My Bike is Broken - and its ALL My Fault

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

CORRECTION - the last link is very easy to remove. No need to remove centre stand. Thanks to those who pointed this out to me.

[@jasonrucker9712]

Best channel on KZbin. You have saved me a ton of time and money with your videos on the NC 750. Thanks for posting all your videos.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Oooo. Thank you. I’m blushing. But sadly I’m not as attractive as Itchy Boots or Kinga so I’ll reserve judgement on “Best” 🤣

[@rodhunt5199]

Whenever I consider doing my own maintenance I bring to mind Terry Pratchet’s quote…”a little knowledge is a dangerous thing but not as dangerous as a lot of ignorance”

[@markmiller5577]

Adrian is a very competent home mechanic, we all encounter these problems during maintenance

[@rodhunt5199]

@@markmiller5577 he sure is…..but I’m not

[@andrewgibbs5135]

Maintaining and accessorising the bike is all part of the fun of ownership and a great excuse for a ride out to test your handiwork ! That remaining spindle looks really awkward to remove………but worth doing, it would play on my mind 🤔.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Yep. I’ll tackle it when I’m feeling calm and unrushed. After seeing that one risky bush I won’t be able to ignore it.

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

Always do my own. Those spark plug boots falling apart on contact with anything trying to service them, are a standard feature from what I can gather.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks. That makes me feel a little better.

[@Traveling-Lite]

I have always done my own maintenance on my vehicles and bikes over he last fifty plus years, but now with things being so complicated electronic wise, I just haven't had any interest in modern bikes, except for the Honda nc750 , which a lot of your videos helped to inspired me to acquire a 2020 model nc750x 👍 Got to say, I have been impressed, and with how easy it is to service and work on. This bike should see me out for the remainder of my riding years. 🙂 Regards, Mike

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks Mike. Yes the NC is a dream to work on compared to most modern bikes. Maybe only the older air-head BMW’s are on par with the NC.

[@mc0974]

I really enjoy doing maintenance to my bikes, especially when it’s cold and wet outside! But nothing professional like your works!

[@RideroftheStorm]

I am so sorry this happened to you. You are an adventurous person and always one of my heroes. You should show people how to lift a spark plug out in tight spaces. Sometimes the plug and socket have to come out one at a time. The plug must be pulled out with some old fuel line shoved over the insulator. The plug connector sometimes fuses to the spark plug. Sometimes it fuses to the motor itself. Use a chopstick to transfer oil to the edge of the connector cap. This will help it unfuse to the motor. Pry at it with a popsicle stick or some other tool covered in oil. Sometimes a plastic pop pin remover tool bent the right way is the answer. Make a tool. Be a Neanderthal!! Pop pin removers are more or less a long forked screw driver. Stay calm and use your noodle. Get someone to pull on the spark plug line while you pry. Use two tools and two people to grip the line and cap at the same time and force it out from two points. Distribute the load. I am no genius. This is why I watch you break stuff. So I won’t have to. Okay. I snapped my DCT transmission filter cover. Yeah. That was stupid. But. I learned something. Don’t work in the midday sun on a reflective tarp. But. I know you can show us a better way to remove the Africa Twin spark plug cap and take the plug out. Will I ever own an Africa Twin? No. I don’t think I want the Transalp. It is too much bike to crash with. And I crash a lot.

[@WindyOut]

Thanks to you, I'm doing the small jobs like oil changes, brake pads, etc. and enjoying it tremendously. Big thanks, Paul (2018 NC DCT, your colour too)

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

And think of all that beer money you accumulated by doing those jobs yourself.

[@BRideru812]

Still the best. I bought my NC750XD the same time you did. I brought the bike back to the dealer for the first oil change. $165.00 So I spent another $140,00 on the service manual and fix everything myself except tire changes. this channel saved me so money. for that Sir I thank you very much. Ride safe o#o.

[@twinphill900]

You do an excellent job. I can do the basics, and I enjoy it. An oil and filter change has a 3 cups of tea timeline😊

[@Batman-m8r]

Please keep doing your motorbike maintenance yourself. Otherwise, we will miss your wonderful KZbin videos.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Ha! Always good to see others making a hash of things.

[@alanfields8141]

Why pay someone to not do what you do not do yourself. Maybe they would do all four bushes. Maybe not. Maybe they would do all four plugs. Maybe not.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Yes. That’s always been my fear. And the few times I’ve have a shop work on a bike it’s mostly been disappointing.

