I'm 40 and drove my Nitro Sport 50 about that many miles total since I've gotten it cause I'm new to riding 😂😂😂 I want something bigger but I'm probably sticking to scooters
70 here, and last week I drove my '94 Goldwing 1200 miles in 2 days from Heidelberg to Kyiv. A bit sore, but the fact I can still do this tells me that life is good! And yeah, I love these guys, too!
Craig living most of our dreams for a living! No greater high than getting a heap for cheap, then making it live and ride again! Dan killing it as a sidekick, as always!
Fridays are truly the best. While at work waiting for the weekend to start, you get a notification that Craig posted. Now I have 2 things to look forward to when I get home. No work and a Craig video
I was also waiting to see that get taken care of without messing up the fresh powder coat. Yes, perhaps their leaving it for Greg so they'll have someone else to blame for messing up the finish. That broken shaft is why they won't let me (250 lb Gorilla wearing size 12 Triple E boots) near small Honda's. Looking forward to seeing it running again. Best!
Thanks for bringing back old broken-down bikes to life, even the literal basket cases. In this day and age where many things are intentionally manufactured to have a very limited lifespan, it's refreshing to see old classic bikes slowly getting a full make-over, returning them to their working glory days. Makes my day every time a project fires up and runs properly 👌.
A tip for seating a bearing when you don't have the exact right driver: Slice the old bearing race on one side then use it with whatever tool you have to seat the new bearing. The slice prevents the old race from sticking tightly so you can easily remove it after seating the new one.
I've also tried running a small sanding drum inside the old race. Gives it just enough clearance so it won't grab, but ensures it stays straight. I'm sure both work in a pinch. 👍
I'll be honest, buddy and I have been having some not fun times lately and this video made us decide to grab some old trail bikes and bring them back to life. Bring some day trips and fun back to our lives like old times!
I'm almost finished building a 1980 XS650 that I got as a 2 bike basket case. They were stripped down to the frames and all the parts were in 4 totes. Both frames were cut to make hardtail choppers. Luckily 1 was only just barely cut so I was able to weld it back together. First thing I did was clean and organize all the hardware. Then all the other parts got cleaned and hung on a wall so I could see them. Figuring out the wiring harness was a challenge, luckily I have a complete 79 that I could use as a reference. The motor was stuck so I had to tear it down and do a full rebuild. Luckily it only had less than 9000 miles. It is the most satisfying build I've ever done. Really enjoyed watching you go through much of the same thing on this project.
No they are not. The RFVC engine was one of the worst. Especially the 200, 250 and 350. They loved to crack heads. Not enough meat between the 4 valves and spark plug holes . . .
I just recently had surgery of the left eye for retinal detachment and now I can only see with my right eye. Craig’s video is only a handful of videos I’m willing to watch with my remaining good eye!
my first bike came in a box :D it was a 1984 suzuki gs550 ESE. dude rode it for 1000 miles then took it apart in 86 stored all the parts. i bought it in 2009 for 500$. i loved that bike
Oh man, Craig!! This is Duja-Ve moment for me. Back in '96 I bought a '93 XR-200 for $200 in a big box in pieces that was in great shape, except for locked up engine. Luckily almost everything was there. I got a new jug, piston and crank for it. Rode it for a few months and sold it for $1600.
Glade to see older bikes coming back to life, in your show. I still pack the grease in the bearing, as you do. Now retired, it's about time I got off my coster and enjoy my hobbie. As a youngster once more, thank you.
Craig you can’t forget this video platform good information and yet funny enough to keep everyone watching ever school need this in there Tec classes to show kids it just nuts and bolts anyone can do it thank u Craig for everything brother
Glad to see you are doing projects that last more than a day. The "one day get it to run" was fun for a while but rather see projects that take time and will last a long time...good work indeed!
