Freddie Dobbs' Bonneville | Off With The HEAD!

[@FreddieDobbs]

It’s a joy to watch you rectifying all of the issues! Painful to watch, but a joy! Thank you, Joe🙂🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@TheWurks]

No problem pal… its quite the roller coaster we’re on!

[@nouradel6763]

Your bike will be greater

[@MorningNapalm]

By the time this is done, it will not just be a Bonneville, it will be a Wurks Special Bonneville! Make up a badge!

[@richardbartlett6932]

Great work great video well edited. The narration really makes a huge difference congratulations Nicely done.👍 I guess it's fair to say Freddie's bike isn't a garage queen.. Thanks again

[@banzobeans]

Restored 2024 Anno Domini by TheWurks

[@Itsallgoinghoff]

For those of us that have to rely on experts to look after our pride and joys, it's sad that this trust is abused. Thank you for your structured meticulous approach showing that there are people out there that take pride in their work.

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

Probably my favourite KZbin series atm

[@leslielamont8032]

Watching from Vancouver Island.This Series is more compelling than anything on Netflix!!! take my money$!

[@TheWurks]

Thanks!

[@ianseddon9347]

Scary to watch. I’ve never had professional work done on a bike in over 50 years, but I’ve been thinking things are getting so complicated and I’m getting old! But looking at this maybe I just need a new skill set and a tighter belt! 🙈 - a great watch - very interesting to see the inside of the 853 motor. I guess my water cooled Bonnie is even more complicated 😱. I can’t wait for the next video. Thanks Joe ( and missing Emily!)

[@rob2941]

I absolutely agree with your decision to replace both the head and barrels, it would be false economy not to. Freddie can ride his bike in total confidence that the repair has been carried out in the correct manner and professionally.

[@darrylredmill4376]

Omg, kingdom must be hiding behind the sofa

[@Jim-hm7fb]

Kingdom sized elephant in the room on every episode of this series!

[@NickSyms]

I,m the guy who bumped into you at Hitchcocks the other friday (p.m).Nice to see somebody who has knowledge of engineering saving Freddies bike.Previous job was clearly cack handed ,and when you add in getting the cam chain 2 teeth out on the camchain,they should be named and shamed.

[@TheWurks]

Hey Nick, thanks for checking in! It was great to meet you pal. Ive got a season ticket to Hitchcocks at the moment. We’re just glad we could get Freddies back on the road and the same for Wrens Enfield!

[@georgegalea1937]

I’m always on the hunt for videos that show the inside of my beloved Bonnie. Now I hope to never see the inside of my own. Thanks for showing such detail and care. They are a bike worthy of care that would avoid such repairs.

[@stuartosborn4785]

When Freddys' bike is done and dusted ill still be a permanent viewer of your channel . Its a pleasure and education watching you work . Makes me feel embarrassed about some of the bodging i did in my despatch riding days 😳

[@louisjones2653]

In my experience as a mechanic, diagnosing and fixing a previous shoddy repair attempt is always more costly, time consuming, and laborious than taking a first crack at it. It's a shame that the barrels were needlessly damaged in addition to the cam timing being out; the previous shop did more harm than good to Freddie's bike and made the proper job much more costly than it needed to be. Good call on playing it safe, especially given the scarcity of the base gaskets.

[@johnnyboy1586]

I would be telling that shop that did the repairs YOU MUFFED IT !!

[@pggp273]

I'm not trying to be clever in hindsight but I did warn Freddie about that repairer at the time. Unfortunately people just thought I was trolling them. I just wish someone had listened.

[@timoplants5869]

No idea what a base gasket is. Could someone let me know?

[@kiwiingenuity1677]

​@@timoplants5869the base gasket is at the opposite end of barrel where it comes together with the bottom cases.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Come on people hit the like button. It doesn't hurt!😂

[@johnnyboy1586]

I did !😇

[@andrewoh1663]

One gains the impression that your workshop isn't heated... ;-)

[@TheWurks]

We have a small element heater but try to run it a little as possible...

