How to repair a nonrunning motorcycle pt.1
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- čas přidán 22. 02. 2011
- This simple tutorial about how to diagnose and repair running problems in old motorcycles can be generally applied to all makes and models. While information specific to your bike can be found on your online forums and in your repair manual, this should get you started. Good luck.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
I love you. This is THE video that is missing explaining how it all fits together compared to all these one-off repair vids on how to repair a specific part. For someone who doesn't really have someone to teach them, but wants to learn their bike's mechanic, I can't thank you enough!
Finally did it, wanted to buy an old nonrunning motorcycle because of this video. Took me about eighty hours but I got a 1984 Magna V30 running
Don't pay attention to the person posting... this is her husband.... you video is superior! Good job
five minutes into your video and i think you are a great teacher. thank you and don't stop
That's the best advice I've ever heard, cause your state of mind is so important with any mechanical work. Thanks buddy.
What you share here, and the manner in which you do it, these are stuff we typically need to beg to get. Very generous. Subbed instantly. Thanks so so much, you know many out there truly appreciate this. 🙏
Your a legend for breaking this down. Super easy to follow. Going to work on my bike now after 2 years of it sitting in the garage.
I hung around a local junkyard and just listened to the old guys talk. But really my learning took off when I bought my first crappy bike, and began working on it
man, im just blow away by how helpful your video is (this my first video of yours ever). this has to be one of the best videos ever!
aggre
VERY educating. I think every new motorcycle owner should watch this. I'm currently trying to figure out why mine suddenly won't run. Maybe I'll know once I'm done watching your videos :)
Very knowledgeable, I'm very novice and already feel more comfortable with looking at the problems with my bike myself. Superb video!
I cleaned the air /fuel needles and replaced. Started the bike, adjusted both a/f needles and the bike is starting easy and idles quite good, revs good. Now I will go thru a monometer balancing to make sure both cylinders are even. Thanks again for all the advice and walking me thru this learning experience. EdP
Hey just wanted to say thanks man! I'm just getting into old cycles and I'm a complete noob when it comes to maintenance and repair of these old engines. Your video is a good first step in what I'm sure will be years of learning!
In an age of slick video productions in HD or 4K, one could fault your video for being...sub standard (visually). But just like RP described in his book (I have a dog-eared copy just like yours...in pink)...it is the difference between the Romantic and the Classical view. Personally, I love the PBS style of your video quality...but more importantly, I love the logic and clarity of your presentation and the high quality information that is imparted. So...a big thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and passion.
Thank you, I appreciate that
As soon as I watched a minute of this video, I instantly liked and subscribed!
I have been watching your videos for a long time. I hope by now you have a used motorcycle dealership. Always loved your videos. Very informative!
Thanks i appreciate it
First bike ever this summer I got a shitty bike that's never run well. I don't know a whole lot about engine and bikes and everything but you are great. I really think with your videos I have a good shot at fixing up my bike. Love that your doing this keep up the good work
Your website is great! Thanks for all the work you did on it!
I remember being too emotional and impatient repairing my bikes. Thanks
within 3 seconds I knew this was the video I was looking for "pt. 1" 20 minute video, starts by saying collects motorcycles. hell yeah. thanks, man.
Hopefully it was the rings. They weren't off the chart when I pulled them but certainly too loose. I have new ones now, just waiting for a new gasket for the carb to be delivered and i'll test it then.
Appreciate your help very much. In particular - this video. You made it so easy to understand. Looking forward to seeing more
Hi! Finally I am the owner of a Virago 1984 (I have also a 2013 CBR but it is an other story), ultra clean, very good condition. All of this because of you and your so fantastic videos about mechanical and motorcycle for any average Joe, like you said in USA. Thank you my friend. Your videos are so interesting...but this one has been the one who start the whole thing. I am a programmer, softwares developper, but everything that evolves around mecanical, specially motorcycle mechanical has been always something sooo interestring for me but not very easy to grasp until I came accross you videos. You changed my life man. Today, it is one of my best day ever! I almost look foward that something in my new Virago brakes...fails or whatever...just to test my skills...:)...Maybe I made some english mistakes....I am french, from montreal Canada! :)
Hey Patrick thats great to hear. Keep it up my friend!
Great video! I've seen a few others of yours and just subscribed. I am restoring a 1978 yaha chappy lb50 and just bought a new xt250 and am learning so much through you. Thanks,, and KEEP EM COMING!
These videos are excellent. You really explain the heck out of everything very clearly. Thank you very much!!
i love your voice you are a great narrator
thanks
I was looking at another of your videos on a a leaking vacuum petcock and saw the popup to link to more troubleshooting, as my URAL's vacuum petcock is doing the opposite: not delivering gas. So, I'm checking out this video and WHAM! you whip out Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance....I just finished reading this book for the first time (I'm just a couuple years younger than Rober M.) 1/2 an hour ago....
