Freddie Dobbs' Bonneville | Out of Time? 

I'm overwhelmed by the response to this series of videos and thank you all for your feedback (keep it coming). I will cover the plug thread failure and reasoning for replacing the head when I get to recording the further engine work. However, in short, this failed thread is in the previously repaired side. The head was not heli-coiled it has had an insert fitted which has failed. I have previously repaired many stripped spark plug threads and always go with a correctly install time-cert if its first time round or a failed heli-coil.

I went from eyes wide open, to gasping in amazement, head in hands and cheering. That was a rollercoaster😳

Someone in the Comments section of one of Joe's other videos said, "Never has there been such a big group of people rooting for the survival of a particular motorcycle" or something like that. And it's true, I think. Freddie has so much of himself invested in that Bonnie - it's a part of him and he's a part of it. And I think...we've all probably had a bike like that - one that we felt a particular closeness with. So, I know it's silly, but for some of us, it's personal - we WANT the "Riumph" to live, and not be summarily discarded like yesterday's flip-phone for a new and flashy iPhone. And so we eagerly and optimistically await Sunday night, to hopefully hear the verdict: Is it cancer? Or just a harmless mole? I know I'll be watching.

At last a mechanic that knows what hes doing!

I guess I won’t be using Kingdom Motorcycles in Ipswich unless they have a very good reason for this…….. If this is how a mechanic at Kingdom Motorcycles treats a well known RU-vidr, imagine the care they’d take with a bike of yours of mine 🤔

Top work! What a contrast to Kingdom Motorcycles - not only did they fail to carry out the job it was booked in for, i.e. the thread repair, but their reassembly nearly wrecked the whole engine. This was not just an understandable minor error but a catalogue of failures: mismatched cam caps, reused copper washers, incorrectly set backlash cams and incorrectly set cam timing. As I said in an earlier post, I would be seeking recompense from them, perhaps in the shape of a new head. At least, I think, Freddie now has a spare head gasket to hand so that shouldn't hold up the rebuild. Keep up the excellent work and continue showing the "professionals" how it should be done.

As a retired engineer and have restored many bike engines in my time,what kind of mechanic goes to all the bother of taking a head off and doesn’t do an assessment of both plug holes . then only Helicoils one spark plug hole. It Beggars believe . What a pleasure to watch a diligent craftsman.

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about 90% of the time but I appreciate your skill!

If I were Freddie I’d be really pissed at whomever ‘repaired’ his bike previously. Honestly, thank God you found each other and a decent, skilled engineer is now in the case. Imagine if he had scrapped this bike, would have been a crying shame. I’m not one for bad mouthing anybody but come on! That top end was clearly thrown back together with zero care or professional pride. Keep up what brilliant work, it certainly brightens up a Sunday afternoon. 👍❤

This is exactly what RU-vid is about. Top content and a pleasure to watch you working.

The top end was recently rebuilt by some shop, I recall that much. Guess they screwed up the job with gears out of position and more. Unfortunate. The reason it went in to the shop was that it fired the spark plug out of the engine in operation... so apparently the shop that fixed that messed that part up as well. Not a shop I'd take my bike with these facts in hand.

I think Freddie should demand a refund from whoever put this back together when doing the head gasket. The $ should be then passed to this channel, it deserves it.

It's almost like Freddie did the rebuild himself 🤣

Even at $150/hr, it is still worth repairing. The vast majority of the problems were caused by the previous hacks working on the bike. The only way for the gears to be out of timing was due to the guy who did helicoil fix not reassembling it properly.

This bike's got more problems than Africa. It's not helped by the fact that the owner has run up a fairly big mileage without having any mechanical insight whatsoever. I remember thinking "new cylinder head" the first time Freddie mentioned a spark plug being spat out. Although it's frustrating for you to have come this far and then be looking for a new head, it's been a pleasure watching your diagnosis.

As a very old motorcycle mechanic this absolutely brilliant to watch as someone knows what they’re doing it’ll be spot on when its done

As a non Mechanic that can do some basic maintenance it's fun to see if I can follow along and understand all what your doing. Thanks for taking the time to film and explain. Mark

I don’t think I have ever been as enthralled about the internals of a bike than this. Excellent explanations and filming. A star is born. Freddie who? 🤣😂😭

I don't think anyone will be using Kingdom motorcycles after this!!

the Riumph will rise

The difference between knowing what you are doing and thinking you know what you are doing is measured in customer satisfaction. This used to be important to companies. Great job.

My guess is Freddie will get his bike back better than new plus he'll know how to look after it properly. Freddie truly won the lottery with Wurks.

