1972 Triumph Bonneville T120RV 650 - Part 6 - Oil Changes and Electrical Part 1

[@jameskwaka]

Got into bed here in Australia. Fired up my tablet computer thingy, got onto You Tube...and bliss. Mike is on for another instalment. Magic.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks James! Glad you enjoyed the video. We are getting close! Have a great week. Best wishes, Mike

[@mikemcallister757]

What a cliffhanger! Ha. As always love your videos and thank you for taking the time to show us how it's done!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Mike, thank you very much for your comment. Yes, the video was getting a little long and I felt like I needed to bring it to an end. Hopefully more to follow soon! Best wishes, Mike

[@54macdog]

This is a marvellous project and is going smoothly. Fingers crossed for this to continue and we'll see this beauty on the road soon.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks. I’ve had a couple of setbacks, but hoping to pick the project up again very soon. Can’t wait to fire her up! Best wishes, Mike

[@jakobrebeki]

I am glad you mentioned Lunmad (John Plewes) as he was a good mate of mine. We both own 72 T120Rs and I used to pop over there with my 650 on a bike trailer and stay with him over in Grangetown Mid boro way. Very sad loss. One of the smartest people I knew....

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Jakob. I’m very sorry for the loss of your friend and it was my pleasure to acknowledge him in these videos. I’ve enjoyed watching John’s videos over the years with the greatest respect and furnace. Best wishes

[@andrewsutton1532]

This has became my new Sunday morning ritual 👌 coffee and an episode of mighty garage

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Andrew, many thanks for your nice note. I’m glad you enjoyed the videos. I get a lot of pleasure from making them and working on these terrific old bikes. Best wishes, Mike

[@nploates]

Thank goodness I’m having a late breakfast this morning! Thanks Mike.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks for your note. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers! Mike

[@michaelwright5759]

I bought a new 1972, 5-speed Bonneville just like this one and rode it for 13 years. I loved that bike. It was powerful enough and handled almost like a bicycle. I’ve never ridden a motorcycle that would slide through curves as smoothly as that Triumph. Thank you for your videos. They bring back old (and very pleasant) memories.

[@mickgerard6696]

Good morning Mike. Love that Gold and White with the black Coach lining! Your Dynamic Preservation is coming along nicely! Thank You as always!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Michael, thanks a lot for your nice note. I appreciate it. I’m glad you are enjoying the videos. Hope you have a great week. Cheers, Mike

[@mickgerard6696]

@@TheMightyGarage Good morning Mike. Rather concerning that you haven’t posted a new video this morning, as your like Father Time with your Sunday morning releases! I pray that all is ok in your world with all the crazy stuff that’s going on. Meanwhile…………. Take care. 🌞🙏🏻🏍🇬🇧

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Michael, thank you very much for checking in. I've been sick for the past couple of weeks and got behind with my project and videos unfortunately. Hopefully we'll be back online again soon! Best wishes, Mike

[@mickgerard6696]

@@TheMightyGarage Hello Mike. The main thing is your doing alright! 😁 Take the time too rest and heal. Better weather is coming and riding our classics everyday will make us all feel better! Vitamin D. Take it everyday. Immune booster. Mentally and physically. We’re all vitamin D deficient. Especially in the winter with less sun!!!🌞😎

[@tedhughes888]

Kia ora from NZ Mike, your bringing back memories of the restoration of my 73 T120, keep up the good work m8.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Ted! Will do! Cheers, Mike

[@jamessabbagh6014]

55-years ago I repaired vacuum tube audio equipment including the dissection and repair of loose or worn slide switches. Watching your meticulous surgical skills in this video has brought me full circle but how long must I sit on the edge of my chair awaiting the final catharsis of seeing it all work? You’re bad Mike.😁

[@TheMightyGarage]

😎😀sorry for the cliffhanger,James! I hope it will be worth it. Thanks a lot for sharing the story of your background. That was very enjoyable to read. I appreciate your notes. All the best, cheers, Mike

[@sl-pw1os]