NOW I have a philosophical dilemma trying to quantify the Quality of this serendipitous/destined coincidence. I'm still trying to digest all of what Pirsig was talking about (that may take awhile:-)) but at a minimum, I know that his work is important.
Thanks for blowing my mind, man. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.
+phliparoonie :) Coincidences are always worth it
Thank you for making it super simplified for us amateurs. This really helps me a lot!
i finally found the video ive been looking for, TY!
Wow already knowing I'm going to be following your vids. Only four minutes in. Zen and the Art... great reference! Reminding me I need to get my hands on a copy of that book! And appreciating the flow chart!
Glad to help
This is a really simple and helpful video among many! I always go back to it to boost confidence and peace of mind. :) I ordered that Robert Pirsig book, looking forward to reading it. I am having my brother watch the same videos, since he got a 150$ Seca II for him to fix up on his own.
This is AWESOME! Thanks for help. will start cleaning my carbs tomorrow. Bought a 86' FZ 600 yesterday.. Fires up on star-gas only.. Really good vid's!
About to buy an absolute wreck of an old bike, and immediately re-discovered this video. I'm thinking it could come in handy!
Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge! I hope you receive lots of good karma in return.
You know , you are a wonderful teacher.
I thank you wery much sir.
You're an excellent teacher!!!! Thank you so much!!
Indispensable! Thank you good sir!! On to part 2!
This is great. Bought a 78 Kawasaki 650 and though I took it in for a tune up now I can least understand the thought process. Now I'm thinking I should buy another just to fix up.
We need more people like you. I am so grateful for your time and effort. Thanks man.
Ok, thank you for your quick response. I suspected blocked jets but couldn't understand why it it runs fine once it starts. Once it starts it runs perfectly.
keep up the great work, you are inspirational.
wow great thanks you're the man ill definitely come to your channel first for information when i need it
dude your videos are great and very informative, thanks!
Loved your vid! wow I learned a lot thanks! I'm about to get an old 1984 VF750 MAGNA :)
This is dope, I can't even ride a bike but props dude
thank you for these great videos.
AWSOME video!!!! Thank you.
This is amazing, thank you!
This is a great video. So many tutorials or bloody tedious. This is a good'ne.
Great Video this is the basic steps.
Great video very educational
@Greddybear That info is in pt. 2, if you watch the movie until the end there is a link to the 2nd part
All right thanks for the advice Max I was 50/50 before now
almost 100 in favor gettint it
That dang lock washer. lol . Keep up the good bike videos.
Glad you got it sorted out!
thnx bro! ya i managed to fix the leaks! sure I'll go through the videos! thnx 4 replying! im really interested in japan motorbikes,and also I'm curious to learn about how to repair and maintain them! your videos are really helpful! keep up the good work! (Y)
@srosburg Haha thanks man that means a lot, that's exactly why I put these videos up, to help guys get decent bikes back on the road. If you run into any snags in your restoration feel free to drop me a message, I might even make a video for ya explaining some new procedure. Good luck, that kz650 is an awesome bike!
Amazing Video thank you so much !
The pilot screw won't typically affect the idle speed, thats what the idle screw is for. Just set your pilot screws back to factory, check your float heights, and see if your air filter is clogged
great video, thanks!
Perhaps instead of "explosion" using "burning" would be more appropriate. For compression, especially for bikes that have been neglected and/or sat for a long time, the rings could have gotten stuck so if any of the blocks are giving lousy compression (under 110 psi), I would recommend disconnecting all spark plug wires, taking out all the spark plugs and then putting a tbsp of Marvel Mystery Oil and letting it sit for at least 5 minutes before checking the compression again. In some extreme case, spraying a little PB Blaster and letting it do its thing for 5-10 minutes could be the ticket. Other than that, pretty good video, well done!
great video dude...
awesome channel dude
Very helpful. Thank You!
@dallascmire For basic starter problems, check out my video on starter diagnosis. As for a decompression switch, I have honestly never serviced one, so your best bet would be your repair manual.
Ok I'll check it out. Thanks!
Great video!
really good video thanks
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance
dude your videos are so chill and informative. u should be a teacher simple easy done.
awesome vids ive been watching all of them. looking to buy a cb550f checked one out and there was a horrible knock on the bottom end of the motor coming from the crack case side? (im a newb its my first bike) held in the clutch so it wasent the clutch rattle. on the left side of the bike.
thnx for the awesome vide. its very informative. keep it up!!!
couple of things that may help...I come across a lot of old bikes that have bad compression due to spark plug threads being stripped or really worn. Also, you can check both rings and head gaskets by doing leak down tests with a light weight oil. also, make sure you have the right heat range plugs, or go hotter for a bit till you get it running solid.
