Can I Fix This Unfixable Iconic Ninja Super Sport Bike?

[@chriscollins5488]

It's so nice to see a real mechanic at work not just a glorified parts changer. So many shops now don't do any diagnostic procedures to find the real issues. Great work Craig!

[@gerneticut]

Most young mechanics think of diagnostics as a port you plug a computer into.

[@DeputatKaktus]

True. On the other hand, the bike was sitting in the shop for 3 weeks. Since most shops are mainly interested in quick turnaround times and don’t want a bike sitting around taking up space for any longer than it absolutely needs to, many just opt for swapping the part most likely to be broken and hope for the best. And this works more often than not. Until it doesn’t. Then you end up with bikes that have gone through two or three different shops, each of which eventually putting their hands up saying „Sorry, we don’t know what’s wrong with her…that’ll be $373,67 please.“ Add to this the fact that a lot of mechanics today are completely out of their depth if they don’t have anywhere to plug in a computer.

[@MrGaryGG48]

@@DeputatKaktus Unfortunately, that's far too common these days, and what you're describing isn't what I'd call a mechanic/technician or anything close to that. Those people are no more than "Parts Changers" and they have no inhibitions regarding "trouble-shooting" with your wallet!!

[@johnr7022]

glorified parts changer Lmfao 😀😀😀

[@lorimelanson6231]

Do you want me to fix it? Or do you want me to work on it?

[@crebbsjd]

The most important thing I learned from you is that Craig, as a mechanic, it is always best to install good factory parts. You followed the tech manual, and the culprit was faulty fake parts. Thank you for sticking with it and realizing that real genuine parts are what's recommended. Good video, Bearded mechanic and TY again for teaching us the right way.

[@spagsketti]

Problem is they do not make them parts anymore. You either get aftermarket, new old stock or used. After 10 years motorcycle manufacturers quit making and stocking the parts. They then refuse to work on the bike after the 10 years is up. All the aftermarket parts come from China and it is a crap shoot if they work or not.

[@breeanderson6250]

I have an 82 goldwing. When I bought it, it didn’t run. Nothing on it worked. I’ve only had it for a week now and I have it running and driving. But something is still off on it and I can’t figure it out for the life of me. I need help😭😭

[@Troubleshooter-2.0]

Installing an OEM coil for a similar bike is a good work around on something like this Spaghetti. It will not trip the ABS fuse, set off the airbags, or cycle the rider modes eratically.

[@lassikinnunen]

Fake or not eventually you'll have to assume that part xyz is not good regardless of how shiny and out of the box new it is

[@BananasMana]

this's been happening with car parts too. i am not even sure they're fake, they've just got awful QC i think @@spagsketti

[@BrianKnect]

As a former service manager for a Honda motorcycle dealership, 89' till 93' I must say I commend you on how you took care of this customers Ninja. Much respect to you.

[@rabbbie99]

Those green coils are aftermarket ones. Probably why they both read same resistance, but higher than what the manual manual says, They probably were working fine. The pickup coils were the culprit, especially as they were reading almost open circuit instead of a few hundred ohms. I've owned a GPZ900R for 34 years (basically the same bike as this one) and done a lot of work on it. Nice to see some trouble shooting being done.

[@gtemnykh]

Came here looking for this comment. Yes those looked like Dynatek 3ohm green coils. So they were in spec for what they are, but outside of OEM spec. A mis-diagnosis on that then.

[@shorterdanny]

nailed it..soon as you saw the green coils, screams aftermarket! but as you say still great to see someone taking the time. Skills are disappearing quickly these days....

[@nfo1347]

@@gtemnykh You will have a battery blow up in your face in the future. I know it. Cause you don't know ohms law.

[@pete4407]

@@gtemnykh Yep, those coils would have been fine in older aircooled 8 valve 1100, runs fine in mine. Slight possibility that those have done damage for old pickup coils.

[@billie7745]

But why did the coils made the bike not run?

[@MolltoMotto]

I really appreciate the fact that you let us know how many time this repair took, people use to think that their vehicles can just get in the shop and 30 minutes later it's ready to

[@Brainreaver79]

i am sure most repairs dont take a month. but there will be problems that can take this long.,.. or even longer

[@curm1778]

moral of the story? check for continuity and resistance even with new parts. saves a lot of diagnosis & installation frustration. strong work!

[@spartanx169x]

Rule # 1 never trust Ebay electrical parts, or any parts that have to function. Cosmetics like plastics, no big deal working parts? Very risky off of ebay.

[@jbromand]

@@spartanx169xcouldn't agree more. In this case you get what you paid for.

[@mhpp75]

Most of ebay electric stuff are shitty aliexpress "quality".@@spartanx169x

[@cory0898]

Amazing how intelligent Craig is and how much dedication he has for motorcycles. Love watching him work and listen to the amount of information he has.

[@thibni_]

I am of the same mind! So glad he got his own channel up and running since Shawn left for Tennessee. Watching Craig work as well as his personality is just wonderful ❤️

[@IArcticFoxOG]

I agree here! Jesus loves you, and so do I! Seek after Him!

