart just to install the gold rims. Instead, I found a front hub in good condition and a complete rear wheel on eBay, which I used to build the new wheel set.
The hubs were vapor-blasted and rebuilt with new bearings. Pro-X brake discs and a Renthal sprocket were bolted on using new hardware. The setup was wrapped in Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires up front and MX14 at the rear.
I then entrusted the rear shock rebuild to Nick at NrTec, while I rebuilt the forks myself using new seals and fresh oil. The frame was sent to my former colleague Yan at Obsession Moto, where it received a beautiful gloss white powdercoat finish.
With the major components ready, reassembly could begin. The original wiring harness was showing its age, so it was rebuilt using new flexible sheathing and a more modern kill switch fitted with a sealed connector. The master cylinders and brake calipers were vapor-blasted and rebuilt with new Streamline stainless steel braided lines.
A Renthal handlebar was installed, along with a vintage-style cloth bar pad. A Works Connection Elite clutch lever and several small finishing touches completed the controls. Needless to say, the tiny stock footpegs were not up to the level of the rest of the build, so IMS Pro Series footpegs were installed.
New plastics were sourced from various suppliers. The white rear fender even came from Italy, while the rest of the plastics arrived from multiple distributors. Parts for a model discontinued nearly 20 years ago are becoming increasingly hard to find.
For the final touches, Dave at RIDE-FLG designed the ’90s-inspired graphics kit, while SECO took care of the seat cover.
For now, this bike exists as a business card showcasing my craftsmanship. It’s also a portfolio of all the incredible collaborators I’m fortunate to work with. The bike will be on display at Expo Moto Québec 2026.
As much as I enjoyed building this bike, I hope to spark that same passion in anyone who takes a few moments to appreciate each detail that went into it.
For the love of motocross, the nostalgia of those first rides, and the privilege of making a living through my craft.
Thank you for taking the time to read and for sharing this appreciation with me.
Special thanks to my collaborators:
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