Paul's rants - Expert opinions, wasting time and money and a possible careers opportunity!

Please don't think this stuff hurts or upsets me in any way, if anything I find it quite amusing, but I do have to 'vent' occasionally as a result. It makes me wonder, however, how much money has been spent needlessly on 'problems' by many people on all sorts of stuff, over the years though!

[@neville1353]

Carry on Paul with what you are doing Paul, I love your videos and COMMON sense approach...

[@adeypop1]

If only everyone could adopt Pauls' pragmatic repair philosiphy rather than drown a bike in a lot expensive parts and extra Labour costs

[@callmeanythingbutlatefordinner]

There are "parts changers" and then there are "REAL mechanics" that can diagnose, engineer and repair.

[@jefftingle8131]

Paul your talent for repairing motorcycle is limitless,you are a true classic bike mechanic.

[@nordkettenhund]

I am a BMW-driver from Germany. I do like your approach, fixing bikes, as if they were youre own, sometimes improvising, everytime listening carefully to the machines you are working on. It would be very sad, if you´d feel discouraged by these fuzzy as++++es. Carry on, I love your way of "fix n drive"! Good luck and best wishes.

[@johnwilcox4078]

No one ever said Paul is more money than brains! That's why i tune in, to watch an expert diagnose things correctly. Anyone can simply change parts . Keep up the good work and greetings from Wisconsin!

[@satanssurfer5965]

Watching a skilled mechanic solve issues in his own way is an education in itself, i thank you for sharing your engineering wisdom.

[@mickgerard6696]

Good day Paul. It seems the ignorant just can’t help opening they’re pie hole to let us all know how ignorant they really are! Your approach and lessons have helped me tremendously in my own motorcycle repairs. In fact, yesterday I built my first spoked rim from the hub out, and only because your videos gave me confidence to do so! It turned out wonderful, played beautiful music as you say, and was so round and true I didn’t even need weight to balance it after the tire was mounted! God bless you Paul, and screw all the idiots and there crap opinions! I greatly appreciate you!

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thank you!

[@randyroy4074]

You friend are a gift. Thanks

[@grahamdale1687]

I have also just re built 2 wheels after watching and following your videos on wheels, so thanks Paul keep going just as you are.

[@stefanmaslaczyk1259]

I had a Bullet Electra about 20 years ago, still on a carburettor. The air inlet manifold had a really crude casting inner surface. I took the head off and smoothed it all out and also cleaned up some casting ridges in the combustion chamber. Hitchcocks found me an original air box and filter of 60s vintage which actually worked much better than a KN filter I had fitted. After trying different sizes I settled on a main jet 3 sizes bigger and raised the needle a couple of notches. What a difference! It ran much smoother, acceleration picked up and it definitely put a lot on the top speed. I don’t know what the insides of the Indian made castings are like now but back then they were very crude sand casting cores.

[@nickmarshall9192]

Brilliant rant Paul These armchair spannermen really need to get out of there mums back bedroom And do something!!!

[@richardburchill8740]

These people would replace everything but the beep in the horn before they fixed anything.

[@onemanhisdub1969]

You can buy new beeps? 😉

[@richardburchill8740]

Yes,but they dont last long.@@onemanhisdub1969

[@markbreward5042]

If you stop to kick every dog that barks at you you won't get anywhere You know your job most of us appreciate your freely sharing your experience with us

[@keithgarland3404]

Paul, your work, and your methods, are top notch. Unfortunately, every youtube channel has trolls, know alls, and armchair advisors. Just ignore them, and carry on doing Quality work, like you always do. I'm a mechanic with 50 years experience, working on everything from one cyl to 12 cyl, petrol, diesel, electric, and I know when somebody knows their stuff.