[@high_monkey]

@@IArcticFoxOG keep your death cult for yourself

[@RorySRussell]

@@high_monkey Smoking cannabis is bad for you, mentally, physically, and spiritually. God can take away your need for cannabis and more important, let you keep your soul after the physical life has ended the spiritual life has just begun, where will you be, in the presence or God, or suffering wishing you were? Your choice.

[@high_monkey]

@@RorySRussell believing in god is bad for you physically, mentally, spiritual it makes you believe there is an invisible man living in the sky who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever 'til the end of time! But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can't handle money! In the end you have too grow up and stop believing in fairy tales life is life you got born you work and you die thats it

[@lothre]

Fantastic job done by Craig, when nobody else would touch it. No greater gut punch than making a bikes issue worse when 'fixing it', but Craig stuck with it and pulled it off! Well done Craig and Dan!

[@skipper9361]

I have the same exact problem on my 1989 Suzuki katana! You just helped me figure out what was wrong! Thank you

[@MyDyerMaker]

I had an 89 katana. Red with gold wheels. I rode that bike all over the southeastern US from FL to AR to NC.

[@tylerpellegrini2984]

Your a shining example of a dedicated and excited mechanic. You rock Craig, and Dan your an awesome cameraman love how your involved in the videos too

[@kellydrover1994]

It’s nice to see someone take the time to make old classics work again!

[@MrMambott]

Love my 2002 ZZR600 pulls the skin off your face sort of bike

[@TeensierPython]

Classic? Looks like a throw away to me. Build 10s of thousands or more at “cheap” prices and when it’s obsolete you buy the next cool new sport bike with whatever new wiz-bang new tech they have on them. Sport bikes are ridiculous.

[@T8J2124]

Long time bike n beards / srkcycles watcher here, i love this channel, as a mechanic theres so much channels out there, but they are all either too simple and trying to be cool, or they are way too long and unenjoyable to watch, Craig is just an amazing presenter with tons of knowledge and you manage to cut it into an interesting episode!! Please keep going Craig and co! Greetings from Europe!

[@thibni_]

His video editor is also very much worthy to be praised. He keeps the video to the point, showing the proper highlights and not cutting out the actual important parts. Also showing us the progress of time between shots and the whole evolution of the project

[@blipco5]

MotorcycleMD is also a great site.

[@steveh4564]

I owned that bike, bought it new in 1986 in NY. Still to this day the best all around motorcycle I ever had. Great to hear it again. Ps.. The Ninja 900 was the Tom Cruise Top Gun bike, not the 1000R you're working on.

[@vlratcliffe1]

Well done sir I'm glad someone else out there knows there motorbikes . .

[@chalkiesp2]

"Their"@@vlratcliffe1

[@JohnH20111]

sounds like the motorcycle has a slight fuel delivery problem

[@johnnymacf1]

I had this exact same.issue with my ZX-10 (UK). the carbs were gummed up and just needed a thorough cleaning and it was great again.

[@robertchristensen-xl2lo]

My exact thoughts it was the best sport touring bike I ever owned that didn't know it was before its time. I still miss that bike took me on some great trips to northern Wisconsin and also Western Wisconsin from its most south eastern city on the lake. She was heavy, but she ripped.

[@JacksTheRabbitsTube]

Nothing more satisfying putting on your gear to test all your hard work. Recently got my cylinders honed, installed new piston rings, and lapped the valves on my 130k mile Ninja 500. Test ride went good so I took it to VIR and ripped it around the track. Doesn't get better than that.

[@shawkard]

Absolutely superb to watch as someone returning to motorcycling after 18 years . As a UK 🇬🇧 engineer I was somewhat confused at first until I realised that the terminology you guys use for the coil types is different here in uk 🇬🇧 . A really entertaining and thoroughly educational video and of course I look forward to following you again . ☀️😎👍

[@mickh6426]

good to see "old school" mechanics still exist, here in my little part of the world it is hard to find a mechanic that will work on anything older than 10 years because all they want to do is have a computer diagnose the problem and then just replace the part. keep up the awesome work Craig. 👍👍

[@SGTJDerek]

One interesting side note I've found. That 10 year "rule" was implemented by the Insurance Industry. At least that's what my local dealership told me. Something about the parts aren't "Factory" available so they can't be warranted.

[@earlbrown]

@@SGTJDerek Another thing with using 10 years is parts availability. By law, the factory is required to supply every single replacement part for a machine for 10 years. After that, they don't have to anymore. So parts availability can become an issue. Back when I was a service manager, I would routinely turn away old stuff. The main two reasons were not just age, but previous modifications/hacks that would have to be found (the hard way) The other reason is a customer would pay $100 for a basket case, then think it could be fixed for a couple hundred. When you start talking ''thousands'' to get started (in 1990's/2000 dollars), the usual reply is ''but it's just a motorcycle''. Taking those bikes in would usually end up taken apart, pushed to the side, and waiting on the customer to bring in a deposit to order parts. And that time could have been spent actually servicing other machines. Instead of getting stuck with a bike and no title.

[@SGTJDerek]

@@earlbrown I can understand that but when a Bike that hasn't changed in 17 years without changing, is still available new and all you need is your tires installed, it's a little asinine.

