Part 12 - Low Budget Classic Motorcycle Restoration - Tweaks & Budget

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

If you'd like to watch the entire series in a playlist, here's the link kzbin.info/aero/PLLaaC3JrqSLAHvKe2Z5jSDY4Dp5EZqFOs

[@mully89]

I keep coming back to this series, I have never owned a classic bike before but I think this series has given me inspiration and confidence to take the leap. Being in my 30s I'm used to modern vehicles but Daves excellent explanation on these video has helped to take a lot of the mystery around old bikes away. A massive thanks to Dave,Alex and the whole CMC team for tacking the time to produce these videos...👍

[@AlbertDongler]

My god. I've watched this whole series from the beginning and what a treasure trove of know-how information, tips, insights and explanations all beautifully and clearly narrated and filmed. Thank you SO much for making this freely available. This is an A-Z bible of rebuilding a classic engine with the whys and "gotchas" all explained. An absolutely fabulous archive of material. Subscribed with all the bells and whistles ticked. Thank you! :-)

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey CR, thanks for your nice comments :)

[@macherbie]

Beautiful! Thoroughly enjoyed the whole series and picked up some tips . I have a ‘69 Lightning and have been “low-budget” restoring it for the past 30 years! Thanks so much for your efforts and time! Well Done!

[@johnmfjw]

The BSA A65 is a good looking bike, you have done excellent job of restoration.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thank you John!

[@owenhatton2857]

Excellent series that I can see becoming the go to point for a lot of re-builds while showing that these bikes continue to be affordable transport and not museum pieces - well done

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Owen, yeah, it's nice to see them out on the road eh. Thanks for your nice comments :)

[@michaelfirth1075]

I enjoy your videos Dave, keep them coming.

[@trigg6874]

I am 51 years old and I have quit my job in I.T and I am back at college learning to be a motorcycle technician. Tell me I am not completely nuts for doing this!! Great series. Thank you

[@l0ner1der]

Thinking of a similar path myself, where are you now, fully qualified?

[@trigg6874]

I got my level 2, and I was going to do level 3. I decided that it's a hobby and not a career choice for me.

[@markos1963]

Really enjoyed this series. The BSA sounds really crisp and sharp. Proof that a well set up British bike needn’t be difficult to start or run.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Markos, so true!

[@geneahart5607]

I just purchased a '67 Thunderbolt here in the U.S., it will be delivered shortly after the first of the year. It's a complete bike, not a basket case. Wish me luck.

[@bobeden5027]

My 1st bike was a James 98 with cantilever front forks, then a BSA Bantam where I learnt about gearboxes, hahaha, then a BSA 250 with a stripped timing gear which I made a replacement for at Tech. THe 60's were a great time for bikes, I always wanted a Franny Barnett or a Villers 2T. My elder brother had a Triumph Bonneville, the bastard! and then I became a mod and moved to Vespa's. Thanks for bringing back some fond memories!

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

Only just discovered your channel and have really enjoyed your restoration of the BSA. Will continue to check out your other videos, thanks

[@artwestwood1334]

I am as mechanical as a peanut, explaining functions and anomalies as you do, intelligent, passionate, insightful, caring, your commentary is a gift, thank you for sharing, helping me understand much more about my passion, cheers, art Westwood, Melbourne Australia ,

[@bruceleong9534]

Brilliant series. Dave is so knowledgeable and comfortable in that knowledge that he can clearly explain things so that even I can grasp what he’s saying!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Haha, nice one Bruce, thanks for saying :)

[@jjrider6758]

Excellent work Dave and thanks very much for a great series. The current lockdown prevents me from going to my own workshop and this series really has been my classic bike 'fix' so far this year - I could watch the whole series over and over again (and probably will !..) - The A65 has been a bit overlooked for many years but this is no longer the case and they're becoming much harder to find now, you've brought the old girl back from the dead and although she may be 'only' a daily rider you've gone through everything meticulously and I have no doubt you can look forward to many trouble free miles ahead.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi JJ Rider 67, thanks for much for your nice comments and watching the videos, it really means a lot to us,! We've got a few more series lined up already, stay tuned more to come! (from Alex)

[@xtremluck6260]

Dave, your insight and ability to articulate it for us in a garage language we all understand is priceless. This series is perhaps the most informative video I've seen on KZbin. Thank you for taking us on a tutorial ride we will cherish forever. Best wishes for 2021.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Xtrem Luck, that is so nice of you to say, thank you! Dave does read these comments when he gets a spare second (he's mainly working on bikes), but I also review them sometimes prior to filming so we can get on the same page with what people want to see more of. Stay tuned, few more to come!