[@michaelgillett5477]

There’s lots of people like that good on you for pointing it out. There are 101 experts.👍

[@ianhorabin9763]

Well said Paul, there's far to many know it all's out there who have never picked a spanner up.. keep up the good work reviving these classics.. Ozzy..👍

[@waynecameron4911]

G'day Paul I was the one who asked about the needle/main jets. I was only enquiring not knocking your work. Back in the 1980's I read in a Classic Bike magazine about carburettor tuning and that was mentioned that's why I was after your experienced opinion on it. Cheers from Australia

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Hi Wayne - I can assure you, it wasn't you! Cheers, Paul.

[@tony306l]

take no notice of them Paul ...i asked you a question not so long back and you was the only one to give me a good honest answer even though you was not sure on my 2014 enfield 500 classic twin spark indian import ... you mentioned about possibly being the injector ..you was correct i forgot to thank you for it as that was causing the taping and knocking noise on warm up and the misfire at running temp ,being a carb man myself i should of known it was a fuel knock .....as with carbs i always play with the needles and fuel taps for any hiccups and gremlins and knocks that suddenly turn up like that ... anything else other than that is a kit kat and take a break moment and look elsewhere ... thanks pal ..

[@andrewslattery403]

Those who can, do! Keep on keeping on. Looking forward to your return in due course.

[@RG9591]

😂 Paul, I love your common sense rants. I hope these "experts" continue to share their inexhaustible knowledge, it adds a lot of fodder for your rants. 😅

[@robertboswell33]

That’s the difference between parts changers and real mechanics that understand the problem and seek the best solution. Thanks for your videos Paul

[@motophoenix5951]

Don't listen to them, they go with the territory. They are never going to go away. Ignore them.

[@peter7624]

Some people do that if they have a problem they don't understand they just chuck money at it. As we know it's far better for the environment if you can fix it, and should be the first port of call. It's also an opportunity to expand our learning and for me, gives me a greater sense of achievement than replacing parts, anyone can do that. Keep on doing it your way Paul, don't listen to the know-it-alls. You are the expert we come on You Tube to watch and listen to, not them. Great video.

[@user-tu1xc4hp2z]

There is no shortage of A50/A65 people who are convinced that unless you fit an oil filter and timing side conversion, your bike will definitely s**t itself in short order. Not so. Though, obviously, I can't predict the life of my bike's bottom end, thus far it's done 31,000km in the past 3.5 years. It appears to be ok. I am a fairly rubbish mechanic, but in spite of that, with the bottom end at least, it's still going. I think Paul is right. Clean oil, ride it firmly without thrashing it, and all should be well. Fingers crossed! Trolls? Bugger 'em! Keep going as you are, Paul, and thank you for doing it. I hope the difficulty you mention is not too horrible.

[@kevinscudamore2711]

Well said 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@kevinphipps3644]

I have always maintained my own bikes , and I like to fix the parts not just buy new ones , I admire you , and I am never to old to learn , Do not let them get to you , the majority of your viewers support you 100% so keep up the excellent work .

[@user-fv7wt1fc7o]

Well said Paul, your ways my way it’s easy just to fit new parts all the time, keep these old bikes going with what you’ve got and what you know 👍David

[@markpoling7917]

Very well put Paul!! There are very few of you out there - keep up the good work.

[@agee8322]

In my world, jetting is - pilot, needle and mains ...... if lifting the needle fix's the mid range, then its done! Changing the other circuit jets wont affect what the needle does. Thats why you have a needle clip. I would have done same as you Paul.

[@SLED649]

Hey Paul! Envy is a powerful but misunderstood compliment! Carry on mate!👍

[@stansolley5634]

I totally agree with your responses Paul, if you have the fix at hand use it. All armchair warriors must remember, that opionons are like rectums, everyone has one but they should be kept to one's self. Keep up the good work love your videos cheers 🇦🇺

[@gerrybezaire8484]

Steady on Paul - Appreciate your videos it helps me maintain my 1959 RE 500 twin Meteor Minor. Sidewalk supervisors are ten-a-penny but your skills are spot on. Cheers

[@stuwhite2337]

I have motorcycle carbs on one of my cars and spent a long time setting them up with an afr meter. Best way to tune is a combination of jet size and needle position. If moving the needle sorts things out there's absolutely no need to change jets.

