Mistakes Were Made On The Honda XR Bike-In-A-Box

This dirt bike will be the best XR I've restored.
Check out our store! thebeardedmech...

[@Sevenigma777]

Anybody else here like me? I dont own a motorcycle, I'm not a mechanic, matter of fact I've barely even ridden a motorcycle and yet I'm still here because i love the content Craig and Dan put out!!

[@TsiolkovskySportingLocks]

totally

[@JoshuaGraves113]

Craig and Sean got me into riding and I ended up buying one last year. I honestly watch these in case I ever have a problem and I want/need it fixed.

[@roberthickman2953]

Absolutely

[@Sevenigma777]

@@JoshuaGraves113 that's awesome and I'm super close to doing that myself lol

[@Morleyx99]

No, I do all the things

[@jdmjedi777]

The Honda xr is such a great little bike. Have some first hand experience rebuilding an xr200 engine. Growing up my kx100 cracked a piston skirt off into the bottom end. My family wasn't well off so getting my bike rebuilt wasn't an option. My friends dad rebuilt the engine completely for free with a new piston and everything, just so I could get back out and ride. It meant the world to me at the time. Years later as an adult and a dad myself now, I payed it forward and did the same for the neighbor kid across the street. Kid had an 83 I believe xr200 he got from the back of a barn and absolutely riiiiipped!! One day the old bike finally gave out. Kid was totally bummed out. I saw my opportunity to keep this kid on the trails and was able to finally pay such an amazing favor back in a way.

[@georgehughes8535]

Great job !

[@williamzeller294]

I love that story. That's how the world is when it's good.

[@SchoolforHackers]

Great story. You’re lucky,and you made someone else lucky.

[@uncleKai_SWW]

🙏

[@rc2634]

Well done man!

[@Regi_is_here]

I just love that all your videos are 30minutes give or take. It really makes me happy

[@elund408]

I agree, I recently stopped watching an auto show, he puts out good content but is so busy, he apparently doesn't have time to edit. I stopped when he put out a three-hour video. He's not making Gone with the wind, it's you-tube.

[@bookofrevelation4924]

But if videos were longer, one project might get completed finally.

[@Regi_is_here]

@@bookofrevelation4924 where’s the fun in that?

[@2000jago]

Imagine how happy you'd be if they were 60 minutes. At least twice as happy I would say...

[@BladSG]

with 7 minutes of actual work being done

[@OVRCOME]

Another video doesn't bother me at all. Love seeing these old bikes come together. Mixing old and new parts is always tough! Cheers!

[@jimrobin]

Loved the shot taken from inside the freezer of Craig reaching in for a part! Very clever and creative! 👍

[@Samathachavez-k1w]

@@jimrobin Hi dear Good evening . I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a man with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don’t a normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌺🌺🌺

[@TheBenjomcmlxxv]

I just got my "Fix it 'til it's worse" shirt. AND it came with a couple of stickers!!! I love it!! Thank you Craig!

[@Nedemai]

I learned 2 new things watching this video, and I very much appreciate that. I know engine rebuilds are likely unpleasant, but they are very informative. Hope you do more, once you clear out your current workload.

[@DJM-d4i]

Hi Craig, I’ve been watching this build with great interest as my friends and I all rode these early Honda 4 valve and RFVC XL and XR’250’s when we were teenagers. I saw the head damage and it reminded me of working on our own bikes back then, and I think it could be saveable. While they were virtually indestructible they did have some fail points with the heads. One was cracking between the valves (so it might be a good idea to have it crack tested), and the second was the cam journals wearing in an identical way to the head on your XR. We would take the head to a local engine builder and he would bore out the cam journals and fit brass bushings. It was a cheap and reliable fix, and greatly improved the original design with the cam rotating directly on the head. It saved having to locate and buy replacement heads as well. Hope this helps and I look forward to seeing the build continue.

[@xXRunDeathXx]

the bearing assembling section at the beginning was beautiful! well done

[@BELG1994]

Im in a depression and the only moment when i feel a little bit happyness is when i see a new video. Just 30minutes of no bullshit in my head and have full attention for the vid🎉

[@jaymcgee4359]

keep up the mental health fight! No one else can do it for you buddy/my friend

[@BELG1994]

@@jaymcgee4359 thanks!