[@earlbrown]

@@SGTJDerek Bikes chance a LOT when they sit. Plus, the basket cases I mentioned don't drive to my shop for a new set of tires. That's not a ''bring back from dead'', that's a tire install. (and when you learn that it might take 3 hours to beat the axle out to get the wheel off)

[@mickh6426]

it took a while but i recently found a mechanic to fix my 32yo zzr 1100, it cost me almost $2000au to have it fixed. some of us still want our old bikes running and are willing to pay for it. 👍@@earlbrown

[@motocafe7636]

The service advisor in me knows how legit Craig is when he says "replicate the issue" I should get that tattooed somewhere

[@FirstLast-dj4ho]

Craig you may benefit from an IV holder for your hanging fuel tank. Wheel it around where you need it and adjust for height.

[@EddSjo]

Should be ezpz to make one yourself. I know medical supply companies usually don't sell even the most basic stuff for cheap.

[@pumps32]

I bought my wheeled IV stand at an estate sale for $5 @@EddSjo

[@Scootersnmore]

Our shop we use a IV bag holder

[@joshrawlings2621]

Was it you who sent him One...?

[@spondal1]

Watching these videos reminds me of my dad’s motorcycle shop growing up. Him and one employee, took in every type of bike and brand, never had a diagnostic tool just could listen and shakedown and know what to fix.

[@Scott-gx4rc]

I have a buddy that's the same way,he just rev's one up and let's you know what's wrong with it and fixes it in minutes.

[@yayagazab4449]

The fairings alone drive mechanics insane. Moto mechanics fear that the amount of time put into fixing the problem will prohibitively increase the repair price so much that the customer will not pay because they won’t believe how much effort went into resolving the issue, so it becomes a cost benefit analysis decision. Glad you showed how difficult diagnosing and repairing a problem on an older bike can be.

[@edjackson4389]

You're right about the fairings. Got so sick of mine I turned it naked. Made some smaller body panels to cover the ugly parts. Bike looks good and a dream to work on

[@Tolbat]

You are a really good mechanic, when those replacement coils were "replaced" and you started it, it immediately sounded fixed.

[@Captain_Yodelstein]

Would have been nice to see Craig test the new coils and pickups in the same manner to see the difference.

[@Weracemachines]

wonder y...........

[@Chris-yy7qc]

I think the new pickup coils wouldve measured fine (ohms), but they somehow threw off the timing, as we could witness when the exhaust was banging and popping. Btw I think the old coils were fine. Seeing they measured the same and judging by the mounting brackets made me think those coils may be just sourced from a different bike. The problem clearly was the pickup coils.

[@xeronicus]

@@Chris-yy7qc Those were dyna coils, a really well known aftermarket brand of coil, I have them on 3 bikes I own and I've never had an issue. I'm curious if they were measured to "their" specs vs the factory ones....and also if the proper resistance caps and plugs were used. Another thing with setting carbs is on older bikes, It's a good idea to check the lifter shims BEFORE you set the carbs, especially if you know it's been sitting for awhile. My yamaha was so far out of whack it wouldn't even idle start, Took me 3 hours to trace it out and redo the shims.

[@innocuousmerchant8766]

literally just thinking this. but I am coming from a place of almost no mechanical knowledge.

[@innocuousmerchant8766]

@@xeronicus forgive my mechanical ignorance - just trying to learn from your comment. this was a case of valve clearance out of spec causing not enough air entering the carbs as a result?

[@geoffozevans4500]

Well done Craig , hope the customer paid you well, you did far more than any of the others were prepared to do 10/10

[@gijsv8419]

This job must have cost over 1000 or 2000 dollar. Much more as the current value of the bike. I have the same problem with motor which has not run for 15 years. The mechanic warns me for the costs although it is a great bike.

[@mkc471]

Man - you're so damn clever, Bearded One, wish you lived near me! I'm knockin' on the door of being 75, had 29 bikes, live on the iconic Isle of Man where bikes are endemic. but I still can't get my head around much. Big respect to you.

[@mrmsbhvn]

Very cool seeing this ole feller. I had a 600 Ninja (black w/red), bought it new when they 1st came out in '85. Sold it, then ended up buying another, except it was red w/white, and it was set up for track racing in Utah. Traded that in and bought a used '89 ZX-10 from the Newgate mall dealership in Ogden in '91, when a guy traded up for a '91 ZX1100. I ended up meeting him, and eventually buying that '91 from him as well. The bike haven't been ridden in more years than I want to admit, so seeing one of the brothers running/rolling around and loving, here really bring me great joy and memories. Thanks a ton!! Great fix-it vid.

[@wizardwithsmg]

Please add more footage of riding the finished product to your videos! The best parts are when it finally runs and when you get it going, would just love more of that.

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

I’ll keep that in mind! But most people hop off the video when we start the ride 🤷‍♂️

[@ste---]

I definitely agree with this! We want to see it fly!