There are three good reasons why the "riumph" must be saved: 1. the world would be a bit duller without good old Bonnie. After all, it's not her fault that people who don't know their business have tinkered with her. Every Bonnie deserves to be cherished, cared for and preserved. 2. Freddie and the Riumph belong together. Their close bond is part of what makes his stories work. We can't and won't do without it. 3. the story with the Riumph and The Wurks must have a happy ending and until then we can continue to follow this excellent content with excitement. Please bring the Riumph back on the road so that we can enjoy its many more adventures!

You’ve opened a small can of worms with this bike. I know you’ll find other probs. I truly believe you’re the only real mechanic that’s worked on Freddie’s bike ever. Thankfully triumphs are tolerant to neglect and incompetent wrenches. Cheers for taking us along🍺

So, the shop that replaced the cylinder base gasket put everything back together wrong. Wow…

This is proper reality TV.

Now I'm not normally a litigious person but _if_ it transpires that the cam timing is out, then presumably Freddie could seek recompense from the previous garage that carried out the work, through the Small Claims Court if necessary? (Posted two hours before the video is released.)

Damn, even had the notifications set for this premier!

I have asked Kingdom Motorcycles of Ipswich to comment on here about the problems found with Freddie's Bonneville. I am interested to see if they have any explanation as to why so many mistakes have been made with what was a relatively simple job. I suspect that the Helicoil is loose because the mechanic has not used a special Helicoil sized bit to drill out the old thread. The Helicoil sizes are usually fractional metric sizes because of the particular application. I would remove the Helicoil and, provided that there is sufficient metal around the spark plug thread, fit a Tappex Trisert type of insert (there are many similar products available) which have an external and an internal thread and are a solid fit. The fitment would probably need to be done on a pillar drill if the insert is the type with a rebate but the head is probably going to come off again anyway. Richard

Wait a min, didnt freddie pay good money and had to wait an age for a gasket to get this spark plug issue fixed. Looks to me that that garage may have royally screwed him... i would be knocking at thier door for some sort of if not all of a refund from them. This really annoys me to see that there really is no need for it. Keep up the excellent work hopefully we will see the old gal on the tarmac again soon

AT LAST ! Someone who does not use an electric wrench to spin off fasteners! Absolutely refreshing !

Brave man Joe. Confidence in doing the job is one thing, but this is gonna make or break your own channel as well as the famous Dobbs Bonnie. The garage (expletives here) that bodged it should be packing up their belongings about now. Joe, as a time served mechanic, I've been shaking my head at Freddie for ages now, the poor boy is so green, hopefully he will learn a lot from this video, your diligent work and comments. Great work Joe. 👏

What a fascinating video. We're all routing for you to be able to sort this mess out. This is exactly what RU-vid was invented for. Investigating, informing and entertaining. As a pre-Freddie subscriber I'm so pleased Freddie's misfortune has given you the chance to show the world your talents.

Knowing its none of my business! But as a vehicle technician I cant help thinking you just need the right repair on the head.without removing it. Bringing cost into the equation. There are guys out there that can repair the thread with out removing the head that will last the life of the bike/engine. Ive used a business called the thread doctor in hampshire which is an excellent service. You tube channel superbike surgery has also made such repairs. It would have been nice to see a shot of the timing marks in the correct postion. Good work so far 👍

At last someone on RU-vid that knows what he is doing. Fair play to you fella !

You're an absolute legend.

So all that time the bike was off the road waiting for a gasket and the spark plug thread wasn't even repaired ? And to top it off the engine wasn't reassembled correctly what the hell!.

At last, someone as fastidious as me! Loving your work, and stunned that another tech would do such a poor job previously 😢

Jeepers. Ok we kinda guessed kingdom rushed and effed up the rebuild. It seemed funny when they said it could be weeks or months then suddenly the bike was ready for collection. ! We all make mistakes but its pretty clear it was slung together to get it out the door.. They really shouldn't have took the job on if they couldn't carry out the work OR if circumstances changed perhaps should have been more open and honest regarding the situation.. Either way this is going to bite them on the arse big style as their incompetence is going to be here for all to see forever.. Anyhoo great and thorough work video and looking forward to seeing the next installment regarding the head and what you propose to do about it

If I remember correctly. It was the RH plug hole that Freddie had problems with, and that had supposed to have been repaired by the garage he took it to. So not only didn't they make a good repair, they cocked up the rebuild...cam timing.