Seeing this electrical stuff makes me nervose. I admire your patience, realy

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you! It’s always so reassuring to have a friend who knows this stuff inside out. My friend Geoff is an electrical engineer and gets it in an instance. Best wishes, Mike

[@rwayne3243]

Well....... I guess I'll just hang here for week. (Great work, thanks for showing the details)

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Rod! I hope you are doing well and your year is getting off to a good start. Looking forward to seeing you again later this year! Best wishes, Mike

[@rwayne3243]

@@TheMightyGarage So far, so good in 2023, Mike. Looking forward to seeing you guys too. The Mighty Garage should plan on hanging out with us when you don't have a better offer.

[@paoloborgato6696]

Grande Mike , ottimo lavoro, continua cosi'.I tuoi video sono stupendi e le tue spiegazioni sono dettagliattissime.Un saluto da Venezia. Italia

[@glennturnbull8568]

Late on parade this morning Mike. I enjoy my Sunday morning MG with a cup of tea at the usual 8am (for us in the UK anyway). I hope that isn’t your wife’s best Pyrex jug you’re using for the oil!! 😂 All the best.

[@johnmcclain3887]

I was thinking Mike bought that just for the bikes!

[@TheMightyGarage]

😊😊 yes, let’s just say my wife Jane has been asking where her Pyrex dish has gone! Glad you enjoyed the video Glenn! Cheers, Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

I think I found the Pyrex dish somewhere in a cupboard in the kitchen John 😀😀

[@henryhawk978]

Enjoyed the video Mike. Riding season is around the corner. RIDE SAFE!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Henry! Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, it’s getting much closer now. I’m looking forward to starting and more importantly riding very soon. Cheers, Mike

[@larrys.3992]

Cliffhanger at the end is a nice touch!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hee hee, thank you Larry! Glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Mike

[@stephenbaron5681]

Mike when I was wiring my Norton I found a way to solder bullets that was easy, I got a thick block of hardwood and drilled a hole just deep and big enough to hold the bullet. Then you heat up the fluxed bullet melt solder in and insert wire . The wire bottoms at the tip and so does the solder. The heavy block holder keeps everything secure.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Steve, thanks a lot for that great tip. I really appreciate it. That’s very smart. Best wishes, Mike

[@TheDavey333]

You are slowly becoming the master of electrikery, with a little help 😀 Take care Mike ☕️

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Dave, many thanks! I appreciate it. I have a good sense of HOW everything connects together, but I still struggle with the WHY 😉😉 Hope you have a great week

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

My bike didn't have the proper switches, I eventually bought all the bits and made two up, had to do the same job as you and I also put a red button for the kill switch. I did buy a new main and headlamp loom as mine was pretty bad, the new braided Lucas looms were about £100, full wiring diagrams came with them and fitted Ok. ( the wiring for the handlebar switches didn't come with them). Enjoying the videos, thanks Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Kevin, thank you very much for your note and advice. Hope all is well. Cheers, Mike

[@wdhewson]

Brit-bike wiring saved these wonderful machines for our restoration efforts, because they stopped running due to electrical reasons way before wearing out !

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀 that is so true! Hope you have a great week. Cheers, Mike

[@stevewalden3814]

Thank you for videoing this work. I think the technical term for today's electrical work is "fiddly bits".

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe! Thanks Steve

[@christophevinson]

Thanks Mike! Exactly the vidéo I needed to get my 54' T100 ready for next sunday in SW France...

[@kevindaly5093]

I dread electrical challenges as well, but you pushed through it with the same methodical approach you'd apply to any other project. Looking forward to seeing the light. I'm confident you've solved it.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Kevin, thanks a lot for your nice note. I appreciate it. Yes, I must say I don’t enjoy working on the electrics. It’s always good when they are done😉 best wishes, Mike

[@johnmcclain3887]

I'm really enjoying this part, I've got similar switches that aren't working on my 78, and have dreaded tearing into the electrics. We said "electrics by lucifer, prince of darkness" back when I had my 64 tiger. It was good to watch the switches disassembled and put back to working, not a lot different from Harley's. You make Sunday morning a pleasure, Mike, you should get some years of good working after fixing those switches.