[@wouterattheorgan]

@@ste--- well fly is a big word haha, still a customers bike. maybe a gixerbrah collab for the test ride ;)

[@davidlayton4310]

​@@The_Bearded_Mechanic yeah some people do hop of during the ride but the real ones that love all things mechanical will watch like me and this guy 😅 good project loved watching

[@thibni_]

​@@The_Bearded_MechanicAnd since this is a business, gotta keep focusing on what brings in the dough 😅

[@allandeal5273]

Fantastic! Another "Thumbs Up" for Craig. Craig, I'm enjoying your new content far more than the old stuff. You've gone from silly entertainment (B&B), to being an educator, while still being fun to watch and learn. Doing it all on a budget! You're proof that you don't have to spend big bucks to make good content about motorcycles. Thank you very much!

[@Herbybandit]

Nice one. You've always got to be wary of ebay stuff, sometimes it's knock off junk in oem packing! Another point, those Pod filters will cause carburation problems if the carbs haven't been re jetted to allow for the increased air flow.

[@lundyracing]

With CV carbs, another thing to be weary of is if those pods have a lip that prevents airflow to the diaphragm port, even partially. In addition, without a shared intake track(see stock airbox) it’s possible the carbs on the outside get more airflow and then you have sync issues. This setup was genius, but it’s very finicky unless dialed in. That’s why I’m converting to efi for my 82.

[@earlbrown]

I was a service manager back in the '90's and 2000's. It's untelling how many times I tossed a set of those pod filters and found a used factory airbox to fix the problem. And, oddly enough, ''Ninjas'' were the bikes that hated pods the most. With FZR's being a close second.

[@alrad5686]

Good job properly diagnosing and correcting the problem. Its a shame that technicians who not only have the skills, but also have the diligence to find and fix problems are disappearing.

[@jamaicatvtv4215]

The most important thing I learned from you is that Craig, as a mechanic, it is always best to install good factory parts. You followed the tech manual, and the culprit was faulty fake parts. Thank you for sticking with it and realizing that real genuine parts are what's recommended. Good video, Bearded mechanic and TY again for teaching us the right way.

[@rmax2]

Good job! 😀 Bought a 1985 900 Ninja brand new, absolutely loved that bike. Easy to work on, easy to change oil and adjust the valves. I went down at 130+ on that bike in 1992, bike was destroyed as well as a few body parts and skin of my own. About 2 months later I found the same model bike, transferred what HP goodies I could from the old pieces and rode that bike for a number of years. They were pretty much bullet proof as long as you stayed on top of maintenance and simply took care of the bike.

[@twocrowsdown]

I’ve got a registered and rideable A1 GPZ900R in my back shed 👍

[@uhtred7860]

I wouldn't call them "Bulletproof" they do have some well known issues (mainly the A1/A2 models) that are easily sorted. The biggest issue with them now days is finding a nice one that has been looked after and not gone through the hands of a complete eejit.

[@RadicalLinguisticDescriptivism]

Great bike! Nice to see you get the bugs worked out... those dang electrical gremlins are the worst. Cool that a classic bike like that one gets another shot at life! Hope the customer has fun riding it! Safely of course :D

[@richardraby6266]

Nice to be let in on the diagnostics process. These older 4 Cylinder bikes are becoming ever more difficult to get mechanics to work on, and their value is also becoming a factor in how much an owner is willing to invest. The solution is do it yourself and with videos such as this there is help at hand. Thank you for sharing and helping owner/amateur mechanics such as myself. Richard 1995 ZX7 L3 owner in Brazil.

[@stevenprobelski8029]

Wow! I appreciate your thought process in diagnosing the problem. Had an 85 -900R ,loved it. Wanted this very bike but got a girl friend, later wife. New bike became new car (for her) and soon no bike at all.... Why does that happen.... Glad I stumbled upon this video-just to hear the engine sound was refreshing. I'm closing in on 63 and thanks for giving me a nice memory!! Keep it up! Thanks for sharing, Steve

[@edwinbrewer1789]

Hey Craig great job! On your ohm check on the ignition coil secondary you had the plug wires in the circuit, which will add resistance. Just something to keep in mind. Keep up the great videos

[@FZ1RIDER]

I love watching you work on these old bikes and it impresses me on how much knowledge you have on fixing bikes. Great job and another great video, keep up the good work.

[@TheBradBusby]

Craig and Dan you guys are killing it on the views and content! Very happy you continued and created your own channel!

[@AyamHunters]

Enjoyed the methodical and thorough troubleshooting all wholesome and old school no swearing lol. Literally the James May of American Motorcycle channels.

[@parker1ray]

I had one do exactly the same thing. It was a coil that would break down once hot! I am 62 and do miss working on machines. I drag raced Mopar's and Bikes all of my life! I lost two brothers to motorcycle accidents and promised my mother that I would never buy another bike. I kept the promise for 20 years and eventually had to ride again. I had a very good friend who passed away last November. He was once of the best bike mechanics that I ever knew. He ate and slept motorcycle! Rest in peace Rodney Allen Jett!

[@alveus8205]

When Craig first started his own channel, I was kind of like meh. Now it’s one of my favourite channels. Well done sir.

[@Troubleshooter-2.0]

He's getting better. Having a camera guy helped a lot. Michelle at Fab Rats does a good job of keeping camera guys on hand. Derek's kid holds his camera some on VGG I think. Craig is pretty good with the camera. He speaks plainly and directly to the audience very well. He negotiates: stating the complaint, verifying the condition, discussing potential and most likely solutions, problem solving skill, and verification testing while attending to the bike and camera, fluidly. He's getting close to making Larry Potterfield how to videos. Good job Craig!

