Service & Repairs

Service & Repairs
OEM-Correct Motorcycle Restoration

OEM-Correct Motorcycle Restoration

At EPM Motorsports, restoration isn’t about customization or shortcuts—it’s about bringing late-model motorcycles back to true OEM condition, exactly as they were delivered from the factory.

We specialize in high-level restorations that preserve factory specifications, finishes, and performance. Whether you have a motorcycle to restore due to age, improper modifications, or neglect, our mission is clear: return it to true OEM form and increase its value and reliability.

What Sets Our Restorations Apart

Restoring a motorcycle properly requires more than replacing parts. It requires a deep understanding of OEM standards, attention to detail, and a disciplined process.

  • Factory-correct components and hardware
  • OEM paint codes, finishes, and materials
  • Correct fasteners, routing, and assembly methods
  • Mechanical systems restored to original performance specifications
  • No aftermarket substitutions unless explicitly approved

Every decision is made with authenticity, longevity, and value retention in mind.

Expertise, Precision, and OEM Access

We excel at motorcycle restoration work because of who we employ and how we operate.

Each restoration project is assigned to our most detail-oriented technician—the individual best suited for work that demands patience, discipline, and precision. This technician evaluates the motorcycle down to the smallest detail, identifying deviations from factory condition and addressing them methodically.

From inspection to final assembly, parts are installed to exact OEM specifications. Nothing is rushed, overlooked, or approximated. Every fastener, component, and system is treated with the same level of scrutiny required to return the motorcycle to showroom-correct condition.

Throughout the restoration process, we reference OEM diagrams and factory service manuals to ensure torque specifications are correct and that all installation procedures follow manufacturer-defined processes. This guarantees accuracy, consistency, and long-term reliability at every stage of the restoration.

Our team consists of highly qualified motorcycle technicians who understand that motorcycle restoration is not simply maintenance—it is precision work with a defined standard. The goal is not improvement or modification, but accuracy: returning the motorcycle to what it was when it left the showroom with zero miles.

In addition to technical expertise, we maintain extensive relationships with OEM warehouses and supplier networks nationwide. This allows us to source factory-correct parts that may no longer be readily available through standard channels. When parts are difficult to locate, we search beyond local inventory—often across the country—to ensure authenticity is never compromised.

While we are proudly based in Chicago, some restoration clients choose to ship their motorcycles to EPM Motorsports from other parts of the country to ensure their motorcycle is restored properly to OEM specifications.

Why Owners Bring Motorcycles for Restoration

Restoration projects are driven by different motivations.

For some owners, restoration is rooted in passion—a deep appreciation for a specific motorcycle or model and a desire to restore it exactly as it was intended.

For others, restoration is a strategic decision, focused on preserving or increasing long-term value through proper OEM presentation, documentation, and execution.

Regardless of the motivation, there is clear value in late-model motorcycles presented in complete, factory-correct condition. Our objective with every restoration is to increase the motorcycle’s value—both in how it performs and how it is perceived.

Market Context & Value Recognition

Many motorcycles are commonly listed on broad classified platforms at modest values, often reflecting condition, incomplete maintenance, or non-original presentation rather than the true potential of the model.

By contrast, properly restored, OEM-correct motorcycles—particularly discontinued or enthusiast-driven models—are often recognized at a much higher level when presented on niche platforms where originality, documentation, and execution are properly valued.

While the final value depends on the specific model, condition, and market timing, correct motorcycle restoration consistently places a motorcycle into a different category of desirability and long-term value.

Late-Model & Discontinued Motorcycle Restoration Focus

Our motorcycle restoration services are best suited for late-model motorcycles that deserve to be preserved correctly—not over-customized or patched together.

In many cases, restoration candidates are motorcycle models that are no longer in production. Once a model is discontinued, it becomes inherently rarer, making proper restoration an important factor in long-term value, originality, and preservation.

Because of this, discontinued models—depending on platform, production numbers, and condition—often make excellent restoration candidates when brought back to true OEM specification.

Common restoration scopes include:

  • Full mechanical refreshes
  • Engine resealing or rebuilding to OEM tolerances
  • Suspension, braking, and drivetrain restoration
  • Electrical system repair and correction
  • OEM-correct cosmetic restoration
  • Reversing poor modifications or non-factory installations

If the goal is to return a motorcycle to factory-correct condition, this is where we excel.

The Motorcycle Restoration Process

Every restoration begins with a structured evaluation to determine the proper path forward.

1. Initial Assessment & Documentation

Inspection and documentation of the motorcycle’s current condition and deviations from OEM standards.

2. Restoration Plan & Scope Definition

A clear outline of required parts, labor, timeline, and expectations.

3. OEM Parts Sourcing

Priority sourcing of genuine OEM components.

4. Precision Execution

All work is performed in-house by experienced technicians following factory specifications.

5. Final Inspection & Validation

Final review to ensure restoration objectives are met.

Restoring Value — Not Just Appearance

A properly restored motorcycle:

  • Performs as it should
  • Retains or increases market value
  • Avoids future reliability issues
  • Reflects the integrity of the original design

Our restorations are built for owners who care about correctness, quality, and long-term ownership value.

Is Restoration Right for Your Motorcycle?

If you’re looking to:

  • Restore a motorcycle you genuinely care about
  • Preserve or increase the value of a late-model or discontinued motorcycle
  • Correct years of improper repairs or modifications
  • Work with a shop that prioritizes OEM correctness

Then a professional restoration at EPM Motorsports is worth the conversation.

Start the Restoration Conversation

Restoration projects vary widely in scope and investment. The first step is a consultation to determine whether the motorcycle is a good candidate and what level of restoration makes sense.

Contact EPM Motorsports to discuss your restoration goals. Call us at (773) 207-3730 or email info@epmmotorsports.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Restoration

How long does a motorcycle restoration take?

Restoration timelines vary based on the model, condition, parts availability, and scope of work. Some restorations take several weeks, while more involved projects can span several months. A clear plan and timeline are provided after an initial evaluation.

Does motorcycle restoration increase value?

In many cases, yes—when restoration is performed correctly. OEM-correct restorations often improve desirability and long-term value, especially for discontinued or enthusiast-driven models. Final value depends on the specific motorcycle and market conditions.

Do you only perform OEM-correct restorations?

Yes. Restorations are performed using OEM diagrams, factory service manuals, and manufacturer specifications. Aftermarket components are only used if explicitly approved.

Do you restore discontinued motorcycle models?

Yes. Many restoration projects involve motorcycles that are no longer in production, which often benefit the most from proper OEM-correct restoration.

Do you guarantee resale value after restoration?

No restoration can guarantee a specific resale value. Market conditions and buyer demand vary. Our focus is on executing restorations to OEM standards that consistently place motorcycles into a higher category of desirability.

Are you based in Chicago?

Yes. EPM Motorsports is based in Chicago and serves local owners as well as select clients from across the country who choose to ship their motorcycles to our facility specifically for OEM-correct restoration work.