REBUILDING THE UK'S CHEAPEST HONDA BLACKBIRD

[@paultinwell5557]

A soft face hammer is essential if you're going to beat components like that. Well worth the few quid of investment. A top tip on installing fasteners: tighten them immediately. If you don't, you WILL forget and leave something critical undone.

[@eldodos83]

That's coming together lovely

[@nitrousninja882]

The rebuild is coming along very nicely! I don't know about lowering the big Honda, however. Every bike I've ever ridden that had been lowered had spooky handling. Believe me, the engineers at Honda knew what they were doing when they set the original ride height. Don't try to outsmart them, they had degrees in mechanical engineering and got good grades in college. They wouldn't have been hired by Honda if they hadn't. Best of luck on the conclusion of the Blackbird rebuild project!

[@cryptic_badger795]

To fit the rear wheel, I firstly use a smaller tube to pass through that gets everything in line and then I push it out using the correct shaft and that allows me to adjust each part slightly as the shaft passes through....makes it much much easier.

[@thomascharnock]

Mate this bike is going to look and sound absolutley sick when it's finished! You deserve it, after the work you've put in. Smash it mate!

[@dukie1616]

Before tightening up those pinch bolts to spec you’ll want to set that front wheel to it’s natural position. Do this by tightening (one) side only of the axle pinch bolts leaving the other side free to move on the axle. Then mount the bike while holding the handlebars give a couple quick compressions of the forks, then tighten to spec. This will (set) the forks so they are parallel which will keep them from binding the wheel on the axle. I just did this with my 890R. Learned it by watching Dave Moss on KZbin😂 He knows his suspensions. I apologize if you already know about that, just trying to help. I look so forward to your videos, especially this build. Rye this is so awesome! Thank you keep up the great work👏

[@BikesofRye]

Nice one Dukie 👍🏼

[@MotoGoato]

Well done for saving it from falling ... must of been some straining there!! Please get yourself a nylon or wooden mallet though, much better for beating wheel axles with as they wont damage or mark the ends of the axles 😉

[@mark675]

..Or knacker the threads which will make getting the nut on impossible 🙈

[@rudebwoy8]

Keep going Rye, you’re doing really well. It’s fantastic that your being transparent in showing the build warts and all!

[@chrisgoes9610]

One of the things I like about this build series is the f*ckups, whenever I do DIY or auto repairs something like you are experiencing always happens. Both entertaining and real. Keep going and soak up the glory on those little wins.

[@zzzpip]

your representing the majority of bikers out there who have limited mechanical knowledge and a working garage. Good on you for having a go and well done.

[@thomascharnock]

👏 Absolutely agree. Everyone starts somewhere with mechanics on bikes.

[@BikesofRye]

This is what is all about.... if I can do this anyone can

[@benlynch3783]

FYI, there is NEVER an occasion when a hammer is required to install an axle/spindle

[@stevebandit1964]

Reprimanded indeed ! 😊

[@postiemania]

Copper Hammer if you must hammer. I wire brush and metal polish every nut and bolt when I build a bike. Looks great and everything just slides in smoothly.

[@LambChopRides]

Great efforts Rye 👍 bit different from my setup 😂👍

[@BikesofRye]

I see your latest upload.... that setup is the dream! I watch with so much envy 🥺🤣

[@benrideout9583]

What a effort mate, especially on the floor of a driveway! 👏

[@3647Edd]

I picked up a second hand rear axle bolt for my lad’s bike to make the refitting time so much easier and quicker. Pass that bolt through everything, then it’s all lined up then just knock it through with the original one. Job done. Loving the series fella, keep going 👍🍺🤟

[@bigjam8429]

Well done mate good seeing you tackle and learn about this bike

[@howto5368]

Well done Rye. It's coming along now. Looking forward to seeing the finished masterpiece

[@andrewhartzell4792]

I'm picking up a project Blackbird in two days. You're videos are helpful.

[@BikesofRye]

Watch me to see what not to do 🤣

[@bananabrooks3836]

"The chain fitting was simple" "Has he bought a chain tool?" "A what?" "What about the linkage bearings?" "The what?" "Does he want Matt, Eggshell, Satin or Gloss?" "Use whats to hand, he doesn't know the difference." "Bearings or spacers?" "Don't worry he doesn't know.....etc" "Why is he lowering the bike" "We dont know he doesn't say, mind you he'll never know the difference!"