[@WreckedRevival]

that's actually so crazy to me that two other shops wouldn't test the stator coils, pickups, or ignition coils. Those are almost always the first things I'll go to for diagnosis after I've confirmed good fuel flow for carbies and good pumps for FI.

[@cordcd7]

I came into this video really thinking we were going to get a head scratcher. Perhaps because I've been through the ignition and related on my 1984 Nighthawk so I feel the pain of 40 year old electrical!

[@Shagnasty-bo5bj]

Many years ago I picked up a 1990 ZX-10 off craigs list. I did not have a chance to put too many miles on it but along with a carb problem it also, I eventually found out through trial and error, had the same type of coil problem. The owner had given up on it and he also had a garage full of toys to play with so it was just up against a wall covered in dust. I got the bike for a song and a dance.The bike had not ran for over 10 years and wasn't running worth a crap when the previous owner stopped riding it and gave up on it. Not doing a commercial here but for anyone out there having this problem you can get a set of new Dyna brand high energy coils and swap those out from the factory coils. Once I installed the Dyna coils in I was able to finish syncing the carbs. Gave her a bath and oh my god that bike was awsome and with only a little over 15000 miles on the clock it looked brand new and ran like new. Didn't have it very long before a collector of these types of bikes bought it from me somewhere down in Alabama. Kinda makes me wonder if this coil thing is a common problem with these bikes!!😁

[@bisnesjaya55]

Hi Craig, Im a aircraft mechanic, i love the you trouble shoot the problem. always refer to wiring diagram, manual and offcoz with good knowledge. Love your channel...keep it bro.

[@stevetarrant3898]

Australian here. In 1986, i got a GPZ900r, (they didn't have Ninja on the side, but were the same) blue/Silver. Absolutely fantastic bike.

[@soopahfly82]

I think a lot of places don't want to touch these older bikes because they can't plug their computer into it and have it tell them what's wrong. The diagnostic skills like this are dying.

[@johnr7022]

That plus they rather steer you in too something new with monthly payments..

[@earlbrown]

Actually it's because you have to tell the customer its going to be expensive, then take a parts deposit, then put a buch of labor in it to call them back for more money on the stuff you found, then call them back when the latest (hopefully) problems that appeared after fixing the problems before them.... And tell them how much more money in parts it's going to be before proceeding. Just to end up with a bike in the back corner, parts in boxes piled up, and a MIA customer that abandoned it.

[@davidtaylor2131]

A problematic BMW couldn't be fixed by dealers.. the swirl valves on inlet two were stuck... Took them all out car breathes better...

[@LastExile1989]

My family ran a shop in San Diego my dad always said the big 3 fuel electrical or air. With those you can trace down any issue engine wise.

[@1700iDiGuy]

Nice bikes i have a gpz400 i’m repairing after previous owner ruined it without realised (sump was full of fuel/oil and it did the rings in.

[@martingaardboe1232]

Im having a bad day, this is exactly what i need. You’re amazing craig ✌️

[@briangiven7399]

Here's hoping for a better tomorrow, friend! 🎉😊

[@XSGraham]

Nice video Craig. Good to see your diagnosis process. That problem with bad new parts has hit me before now. Frustrating but looks like you got back to checking them pretty quickly - maybe in real time you had a few hours of pondering (and swearing) !

[@briankrafczyk523]

Thanks for the memories!! Purchased this exact bike after watching Top Gun while on a 6 month cruise on board the USS Nimitz. Took leave in San Diego and flew home to Wisconsin. Purchased it new and drove back down to NAS Jacksonville FL. Had the overheating issue while going through construction in ATL... I MISS my bike!!

[@sebastiend.5335]

My first dealer bought bike was a GPX750R. A beast. Got taken off the road by the police for doing 125mph in a 50 zone. They took the bike away from me but I got to keep my license. Got the bike back after a year. I went to the track afterwards when I needed my speed fix. Good memories in the end. Mom was less than pleased. Great video. Many thanks from the Netherlands

[@a-nus]

Why'd you stop? 😂

[@sebastiend.5335]

@@a-nus lol!

[@turboboy0]

i remember these bikes fondly as well as the 1000 hurricanes. loved seeing the VANCE & HINES IGNITION ADVANCER. i think the reason they had the coils mounted JANKY like that is because they are DYNA brand coils which are designed differently (shape) and possibly the wrong ohm coils were purchased because ive used dyna and in my 32 years of riding never had one of their coils go bad.

[@RadioReprised]

Yeah...running the V&H advance on my 87 Ninja 750R I bought brand new! She's still beautiful!

[@steveclark..]

I gather that it's the same situation with a Yamaha RD350LC, if I were to get that brand of coil, I'd need to make a bracket/place it elsewhere.

[@ianmangham4570]

​@@RadioReprisedAWESOME machine 🤠🇬🇧🤘

[@scottcates]

Yeah, this subject bike had some janky prior maintenance.