I love your editing Dan, the music in sync with Craigs dismantling sounds, that's spitzenklasse 👍 love your videos, your humour and knowledge is gold 🥇
Big G'day from Down Under 🇦🇺 I always love your content regardless being a HD Enthusiast. Keep it TWISTED, Braapp BRRAAAPPPP ❗ May all your days be Harley days 💪🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤💪 Safe travels 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺
I just had to sell my relic. A 1987 Honda XR250R. It used to be my uncles when he competed on enduro back in my home country. Man what a bike, it sat forgotten for 25 years and when i decided to restore it i just flushed the gas tank, added a little oil and ran like a dream. It was a goddamned tank, i will miss it :')
i got an 84 goldwing (lovingly dubbed the shitwing) that im trying to get running again, and you make me wanna go out and work on it every time you post
Haha, me too. I've been refinishing everything under the sun since 1995. I was just going to say the same thing you just said, till I read your comment. :)
Finished restoring my 89 XLR250 Baja this winter! Awesome little mini adventure bikes! No battery to go flat, bursts into life on the 3rd kick……or so…..Great bike as a first resto project! Thanks for all the inspiration Craig ! Next project is a Russian Ural 650 from the 70’s! Cheers from the UK!
Today I got my Innova Special (ANF125 much modified) legally on the road, and then Craig pops up with this great video. Got to be a good day then! Thanks Craig🏍️🙌 Les in UK 🇬🇧
Ah! Finally an explanation for why the '86 XR250 engine has been sitting on a bench in the background for so long. I've seen a RFVC XR250 head with the same damage repaired by machining it to fit one half of a plain bearing from some other application. Also, RFVC XR250 heads are notorious for cracking between the spark plug hole and one (or both) of the exhaust ports, so examine that area carefully. Admittedly the older ('84-'85) heads are worse, but these suffer from it, too. Honda reduced the size of the exhaust valves for the '96 (?) model year which finally solved the problem. Stripped 6mm bolt holes in these heads are very common, I have heard that Honda used to preemptively heli-coil the heads on their RFVC powered race bikes. I like the RFVC engines, I work on them all the time, 200/250/350/400/600/650, only the 500 has eluded me thus far! I'm working on a fix for cracked 250 heads, but it is still in development. Nice to see you putting this one together.
Love your channel! So interesting and accessible to regular guys like myself. Excellent instruction and great humor. Great chemistry between you and Dan. I look forward to each posting!!
Two of my favorite and in my opinion , indestructible , reliable and just plain fun dirt Bikes ever in your shop at the same time , IT 175 , XR 250 , keep up the great work guys...
@The Bearded Mechanic Thank you for the motivation to get my old bike back on the road. I spent the last 3 days working on my 86 Vulcan 750, my first motorcycle. Changed every fluid, rebuilt the carburetors, and fixed 13 years of "learning to wrench" hodge-podge wiring with proper crimps and heatshrink. The universe is playing a trick on me as I have 2 front carb boots, no back one (it's a v-twin so theres a front and back, different shape)! Luckily a rummage in the parts bin found me a spare I had picked up over the years. No wonder the carbs never seated correctly... After that she fired right up! Has good rubber from 2021 so will go on a shake-down cruise tomorrow. Thanks again and keep up the great content.
So satisfying to see you get these bikes running. Then ride them with no seat, brakes and holding an IV bottle! Love watching how you diagnose them and tear into it. Very entertaining to. You are multi talented.
Craig, i love this channel. Thank you for starting your own when Bikes and Beards thought going to TN was a solid idea. Your mechanical work was what had me subbed there. Your chemistry with people is really special.
Currently in the middle of my first rebuild, a 1997 xr250r - great timing. Cant wait for the next instalment...... Great video as always thanks from Wales.
I like that you don't rose color your projects. It is more to the truth, and much like many of us have experienced. Best wishes on finding the necessary parts. You guys do a great job. That welder did hit it out of the park.
I had an '86 XR 200 back in high school and I rode/ trained on that bike through all four seasons for MX racing! I didn't do much racing but, I LOVED that bike!!! I Love the videos and can't wait until the next one! It's like...Saturday morning cartoons for me as an Adult! A little funny and I ALWAYS learn something!! Love the vibe guys, keep it up!!