“It’s leaking it’s a real Triumph” pmsl Classic! Doing a brilliant job roll on Sunday👍🏻

I also, as a retired mechanic, am absolutely stunned at the lack of workmanship shown by the company who carried out the repair. We all know who they are. I would be writing to them and would be asking for an explanation. Well done Joe 👏

This may sound strange but i'll say it. The satisfaction as an engineer for me was from knowung I had done a good job, not what the customer thinks, Many engineers have three important characteristics, skill, knowledge and pride in the work done. All of those are clearly evident here, good on you.

Well I took the time to read ALL of the comments before typing mine in. I have to say that everyone did a great job with their comments which leaves nothing for me to add BUT; my hats off to you Mr. Joe!! Illinois, USA

I so want this bike to live again. It seems to want to live, despite Freddie's "slight absence of mechanical sympathy" however, i fear it is going to end up like Trigger's Broom🤣🤣

Your discoveries do say a lot about the previous 'Mechanics' who have had their hands on this bike. Glad it's now in your safe care..

The uk needs motorbike mechanics like you out there top job mate

Edge of the seat stuff is all this repair work.

Take the head to Seager Engineering in Debenham, Suffolk ( just up the road from Freddie in Ipswich) and have Pat put a bronze thread insert in. His work is top notch.

​I would put a wurth spark plug insert in they are stronger than stock and lock into the head. i used them on my BMW.

how on earth did it run being that far out, looked like 10-15 degrees? I am gobsmacked at that, I really am, I reckon the workshop that did that will see a downturn in their business because of this, shocking - again well explained and enjoyable video 😊

She's going to feel like a new bike by the time Freddie gets her back 👍

Watching these episodes is more enthralling than reading any thriller i have ever read. It feels emotional. I think because you're caring for Freddie's sick friend. His Triumph.

This is both disturbing and righteous. Knowing how popular Freddy and his Bonniville are all around the world, how could the previous shop botch the job so badly and almost deliberately. Now everybody around the world knows what a Hack Shop it is. This after Freddy gave them such good comments and total trust. Just beyond belief. A sad story for motorcycling. Remember, a motorcycle is an extension of your body ---- almost a living thing. That particular Riumph deserves all the care it needs.

Wow. So cool. Thanks for sharing this in such detail. The cam timing job was interesting and satisfying to watch. When I saw that "spark plug wiggle" I felt sick to my stomach. Growing up my dad always made such a big deal about never cross threading a spark plug. And this is why... Bummer! I hop you can find a good cylinder head for a good price.

Just as you get good and bad in all walks of life thankfully Freddie has happened across a real diamond on this occasion, thank you for sharing your expertise, most interesting!

Well done Wurks, good to see real skill in action. The investigation reveals appalling shoddy workmanship by Ipswich based Kingdom Motorcycles who recently rebuilt the top of this engine.

Just goes to show that so many "Mechanics" just don't put any care into their work, the previous repairs on Freddies bike are something anyone who has had a bike experienced over the years, this is the reason many of us dont trust garages and videos like this this are so important for people to understand the basic's when getting your pride and joy repaired. Joe's work is seriously top end, wasn't satisfied with an "OK" compression test where many other garages would just leave as is, I'm not a very technical bike owner but even learning a small amount from these videos helps when dealing with so called mechanics, As a bonnie owner I cant express how interesting this channel is, Let's all support Joe as much as possible as he truly deserves it!!!

Brilliant series this and frankly outlines the trouble you can buy after other people’s “bodges”.

Better make space in the workshop for the Transalp, Joe - just in case! 😉

Great series. As a mechanic myself I love these in depth videos. I'm horrified by how the engine was put back together by the other "mechanic". So many basic things that went wrong like the camshaft bearing caps. Keep up the good work! Love to watch these videos. Regards from Holland 😊

good to see you've got that "riumph" off..., it annoyed me more than all the problems you've been having with it. Thanks, now I will sleep better!

Hi Joe, bad news, ive now been through all your vids , can you make some more a bit quicker please 😂. Have enjoyed them all , the scrambler build was fantastic but especially loved the angle-sea one. Great channel , look forward to seeing it grow as it deserves. 👍🏻

Wow, that guy knows his stuff.

Just amazing knowledge,learning a lot. 👍

Brilliant, Bonnie will survive and come back stronger than ever!!! Great wurk!

Sorry, I'm back. I can't stop thinking about this. Don't give up on the possibility of a successful insert repair. Consider this. -- A used head, with unknown history, even one with perfect spark plug threads, was removed from the engine for a reason. Now you might be facing a whole bundle of endless problems. Valves, seats, springs, guides, buckets. Is it warped and so on. You have proved that the valve train is healthy, with excellent compression. The head has one problem. Give it a chance. Does the insert want to come out with the plug? Great job.