[@webdev217]

Oh brought back memories there. I had an 88 Hurricane 600

[@odyshopody9387]

Excellent job trouble shooting the problem. I've got an old Kawasaki Concours 1000, same engine as the Ninja, and do all the work myself because very few mechanics want to touch it. Just a little history, we all knew about the Ninja's before Top Gun. I graduated in 86, and I remember the first of what I'd call the modern day rice rockets were the Honda Interceptors, then the Ninja's GPZ's came out and that was the hot bike until the Suzuki GSXR's made their debut in 86. The one Maverick had was a Ninja GPZ 900R, still a hot bike!

[@uhtred7860]

The GPZ 900R (we never knew it as the "Ninja") is still a good bike it outlived not only the bike that was supposed to replace it, but the bike that was to replace the replacement! You could still buy it as a new bike well into the 90s here in NZ, and was still selling in Japan until 2003. This model tho, was a fizzle, it did nothing better than the 900R and was poorer than it in many areas. Still its nice to see a decent one again, haven't seen one that wasn't a basket case in years.

[@JackD.Sparrow]

you sure can

[@Wild1Banana]

Craig I never fail to learn more valuable diagnoses tips watching you work on these old glory bikes from the past your a real Ninja mechanic.

[@cyrilagnew7651]

When I joined the military in 1985 my friend owned a 1000R Ninja, the bike your working was my introduction to biking. That was 39 years ago....now I ride a Goldwing. Great video, glad I found you

[@s042203]

I had a similar problem with my old Suzuki GSX400X. It turned out to be the ignition coil losing power when the engine is hot. It took some time to figure out. Now I haven't watched the video to the end, it will be interesting to see if it's the same problem (probably not)

[@jimmydcricket5893]

Probably is, that's what coils do. Check their well grounded.

[@robscott8834]

I wonder if one of the (probably) many previous owners changed out the factory coils for “performance” coils. Old high performance bikes like this had plenty of power, but for many owners there’s a whispered temptation to do things and add stuff to “make it faster”. The sketchy DIY-ish coil mounts would immediately make me suspicious, especially given that the coil resistance was so much higher than spec.

[@katywalker8322]

Yep, they were green Dyna coils

[@uhtred7860]

I used to work at a shop that had a Factory Pro dyno, and what used to amaze owners constantly was A: how little HP their bikes made at the rear wheel compared to the figure quoted in the sales brochure, usually 20/25hp less, as the factories measured HP "At the crank" then the advertisement dept embellished it. And B: how little HP their flash, new, shiny "performance" part made, (often they would lose HP). Before dynos made advertisers of aftermarket performance parts kinda honest, some of the claims for go faster bits were outrageous.🤣

[@katywalker8322]

@@uhtred7860 years back I remember someone showing off their dyno graph for their bike showing an impressive power figure for that engine. In small writing on the graph you could see a correction figure listed on the graph. 20%!

[@FeloniousSavage]

Everytime Craig gets an old bike running his beard grows one new gray hair... - The Beard of Knowledge 😂😂😂

[@davidbeaver39]

WOW Craig, as usual I'm simply blown away by your abilities!!!! Important lesson here is that E-Bay stuff sucks, always install good factory O. E. M parts. It's clear to see why shops are afraid of a bike like this. It takes skill, knowledge, patience and old school technique to really over come certain problems not typically found!!! Awesome episode, awesome job Craig and crew. Love this channel!!!

[@MiDontCareClaffy]

My '86 1000R burned in a garage fire in the 90's so I came here to hear it run again. Teared up a bit even. Thank you.

[@motorsonny]

You are acting as a true inspiration for my personal restoration journey with vintage motorcycles. thanks so much for these inspiring videos! Love it!

[@shaunhardie6077]

Good to see that you managed to get the old barge running. When watching you take the cover off to inspect the "Trigger coils" I noticed that the bike has been fitted with a "Vance&Hines" ignition advancer plate, so that will affect the slow running a little bit, plus the ignition coils were a set of "Dyna" coils, again that will give slightly different reading. Anyhoo, glad it all ended up running, but those pod filters would go straight in the bin if it were my bike, 🤣.

[@scottcates]

Agreed

[@wetleyrocks3092]

Just watched and wanted to mention those Dyna coils. BIG deal/bragging rights back in the day 👍

[@uhtred7860]

Yep, pod filters with CV carbs are a pain in the arse, and CVs always work better with the airbox.

[@monsterkxf]

Craig, the real TopGun 🤘🤘

[@Antony_Jenner]

I still have my GPZ 900r I bought in 1984. In my tool kit I carried a 800ohm resistor because if one of the trigger coils fails the igniter box shuts down which on mine could happen often. Buy placing the resistor across the trigger coil that's failed it completes the circuit and I ride home on 2 cylinders. Good work guys, I love my bike.

[@Importman2009]

Nice to see someone actually spending the time to diagnose the problem and use old-school methods without hooking up to all sorts of computers.

[@chuch541]

This man deserves all the successes. Force the beards to reunite!

[@larryhullinger4141]

Try and force anybody to do anything and your asking for trouble

[@chuch541]

@@larryhullinger4141 it’s a joke brother, relax. But you’re right. Proud of both of my brothers in Christ, THE almighty.