Oh man! What a wreck but this brings back great memories! I had a 1982 250XLR (all Red) in Highschool. Loved it! Can't wait to see the final build and see you tear up the street & the dirt! Keep up the awesome work!
I have been restoring a 1991 XR250L and have the last of my parts needed to finish it. It has been on the back burner for years. Really enjoy this video.
That was great!! im now on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment. Love the 90s Honda dirt bikes. I ride a 98 xr400, great fun. Thanks for posting.
Just want to say I found your videos a few days ago and just kept watching, before I knew it, I had watched every video you've made so far. MAKE EM FASTER :D
looks like your typical Craigslist post: "1 owner, gently used, needs some TLC... ran last time I pulled it out!" This was awesome. The amount of skill needed to, legit, take a "bike in a box" and put it back together is so great! Another great video Craig and Dan. Thanks for the update on the Geico paperweight. Looking forward to how that ends up.
I have to say this is my favourite YT channel by far and really look forward to the next upload. Fir me to compliment an American openly is quite a thing.
I got a Old Honda Xl 250R my dad had this Old bike for since 1988 and now gave it to me And this old Honda Is still going to this day. Got to love a old honda Its true what they say These old bikes never stop Running.
😆 This is exactly how my project started. A 1953 Dürkopp MD200 in boxes, no documents, no books, no nothing, but I managed to put everything back together and it runs. And it only took me foive years. 😆
Thanks for tearing the Busa engine down I know you knew that you didn’t need to but I love the extra content it creates for the channel. BTW thank you for the Bearded Mechanic shirt I love it.
Best channel to watch. The Dan/Craig interactions are great. Craig just nails it. No ego, no I know how to do this, that etc. Just honest interesting vids.
Yay! At last. I've had 3. The 1st was an MD22 frame, no battery, no ignition switch, sold as it was a bit nickable. 2nd was MD22 with battery and ignition switch but still kick start,it died in an argument with a car. I woke up in a white room... The 3rd was an MD30 with an electric boot, magic.
Heya Craig! I don't hate Ridgelines,..I just don't like them! 😁 This should be extremely nice when you get 'er completed! Thanks so much for sharing! 💙🙏🏻
Really looking forward to see this all back together and running. Great video. The two of you together are a great team. Love the way Dan keeps Craig from smashing something ! LOL
i got a lil fan i use when i pull out the torch so if im leaning over somethin wrenchin on it the smoke isnt going straight up my nose! much love sir i watch you alot lol
Ive never owned a 250 XR like these, but have owned my XR650R for the last 14 years, then before that I had a 81'XR500R. Loved that 500R, climbs hills better than my XR650R. Anyways, I really appreciate this video and the restoration that unfolded. At this point you had go for it and do it all and do it right! Thanks guys! Liked, and I'll be waiting for the rest of the story.
I love my XRs. Owned a ton of them over the years, have 20 some XRs right now! They’re amazing bikes, can’t beat the dependability. Typical failure on those 250s, like you’re seeing, is cams being wiped out along with the head, oil passages clogged from gasket maker, streched cam chains, and people simply not changing the oil. Parts are readily available at least but finding a head and cam does get pricey. The last 250 I picked up was a 1986 for $20! It was mostly complete and the motor looked amazing when I tore it down, just worn rings. Stoked to see this build and can’t wait for an update
I love machine love, but mate, Dave from Canada says this one is too far gone to be worth it. Holy crap. -Great that you're showing thread taps in action; awesome old bike for sure! ; great video, so much happening in this one show about one nice simple old bike project, save-worthy video for training! Now I'm cheering for you to bring it back!
Hell yeah! I'm rebuilding the top end of my 86 xr250r right now! Good luck finding a new cam, I found a NOS cam on ebay in Brazil and I definitely paid a premium for it!