[@BikesofRye]

Who are you having a conversation with?

[@bananabrooks3836]

@@BikesofRye Soichiro Honda. # "You were only waiting for this moment to arise"

[@dukie1616]

PS great save Rye by keeping that beast from falling over! All of those curls and flys at the gym came clutch😂

[@BikesofRye]

All those many years in the gym for that moment! The day finally came!

[@stuartfrancis9182]

Get same paddack stands ❤

[@Pat14922]

Good progress. Nice to see things moving forward.

[@cp4512]

The bike is starting to take shape. You’re doing great 👍

[@paulbudford]

Making good progress. Those suspension units were well worth getting rebuilt.

[@MrScaramoosh]

Those TITANIUM Ti GR5 FRONT BRAKE DISC ROTOR BOLTS are a one-time-only fit.I just had to remove the front wheel and replace both sides one snapped as reused, and retightened a few times. Looking Good.

[@tommykarate6226]

You can't beat the feeling of a job well done , it's going to be great when you finish it , love your dog as well....cute 😀👍

[@Leanintosteer]

Fair Play Rye, I am looking forward to seeing your choices with what you do with the fairing I think it would be great to see this all in black. I service and maintain my Gsxr6 myself and its nice to see someone with no mechanical knowledge having a go and learning on the job. Looking forward to seeing it finished!

[@gdfggggg]

Fair play my old son. The little tricks you learn on this beauty will make the next one much easier 😅 Good on you for having a go.

[@BikesofRye]

I might just have another project already... so I will see what I have learnt by then!

[@gdfggggg]

@@BikesofRye steady on, steady on 😁.

[@craigs3598]

Can’t wait to see it finished mate!! It looking very fresh! 🏍️💨

[@lovecycling193]

That moment you think "Shit it's going" is often the moment that a random muscle in your body decides to let go! Well saved chap! Looking forward to seeing this completed

[@jaymotorwala6483]

Really enjoying watching the rebuild...Great content. Keep going and can't wait to see it all peice together

[@ernieschatz3783]

That was my my first large displacement bike. It was hard to find aftermarket parts when it was new much less now.

[@browser87]

Pleased to see your progress with the Blackbird. I have a 1999 model, same colour. A worthy project indeed! Well done so far 👏

[@iainatkinson9239]

Looking excellent what a great effort hope she is going to be a keeper

[@stephenlatchford9850]

If you want to strip rust off anything, submerge them in harpic power plus. It contains hydrochloric acid and I use it all the time now on my restoration projects. You will of course have to replate or paint your parts afterwards. Also cleans off tarnish on stainless steel header pipes when used with a brush. Great videos mate.

[@BikesofRye]

Few have mentioned Harpic I am tempted to try this!

[@Yellowsnakedesigns]

Nice progression mate! Good to see you enjoying it still 🤙🏻

[@petethemod1]

She is really starting to look the part now .I bought a 2000 Blackbird myself at roughly the same time as you. Mine on the whole is a very clean and tidy, having done 24000 miles. But i am taking notes from your rebuild for future reference. Love the Black widows...

[@reaver69]

Props bud, love the way this is a driveway build 😎

[@michaelfassilis4194]

Looking really good! 👍 I'll tell you something about those heavy OEM mufflers.. the weight you're saving by changing them out is going to be missed if you plan on doing any high speed riding.. the engineers at Honda figured out that if they added weight to the rear end and distributed it evenly on both sides it would help to stabilize the entire bike at high speed runs.. and they were correct.. which is also another reason why you won't see a stabilizer up front on the neck.. it didn't need one. Keep those stock mufflers if you have them.. just in case.. you'll see what I mean when you get it on the road.. grab yourself a power commander 3 and k&n air filter to compliment those pipes 👍if you keep them on.

[@hbor77]

I would stick to the OEM mufflers as I like the entire look of them

[@michaelfassilis4194]

@@hbor77 no doubt about it they look true to the design of the bike 👍 I always swapped back and forth with mine depending on what kind of riding I was doing.. the stock are dangerously quiet and that's my only complaint about the entire bike.