[@joelstark7081]

I don't know how many times, that I say wow! Such any entertaining and insightful video Dave. When I was a teenager in the mid sixties, my buddies figured that the pipes look burnt because of hard use during break in. Suppose we were half right. I have owned two triumphs so they are always my preference with future videos. The BSA still looks wonderful and it sounds great. the only negative with the looks of the bike is the billboard size license plate. Take care looking forward to the next one.

[@johnimmins7302]

Enjoyed the final part of this BSA restoration and nice to see and hear it running. How it brings back my motorcycling days in the 60's/70's when these bikes were around. I look forward to your next restoration..

[@MegaTubescreamer]

really have enjoyed every bit of this restoration project, the motor sounds like music to my ears ,and knowing how much work you put in to it makes it all the more amazing, thankyou for the whole series, i`ve just part restored my t150,"73" mainly cosmetically, back to its standard trim,from previous owners neglect! and also have a tr25 w "70" that needs attention so its inspiring to see how its done right, thanks

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey William, thanks for your nice comments and watching the videos :)

[@ianlawrie919]

Evocative travel back in time with a knowledgeable expert and presenter. A delight.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Ian, nice of you to say :)

[@denwgg]

Thanks Dave and cameraman, this has been an excellent series, I was thinking of buying an old British bike and can honestly say that it's certainly helped my confidence knowing that you guys are out there putting such informative videos up. I've got an old (1982, ain't that old to some I know) Yamaha XT125 that I need to get going first, so I can put it on the market to sell to part finance the the new (old) one; you've covered so many things I'm going to have a crack at it this weekend. I haven't had a chance to look through any of your other videos, but if you haven't done so already maybe you'd think about a guide to buying an old bike for us newbies. Thanks again.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Den, glad you found the videos helpful, it's really nice to hear things like this. You might be interested in our Recommission & Ride series on the BSA Bantam where we take that bike and recommission it. A lot of handy stuff in that video from Dave for the new comers to the classic bike scene. I like your idea about a video for newbies, it's on our list actually! Thanks again for watching, Alex (cameraman)

[@ThaiMotoTrails]

Thoroughly enjoyed this series! Goes to show how easy it is to get a bike like this running great and reliably with careful assembly for not a lot of money. It will be a good daily rider. I hope they paid you a bit and can now afford some heating in your shed though, looked freezing!

[@timkilgallon2098]

Thank you I've enjoyed watching this series as I have an A65 in the shed. Especially the ignition set up. I usually fit electronic ignition to my bikes, I usually follow manufacturers settings of 34 degrees BTDC . However I did read somewhere with modern fuel you should us 32 degrees instead. You reminded me of this and your tip about feeling a slight kick back on the kick start. So this afternoon I revisited my Norton Comando and slightly retarded the ignition. It does seem a bit smoother and no kick back,. Thanks again . Tim K.

[@beverleyreid1318]

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom with us. Can’t understand why anyone would give you a thumbs down after you going to all the trouble to document the rebuild for the benefit of others. They are indeed,as someone else has said already, anchors.

[@wellaitsaniice3307]

Dave, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. I have zero fear of working on my 1970 lighting now. Rubber side down my friend

[@MrLowerson]

...and an absolute delight to watch this series, very well presented too..excellent

[@tonylopez8976]

Nice work. I've owned my 69 Thunderbolt for 40 years. Only change has been Tri-Spark ignition. Can't beat the sound of a BSA twin.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Tony, how's this one compare to yours? Much different?

[@MrSportster12]

That ia a sweet looking and sounding bike all for less money than I paid for a modern 125 Super Cub.

[@Erik_Sharp]

I've really enjoyed binging this. Thank you for making it.

[@michaellawrence5492]

Thanks! Working in cold is not most enjoyable ! But you do it!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks Michael, yes, it was cold that day :)

[@vwmountainman9701]

Very helpful - I have watched a few of ur videos so far. Have heard u mention copper slip - I believe that's what we call - anti seize - here in the states. I use a silver anti seize & I have copper in a stick form. Works extremely well !!!

[@derekcomer4858]

I really like the bike as it is, no real need to put anymore new parts than you did, very useful and usable bike now. Thoroughly enjoyed the series, than you so much for taking the trouble to produce it 😊.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Derek, thanks for saying, very nice of you!