[@edwardcarr2725]

Keep your chin up pal. Lots of like minded people for you here😊

[@chrissein632]

As said elsewhere: keep up the battle. Do you know this dude? - Alan Millyard: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZmVdmmom8Sqps0 The man helps me to keep my sanity. A Zen moment on youtube

[@BELG1994]

@@chrissein632 no i dont know him. Actually i only watch the bearded mechanic. But i gonna take a look,thankyou

[@OldZean]

The goofy editing made me smile on an otherwise crappy day. Thank you!

[@SosiskaTheHorrible]

I’m a mountain biker and it’s cool to see the technology that’s come to us from motorcycles 👍🏼

[@mrsquariel]

Loved the nod to John Clark. Funniest NZer of my generation.

[@dgk42]

Fred Dagg was really great.

[@anderssundberg9892]

Yep, nice one

[@recub13]

Best weekly notification to start off a weekend. I save watching it until late Friday night and watch right before bed. Everyone needs a Craig. Screw that Greg guy.

[@TheRealDukeSchneider]

I would be a rich man if I actually had all my parts up front. I really appreciate the real world that you live. It’s like hanging out with two buddies in my shop! Keep up the great work. Since watching your videos I have gone from 1 bike to 4 and looking at an older bmw R bike now!

[@AntoTabey]

Yes ! do a vid of workshop organisation ! i'd love to see that

[@jeffreyevens2033]

More videos is more better. But nothing is more betterer than a "Bearded Mechanic" T-Shirt. I got mine. Thanks Craig. (Everybody needs a Craig)

[@Samathachavez-k1w]

@@jeffreyevens2033 Hi dear Good evening . I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a man with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don’t a normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌺🌺🌺

[@squire50retro50s]

I have an old Honda XR250 which has a seized gearbox so seeing my favorite motorcycle channel fixing a XR is really cool. please keep making 10/10 content .

[@VintageGearMan]

Man just finding and ordering all these parts must have been a huge task let alone installing them! What a trouper!

[@Wasabi-one]

You advertised that tire inflator in other video. Excellent product. Got a good deal and already used twice. Thanks for that…

[@georgeburke6336]

I love your channel. You and Dan are 2 awesome individuals. If you were 10 parts short on repairing a bike you can get it running. Amazing mechanic and amazing photographer.

[@evebrassard3105]

Hi Craig, remember your manual impact you use with a hammer? That is what I always used on any Phillips steel fastener screwed into aluminium on any Honda, it always worked like a charm I was a bike mechanic apprentice in the early 80's and I always wished Honda would change for Allen head botls especially on engine cases. :)

[@stuartX11]

You mean the JIS fasteners. As I learned as a Honda apprentice in 80-82. Much damage was avoided 😁

[@bnations2000]

I'm pretty sure that the screwdriver he was using is also an impact driver. At least, mine is and they look exactly alike. It's JIS also and indeed works like a charm.

[@Samathachavez-k1w]

@@evebrassard3105 Hi good evening friend

[@noob26]

Nice to see the late John Clarke vid cut in where you talk about the front falling off. A very smart, very funny man much loved by Australians and New Zealanders.

[@zombie8myface898]

I'm never gonna complain about an extra video. You guys are entertaining, and most importantly informative. Keep up the amazing work, and content guys. Might not be a bad idea to take a few days and organize that shop though lol. A clean workplace makes for a clean headspace!

[@Zulululu4x]

I love my little XR. I'm constantly Rippin Recently semi restored & raced it 🇺🇸🤘🏽🏁

[@henrytaylor4164]

I love dirt bikes and watching a great mechanic build their engines. I wish craig would build the Yammie noobi engine in detail.

[@fraud_hunter]

the traditional british response to “where am i missing a bolt?” is “you’re neck? “ lol 😜

[@alfbittner6489]

As Paul Cox's says from FabRats (we do it nice cause we do it twice). I can't believe you did the Golden Nugget Rokon. That's what got me started with all this bike restoration.

[@Samathachavez-k1w]

@@alfbittner6489 Hi dear Good evening . I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a man with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don’t a normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌺🌺🌺

[@justinrupert7233]

Hey Craig, just some food for thought.. As a precision machine builder, we have had multiple issues manipulating the temperature of parts for assembly. As condensation forms when the parts cool, or heat up, it creates corrosion between said parts. Any time a ferrous metal is involved, you should be cautious about applying or removing heat to aid with fitment.