[@user-hd6fm3eg5s]

First time I've watched your video all the way through, absolutely brilliant no nonsense mechanic

[@bsa_brummie7775]

Another good rant. Best to track the faults and use a common sense approach to removing each problem by a process of elimination. People often spend hundreds of £ / $ replacing carburettors, reg / rectifiers, alternators etc to find they have the same problem when put back together due to blockages, wiring faults etc. Your methodology works overall and is based on a fair and honest approach. Things can go wrong occasionally appreciating you do not have a lab for hardness testing or Xray vision you cannot really see fatigue in components which after all can be over 50 years old. Plenty of Franchised dealers out there who's business model is built around high labour costs and fitting parts that are often never required. This might cause a stir. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing the videos warts and all. Plenty of A65's running high mileages in the BSAOC with timing side bush fitted. Best 👍

[@Swisztony]

Well said Paul. You are a breath of fresh air!!!!! What a cracking video mate. I used to muck around with cars 40 yrs ago and have been into engineering professionaly ever since. In the last 5 years I got into motorbikes by a great friend who is no longer with us .I am "bringing back to life" a 1961 Reddich Bullet 350. It's a big learning curve and I have been at it for 12 months so far. Keep the videos coming and some of the "issues" you are taking about in this video are potentially indicative of folks who want to restore stuff the easy way. Might as well take it to someone and say " FIX THIS". Keep the practical (and mental health stuff common cos your depression video gave me some perspective on some things) . Ive done a couple of You Tube vids myself to help folks which I found liberating. T.

[@VinceJones-uj3cm]

Totally agree with you Paul. Don't let them get to you.

[@roythearcher]

Some commenters dont seem to know the difference between tuning a carb for fully open throttle and half open throttle. Thats what the grooves in the needle are for isn't it? Let them change the main jet and still have an engine that runs flat at half throttle!

[@danielmcneil3004]

Good rant, Paul 👍. It must be very frustrating to have to deal with all these armchair mechanics who feel the need to stick in their 2cents worth even after you have already successfully corrected a problem and the bike is running perfectly. Keep up the good work, Paul and ignore the trolls. Thanks for your videos. Cheers, Dan. 👍🏍🇨🇦

[@tarnand6376]

Apparently there are people who in order to fix the low tire pressure would rather order a new wheel than just, from time to time, pump some more air to raise the pressure to the proper level.

[@peterparsons3297]

people can read books but you cant beat hands on experience, wish i could have spoken to you years back when i was having so much trouble with the timing side bushes on my clubman A65. im a lifelong machinist and time served heavy plant guy... but as i found my knowledge was lacking in that occasion.... keep up the good work and just ignore the neigh sayers

[@hermangibbs8163]

Well said. Thank you.

[@peterparsons3297]

needle has grooves so you can adjust it same as a mixture screw

[@damiantuttle1348]

I love the channel Paul and never miss an episode so carry on the good work . I wouldn't let yourself get so 'Triggered' by what people say, you need thick skin when you open yourself up to scrutiny and criticism. I admire what you and similar channels do it's not something I'd relish even with many years of classic bike restorations under my belt . Does that make sense mate 😊

[@perryreynolds194]

Nothing wrong with what you're Paul, keep up the good work

[@marcheighton6436]

You do a grand job proper old school mechanics perhaps those who criticise should attempt to emulate. Keep up the good work. 👍👍👍

[@rokhnroll]

Hi Paul, I think your rant is well justified and good for your own health to get it out in the open so it can fade away. I don't think there are many that can say they have the same level of knowledge and expertise working on the old thumpers as you. If the needle was not supposed to be tinkered with and adjusted it would not have the notches, mend and make do is a whole different level of expertise it shows intimate knowledge of the item being fixed/repaired in my opinion. Thanks for posting.