[@sstace69]

Naw, I actually like his quieter manner without all the verbosity

[@cameronsienkiewicz6364]

The reason most shops these days won’t fix older equipment like this is because the art of diagnosing something based off of the symptoms being exhibited is a dying art.. most techs these days go straight for the laptop/ipad to diagnose through the sensors on the vehicle .. and since it’s mostly new kids coming in to shops these days, they don’t even want to try looking at them

[@gaspump]

Think about how long it took to diagnose and fix this bike. It's a cool bike but would YOU want to pay a hundred labor hours for a bike you can get for a grand or two? They absolutely can do the work. No one wants to pay for it.

[@CGR89]

A classic example of “HOW MUCH?!? I got a buddy who can do it for WAY cheaper”

[@smoothboye4203]

Or a classic example of taking to to a shop and spending like 2k for them to say "we tested the... (10 minutes later) and we can't get it figured out."

[@MPulicci78]

I bought this same bike brand new in 1986 at G&G cycles in. Salisbury Massachusetts. My friend had the GPZ900 ninja like in the Top Gun movie.. after riding that I was sold on Kawasaki.. and bought the 1000R. I had it 13 years and put over 50 thousand miles on it.. I took it to Sturgis in South Dakota.. back in 2000.. it ran like crap do to the altitude difference and the speedometer cable broke.. I sold it soon after for $2500 bucks.. if that cable hadn’t broke I might of kept it just to see how long that motor would have lasted… then I lost my license for 6 years.. after that I bought a 98 ZX900 then the 04 ZX10r then on to the bike I have now.. 2006 ZX10R. This bike will probably take me to the end… lots of great memories and pictures.. let the good times roll…

[@Justk75]

Superb mate well done .I'm a mechanic of 33vyears and love your videos .real vids real problems fails and successes .watching from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@spoonvalleyracing]

That airfilter setup will probebly set you back 20-30hp midrange, stock carbs needs the stock airbox to work correctly.

[@Anditover]

What you are displaying sir, is attention to detail. It makes all the difference. Just having a plan, knowing what you're looking at, and caring about your customers bikes are simple things that so many shops seem to forget.

[@jamesalexander7540]

I learned decades ago to start at the power source and then follow the power to whatever piece of equipment you had. I am glad that was basically your tact on the repair. I can not imagine why a shop did not just say tune up with new plugs, plud wires, coils, and pick up coils.

[@neilbutler-wasabirc8941]

Awesome. Nice seeing people work on older bikes. I had one of these back in the day. Mine was black with red pin stripes. Great bike.

[@philbrady702]

Beautiful example of old school Ninja 1000R. Been a fan since I first saw an 85 600R whip a GPZ750 in a drag race (on the rear wheel too). Had an 06 ZX-14 and miss it immensely. Ninja is what started the whole sportbike phenomenon, IMHO. Great job, Craig!!

[@JustsayinAgain]

That red 1000R brings back happy memories of the example I owned for a few years back in the late 80's. Loved it and the bikes that followed, ZX-11 and ZX-14.

[@oldschool6268]

Dude you don't know the memories who have brought back to me, in 1986 I was a sophomore in high school, a classmate cousin and another guy rode up on a 1986 600R Ninja and the Ninja 1000R I was already wanting one, my dad tried to buy me a car and I said no, I want a motorcycle, so I rode the bus till I graduated 😂, after I got my B2000 euro Mazda, I purchased a brand new FZR1000, I did ride a 600R Ninja once for 30 minutes, but it came naturally. GSXR1100,s GSXR1000, DRZ400E hayabusa and a ZX14R now came after, ZL1/1LE and a pro touring chevelle twin turbo. Man you made me feel like a kid again ! Thank you !

[@SailingFrolic]

I’m glad I get to watch you work on a bike that’s almost identical to mine. Gives me a ton of insight, and makes me feel much more confident about working on my own

[@mikef3300]

I like the full fairing look on the older sport bikes. I remember when they first came out and my friends and I wanted one. I still have my 04 GSXR750 after 20 years. It has the full fairing look but is fuel injected which is nice. With just regular maintenance it’s been pretty much trouble free. Cool to see you put another cool older bike back on the road

[@daniellargey8430]

1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R, the top gun model I did own the same model you are working on. Brought back great memories but sold when I realized you can only go so fast for so long before the tix pile becomes insurmountable. Nice work and thanks for sharing your knowledge, as someone else mentioned a real mechanic on duty, which makes it look easy.

[@michaelmcdermott1877]

I used to work on a lot of these old Kawasaki's. The ignition coils were one of their weak points, and as you discovered, they don't run well on cheaper after market coils. All of these old Kawasaki's were the same, the GT550 and 750, GPZ and GPX600s all suffered from coils issues. Also the pins on the ignition box CDI would rot and break off causing running issues too. At least you got there in the end, and hats off to your patience with the bike. As a mechanic myself, we've all been there, a ten minute diagnoses becomes a nightmare. I guess this is why other shops didn't want to take on the job. Personally I love the challenge, it makes you a better mechanic, and you never stop learning even though this is a simple machine with carburettors.

[@Richiemouse]

Those individual round pod filters cause so many running issues, most likely cheap junk. I'd recommend your customer bin those and if he still wants to be air box free then fit something like K&N oval filters.