[@hbor77]

@@michaelfassilis4194 You can disconnect the cable so the valve is open all the time. It will make some more noise ;)

[@michaelfassilis4194]

@@hbor77 dude.. when those secondaries kick in and open up the massive amount of intake is so overwhelming that you don't even hear the exhaust!! It's such a unique sound..

[@iandunipace]

you looked exhausted after fitting it. see what i done there. it is coming on well. well done.👍

[@jonhird3189]

Good progress 👏 that bike is gonna sound amazing 👏

[@nickmitton7350]

Brilliant job buddy. So much satisfaction doing it yourself as well. Cant wait for first start up. 😎👍🏍

[@BikesofRye]

Let's hope it starts!! 🙏🏼

[@martincoutts6747]

Great progress. Well done

[@sabref4i290]

Great save! Keep up the great work

[@WysekPL]

Verry nice. Every time better and better :) Good Job m8

[@Vanalleswa]

It's awesome to see how you give this incredible bike so much love. I own the exact same model and color. It needs some work too, but it's well worth it! Can't wait to see the rest of your progress!!

[@zook600]

Coming along nicely dude 👍

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Great upload, keep going as it will be worth it in the end and I'm sure ma y of us are enjoying following your journey. If you would like a piece of advice from an older bloke; when in a position such as doing the front wheel up with everything balanced so precariously, assemble everything finger tight, then get the front wheel on tbe ground before final tightening so the bike is stable and no risk of it falling over when torquing up the front wheel. As you go on in the future, think about adding a front paddock stand that lifts from the bottom fork yolk, and other equipment to make life safer and easier. It's very expensive to go and buy all at once so I have purchased things in advance, in readiness of needing them. Birthdays and Christmas have always provided much needed tools or money towards larger, more expensive items. If you live in or near Worcester let me know as I will be upgrading my rear paddock stand soon and you are welcome to my old one.

[@Tinazzzz]

Love seeing the progress mate! Keep up these types of videos! Love it!!!

[@iantcroft]

To fit the rear wheel use a long but thin piece of wood wide enough to put the wheel on then use another piece of wood to put under the thin piece of wood at the front to make a little ramp for the wheel to go up, it’s much easier. If no wood to hand, just sit behind the rear wheel then wrap your legs round the front of the wheel and push the wheel forward so it goes on the heals of your shoes, with the chain on your ankles/heels support the wheel well. Changed hundreds hundreds of tyres removing the wheel using both these methods. If you need any advice get in contact.

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks will try using my foot as leverage in the future

[@SaintEve1105]

Bro, I have those angled valves on my ZX14R. I swear it's my favorite mod on the bike 😂 Everything looks awesome, great work and best of luck

[@bikegeist]

Holy carp, 200+ comments! That's a hit, folks. I'm still enjoying the updates on this.

[@BikesofRye]

Glad to have you always

[@RsiX_productions]

Ive got a 2001 r6 which i love ... but i want a super blackbird aswell . Pics and vids do no justice , they look so nice irl and with a good exhuast sound incredible . Hope your bike turns out well mate 👍

[@BikesofRye]

I agree I do think the bike looks better in person. maybe not mine though.....yet 😇

[@thedriverofallthings]

Another great upload. Those cans are not on properly, I had the same problem with my last blackbird. I left them in the end and gave up but you should persevere, cover the parts that could scratch with masking tape while adjusting the cans and link pipes. A few tips, never pry on brake pads with a screw driver, never use a metal hammer on axles.hope this helps

[@BikesofRye]

To be honest I did think they were not 100%

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

If you ever end up doing this again.....soaking rusty bolts/parts in white vinegar over night actually works. Never had much luck with coke...but the vinegar works definitely. However....keep in mind if the bolts/parts have any kind of coating (black oxide) it will strip that too, so you'll need to get them re-coated (or use a diy kit). Also....a 2x4 or 4x4 pieces of wood help a lot when using a trolley jack to prevent damage to the oil pan...and stabilize the bike.