[@colinraymond632]

Thank you Dave for a Great series on the Thunderbolt.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Colin, thanks for watching (from Alex), Dave does check in on the messages though when he can so he does see them :)

[@sf940477]

Finally done and sounding great. Never had a British bike ( started biking in 1979 )they really are quite different in a lot of aspects .I want one 😆 🤣

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks Stephen!

[@dr.andreww.mintojnr.1059]

Dave, Many thanks for taking the time to make this series! Although I have two '71 BSA singles I learned some valuable lessons from your rebuild that I shall apply to my bikes. Thanks again

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Andrew, thanks for watching along and your nice comments.

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

10:55 I do recall very clearly that the feel for getting this is what you got to love doing.

[@danmcneil7181]

Very interesting rebuild and I learned alot watching from start to finish. Wish I had your knowledge and skill. Great looking and sounding bike now. Thanks. Cheers, Dan

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Dan, thanks a lot, just the shakedown test ride to go now, but we're waiting on the all clear to here in the UK to take the bikes out

[@nickbishop6784]

Fantastic outcome Great to see the bike up and running. Looks great and sounds nice and solid. There's just something right about a nice 650 twin. Looking forward to more projects to follow along. Nick Australia

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Nice one Nick, thanks for checking in, stay tuned, few more projects in the pipeline!

[@bbunting799]

I'm so impressed by your skills and knowledge. Bravo!

[@philippaul8106]

Looked forward to the next part in the series every time I watched one. Nice work on the Video and the Bike Dave. I have a few channels I watch with similar themes and yours is one of the better ones. Hello from Australia.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Philip, thanks for you nice comments and watching the videos (from Alex)

[@jumpfortyfour9965]

the bike sound sweet after you give it a tweak . super set of videos of the restoration thank you please keep them coming

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Cheers JFF!

[@pikebobstar2033]

Great series. Swear by Avon roadriders on my 40year old Honda. When lockdown is eased, would be great to see some clips of it out on the road. Perhaps a mini series for novices to Brit bikes like me on what are the best first classic bikes to buy and use for every day.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Pike, that’s actually a really good idea, thanks for saying, I know Dave has some recommendations

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

Great series, really enjoyed it, thanks Dave

[@dank9296]

Excellent series! Thank You. 👍😊

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks a lot Dan!

[@ronr6605]

Great to see her running. Rims r buckled so no fun at national speed limit i guess but thats an easy fix for you. Awesome job, one back on the road :) 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks 👍 Ron! We can't wait to do a test ride!

[@Mad4Triumph3521]

Great series, thanks for posting it, you have inspired me to continue with my 3 Triumph 500 builds. Looking forward to your next project.

[@streetscrambler8075]

Ok 👌 l have enjoyed this series, as a follow up a BSA B50 restoration would be interesting to watch.👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your feedback SS!

[@TheAltafraja]

Really enjoying your videos sir keep up the good work thanking you

[@DAVIDLANE-nt2gz]

l,ve had some bad experience with mechics. but you seen to love what you do . good luck to you

[@johndeaville9326]

So sorry this has come to an end, enjoyed every minute of it! Would love to have a T Bolt owing me under £2,500 even if the wheel rims, tyres and exhaust wants replacing to make it mint. Best wishes to all the team. John Deaville.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey John, thanks for saying, yeah, the bike turned out really well in the end eh. I think a lot of folk quite like the patina'd look of bikes nowadays :)

[@chrisbowman4487]

Great series I watched it all in one hit really enjoyed it It was well presented and the work explained well great job

[@Tonyv1951]

Yes - I did too. Filled in a wet Sunday afternoon very nicely.

[@malcellison8831]

Brilliant series. Great work and very enjoyable to watch. Looking forward to the next 👍

[@tristanbuckoke9121]

Brilliant series. Thanks again. Been such a help particularly with setting up the timing etc . Take care and perhaps a Norton would be a good series.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Tristan, thanks for watching and your suggestions, there might actually be a few Nortons on the horizon actually. Stay tuned.

[@lukescottguitar]

Fantastic video again guys. Great series, please do more 😊

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks a lot Luke, more on the way :)

[@billdyke9745]

And there's me thinking that riding it off into the sunset at the end of the last video was going to be it... Should have known better. Old British bikes are like puppies. Always wanting a bit more attention. Well done, fella. 11/10. (A** in new money)... A great bike put back on the road for £400, and a lot of loving skill. (One guy, an hour in, has downthumbed. Name rhymes with anchor)...