[@stevefleming4450]

You sir should be the #1 go to guy to fix triumphs. You should be a millionaire.

[@passinthru4328]

Love to see people work who really care about what they’re doing.

[@robmance1611]

I am in awe of how you understand every little piece and how they relate to each other. You have to be part engineer, part mechanic and part detective at any time which is what makes this fascinating for me. Thanks and good luck!

[@yellownev]

A great watch, Mr Dobbs is a lucky fella having you help him. It's going to be a 'Triggers broom' of a Bonnie with all the parts being replaced. The best compliment I can give you is I think you are a young Alan Millard !! Sealey should be looking to gift you a nice bike table to protect your back ! Thanks for the entertainment

[@derekp2674]

I agree. (PS - the correct spelling is Allen Millyard but I'm sure he is not the type to get wound up by misspellings.) Long ago, when AM had a day job outside of motorcycling, I had the pleasure and privilege of working on a project with him and some of his staff. On any day when he'd brought one of his bikes to work, he was always happy to chat about it with any of us there.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Sealey should gift him an entire workshop heated with gas (before it's illegal) 👌

[@johnnorth9355]

Ah the gift that keeps on giving. Repairing someone elses work is a voyage of discovery that in the end leads to a total rebuild. Your patience will pay Freddie dividends in the future.

[@alanrichardson1672]

Fantastic level of workmanship going into this bike, must be worth beer for a year at the least! 👍

[@johnparsons4941]

Another fantastic insight to a mechanics world. Freddie is a lucky man to have you.

[@MrDesmonick]

It's absolutely shocking that a workshop would do such a shoddy job! 😮 Especially on a bike that will be in the public eye. Have they replied to what has been found so far?

[@iancharlesworth3654]

My sentiments too my friend. SHOCKING WORK.

[@jimmymac9388]

Bet they thought the engine wouldn't be taken apart again.

[@MrDesmonick]

@jimmymac9388 maybe if they'd done a proper job it wouldn't have been! I wonder how much Freddie paid them! 🤔

[@karenrogers8571]

@@MrDesmonick about 800 quid from memory

[@MrDesmonick]

@@karenrogers8571 😳🤦‍♂️

[@markhollier3498]

You’re a perfectionist Joe. Nothing wrong with that.

[@petewarby7158]

I've literally NO IDEA what you're doing but it's fascinating to watch! 😂

[@michaelsquires984]

Could I speculate that the piece embedded in the cylinder head is the small piece that is broken from the end of the helicoil after fitting? (is it called the tang) Anyway, it is a joy to see someone with such high standards of cleanliness and workspace orgaisation fixing Freddies bike.😀

[@stevebrayshaw7228]

Good work, actually feels like you are talking to yourself, while we just have the pleasure of seeing and hearing your thoughts.

[@karlbarber1036]

Can't fault your determination to sort this bike out 🤞🤞

[@TheWurks]

Thanks, we keep going till its done!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Glad you removed the entire loom too. Worth giving that a thorough inspection given the electrical gremlins. Though, you did find some connectors still packed with grease which is encouraging 👍

[@karenwiltshire4311]

Just a fabulous watch, nice one Joe

[@thomascharnock]

Fascinating stuff. I have nowhere even approaching 1% of the knowledge you have when it comes to engines but it's really interesting to see you go through this meticulous process. Freddie defintaley owes you a pint!

[@Uncle_Tijikun]

Agreed with those that say this bike needs a custom badge or at least a lacquered sticker as a testament to Joe's skill. This amount of work and the skill with which it's being done must be recognized not only by viewers IMHO

[@Lilgreenshed]

It has quickly become my favourite past time reading all your comments and seeing how much you are all enjoying and benefiting from Joe's videos. We are really invested in the project and look forward to our workshop time together sharing Joe's progress. 😊

[@richardbonn3882]

GOOD ON YOU ! GOOD JOB !