It doesn't have to be replaced, you can use it as is. Just be sure to put in a fuel filter, you might have to change it a couple times as junk continues to come out
This video is great
I hate the sound of markers on paper but this vid helped out a lot
Strong suspicion it would be a dirty slow jet on the underperforming cylinder. Other possibilities would include a vacuum leak, partially fouled spark plug, or sticky slide
@Kegath Haha I've done that before: Why is the car wobbling when I let go of the brakes???
Ery nice video, thanks bro!
Cool man good luck with it
No modification to either one. All the work you have helped me thru has got it starting, reving , but idling its popping on both cylinders. I have looked over all linkages, When running and reving I see no movement on the carb. "connection linkage" A little slak in the throttle cables, Have not tried to adjust any linkages due to with 6500 miles and I have only cleaned the carbs without full removal and no linkage tampering. I have cleaned the plugs but not changed. Appreciate a friend to consult. I thought about adjusting the fuel/air valve but I can't even find it. Thanks EdP
Ed P A carb cleaning is probably nearly in the works. Popping is an indication of a mixture too rich or too lean. How do the plugs look when you pull them out?
mrmaxstorey Thanks, The plugs look very good. I can't find the air/fuel needle adjust. Is it behind a brass plug with a pinhole in it? If so I'll pull , clean and adjust it. EdP
Ed P The brass plugs with the pinholes in them are the jets. Your af screw is outside the bowl, either on the top or the bottom of the carb
Thank for the response. I was really hoping to luck out of having to do the carbs (this is my first bike repair), but I suppose that was an unrealistic hope, haha.
If you don't use sealers, what would you do with a tank that's seal is coming off? Am I better off buying or finding a replacement tank? Thanks for all your time and effort man, its truly appreciated.
Really the best way is to get your wiring diagram and a multimeter, and check the continuity of your wires. Your CDI is the computer for your bike
Thanks for watching!
Do you have the vacuum lines routed or plugged up?
Is the air filter one of those K&N high flow air filters? Is it a pod filter or is the stock airbox still on the bike?
Great, glad to hear it
that you for ur videos they are helpful, and thnx for the website
Very interesting. In truth I would try the spark first and then the fuel because just about every problem I have had has been sorted by addressing those issues first. I'm talking bikes I knew were running though in the first place but I think even if I bought a non runner I would be checking those first, not last.
My bike is just a little AJS regal raptor dd125e. My learners permit ran out before I sat any tests a few years ago and it has been sitting in the garage since. I am looking to get it back on the road and start doing lessons again. I had it out a year and a bit ago and managed to get it started and seemed to be working fine. Now it just wont start. It has plenty of new fuel and is getting a spark for sure. My father and I have tried push starting it in 2nd and 3rd and a few times it has made some almost firing up sounds but it just wont go. We are going to have a look for leaks and check the filter but my old man seems to think that wont be the problem (although hes a car guy). Any Ideas?
how much money do you make doing this , i'm thinking of doing this aswell
That screw is probably the drain screw, it should be screwed in tight. What modifications do you have? What was the stock setting for the jets and clip?
Yes thats possible, also possible you have vacuum leaks or float heights too high
god bless you sir.
@xsmooth69x Thanks glad you found my vids useful. That knock sounds pretty bad, unless you are down for a full engine rebuild I would say move on to another bike, there are plenty of cheap bikes out there that don't require total rebuilds. You can take a look at all my videos and see for yourself, I have never paid more than $400 for any of my bikes (except my main ride the GV1200). So keep an eye out, you'll find a good one soon, there are still cb550s out there.
great! glad to help out
So, it runs when you bump start it, but the starter motor doesnt work and none of your lights work? Is that correct?
really nice
Great Video. I am actually hoping to fix/revamp a 1981 xJ650 however I don't really know where to start parts wise. Do you have recommenced websites beyond eBay that you use to get now parts for motorcycles from this time era?
Yeah, that bummed me out too about Ween. Go ahead and take your side cover off, its not going to be that hard to do it will just get oil everywhere so be prepared for that. Dislodge your dipstick and reassemble, after assessing for damage. If your motor still spins over then this is probably not the cause of your problem, but you will want to fix it before getting too far.
@thetranceab Could be as simple as idle too low, which is adjusted by the idle screw. If not, its possible your pilot jets are partially clogged up, poor fuel flow, fuel floats too low, bad gas, etc etc