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀 hi John, thanks a lot for your great comments, as always.I appreciate it. I hope you have a great week. Best wishes, Mike

[@manfredmatzdorf4728]

Hey,Mike,great job again, especially the electrics! I love your work! Greetings from northern Germany Manfred

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Manfred, thanks a lot as always for your kind notes. I hope you are keeping well. Have a great week. Best wishes, Mike

[@chamberizer]

I have a 1973 TIger 750. I think the 1972 is similar in that the Primary is not separate from the engine, that is there is no crankshaft seal & I believe there is at least one hole that lets the oil drain between the engine & primary. Older models have an Oil Level Plug located on rear of the primary cover. Remove plug & fill till oil comes out. Interesting I believe my shop manual shows this plug but it does not exist on my bike. My 1973 has two recommended oil fill amounts for the Primary Case. Under the seat is listed one of lower capacity, but the shop manual - I believe has both capacities but does not explain why? I posed this question to another KZbin channel a couple of years ago & got the following answer: The Lower Capacity is for regular maintenance oil change. The Higher Capacity is for when the Primary Cover has been off. More oil drains out when the cover is removed, due to cavities in the case. I thought you might find interesting if you did not know already?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much for this advice, I really appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to share. Best wishes, Mike

[@sf940477]

Late with the video and a cliffhanger ending to boot. Need to have a word with you 😆 🤣

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀 thanks Stephen! Yes I felt bad about the video going out so late this morning. I forgot to set the schedule and then woke up with a start at around 1:44 AM to turn it on! Best wishes, Mike

[@GaryT1952]

Fascinating Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Gary. Hopefully we are getting closer! Cheers, Mike

[@daveco1270]

There's so little oil in the primary, sometimes I'll use my 500cc syringe with 8 inches of tubing on the end to suck the oil out through the opening where the timing observation cover is. it's easier than dealing with that drain plug. I don't see how that could hurt anything, but I'm not a vintage motorcycle mechanic by trade. Every other change I'll pull the plug just to make sure it's completely drained.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Dave, thanks a lot for the very smart tip! I must try and remember that next time. I hope all is well, cheers, Mike

[@stephenbaron5681]

Mike when I was wiring my Norton I found a way to Sauter

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks for sharing Steve 😉

[@MothershipVideos]

It seems like a good idea having the gearbox and engine oils separated but I suppose it's cheaper to build them as one piece. Correct "Soldering Iron" not sodering iron. Anyway job well done .

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe. Thanks a lot as always for your note. I appreciate it. Have a great week. Cheers, Mike

[@mitchburk5112]

You can check the continuity through the switches with the switch off the bike before re-intalling. They are fiddly as all get out.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Mitch, thanks a lot for the top tip! I appreciate it. Cheers, Mike

[@gerrypowell2748]

Blast,just the moment of truth😋😋

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀 sorry about that😊 I had to bring the video to a close😊

[@TornadoCAN99]

Portland Oregon experienced a state wide power outage that has now been traced to an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) that created a surge in the power grid. The EMP seems to have originated from a local man's garage where he was messing around with a vintage motorcycle electrical system.....

[@TheMightyGarage]

Ha ha, that was hilarious🤣🤣 thanks a lot for such a great comment😀

[@paulhoughtonhhoughton9188]

I think the drain plug is one of the screws on the chain case, is the one you took off the chain tensioner? maybe am wrong?

[@JohnnieBravo1]

Might you know how to set up and service a Norton Nomad ?? (1958 600-650 vintage)

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi John, not specifically a Nomad, but please check out my Norton Commando service videos. It should be pretty similar. Best wishes

[@hdevo80]

Lucas the prince the obscurity! :)

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀 that was funny! Cheers, Mike

[@andywhite2813]

Haha to be continued love it

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Andy! Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Mike

[@tadpoles10]

Straight forward oil-change &level check but that 'spark/shock' type stuff is always the minefield imo .. Mike .. 😅 .. 😉 .. 😂 .. atvb t ..