[@jasonm6468]

Originally from Youngstown, Oh., left in 1994, now living in Ft. Myers, FL. I'm envious, you folks are enjoying the fall season and the cooler weather. By the way, I have a feeling anywhere Dan is he may consider a petting zoo. But her in SWFL, we seem to have only two seasons, summer and Indian summer and we are about 3 months from indian summer. Always enjoy your videos.

[@michaelholmes6385]

Originally from Warren, left in 2006, now in Jacksonville. Little bit cooler here than Ft. Myers, but not much. Still better here than NEO.

[@billincolumbia]

The assembly part at the beginning was amazing. The rest was the reality of working on bikes. Good stuff.

[@grinnerzakaminicide1201]

I like the footage of the reality of mis-ordering parts, it happens, it sux , but we take it in our stride. Well done fellas!

[@emilianomartinez4083]

I've watched all your videos, and someone who rides and maintains my own vehicles, you really make me feel like I can restore a bike here soon.

[@2weelfvr]

Love your videos Greg and Dan! I like watching old bikes come back to life the RIGHT way. 👍

[@jenkins1979]

my Dad was a heavy equipment mechanic / operator and I remember him using dry ice and a torch from gas welder to do same thing as you with freezer and heat gun

[@craigbraswell4269]

My first bike, a 1982 XR500R, with its ankle-breaking kick-start, I was the envy of my friends who still bear the scars of futile kicks inevitably busting up their shins. Most reliable dirt bike ever made.

[@fredshred5194]

True she could kick like a mule, trick was to push with the foot feel the bump then full force all the way through.

[@jfk64kennedy95]

You'd be proud to know, you've become my goto video, displacing Matt's Off-Road when there competing new video downloads...I click on yours' first now

[@Liam_Winnell]

so excited to see how this project is going been waiting for this vid for ages!

[@anvildesignartphotographyl5646]

nice progress, i had a XR600, everyone else that i knew at the time had 250 2 smokers, the 600 was heavy and really plowed the turns, but it was a great trail bike for sure. made the transition to a 450 liquid feel like cheating lol.

[@FloridaMan93]

33:00 haha at least I’m not the only one to make “forced upgrades” due to error 😂

[@temo6917]

Getting it done Craig. Love from Australia

[@shockadellick]

I love these bikes because the resale value never stops. For example, it took me 3 years to part-out my 2019 YZF450. It took me 12 hours to sell my CRF230. Old racing 4 strokes are pretty much worthless, however, XR's and CRF/F's hold their resale value.

[@JorgeM523]

Craig, got my merch, new cap and t-shirt and thanks for the stickers...Looks great! Keep the videos coming!

[@kevinstratton4241]

For your pro tip on knowing where to drill the bolts. I put the bolts in the holes, put roofing chalk on the bolt heads, line up the fender and just small tap leaves the mark. Then drill baby drill. I would call this a shade tree mechanic tip.

[@remotorcycled]

Great video as usual. I felt your pain with the piston rings, just when you were wanting to get it all together! Looking forward to the next instalment 👍

[@just-another-guy]

So glad to see I'm not the only one that can forget a measurement over the course of 10 feet. Great video guys. I do look forward to these.

[@jeffmosley4043]

Your screw up's make for great videos for all of us watching. Loving the channel guy's and can't wait for the next video. Stay safe and keep it up. Thanks for the video.

[@J3R3MY-Sigman]

I love the interaction between Craig and Dan. Makes this channel even better!!

[@boomdawg56]

No motorcycle restoration/rebuild seems real until that last minute run for parts. I remember putting piston and rings in dirt bikes as a youngster, we always had to make a run to the parts store for RTV, gasket material, or missing hardware.