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Haha! Stay tuned Bill, we’re really looking forward to the road test but have to wait till we can safely get out, we’ve got some good ideas for that one :)

[@rross47]

Thanks again Dave for the series. I have changed my profile pic to one of me on my bike in 1972ish. I don’t think it sounded as smooth as yours ever. I seem to recall I paid A$400 for it. I had it for about 5 years, but it was sold when I went overseas. I would love to hear about your travels on it and see more of it on the road. Cheers Ron

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Ron, stay tuned, we plan on doing a shake down and road test when we're allowed on the roads safely again :)

[@coobye]

Thanks guys, excellent series.

[@brockett]

Very interesting series. Thanks for sharing it with us. - I have spent more on the brakes of my 1990 Suzuki than was spent putting the BSA back on the road. :0(. - These old bikes must not be allowed to fall into disrepair for want of thoughtful care in skilled hands.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Haha, thanks for saying Dave, some things can catch you out eh!

[@jimbo8009]

Another great video. Bike sounds really nice. Lovely job.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Cheers Jimbo!

[@jackbeanstock7710]

again ill comment, great video series, very helpful to a new rider of an old bike!. working on getting an old 65 lighting( i think) road worthy again!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your support Jack!

[@glaicogobbo4046]

I really enjoyed the recovery of BSA A 65 as a whole. The price of labor was very judicious and fair given the difficulties in relation to the many things to be efficiently restored. In Brazilian Real currency their services were R $ 2,754.22. The cost of the machine in the bushel, R $ 14,886.60, and a new Royal Enfiels 650cc here in Brazil, in the capital of the state of Paraná, in Curitiba, is leaving around R $ 24,990.00 (plus shipping 3,357.11 Pounds or 35 installments of 64.03 Pounds). This BSA is easy to reach in 90 miles. They have a pleasant snore and are easy to fly. Simple and nice style of the English Twins.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Glaico, thanks for your interesting summary and checking out our videos. What's the classic bike scene like over in Brazil, what are the popular bikes over there?

[@billcaveny9495]

I really enjoyed the build. Lovely bike. Many thanks..👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Cheers Bill!

[@mobilityxstore]

i went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day. But i couldn't find any! Great restoration!

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hmmm; sorry to hear that you couldn't find your trousers!

[@mcmccarthy1873]

dave! you're right on on so very many things but enough with the copperslip. dissimilar metals.

[@nickohare7187]

Would love to see a video on adjusting Norton Commando isolastics using the vernier adjusters

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your suggestions Nick, Dave's got a Commando in the workshop so will definitely take that into account next time it's up on the stand.

[@zepelin-on-road]

I would like to cross the Channel and find a good brit bike like this BSA ... when lockdown will finish ! Thanks again for sharing your advices ! 👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Zepelin, thanks for saying and glad you enjoyed the series :)

[@RD-650]

Very good 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ronaldthomas9396]

I'd like to see a few tips on how to choose a classic to rebuild and witch ones to walk away from! I bought a new 1970BSA Thunderbolt loved it!

[@kevkfz5226]

Can't argue with that. Good content

[@paultaylorburrell56]

Thanks for the video's. Would love to see more.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Stay tuned Paul, more to come :)

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

That is one cool bike I love them it sounds the bee's knees 👍👍

[@lesjones7617]

Lovely bike

[@trevgreen9515]

Very nice indeed

[@williampascoe7954]

Great series of very entertaining & informative videos; I learnt a few good tips too. Thanks a lot Dave. Are you thinking about stripping the Goldie? I'd like to see that.

[@archetypex65]

This is a great series thanks for your time, effort and restoration work! 👍 BTW, what type of work gloves are you wearing and where did you get them?

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Do you mean the orange ones Dave uses?

[@kevinsumner4121]

Great job and very interesting. How about finding a Commando to make good ? Anything will do though no pressure.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks a lot Kevin!

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Great videos

[@pauljo9441]

Very nice💯

[@racinchef]

Absolutely awesome series! Hated to see it end. How many hours went into engine rebuild? Inspires the viewer to hope and dream. A welcome distraction from the foolishness going on in the world today.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey, we asked Dave recently and he reckons the entire build from start to finish took him between 30-40 hours. Would have been more towards 30 hours if we didn't have to film it all :)

[@mickeycrilly1839]

I realy wish you had kept the price and final cost to ure self mate,I wept ha ha excellent series and the bike is brilliant it’s how I like bikes ,it’s normal not over done ,used and loved ,if I had the money I would make you an offer ,dreamer mate ha ha stay safe and I look forward to the next film

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Right on Mickey! Thanks for watching, bike’s turned out really nice eh!