[@markhinde6187]

Free motorcycle instructional post, all great stuff, thanks Joe

[@TheWurks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1mikefrost]

I'll be pacing around waiting for the latest instalment ! 😂

[@StuartHep]

I think your very wise to change the barrels 🏍️🏍️

[@2wheelsG]

I was one of those asking why you didn’t consider having the old cylinder head repaired - yep I get it now. What an (unexpected and costly) palarva. Great job Joe, looking forward to seeing this sorry Bonnie live again 👍

[@TheWurks]

Indeed, we are very fortunate to have the support of Chris at UTP

[@volt8684]

20k views and 3.7k likes. As others have said, everyone, this is one of the most skilled and enthralling work and engineering on here. Please if you view can you not hit like for Joes sake. I have to say Joe is all this worth it would a recon engine have been more economical? I will never complain about taking carbs and throttle bodies off my yamaha bulldog again. How do you become this skilled Joe? Can you give us an intro to your life. Obvs dad was an influence? Cant see how to buy you a coffee?

[@TheWurks]

Thanks for the support pal! In general possibly, we have been very fortunate in this instance to have the help of Chris at UTP providing the replacement head/barrels & pistons at an unbelievable cost to help get Freddies bike back on the road. In normal circumstances absolutely the average person would likely tear it down this far. Find what we have a shoot for a replacement motor. The circumstances, the owner of this bike and the fact its got such a passionate audience is what has made the difference here. Video on this topic will be at the end of the build!

[@barryjmarling]

Great video as someone with no machanical knowledge,love watching these videos,thank you.

[@danweston6043]

That bonneville will be better than new once you've finished Joe. 👍👏👏

[@MikMech]

Your own bike... Maybe. But someone elses is a different story. You're doing a bang up job. 👍

[@TheWurks]

Thanks!

[@jedw9983]

Your knowledge of the interior of a motorcycle is unbelievable. Exceptional.

[@simoncaddick9085]

The difference between a Fitter and a Mechanic, then, a Mechanic and a Technician - by rights, all Mechanics should be Technicians (what helps with this, is brand specialty).

[@Lyingleyen]

100% agree with your decisions Joe. Going to be a superb bike once it's finished.

[@GaryCrisp-di2yw]

It's like a suspense thriller watching Freddie's bike being restored. Joe Columbo in the 21st Century restores The Six Billion Dollar Bike! I can hardly wait for the next episode. I admire your skills, patience and dedication Joe and I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing Freddie's response when you finally solve the mystery. Great Work at The Wurks. 👍

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal!

[@thewiltshirerider01]

You know your stuff, follow those amazing instincts you have

[@karachaffee3343]

This is like pulling a thread on the sleeve of a knit sweater ...

[@peterberesford-l3s]

Freddie is lucky to have such a great mechanic!!!

[@teneretraveller8980]

Excellent work. The plot thickens.. Riveting to watch. 👍

[@EnglishVeteran]

Really interesting 👍🏻

[@PaulTomlinson-rs7wk]

you set a great example joe and although i pretty much have no idea what your talking about most of time its great watching you work on freddies bike, one ive had the joy to ride. the comment you made about freddie drinking coffee and providing great entertainment, superb. some mechanics if not most here on tenerife would do well to take a leaf from your book👍

[@25chief39]

My goodness! How much more durable and infinitely rebuildable a T140 is!

[@ianfutcher1518]

Brilliant work by the Wurks

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Like the gold frame on your bike! Great colour combo

[@TheWurks]

Thanks!

[@chrissteer9215]

A very good decision on the barrels and I’m really enjoying this project 👌

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Years ago i broke down a BSA A10 engine but this modern one is way beyond my skill set thats for sure, your quite brilliant.

[@mikewoodward5765]

Excellent work buddy, it’s a shame that that previous workshop made it that bad

[@kdsowen2882]

Well-done again and an excellent-call on the barrels/pistons , it makes total-sense to me in this situation Dave nz

[@SuperSetsquare]

This is by far my favourite thing to watch.