[@rdownmakeITbetter]

I totally agree. You buy a bike and there's a stamp in the service book but when you check the oil it doesn't look new. That's your first clue that all is not quite as it seems - especially with things like oil changes where the quality of modern oils means that even without an oil change, the bike engine will outlive the mileage most typical riders will put on it before selling again.

[@phatpizza610]

I put bike mechanics (apprentices) & tradies in the same boat, I dont trust anyone with my $hit and am and happy to wear the cost of the occasional oops moment cause at least I learnt something and should be able to fix whatever breaks out on the track

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Agree. That’s pretty much my thoughts. The cost of getting a shop to do all that maintenance I did after my trip would have been eye watering.

[@svendnielsen4777]

I have the xrv750 - 1994 model. The pro links are exactly the same as yours. Good to see a winning setup remain unchanged for so many years. You are correct in your assumption that the main stand has to come off to get at the frame link. Would also be a good idea to check the seals while you are down there......

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks to another comment - the centre stand isn’t removed. The last link comes out easily.

[@johnpiegzik1947]

Hi Adrian. Nothing wrong with your skills. I do my own cars and I just serviced my 1800 Suzuki cruiser. I do enjoy your content. Cheers John

[@MCTeck]

When changing plugs, I use silicone boot grease on the plug coil connector. I had the same thing happen to me. It is the factory's fault. They should apply grease at time of assembly. My Triumph Tiger is due for first plug change. I am going to try to get some PB Blaster on plug. Then twist wire/cap before puling, to help loosen.

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Gotta love a trolley-jack and fashioned piece of timber for support! Everything is so hard to get to - as you'd know, just as hard on the CB500X. I did the air filter once... holy crap it was like I needed a tool that doesn't exist! So the major services are done by my trusty, very skilled mechanic and I do the oil and filter in between. Maybe the manufacturer's mechanics don't like getting their hands dirty?

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

You are fortunate to have someone trustworthy to work on your bike.

[@johnmeeks7320]

Yes, i have always done all my own work on my vehicles. For over 50 years now. Have had a Diesel Jackaroo for 19years and the 2 times I took it to a workshop they stuffed it up. Now has a leaking Gearbox which it didn't before they changed the clutch. I even fix my own Injection pumps. Have a couple of old Mercs now which always need something done, but are a real pleasure to drive nevertheless. Good on you for having a go. A new sparkplug top would cost less than a few minutes of workshop time.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks mate. That plug cap cost $68! But even at that price I’m way ahead after doing all those jobs after my trip out west. It’s sad we can’t rely on getting quality work when paying top dollar at a shop.

[@michaelwagner2868]

Oh my god - but sometimes it happens the best. Thought also about an upgrade but watching your fantastic videos of the AT led me to the decision to keep my NC. Despite I do all maintenance by myself I am by far not at your level. So let's keep things simple. Thanks to your super helpful tipps concerning the suspension upgrade which I did a year ago the NC still pleases by each time I ride. And this is for a big portion thanks to your videos and advises. Thanks a lot for that!

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks mate. Yea the NC is a dream to work on, and will go forever. But people like me are fickle and don’t know what’s good for them - thus the AT !

[@michaelwagner2868]

@@AfricaTwin-Stuff It seems you need a challenge from time to time 😉

[@BobSacamano-dy3wg]

Try blowing air down the plug tube to help get them out. And of course grease when reassembling to make it easier next time. My preference is marine grease for off road vehicles.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Good tip. And yes I did lube them before reinstall.

[@mickleblade]

Fookin' engineers, they're having a laff

[@bewildered5444]

Don't be too hard on yourself for breaking that plug cap mate - they're notoriously difficult to get out. The Iridium plugs are good for well beyond Honda's schedule - probably 50,000 miles or more. Mine's done 28K, never had valve check and starts and runs fine, plugs will stay in for as long as it runs well. I do brakes, oil, coolant etc myself - the dealer was coming in a bit pricey. All the best mate 🇬🇧

[@cbrfalco-xk8y]

I’m happy to ride bikes. But I think it’s safer if I don’t work on them. I mean I’m great at dismantling things but not so much the remantling. I just know my limits.

[@Nick-Gye]

No, no, no, that’s me you’re talking about!