[@mickeycrilly1839]

Hay mate am smashing my head up trying to find a bike for my daily commute, about 50 miles round trip ,I can afford between 3500 and 4000 at a push,(raided some cash from my war pension,which is now a joke ha ha ) any advice would be gratefully received am of to bike show Sunday at Stafford hope to get some advice of owners re reliability,I look forward to the challenges of disabilities and old bikes, if you have a bike forsale let me know i would defo trust buying it off you cheers sorry to be a pain

[@S.K.166]

That was so enjoyable thanks so much for the videos Dave and team! I will be watching this restoration many times I'm sure 😁 Are there any procedures that the beginner mechanic should maybe not attempt or tools that might cost to much to purchase and therefore exclude some procedures? Cheers Sam

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Sam, this is a really good idea for a video. Okay, leave it with us. Thanks for watching

[@jimmarshall807]

Great job. Be interested in knowing what the labour cost would be for someone who doesn't have the skills and workshop access that Dave has.

[@Tonyv1951]

Really enjoyed the series. Bargain at £2300, but I wonder what all the labour would have cost? Don't worry about the occasional word fluff. Who wouldn't make the odd one? Far more coherent than I would have been.

[@andrewbannister3272]

great series watched them all and really enjoyed reminded me of the A10 I had loved the bike started fine when it was cold but just a brute to start when it was warm if i got an A65 now could I have the same problem

[@johndeaville9326]

Just fit an electronic ignition and set up the carb and all will be ok.

[@glenncurrie5238]

I have a question sir, when I push and pull on the main shaft at the alternator end, should there be any play at all. Thanks Glenn

[@kevinjerome4925]

Really enjoyed - blued down pipes can also result from mixture too weak?

[@gordonmerrett9972]

Thank you for the series David loved your skill and presentation. I have read all the comments on this episode but nobody has asked for an estimate of hours you spent on the bike. You would do it quicker than most, but an estimate please

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hi Gordon, just had a chat with Dave about this, reckons between 30-40 hours. Probably closer to 30 hours work if we didn't film it, add 10 for the filming - everything seems to take much longer when it's filmed :)

[@gordonmerrett9972]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel Thanks for your reply I appreciate it.

[@bobazevedo4874]

Well done Dave, Bike looks great. Did you keep a record of labour hours?

[@daveco1270]

It looks like you got rid of that bluing on the pipes. How'd you manage to do that?

[@tonybates4645]

My bike is identical to yours 1967 BSA A65 Thunderbolt but I have a few problems getting parts like clutch connector assembly, rear spindle, 4 gallon tank. I have searched the internet and major establishments for these parts to no avail. Got any ideas? The tank is available from India but I dealt with them before which was not good. Side panels came from Canada. The bike was a runner but unfortunately I bought a lemon, a lot of parts were missing or plainly wrong though it had been restored at one time with numerous new parts. It looked fantastic till I got it home on my ramp!!

[@dogpaw775]

how about a vid' on Triumph twin cam timing using dial gauges.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Thanks for your suggestion Dog Paw!

[@dogpaw775]

@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel that would be neat if you could, if you're in Maresfield give me a shout and i'll come and hold the camera for you 8D. All the best.

[@soldtobediers]

Enjoyed the whole series. -DU69160

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Appreciate you saying, just gotta get it on the road now, when it's safe to get out here in the UK :)

[@hhuodod2209]

Could never ride a bike with out abs you're braverer than me, though the bike looks cool.

[@pauliebots]

Do you guys have any merchandise for sale. That logo in white on a black xl tshirt please! Lol.

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Hey Paul! Nah, don’t do that at the moment, sorry, thanks for asking though!

[@pauliebots]

Can I ask how long has this channel been on?

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Sure, since July 2020

[@twozup1098]

I only came here because the thumbnail looked like Lou Reed in a set of Overalls standing beside a classic Beeza

[@Squarepeg57]

Great series! Are you ready to sell her to me yet?

[@jorgedepazgallo8531]

Si lo tradujeron al español.!.

[@tvand8052]

Wait what? There is a second cannel :O

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Yeah, just for supplementary videos and additional content.

[@velobob4299]

Could of done with a new rim on the back.