[@johnparsons4941]

Love it cant wait

[@londonbiker]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching you work on this Joe, unfortunately I probably have even less knowledge than Freddie about motorbikes and engines so watching you is enthralling, you're a star, fantastic work, or is that wurk.

[@TheWurks]

Wow, thanks!

[@gabriellindstrom5963]

Iincompetent mechanics shouldn't play around with people's bikes. You are great, keep doing what you do!

[@TheWurks]

Thank you!

[@alexgarvey-welch.748]

Top job mush, I was one of the Time Cert opinion people but you're 100% right, wouldn't try it twice. Good skills and well done on spotting the barrel issue. Keep up the great work!

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal!

[@noeldoran8884]

Highly anticipated return to the road Great workmanship and explanation Joe

[@antonoat]

Great stuff, always a real pleasure to see a pro at work! cheers.

[@geofwassell]

To be honest, the standard of previous "professional" workmanship on this bike doesn't shock me, its exactly what I would expect from the highstreet dealer who must make a profit no matter what. The damage to the barrel and head might have been from the original helicoil drive tang which is designed to shear off. i couldnt quite see but it might be a possible source. Its very surprising that it wasnt spotted when the work was done. The chain of issues with this particular bike are illustrative of the current state of the aftermarket services.: very few people left who have the knowledge and as a result still fewer who can spot a good job from a bad'un. Helicoiling by hand is awkward since hand held drills are very prone to wandering. I've never liked helicoiling but its ok for smaller threads. Larger threads are much more difficult especially plug threads which are prone to leaking too. All credit to you for not badmouthing previous workmanship on film .I think that if it were mine , I would remove the offending bump on the barrel, lap it so that there are no remaining protrusions, chemical metal it and reinstate the flat surface and thenbolt it back together with all new gaskets. I am not certain what material the original gaskets are but they look like they might be exfoliated graphite in which case , there's a very good chance that type of gasket would seal and never fail. However, the bike isnt yours and your reputation hangs on it and so I quite understand your decision.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you! Yeah in general if the head/barrels were so hard to find or extortionate to purchase I'd be all over a fix. As you say given it isn't my bike and he's happy to pay for the parts, that's the avenue we're taking...

[@jamesstanbridge9211]

Assuming the helicoil was done on on the bench it would be damned bad luck for it to get suck on the head surface without noticing before refitting - not impossible I suppose. New barrels nice but I don't think it would have leaked using the old ones - plenty of material around the 'ding' still. Could also explain why the head was torqued up so tight with that material in there ?

[@ThatBobGuy850]

Great video, Joe - as you said, talk about a roller coaster! I just hope you can get it all sorted out before you run out of time and energy. Plus, your shop looks cold! Who knew that this would be such an involved and complicated project?

[@billconnor103]

Joe is a top man 💪💪

[@stevesanelli90]

Ohh my, the list of destruction just keeps on going. Thanks Joe for giving the Bonne the magic touch from the genius 🤙 Action packed & enthralling. I think Freddie will be afraid to ride this after the resurrection.

[@TheWurks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@josephchai4401]

Fantastic collaboration, great yo watch👍

[@timrobinson7383]

Great videos and really interesting to see the strip down and repair. Keep up the good work.

[@gradbuckie]

good lord, that shop that did the original work should have the beans litigated out of them!

[@Steve-wx9gl]

Another good video clearly explained

[@ogri48]

yup. another full agreement here. imho your making all the right decisions, freddie has good reason to know his bikes in very good hands. onward and upward mate. 👍

[@biker_dale]

So glad to see you are taking your time and picking up on all the little things many would miss or not be bothered about. It's easy to hide things in an engine rebuild to get it up and running and get it out the door. At least with your way it doesn't return because it was done right first time.