[@charlescarabott7692]

Got an XR 250. It's a 1991 bike. Will have to completely rebuild as it's been sitting there for many years. Wish me luck 😃

[@mikemartin2423]

Dan is a funny dude Craig is too though...you two crack me up with some of the things you say...keep it up guys 👍👍

[@djudlz7550]

I'm in the process of rebuilding my XR350 from 1984. There are almost no parts available here in Germany, but for some reason I love to work on this bike :D

[@hodaka1000]

I have a 1978 SR500 Yamaha Because of the only recently discontinued SR400 and it's similarity to the SR500 I can get just about anything I need from the local Yamaha dealership except parts for the rear master cylinder and caliper, the rear discs were only available on the US/Australian 2J2 models in 78/79

[@djudlz7550]

@@hodaka1000 You're lucky... The XR is complete but needs some engine parts. The crankshaft is slightly bent, so I also plan to split cases and replace all bearings and oil seals, which cost about $450 for new OEM parts. It took months to find the timing chain slide rails (from Spain and America), while the camshaft came from Israel. Valves were easy to source. Luckely my top end looks great as it's only available in very worn condition. One gearbox gear is slightly worn. Besides the engine, I'm just missing the rear fender, which is only available used for €1200, so I'll switch to the larger XR's for that

[@AussieHavs]

0:31 "kinda like a puzzle" (that will self destruct if you don't do certain things just right)

[@BuildTheSandbox]

Underrated comment

Love these videos, dont mind another one, just a bonus 😃 keep em coming!

[@calispony]

So glad I came across this channel def one of my favorites. Keep up the great work

[@css0076]

It takes a bunch of talent to put something back together that someone else took apart.....a long time ago!!!

[@ThisRandomGuyYouDidntNotice]

with those multi piston brakes, if one pops out service that one and clamp the refitted piston tight and another one will shoot out they said. still had one piston in my life that held about 11bar without moving. had to drill it and use a bearing puller xD

[@farmerbobbygrows3338]

My first dirt bike was a brand new xr 70 that my grandma and grandpa got me and my 2 cousins we each got dirtbikes on Christmas. I was too small for the 70 at the time so my sisters dad got me a yammy pw50 till I was tall enough for the 70. Been riding since I was a little squirt.

[@leighhill9185]

"I don't even know why you bother asking me Craig" haha CLASSIC. I laughed hard at that. Pays to do it once and do it RIGHT ;) Great vid guys! I had an XR250R as my first bike, loved the hell out of it. Still have a Yammie WR250R, would love to pickup an XR400R or something one day and restore it so this is really helpful! Cheers

[@TheHemiphil81]

I have a 96 xl250 r I bought in 97 and still have it today. She still looks great and runs great. ❤

[@PetrolJunkie]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that uses the shop freezer for bearings and other small parts. lol Parts in the freezer, drinks in the fridge.

[@derryjones1029]

Craig is a legend on the tools he can get eny bike going I love watching him and have learned alot just by watching

[@garyseaton4619]

That's a badass machine. I can't wait to see you fire this one up and give it a run...

[@Samathachavez-k1w]

@@garyseaton4619 Hi dear Good evening . I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a man with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don’t a normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌺🌺🌺

[@EminenceFrontX5]

I watch to see the issues and how to correct them. So yes to the 4th video. RockOn

[@Samathachavez-k1w]

@@EminenceFrontX5 Hi dear Good evening . I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a man with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don’t a normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….🌺🌺🌺

[@stuartovenden8493]

I modified a grease nipple to thread into the bleeder on the brake caliper to push the pistons out. Costs a tiny bit of grease but they come out slow and undamaged. And, unless you're very dimm, you can't have your fingers in the way.

[@drewdavis4614]

I have a 1988 xr600r and i have been working on it for 3 years, registered for the road and i am almost done 😊❤

[@evanjfraser]

I love the on camera bants, so entertaning lol

[@JustGoofinRound]

Love your videos Craig. Learning a lot.

[@weezl1354]

Dan Cracks me up. "that doesnt look like a tree"

[@pastandpresentmetaldetecti1438]

She is coming along great and will be a heck of a ripper! love seeing the old Hondas get some love. I sent you an email on a rebuild Idea hope you see it

[@its_reckoning6667]

I have an idea for you, If you can make another channel to post unedited videos of the build or longer form videos. I really love your work because I learn a lot of things as someone who likes to fix their own bike

[@catfishtheoriginal]

That's part of the process Craig. Don't worry brother can't wait for the next video

[@tsoliot5913]

I love when a good retro encabulation reference gets intriducted

[@KerryBullen-s8b]

Hey Craig love your videos you are a awesome mechanic..I'm really waiting to see the final video on the XR Honda 250..hope you make it soon..Kerry down in Australia 😅

[@skylertooley]

Got an 81 Kawi kz750 on the road today. You and Ari made me ride motorbikes lol.