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Terry, yes I try to avoid electrical and plumbing work… basically things that can kill you or ruin your home :-) best wishes, Mike

[@Leon-ki5uj]

Bonjour j'ai la même Triumph que vous je ne comprends pas l'anglais pourriez-vous me dire combien faut-il mettre d'huile au niveau du kick et au niveau du carter de chaîne je ne sais pas combien faut-il mettre d'huile pourriez-vous me le dire je vous remercie d'avance ainsi que l'huile dans le cadre merci de votre soutien

[@richardtucker9827]

Hi Chris - is everything ok, as you didn't upload your usual Sunday video?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Richard, thanks a lot for checking in. I’ve been sick for the past couple of weeks, so I got behind on the videos. But feeling a lot better now and back in the garage this weekend. Best wishes, Mike

[@stanscroggins5523]

Hey my name is Stan I enjoy your videos ! I just purchased a 1977 Bonneville and I'm new to the British bike world so I'm kinda getting a lot of different opinions on what type of oil to use in the engine and clutch .. any suggestions ? Thanks

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Stan. Congratulations on your Bonnie. They are great bikes. It’s one of those question that gets the most opinions, so often down to personal preference. I use the Valvoline VR1 20W-50 racing oil which has the additional value zinc. Best wishes, Mike

[@stanscroggins5523]

@@TheMightyGarage the same in the primary ?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Yep, but don't tell anyone 😉

[@franciscogonzalez2547]

What’s the oil you use for the primary great video

[@johnhaverson6313]

Do you have details for the pack of springs and ball bearings you got from eBay?

[@ulrich.hoffmann]

Oooh nooo, how shall I survive the next week with that cliffhanger at the end of the video? Will Joseph Lucas the prince of darkness strike again? Or will Mighty Mike, Master of mechanical and electric madness win this epic battle ?

[@TheMightyGarage]

🤣🤣❤️ Hi Uli! That was so funny. I hope you are doing well. Best wishes, Mike

[@philmuskett265]

Electrics -- witchcraft to me!!! Well done.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Phil! We will have to see if it worked or not??!! Cheers, Mike

[@garycb8592]

Never understood why people think you need to tighten bolts and drain plugs just shy of snapping off or stripping the hole. Especially in aluminum.

[@memitonajera1561]

👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks! Best wishes

[@philipheron3429]

Red to black and blue to bittzzz!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheMightyGarage]

😉 so true Philip! ⚡️😉

[@zepelin-on-road]

💡👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@speedtriplerider7853]

Oohhh you're such a tease

[@TheMightyGarage]

😉😉😉😀 sorry about that😉 the video was running a little longer than I wanted and so I decided to bring it to an end. Best wishes, Mike

[@richardtucker9827]

Sorry, Mike, not Chris!!😩

[@flamboroughgas284]

He never changed the Engine oil. Instead he changed the primary case oil only - which is like changing a little bit of the engine oil and leaving the rest in place. I guess he doesn't realize the engine oil in the crankcase is connected to the primary case oil through a passageway.

[@TheMightyGarage]

I changed the engine oil in the previous video. Here’s a link and you will find the oil change at 10:48. Yes, I am aware that the primary is connected. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZSnfoqjmZmohdksi=XARfS_Y2A5OCOTUb

[@bananabrooks3836]

Its not as heretical as using T*****h tools on Norton products or Commando silencers on the other, which gets right up my nose.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hee hee, I know what you mean. I like to see and hear the correct silencers/mufflers on the appropriate bike too! Cheers, Mike

[@raypusey8037]

When you said you’ve invited someone into the garage to sort out the “ elec - trickery “ Mike, I was expecting to see Geoffrey Balydon AKA = Catweazle. Touchwood you’ll do a good job of the electric’s. 🫠😉 Ray 🇬🇧

[@TheMightyGarage]

Ha ha, thank you Ray! That took me back a lot of years. Best wishes, Mike