[@raythorpe4838]

I love the series, pal. Keep up the good work👌💪🏍

[@getupandgo764]

Great job and quality video. Well done.

[@MrHewy78]

Great job, 👍

[@ianwelch484]

The bird is coming back together nicely. Personally I would like to see if the engine would run before spending loads of money. And get your self a floor Matt to. I wish you the very best mate.

[@BikesofRye]

Well I am hoping it runs!! We will find out soon 😅

[@andypicken7848]

So glad you managed tp avoid the bike going over and scatching those news folks. Well done mister

[@andypicken7848]

PS you doing a great job but the cost of thd job must be galatic

[@BikesofRye]

Will share the cost at the end 😅

[@nicnak4475]

Well done mate, keep at it ! 👍

[@pauldavies5966]

Good work mate ,

[@stevebandit1964]

Great job so far fella, it's all a learning curve, but you'll get so much satisfaction when it's complete .. 👍

[@alexandersmith1751]

Fantastic content, keep smashing it. love watching this series!

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks! Appreciate your support and glad to have you

[@roweyd89]

Did well to hold the bike up 👍

[@andyrowan6992]

Legend 💪🏼 keep going, awesome job

[@steviejinx1225]

Loving the videos and I hear ya buddy. I was fitting the new headers the other day wondering how u were getting on. Looking good.

[@ballerblocks]

To remove rust you will need baking soda and strong white vinegar from a polish shop. The mixture will foam up a bit initially but will calm down

[@deepestandy]

Good job you’re a unit 😂. Nice work pal.

[@2LXCKYY]

Put the bolts etc in a bowl of Harpic Power 10 mate, removes rust so easily, just heavily wash them afterwards to avoid them going brown

[@BikesofRye]

I have heard about harpic I reckon I am going to give this a go

[@cecilwilson5442]

Buy an abba stand and the fitting kit for the Honda and the BMW you own my wife bought mine,, brilliant for my k6gsxr and the sv1000 I just bought,,, from northern Ireland ☘️😲☘️☘️😃 enjoy your series of videos on this project

[@MrSimplesimon007]

Coming along nicely, you can put hours and hours in and think, it doesn't look much different, then it starts to look the part, like when I modified my bike, good job, I'd use new bolts on everything if you can buddy, looking forward to the next video 👍

[@keepitwheelz1983]

Loving this!! Amazing as usual 😜

[@billf1305]

excellent keep going. Job satisfaction is a wonderful feeling.👍

[@danielbroom9768]

Brilliant vid 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🏍🏍

[@michaelp998]

Just check your front wheel is the correct way round/ discs/ tyre as it looks not to be . Great video!👍

[@devilsreject320]

Looks ok but there's arrow on side of tyre to check.

[@charlottegrieff662]

Hat's off to you for having a go and succeeding! I've just (today) removed the front wheel on my big Z with the aim to have it repainted. I've stripped it down and I'm just researching how to remove the bearings. Then I'll get on to the rear wheel. They'll be going to BA wheels in Norwich. I'll be going for the same gold but, in a smooth gloss finish. They'll look trick when done 😀 Perhaps, I should have made a video of it for KZbin..? 🤔 Perhaps you should invest in a headstock stand and a rear paddock stand? I took delivery of my headstock today and the bike is secure on it with full access to all the bits I want to get to. I'll also aim to service the suspension.

[@Abogado-Del-Diablo]

Please bare in mind that if you apply any sort of lubricant to the bolts your torque settings are going to be incorrect all torque settings are dry they will be under there are numerous resources online giving wet torque settings enjoying watching you have a go it’s very addictive isn’t it! I’ve been working on bike for over 40 years😅😅😅

[@nickclarkuk]

Loving this rebuild ! The Matt Armstrong of the bike world ? 😂

[@BikesofRye]

Well.... I'd love that!!

[@DanMaintenance-fr6xe]

Hi mate great video, if I could drop any tips to help first I'd say is to put some different discs on the front , ebc etc. Also invest in a 3/8 and 1/4 torque wrench. Be very careful spraying all bolts in copper grease it will not give true torque readings and most bolts won't need it. Great video all the best

[@grahammorris738]

Looking awesome 👏

[@neilsmith6461]

That exhaust looks mint

[@peterferguson7679]

Well done fitting the rear wheel I use a long thin bar or very long screwdriver putting in the spacers use a bit of grease to hold them in place you can drive in the wheel spindle from the sprocket side lining it up bit by bit love the exhaust

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Loved this one, great video bud...