[@davidhill2619]

A good Paul rant😂😂😂 Alls right with the world now😊

[@user-wl1sr5ng4t]

Shall wait with anticipation until your back on track.....

[@elroyosorio8850]

I wish that I didn't live so far away; I'd let you work on my bikes because I've learned to trust your judgment and appreciate your expertise.

[@chrisrogers267]

Paul, the internet is full of experts who take delight in 'correcting' us all, usually based on bottomless wallets and reading books, please keep on doing what you're doing and ignore them, my Norton Atlas is running a dream by the way ( once i got rid of that Electrex thing ) thanks to your rebuild several years ago.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks for that, Chris!

[@johnwebley3790]

Well done Paul, carry on the good work, You have lots of support here, Do it your way You know it makes sense

[@philiphuntdavies8613]

Good on you Paul 👍

[@danproctor15]

Jet size is set at wide open throttle. After that the needle position is set. And as you rightly say the adjustability is there for a reason.

[@martinmorgan9070]

well said, totally agree, first port o call is always hopefully within your own workshop....backseat drivers ...eh mM f14

[@darrenharper5723]

Hi Paul, I am a fan of your videos and have learnt a lot from watching them, I think you should ignore the critics of your work and not give them the satisfaction of seeing you react, posting your rant videos only fuels their desire to get under your skin, take my advice and ignore them and only post videos of your fine work.

[@gwiz1307]

Keep on keeping on, and don't let the bar-stewards grind you down!

[@jimnewearthblues1672]

🔊Thank you for your insights , keep em coming👊🏻

[@lesjones7617]

Good luck Paul, hope everything goes alright whatever it is and see you soon.

[@bobmurphy5966]

Hey Paul, just sen the speeding Bullet article in the Feb Vintage Classic Motorcycle mag, a good read.

[@andrewf9673]

I am continually amazed by your expertise in diagnosing and fixing classic machines. Equally, I cannot believe some of the negative comments and criticisms that you receive. I look forward to your videos and admire greatly the skills you demonstrate in sorting all of the machines you are entrusted with, including those that arrive in boxes and with various bodges included. Keep calm and carry on as they say. You have a legion of loyal and appreciative subscribers

[@charleskyler1928]

Brilliant Paul! I could use your methods here in the states, to many think that the only way to fix something is to replace it. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@shug831]

Here was me thinking there was a job opportunity with Performance Classics. 😉 I would happily live in a camper van while helping out and listen to various rants that armchair experts trigger off. Pity I'm not in the uk but i can dream.😁

[@norsehall309]

G'day Paul, from Australia, your spot on it costs nothing to raise the needle and if you know what your doing testing the plug after a ride and if colour is good and the bike runs well job done, those armchair exsperts who always find fault give me the shits, your way is one way that works, end of story, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.

[@christopherwhite5210]

I must admit that I really don't understand the 'just chuck money at it' mentality to be honest. It's much more satisfying to fix a problem yourself rather then do that, especially when you don't actually have much money. Case in point the fuel tap on my bullet, the same type that you've recently had problems with. My issue was that it was pi**ing fuel out of the clear filter bowl on the bottom. However some PTFE tape that I had to hand on the outside of the thread only soon sorted it. Pleased to see that you're better after the other day Paul and all the best 😃

[@hardnut52]

HI Paul. i am in my late 60s and work on my own bikes and have enjoyed and learned a lot watching your videos so keep up the good work. i have a 70 lightning and a 71 thunderbolt and love them both and have picked up some goot tips wtching your vids.Dave.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thanks Dave!

[@murffff]

paul dont give the trolls air time there muppets keep doing things your own way

[@williamnethercott4364]

I suspect that needed saying! I can't handle all the stuff that you can (and I don't just mean because my ageing body isn't up to rolling around under a bike or car any more), I don't have the knowledge/skill. In my time, I've had success with motorcycle and car engines from the barrels upwards, pistons, valves, carburettors, timing gear, brakes, suspension and a bit of electrics. In all of that, my approach has been pragmatic but not doing anything I know to be wrong, i.e. remembering what my dad taught me over 50 years ago. I can't fault your work and the way you managed those two Enfields was spot-on. Please keep doing what you do and I'll keep watching and learning. Any detractors can bust a gut shouting into the void for all I care.