So the other shop/guy never installed the helicoil? They had everything apart, saw the threads were stripped, and never repaired it? Wow.

l now understand why all the other bike repair shops fobbed Freddie off. I'm not saying they were right to do so, but the cost involved in repairing what was already an insurance write-off simply wasn't worth it, and they knew it. I could be wrong, of course, but it's been an education for me. And great to see you persevere at no one's cost but your own...#respect

Another great video - loving it! I have to say that when I saw the camwheel error, then the backlash gear not set, cam caps in wrong places and finally the loose plug my heart sank every time - felt like I was watching historic evidence of a poor abandoned dog's bad treatment! It will be fantastic to see this engine running properly.

Good job!

The garage that told Freddie to "just scrap it" probably had their eye on 'taking it off his hands' for peanuts..........

Nice video and great wurk!

Wow, these findings speak volumes about the utter incompetence or indifference (whatever it may have been) of the first mechanic, the one who did the helicoil-repair of the cylinder head. It's like he rushed the rebuild of the cylinder head like crazy without any regard of proper fitting of the parts. Cheaped out on the copper gaskets for the oil line as well. I hope you'll find a good, reasonably priced new cylinder head to revive this bonneville!

Look at timeserts. The best way to sort it. Won't even need to lift the head

Only another hurdle. Looking forward to the next video

Excellent work, fault diagnosis is the key to everything mate, 👏 ❤

Excellent video.. really good stuff. Cheers

Joe...you are a champion!

From those who know, you know your shit. Pure class.

Great video and an excellent illustration of the difference between bike 'Technicians' and genuine Mechanics. 👍

Very interesting video, thank you and Long live Freddie’s bike 🙏🏻❤️

Waiting for days for this video. The moment of truth

This is like watching a first class detective series. I wonder if the previous repair shop will do the honorable thing and step up with an offer of some compensation for their shoddy work on the bike. If they don’t it will tell us a lot about their ethics or lack there of! Looking forward to the next episode, keep up the great work.

take a look into time sert thread inserts, much better than helicoil, i have put one into my t140v and it has saved my head. they are not cheap but cheaper than another head.

Top man, proper mechanic

It’s quite enjoyable to see you methodically step your way through this project. I wish you all the best for a successful repair and to get the Bonnie back on the road.

I take my hat off to you or is it my helmet. Freddie is one lucky guy . He deserves it.

Too bad to have to correct others mistakes. I'm surprised it ran as well as it did with the cam that far out. In the past I have used a product for sparkplug holes called a "Time-Sert". It is essentially a solid piece with an inner thread for the sparkplug and an outer thread to seat in the head. Being solid it is much more reliable than the coiled wires of a helicoil. If the diameter of the outer helicoil repair is smaller then the outer diameter of the time-sert you may be able to override the helicoil install and use this. The time-sert has a stopper on top of the insert so it can be run down, torqued and lock-tighted to the top of the head. I this case I would recommend taking the head off so you can see what exactly is going on if you try this install and to eliminate any chips and debris going into the cylinder. As you were going to pull it anyway no time lost. It might be worth a shot and the saving the price of a different head might swing the pendulum back to saving the old girl...

Great to watched a skilled engineer at work. Methodical troubleshooting at its finest.

Surely with all this evidence building up that the previous mechanic made a complete bodge of the job, Freddie should go to court to claim compensation.

Fantastic work, I hope the bike will be running well at the end of all this, and that you are able to grow your RU-vid channel with your charity job :)

I studied motorcycle design and technology, and I am both thoroughly impressed and totally absorbed in following Joe's expertise, in his methodological approach, his knowledge, and his clarity in explaining the process.

You're like a magician to me :) great work with such an effort.

Freddie needs to know we're all invested in this bike now so he needs to keep it right on return

Good series of videos, well explained and a pleasure to watch someone who obviously takes pride in what they do..... looking forward to the next instalment.

👏 👏 👏 thanks to all men in sheds. Whenever someone wants something done properly, they always seek out the genius working out of their Shed, away down some winding country road or in some nondescript estate. Men that would never trust another to work on their machine.

Currently my favourite RU-vid series. I am starting to look for second hand 865 Bonnevilles for sale in Aotearoa. It is a sickness.

Super! Nice to see a professional at work!

I'm really enjoying these videos, fantastic work and thank you for sharing your findings with us.