[@BikesofRye]

Appreciate that cheers

[@marklapirow5473]

It is really worth building a wooden stand to support the motor where you had the jack. You can also add to its stability using ratchet straps. It is better than dropping the thing. On my oil head BMW, it had threaded bosses underneath which allowed the stand to be firmly attached. Next time1

[@djbennyc3382]

Man i I felt that at 5.30

[@stevenhoward8792]

Good job you go to the gym ,really thought you was going to drop the bird and damage it or yourself, anyway great job and the bikes looking good now it being put back together , looking forward to the next installment. 👍

[@bowches]

Very interesting

[@thouseinthehouse]

The best part is every time something almost happens and I think "wow that was pretty sketchy I would NEVER do it like that" then I realize I would, in fact, do it like that hah aha

[@andrewturner864]

Get yourself an abba stand with superbike lift while working on the bike makes it so much easier . They are easy to get second hand and give you great access to work on the bike . I'm curious to why lower the front and the back as ground clearance could be an issue. Also lowering the front and putting a shim above the rear shock improves the handling technically rasing the rear. I'm not sure what direction your going for but the bikes have been around for 27years and the info is all on groups on Facebook . Good luck in your project 🍀but some of us long-term modders have tried and tested most possibilities.

[@azzman4516]

Best advice on the entire thread imho regarding an ABBA stand. Worth their weight in gold!

[@todthehero]

Leave the bolts in a tub full of vinegar, then give them a rub with scotch pad. Comes up like new 👌👍

[@BikesofRye]

Yeah heard about vinegar too... might try this or as others mentioned harpic

[@TheSweetasanut]

That dog was so cute

[@barrythomas1616]

Try using a softer mallet with a Copper and hide end ( stops damaging any of the tubes ,shafts etc)

[@californiapoontappa]

What's your reasoning for lowering the bike?

[@superblackbirdrider]

It makes the bike turn in a lot easier. I think a 15mm drop is a bit extreme. Dropped mine 5mm and it made a hell of a difference in how quickly the "Bird" drops into a corner. I also added a 10mm spacer on top of the rear shock. Taking 15mm off the front and lowering the rear suspension is going to give him issues with ground clearance.

[@BikesofRye]

I haven't lowered to improve handling... the end goal with this bike is to look stealthy and sleek and ultimately be a straight line rocket ship

[@californiapoontappa]

@@BikesofRye cool man good luck on build

[@DesmoResto]

Loving your work!!👏👏

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks!!

[@TriumphLover]

Obie is such a cutie Cavapoo! The Blackbird is starting to look like a proper sport bike. But not another black widow!?! LOL! It looks great!

[@BikesofRye]

My favourite subscriber!! Thanks for the support! It's looking a little less sorry for itself isn't it. I reckon you'll be impressed once the bike is finished Triumph fan boy 😇

[@TriumphLover]

@@BikesofRye I'm already impressed. Can't wait to see the finale!

[@chrispeart1067]

Nice 👍

[@DiddyJaffa]

Whats happening with finish on frame engine and rusty bits etc? such a great bike,

[@BikesofRye]

The frame is mostly covered and I do have a limit to what is spent on the bike... frame will remain as is

[@qwertybertyqwertyber]

Loves it. Keep going. Subs count is creeping up 🥳

[@BikesofRye]

We are getting there!

[@georgeday5901]

On exhaust system ie headers I try and use brass or copper nuts like they use on cars incase you have to take it apart at a later date

[@morphytyme]

Since you're changing so many variables in the process from "in to out" airflow with that full exhaust you'll definitely need a power commander or it won't run right. It'll definitely be rideable but my VFR800 with the full delkevic absolutely felt much improved after a Power Commander and wide band air sensor set to auto calibrate the AFR ratio

[@morphytyme]

ah yes, the air fuel ratio ratio