[@1Witcomb]

That's me all over. Always get to the end thinking "where did that screw go??. I have realised my limitations and have opted for a 5 year/50,000k service package with BMW.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

@1Witcomb - smart man.

[@Kieran-by4rv]

that's a shame about that plug. I wish they would make these bikes more home mechanic friendly.. Its almost as if the manufacturers have a deal with the mechanics or something!

[@maxw576]

Fwiw... i use a loop of clothesline and put it around the plug connector. Then, you can usually position the rope so you can get leverage without using hard tools.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Excellent. I like that tip. Thanks.

[@grahamglencorse307]

Good to see the A T purring again mate. As a poor old BMW owner I have to just rub some grease on my hands and lay on the dirty garage floor to make it feel like I’ve done something for my bike. It’s a phsycological? thing.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Ha! It’s the thought that counts.

[@markmiller5577]

Top job Adrian , most people dont do their own maintenance, i must admit to not liking working on modern bikes .

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Yes it has its challenges. But I spent more time working on my first road bike (AJS 500 twin) than riding it. 😢 So modern bikes have their advantages

[@rdownmakeITbetter]

Very interesting content! Scares me a bit that this AT seems put together in a way that requires complete disassembly to component parts for even the simplest of routine jobs. Very frustrating. A plug change on the old NC only took a few minutes.

[@peterc2248]

I just did a valve check on my NC750 yesterday - hats off to your vids on the subject BTW - I think I left them a little wider than spec as is a bit noisier but I can live with it for now.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks mate. Wider than spec is fine.

[@MrBeracah]

What a lot of hassle just to change the spark plugs. These modern bikes are over complicated and all deliberately designed to make it difficult to work on, just like the modern cars. My concern at leaving into a garage is what do they not bother to do because it’s so difficult and still end up charging you as if they did the complete work. As regarding your trip and mention of cruise control, my homemade manual throttle lock is as easy as pie to use and to vary when needed, so what is the need for all these electronics????? New isn’t always better, in my humble opinion. Isn’t it interesting most competent off road users would always switch of traction control etc when on the rough roads but somehow it’s essential now for all road bikes. We are fostering a generation of dependants, instead of learning to control things ourselves. Apart from the like of dct for older folks like ourselves I don’t see anything else as a wonderful advancement. Thks

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Well said 👍

[@adrianw3985]

I definitely prefer to do my own service. Most of these mechanics aren't any good at their jobs. Cheers from Arizona USA.

[@roy9816]

Just got a master cylinder kit for my NC, I can't believe you didn't make a video on it to help me out. Shocking lack of foresight.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Tell me more? The NC’s last forever. Haven’t heard of anyone needing to touch internals.

[@roy9816]

@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Not really internals, just the rear brake cylinder. A couple of seals, a piston and banjo bolt washers.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

@@roy9816 - oh thanks good. You shouldn’t have any problems with that job.

[@lukebyrne4682]

Exact same thing happened me last week when changing the sparks. What a fumble it was to get the broken piece out 😓

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Oh glad to hear that. Misery loves company.

[@ivofer8349]

I was just abouut to write a comment, on how your holding out on us, its about time you posted this. Atleast we know how not to remove that Spark plug cap, i thought there was an aftermarket part to help temove them Sparkplug caps ( ( jus as they do with the BMW)

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

I’d like to get a link to that tool. I’ve got the ability to make a tool but cannot think of a design that would fit into those small spaces.

[@AllThGdNmsRTkn]

Nice video! I try to do my own motorcycle maintenance as well. Whatever i can do wrong a paid mechanic will do wrong sometimes as well. I've had my bike back from the shop with my air filter not mounted properly, had a car come back with an oil filter that was not properly torqued down that juggled loose during the first drive. Also had a car come back with the timing belt done incorrectly. Doing it myself ensures it will be done to the best of my knowledge and trust. And since i'm riding the thing that bar is set quite high. Did you also do the valve clearances check on the bike?

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Good to hear. Yes. Have checked valve clearances. See a previous vid about that.

[@jimw7916]

Disagree if you must, but my feelings are that Honda is "losing the plot" lately, reliability-wise and especially suspension quality. They are slowly becoming a "mediocre machine"

[@charlesagibb6593]

Never had bother like that with the NC.😆

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Agree. The NC is way easier to work on

[@Tim_TGN]

Good morning Adrian. Have you fixed your bike yet? "Saludos" from Spain. Tim

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Yes. All fixed. Currently on a 7 day trip.