[@samjoentess9168]

That was a gooden Paul 👍 Keep up the great content ,the A65 is a fave 🥳

[@lesterhall5310]

Great rant Paul, couldn't agree with your methods more, or your opinion for that matter. I only wish i had half your talent and experience. Give yourself a pat on the back from me. Lester in Australia.

[@johncoulter9753]

I think I'd rather believe you Paul. There are some "know-alls" who know f##k all. Keep on exactly as you have been doing. You're imparting your hard won experience.

[@tonygriffiths2485]

Great to see you looking so chipper :) The A65 conrod may well have had a hairline crack from the begining i.e. when it was manufactured, but it didn't have anything come up because of the engine being not as well finished as it's last rebuild, the extra power liberated may well have caused the posible crack to open up and fail. Not necessarily so, but a possibility. Looking forward to the next video :)

[@roverchap]

Trolls, Paul. You know your stuff and I would take your advice and expertise over anyone's.

[@fredbailey2076]

think i mentioned the roller conversion but looking at the job and your recommendation ide have been happy keeping the bush

[@user-kx5wx2ws8y]

Hi Paul its Billy just keep on doing what your doing well done mate

[@user-bj6zm1qc3e]

Thanks Paul for your work with your videos and being prepared to put your knowledge and experience out there for us. Don't be discouraged by the lesser inhabitants of the net. I was only adjusting the carburettor of my Bullet sixty-5 yesterday and went the other way dropping the needle down a notch to lean it off to clean the plug up a bit.. The bike still has the original style air cleaner, engine in good mech nick running an NGK B8ES plug. I was surprised by how black the plug was. I improved it but it still is black but the bike is running and responding very well. maybe change to a 7 plug? ( I guess by the time I arrive back after my test ride it is still idling for some time before stopping and would affect the plug colour) Thanks Andrew Sydney, Australia

[@ianwoollard9008]

Paul....... You don't have to justify yourself to those critics. Anyone who knows you would know you're not in this game purely for the money. It's the love of working on these classics. With regards to that BSA that blew up i have no doubt whatsoever it was down to metal fatigue in one of those conrods but you can't prove it. Nobody could prove it. It would eat away at me too but i'll tell you this : If i saw a bike for sale & knew it was recently rebuilt by you i would sleep rest assured 👌. If anyone sold a bike that was recently rebuilt by you they could command an extra £500+. Keep your pecker up Mate. 👍

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thank you!

[@davidmarkwort9711]

Sometimes the simplest of remedies are the best, it's engineering common sense.

[@gerrymcivor374]

All these armchair, keyboard, theory experts who have no practical experience. You keep on doing what you do. Your customers obviously have faith in your abilities and we benefit from your experience and methodical approach. Thank you for sharing it all with us.

[@delli6059]

I've been subscribed to your channel for quite a a while but have never commented, as for me to write in English is not easy..but I want to Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and time with us

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Thank you!

[@mickeycrilly1839]

Some people are just armchair experts I never comment on anything I don’t know myself and let’s face it you work on these things a lot so to me your knowledge is priceless ffs as you say just fit a new one is why I don’t like working on any vehicles built before the eighties or even the seventies my Ford Ka nope expensive to fix because I can’t fix or recon anything my 64 tiger 90 my 2000 w 650 scrambler yes I can strip and fix most of them f@#£ em

[@ianaristotlethompson4186]

X is an unknown quantity, spurt is a drip under pressure. Don’t let them get to you. Carry on the god work. Thanks.