[@stephenmason5773]

Same issue I had with my 89 ninja GPX ninja 600R. You are an amazing mechanic! Learn a lot from you!

[@GabrielOrozco-e1b]

I remember my dad said there was a tsb for the 88 model, the ground that went to the frame right under the seat and the would put that ground directly to the battery. And it cool to watch him set the carburetors up with the set of mercury gauges. It's awsome to you fixing this awsome bike👍

[@jeffwoods9816]

Had a 1970 Ford F250 highboy with a 360 engine on the farm as a teenager, I was getting ready to do a tune up because it was running rough. Started pulling plug wires while it was running pulled 4 or 5 before I started to notice a difference in it running. At that time parts were cheap just thew all new ignition parts at it, cap, rotor, plugs etc.. Ran great after that

[@joemay2640]

Great work, i get a kick out of taking a bike that is old broken and worthless and getting it up and running and looking good. Great feeling.

[@Starborn3000]

22:07 you hear that engine....Thats how its supposed to sound, you fixed it man great job, thats an awesome bike, 1986 beauty!!

[@simonfowler7561]

Well done Beard great work!!! You must have been gutted when the Ebay coils let you down but you thought thro this one GREAT work indeed!!! You saved this bike. Simon

[@MrGaryGG48]

Craig, you just earned another subscriber. I rode my first motorcycle while my dad was stationed in Germany in the Army, in 1962. It was a friend's 1953 BMW 500 twin, in an apple orchard near Ludwigsburg, Germany. There has been a long line of them over the years since then. Your logical, common sense troubleshooting technique is far too rare these days. I knew an old guy that had a small BMW shop in a nearby town but it dried up around him during the covid crap and there's no one locally that can come close to his skills. As I mentioned, guys with your skills are becoming seriously rare... maybe you have a third cousin that's planning to move out to the west coast... no? Oh well. 😂 I'll be enjoying your videos for a long while... maybe I can even learn a thing or three along the way. Thanks for all the work that goes into these videos. It's appreciated!

[@SteveBrecht]

When these came out I was in my mid-teens... they were awe inspiring. Being of the same generation I feel for this bike, I'm super brittle now too.

[@ronniewilkerson2027]

I've never watched one of yours and enjoyed it. My 1st thought after just listening was the coils so it tickles me because I've not ridden or worked on one in a while. Had a 900 ninja years ago and I had a lot of good times with it. Was a year or two before that one. I know it would do 165 all day long and comfortable. Best bike I ever had. Thanks.

[@Paul.Douglas]

Nice fix! Great to see one of the old "classic" Ninjas alive and well.

[@joegoncalves2496]

Awesome work Craig! I've been down that road a few times with bikes. Always so rewarding when you get it right though. Also, love the sound of a old Kawi with a 4 to 1!🏍🏍🏍

[@johnbutler5650]

This reminds me of something my dad always says when something is running like crap and I’ve scratched my head for an hour : “ 90% of carburetor trouble is in the ignition “. This is ( and I’m going out on a limb here ) ALWAYS true. I generally quote the “Honda Whisperer “ John Maclefresh ( ClevelandMoto podcast . I’m not affiliated, but it’s a great podcast about working on old garbage …. And drinking, apparently ): “ I’ve never met a carb that didn’t need cleaning “. The two best pieces of advice regarding the internal combustion process that I have ever gotten.

[@jamesgordon4754]

This has actually given me the confidence to tackle my own RX, there's a consistent problem with the fuel tanks rusting internally, easily cured with a good clean and an inline filter. First I need to unseize the brakes, ditch the original airbox (you need at least 3 hands to line the carbs up and get it all back together again) new tyres, fresh oil and plugs, and see if I can't get the old girl running again. Values in the UK are so low £1000/£800 I don't want to invest too much but it's such a great bike when running sweet. Great sound as well.

[@williamclark4759]

Man I can watch your videos all year long and not get bored one bit, without a doubt the best motorcycle channel on here💙 keep smashing it Craig🦸‍♂️

[@Deacon2071]

Coils are a never ending issue on my 5.4L ford. It has over 270k miles ant the coils only make about 90k. About 1 out 4 coils are bad out of the box. I use heat from the stove to replicate the heat ohming test. Works most of the time. Great job Craig. Thanks for the content.

[@popsxbox]

Man I love your videos. I bought a Kawasaki VN 800 A last year with 10,000 miles on it. It’s a 2005 and all original. It’s cool seeing someone old school those bikes back to life. Keep em coming

[@Ncollins99]

I went thru an identical situation Craig on my 1994 Ducati 900SS. Super frustrating buying 'new' ebay coils that don't work! Nothing like buying NOS from some guy in Slovenia! Live and learn!!

[@paulmcb9070]

The aftermarket Dyna coils were the issue - they're not normally compatible with original ignition parts and usually need to be installed as part of a complete ignition replacement kit. Going back to stock coils, working with stock ignition components, was the best option

[@szrpopovic]

Great thing about older bikes is there is a complete manual in pdf for the bike you can download! I managed to open engine and replace main chain in my Kawasaki Zephyr 750..just using that manual!