[@alexsbikesandmotors]

The way he wrapped the trans in the rag to keep it all together is smart. Im gonna start doing that

[@Mqzziii]

My dream job is the (In german) KFZ Mechatroniker or in englisch Automotive mechatronics technician idk if its called like that but Translator says it. Im learning so much from you guys. And its really satisfying to see how the Motors look like on the inside

[@jacobcounty]

Dude, you built the Golden Nugget Rokon? That’s incredible!

[@PeterPeer]

Life happens. Good job anyway man. I wish for you that you can make some time free to get organized again. I had the same issue with my woodworking workshop. Total chaos. Too much wood in my case. After clearing out a lot, it works better! 💪

[@andybobandy641]

Craig I noticed your central pneumatic ultrasonic cleaner. I just bought one of those and found out the hard way that the ground wire isn't connected to anything inside that machine. You might want to open it up and make sure that yours is grounded before you touch the bench vise, and the lip of that at the same time and find out that China doesn't have very many safety standards.

[@petehulse1965]

Don't beat ya self up about it no one's perfect keep up the good work with the video loving your channel dude

[@richardturk7162]

Thats why you mark the bag as to whats in the bag and where it goes.

[@scottleininger6201]

Can't wait for the next one Craig. The bike is looking great 🤠🤠🤠

[@Motosportz]

Here is a list for you... Bearing installer way off center when using, Visegrips on a shaft that takes a seal, channel locks on the brake piston, you can't really over tighten conventional forks like you can inverted. There's more but that's enough for you to ponder in one session. :>)

[@thediddly]

Not wrong there..make a laundry list

[@davidbrown2945]

Can't beat a handful of bonus bolts after a reassemble!

[@cousinfrosty1157]

Cool, Dan. I also have experience with the Rockwell Retro Encabulator.

[@palletfox250]

Love ya Craig!! Gregg too :Dd your inspiration to mechanics all over!

[@Finnegan6674]

They do make transfer screws. They are a life saver. They ones you made work fine and i have had to make them for sizes I didnt have But I used a lathe to make them

[@nlorantfy2696]

I'd really love to see you measure the bore. I am in the process of rebuilding my '78 Ironhead and would love to see your method!

[@SecretMetalFromAbyss]

Pushing those brake pistons out with air reminds me of times when I was working with old diesel locomotive gearboxes. There were some gears and stuff that needed pretty immense hyrdaulic pressure to get them out from the shaft so if one didn't take some serious precautions, one could shoot a 10-20kg (22-44lbs) projectile through a concrete wall or a coworker if that coworker were standing in the wrong place. :D

[@T.S.-eo7my]

Blows my mind the number of people who tackle bearing work with zero intent to use, or seek out a press….of any sort. Very consistent across motor sports.

[@uni-byte]

I usually put the cases in a cooler full of hot water too. Bearings sometimes just push in with finger pressure.

[@chrissein632]

Use an outdoor BBQ (gas of course) to warm it

[@kieranlinsdell9595]

We don't mind another video on the xr. It's a cool resto build

[@5245jah]

At least you got transmission together nicely, good projects do take time.

[@eugennomatterr7311]

For bolts, you can just put a bit of paint or some dirt on heads and just press fender, gives clear enough marks

[@Fatal_Jinx]

This could be 12 parts and I’d still watch, more videos are more better.

[@ronaldbirks353]

Howdy Craig, I love your channel. It looks like you need an impact driver for screws they work great

[@wuzziemaster]

As a fellow Dan, that used to fumble with cameras and whatnot, it's always nice to hear my name in your videos... Greg, is it? Dunno what you're doing. But amazing camerawork, fellow Dan. ;)

[@TheOriginalJadolph]

Your videos make me want to put my r3 away and go pick-up a project bike. Soon enough!

[@thewiltshirerider01]

Love your videos, it's good to know a man of your skill can still cock it up, makes me feel better when I do 😂 looking forward to the next one and Dan I love your commentary 😊