[@user-sc5ge9cy2c]

Nice one Paul , the world is full of armchair experts .Keep up the good work and don't let the bas- - - - s get you down

[@ianstewart576]

Hi Paul. Just carry on doing what you're doing. It's experience that matters, and thanks for taking us with you. You do know the definition of an expert" don't you. X is the unknown factor and Spert is a drip under pressure.

[@andrewlengert2558]

Ignore what the carb 'experts' tell you, amal gave out a free tuning leaflet on carbs, I can't remember the exact maths, but, 1/8 throttle, pilot jet size, from 1/8 to 1/4 throttle slide cutaway, 1/4 to 1/2 throttle needle position, 1/2 to full throttle, main jet. This is not the correct degrees of throttle, but that is the process that amal state.

[@garys4756]

Paul,don't take the comments to heart,the trolls will drag you down to their level if you let them. Keep doing it your way and save your customers and subscribers money with your make do and mend it where possible 👍👍.

[@richardolmstead8963]

I just love arm chair mechanics. They like to criticize, as if they know so much. Probably never fix anything!

[@x1955]

One of the reasons I seldom post things on Facebook, etc these days is because some people assume I'm looking for advice. I think a lot of these "experts" must be in the business of selling parts.

[@anthonyhull2998]

Even with your flawless common sense you get a pipe smoking numpty pontificating on how their way is better. It's not always that you have to replace with new doing these two bikes is a showcase of your knowledge and simplicity of solving a problem.

[@noeldoran8884]

Hi Paul I wonder what these "Super mechanics" garages and bikes are actually like?? You can't do anything but laugh at them, keep going mate...

[@martytoal6547]

Top rant🤣love it👍🏻( ya certainly don’t miss yer target)

[@vorhese]

You have to learn to ignore these people

[@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs]

Any idiot can replace, with sucess sometimes, other times not. You repair and that's the skill of the job.

[@brockett]

Thanks for this. You do make me laugh. But really..... how dare they offer criticism after only two years of gawping at KZbin. Apprentices must surely watch KZbin for five years before they are even halfway qualified.

[@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917]

Hi Paul I think these last few years have shown us all how much these expert's are expert's Take no notice mate

[@iandeumayne-jones1557]

I've found a lot of new parts that we get today are no where near the quality of the original stuff. So why not repair/refurbish/restore if you can? Lets face it, China is yet to be known for quality! Go you Paul. Ignore such comments and continue to entertain and educate mate.

[@dickiedum]

Hi, I hope your problems are soon over, I love your channel and I love the way you fix rather than replace and you make the bikes run like they should. The fuel tap solution was genius and just adjusting the carb and having the bike run perfectly for very little money, apart from your time was great. You should charge more per hour as you can't get experience overnight, it takes many years. Take care and keep doing what you do, cheers from Devon.

[@bigred8438]

As far as I am concerned changing jets is laborious and won't necessarily allow you to reach the outcome you hoped for. Why not do something simple that costs nothing (changing the height of the Needle) first to see if that changes the performance? If you put a new carb on a bike with standard jetting for that size carb, they will advise you to barrel down the road to see if the notch you have chosen for you needle, suits the bike and its gearing etc. If not try it at a different notch. This is common practice for anyone who is not a race bike fettler. I brought home a Thunderbolt a few years ago which was oiling up the spark plugs because it was adjusted far too rich (perhaps to run cooler in a hot location). It wouldn't start very easy. It took weeks of fiddling. The first thing I did was clean the carb thoroughly. Then I changed the air filter, then I checked the timing was not too advanced or retarded. But I feel it was the adjustment of where the clip was on which notch on the needle jet that made the difference. This allowed the bike to run much better and started easier also.

[@amelierenoncule]

Paulie, me lad...No matter what you do or say, SOMEONE will find fault...sometimes, even your spouse. THE HUMAN CONDITION.

[@jankodejong3771]

No need to defend yourself Paul!

[@fergushooper9755]

My goodness Paul there are some absolute plonkers out there, please don't encourage them to open a repair shop!!😢😂