[@Tim_TGN]

@@AfricaTwin-Stuff That's good news. Enjoy your trip :)

[@MrBeracah]

Just thinking there and thought I might add I’ve done all my own maintenance since my first bike in 69, and was wondering did you examine the spark plugs and did they really need to be changed? The new platinum tipped plugs I have found last very long and only needed the Earth tab slightly adjusted. Also because the new engines run so lean with fuel injection, this also aids plug longevity. Thks

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

The iridium plugs DID show a small amount of degradation on the tip. Theoretically they should do 100,000km but I’m a bit anal about maintenance.

[@crispernator]

Gday mate i think you are being a bit hard on yourself anyone could have made that error plug boot is in a mongrel position and probably had no grease on it to make it easy to get off previous owner probably did 0 maintenance but now you have done it and it runs so not bad ,i do all my own maintenance on car bike and outboard engine ,the outboard engine is only 6 months old and have already had most of the parts stripped down for a tinker oh well i suppose i have voided my warranty never mind .

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks mate. I think warranties are more about trying to pressure us to pay dealer for servicing than it is a safeguard for the customer.

[@davidprewitt6839]

Now you've had the Africa Twin and the NC 750 both for some time which have you enjoyed most? Maybe a short comparison.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Hmmm. They are quite different bikes. So a comparison isn’t really fair. I enjoy them both. The NC is cheaper in every way to own. The AT has let me do some “adventures” the NC wasn’t comfortable with.

[@davidprewitt6839]

@@AfricaTwin-Stuff thanks

[@jimksa67]

Bully! from Onterible CanADA

[@robsonenduro3316]

cause you should leave these still perfectly good spark plug alone ;) they can last even 100k

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Yes. That’s the theory. But the old ones DID show signs of wear. So given I’m anal about maintenance I’m ok with changing now. 🤗

[@Matt-vo1ge]

Feel your pain, ever had to change the clutch cable on an NC? How about a Well Nut coming loose from it's cheap-ass rubber housing locking three panels together? Fairing fasteners that would drive a puzzle-obsessed savant up the wall? Or maybe you just need to replace the rear bulb (not without fairing removal you don't). Bwah ha ha ha haaa!!! Welcome to Honda, where a, b, c is as easy as 1, 2, 3 but x, y, z leaves you cussing them out with a flashlight as you try to work around the insanity in the early hours.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Ha! Exactly.

[@shanelamps6242]

Always do my own on the car and bike. I took the car to a dealer once and what a mistake that was

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

It wouldn’t be so bad if you knew you were getting value for money. But sadly that’s rarely the case.

[@shanelamps6242]

@@AfricaTwin-Stuff and if you knew you were getting good workmanship

[@marcuspotts7221]

Good news you do not need to remove the centre stand to lube the dogbone bearings......actually a good design from Honda. Follow these instructions kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWbEiH9onMl1ers Something I do every Oil change on my ATAS (5000 miles for me) in wet and salty in the winter NI. Also I removed the plug leads when I did the valves and found squirting some silicone spray under the rubber boot and down the side of the plug caps made then come out pretty easily. (Sorry I know...... door horse bolted)

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Brilliant. Thanks for the link. I used anti seize on the caps before I replaced them so should be easy next time.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Many thanks mate. I removed this last link without drama today. It was still in good condition but got extra grease anyway.

[@marcuspotts7221]

@@AfricaTwin-Stuff Good stuff, its one thing that is easy to do on this bike. I have lots of rainwater and winter salt to deal with so pull the linkages off fairly regularly 👍

[@amongoth1907]

how do u know what to do and how!? do u have a manual? 👍

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

No manual. Just follow my nose - and sometimes get it wrong. But that’s what learning from experience is about 🤗

[@roberthallas349]

Another good video Adrian, that last link would have to be done, or it would drive me nuts until I do it, please let us know when you have done it (video please). I am an ex mechanic, and have always worked on my own vehicles, and I always try to get a manual for all technical details, unlike yourself, I do not have a torque wrench in my elbow, I wish I did! Cheers buddy. 😎🏍😁👍

[@aluet30]

Adrian, you seem to have ample room in your garage for a lifting table. My neck hurts as I see you lying on your side.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Ha! No room for a lift. With a caravan, two motorbikes and two push bikes it’s a squeeze.