[@darrenp1711]

Watching you completely rip that bike apart and i’m panicking about fitting my own crash bars :)

[@simoncaddick9085]

No panic, put aside enough time (be realistic), take care, try not to short cut and use the opportunity to build your tool kit. You'll always learn all kinds of stuff about your machine, doing even the most mundane tasks.. ..and then there's the chance to clean (and lube) those awkward bits. 'Not so easy sat on your backside on cold tarmac outside on a dark drizzly evening (but still do it though, eh)..

[@sonnyf1213]

awesome

[@TheWurks]

Thanks!

[@devonbikefilms]

Good job. Nice to see someone who knows their business doing good work.

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

Never have I seen the mess your finding here. Just wow.

[@teebne]

I look forward to your Sunday episodes. Freddie is very fortunate to have hooked up with you. Hope this is of great benefit to you as well.

[@sailaway4559]

Great job, thanks for sharing

[@Biggles83]

I could watch you work all day Joe! Quality stuff mate! Happy for Freddie too

[@TheWurks]

Thanks 👍

[@bikegeist]

💡I think Freddie could make those pieces destined for scrap into a rather nice coffee table for his fancy picture books.

[@TheWurks]

There's an idea...

[@robedmunds7163]

There is maybe okay and done right, nice to see you are doing it right, hope Freddie appreciates it all.

[@brucehosie5344]

As I commented to a lesser degree on Freddie, your mech/ elec knowledge is bloody brilliant, takes me back to my pops and his mates chatting next to stove as I buggered up the tappet settings for the umpteenth time! The ccm looks like a love rebuild, really old mate has a B44, amongst other things, that he rebuilt from is Dad's bits bin, Had a couple of T90's in the 80's, loved 'em and miss 'em. Like the partscaster and Laney double channel, I toured using a Mexican Tele and an LC30, no effects board bloody lovely! Nice work mate keep it on!

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal, yeah I absolutely adore my BSA/CCM special. It's a real connection for me and my dad!

[@ripmax333]

My God, when you trust your beloved motorcycle to some amateurs they can really screw it up for good. I'm really happy now to see this Bonneville in good hands. Hopefully we could see freddie riding it again on some more adventures.

[@Fishingfrancewitholiver]

Great video mate . A very interesting watch ..😊

[@TheWurks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jetrex1986]

Very interesting to see the strip down --keep them coming.

[@nicholasparkin6979]

Quality work Joe.

[@shedend3066]

Another great video - great job mate really impressive. PS love your scrambler as well quality looking bike

[@TheWurks]

Thanks! Yeah that bike has a special place with me...

[@timjkiely]

good call on Freddie's bike .

[@reinmansmith]

While you have the engine stripped that far it makes sense to replace the barrels and pistons… it’s been a pleasure watching you working through Freddie’s problems 👍

[@oldmanvlogger9259]

you are a genius!

[@joemabry9643]

Thank you.

[@rochellegritton6016]

Looking forward to it.😮

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Brilliant job and video.

[@mattus1gig]

That’s proper naughty! Looks like they let the YTS kid rebuild it.

[@philmorrow2446]

Good call. Def a replacement barrels job. I agree with you that to skim the head would be too tight with those tolerances. Looked like a wee bit of swarf from the insert job not properly cleaned. good to see something being done properly. You could work on my bike anytime!!

[@droidster888]

Great work mate, might as well go the whole hog with the replacement barrels… I wouldn’t wanna have to pull it all apart again. The relative simplicity of rebuilding my T140 top end makes me wonder if I’d attempt the modern version at home! Fascinating stuff as I have a modern Triumph also, so I’m getting a good look inside with this series!

[@paullane8586]

Another great video. Seeing the details of the damage. I totally agree with your approach. Top job.

[@TheWurks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pedroc6823]

That was an amazing find. Looking forward to the next one. When ever this ends, I will make sure to save all of them for a Marathon rainy or snow day.

[@roberthocking9138]

I agree with you, by the time you fixed the spark plug thread correctly and had the heads and block surface ground, it would cost about the same as good second hand parts anyway.

[@TheWurks]

Yeah in this instance its a reflection of time and I/Freddie are very fortunate to have the support of Chris at UTP providing parts!