Progress Made On The Honda XR Bike In A Box

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Click my trainwell (formerly CoPilot) link go.trainwell.net/TheBeardedMechanic to get 14 days FREE with your own expert personal trainer!

[@williecosgrove]

just go carivore

[@GeorgeTsack]

@The_Bearded_Mechanic One question mate how does it go with the Motorcycle Powered LeMons Racecar i enjoyed to see that because its really rare so i hope part 2 coming soon. I have a suggestion about all the work you put into the gas tank, your work would be so much easier if you used paint remover instead. Kindly Regards from Sweden

[@NateG3678]

I’ve been a motorcycle tech for the last 20 yrs. Went to MMI and went to California to get race tech certified. I graduated top of all of the electives. I now work on bikes for fun because the industry made me a number. I love what you do and your methodical way of diagnosing. You do everything right and I’d love to come help you with any project you have.

[@jxstlxam3273]

Never clicked on a video so fast! Currently got my bike stripped down and the panels sanded and primed for paint. I’ve rebuilt multiple engines and fixed many issues on friends bikes all inspired by your videos. I wouldn’t have done any of it without watching these videos you make! You make my Friday/Saturday evenings so much better each week. Keep it up! Thanks!

[@bookofrevelation4924]

Did you get paid for this comment? Yet?

[@jxstlxam3273]

@@bookofrevelation4924 10p on your comment

@@bookofrevelation4924 Are you sore you aren't getting paid to watch these videos? So you think he bought bikes and engines to work on so he could get paid to watch these videos? You think that makes sense?

[@bookofrevelation4924]

We can get paid for watching videos, and I'm only now learning this from you? That is upsetting! Would it have made a difference if I had ended that sarcastic comment with laughter, since teasing here? Lol..😂

[@dylanyates7210]

I do upholstery for a living and do many motorcycle seat. When you go to upholster it start with 1-2 staples at the two high on the front of the seat where it round to the flat side at the top front then do a center back of the seat staple as close to the edge of the cover, because you will want to pull it tighter late the do the bottom front where the seat curves up to the fuel tank. then check the cover so it is even and adjust it if you need to. I would recommend used a heat gun to help soften the the cover and please use stainless steal staples, use staples the same thickness of slightly longer then the seat plastic thickness. if you have a steamer use if on the foam as year of use will have condensed it and it will help fill out the your new cover. the sew line at the front only needs to sit just under the seat. Hi from Australia

[@speednsuzy]

Love this series - This XR250R was my first motorcycle back in 86 and this is bringing back a lot of good memories. Thanks Craig!!

[@manuelknietsch7787]

wow, that dissasembly of the engine with the calm words and that music... same effect as Bob Ross had to me in the past... could relax and fall asleep to it like a baby. Nice one Craig. Greetings from Germany.

[@paulbecket7399]

years ago i went to MMI and one of the things we did was strip one of these bikes engines down, build it back up and start it (no start no pass) these engines are great, so simple...the one my partner and I did started and ran so I passed the course and I enjoyed working on it immensely !

[@christians131]

How was your experience at MMI? I’ve heard no so good reviews of UTI

[@paulbecket7399]

@@christians131 I enjoyed it a lot, though they base too much of your grade on how fast you can do your work...I mean we are trying to learn how to do things and as you learn your speed on jobs is bound to increase...I mostly went for the early model Harley stuff...I wish they had a early model Japanese course.

[@ArmchairDeity]

OK the zip tie trick you used on the clutch basket and nut is pure genius. That’s something I will use myself in the future. 😊😅

[@Ceen328]

Have another trick for bolts: take a piece of cardboards and jam bolts into it. Can write on it, from where the bolts came from like 'rear brake top' - ' rear brake buttom'. Put the cardboard aside and all the bolts will be there, when it is time to use them.

[@doublea4820]

This bike takes back to 86, I was 15 and thought I rode like Ricky Johnson, loving it

[@me734]

Still love those 80's dirt bikes !

[@RichardMiller-o4w]

I really enjoy your videos. They remind me of the 70's, when my buddies and I were working on our choppers, drinking beer, and talking smart. Ahhh, to be in my twenties again. Thanks for your videos. Also, I worked in a plastic molding shop. They have a dry ice blaster that uses chips of dry ice instead of sand. It worked wonders taking the grunge off of molds without touching the paint. It might be worth a try if you can get crushed dry ice and run it through a cheap harbor freight sand blaster.

[@keitharnett2647]

Love resto stuff on all old dirt bikes reminds me pulling cylinder off my 1973 Honda 250 Elsinore . Had 1974 Yamaha 175 milled head ,bored , big carb man those were days ! Love video keep rockin

[@mikereinhardt4807]

Had a 73 Elsinore also back in the day. What a great bike, it could climb walls! Your right these videos bring back a lot of cool memories...

[@Steveinmunster]

Bought my first XL500S new in 1982. It was my pride and joy. The last model with twin rear shocks. By far my favourite bike ever and I’ve had a few! Those Honda engines are bulletproof. Sold it in 2012 when I left South Africa. I still miss that bike…

[@Nexiteee]

I got a honda xl 250r. Was standing for 15 years, but now she's up and running again like a dream. Busy restoring it now so it looks brand new from Japan's Honda factory.

[@elceemo4383]

Ive got one in the shed waiting for me to tackle it - The dual carbs are going to be fun!

[@michaelsimmons6138]

I'm 57 learned along time ago when projects start going wrong step back and leave them for a while then get a fresh new look after a few weeks. You did a good thing walking away because problem start to snowball know shame in walking away for a few weeks if people get pissed than they have never worked on cars or bikes. So are we blaming Dan for the broken glass or shop gremlin lol keep the videos coming love them

[@dashingdave2665]

Thanks for taking the time to add the little cut shots where you do it properly. It's not all quick & fun, but a steady consistent rhythm.

[@MrJmattr3]

The story of the Busa clutch basket is a good learning lesson. Taking a break from a project is sometimes needed!

[@suit_of_souls]

Absolutely love watching these videos and getting all kinds of information. Inspired me to take on a custom Goldwing project a few months ago that's going to be a long term project and more recently a 1982 Honda CM200T I got at an auction for $200 with 2600 miles on it that had been sitting for probably 30 years based on the date code of the tires. That was 3 weeks ago, got the gas tank cleaned finally and was able to get it to fire up and take on a little spin around the property today. Feels incredibly fulfilling and I'm wanting to do more

[@vinnybag-o-donuts4362]

Anytime I have a rough day at work, I love watching Craig wrench on a bike. Always makes me smile ❤

[@ahsokatano6059]

workingout is good, you ride a ton of bikes, and that takes energy, win win, stay strong

[@Ralph94967]

GUYS its always a pleasure to watch you bring these bikes back the Honda 250 looks awesome yip lot of prep before you see the light at the end of the tunnel but dang its gonna be sweet

[@pigasus_1]

Nice work dude. I started training about 18 months ago. 4 marathons and 1500 miles later and I’m doing great.

[@drak0v]

Bro this bike reminds me of my childhood. First bike I owned. Amazing work so far!

[@MP-MZA]

For cleaning the dirt on the tank, and rust on engines, w40 and the green part of a sponge

[@davidbarnsley8486]

I have a klx 400 that I have owned for nearly twenty years and I was always thinking of a full nut and bolt restoration And watching you do this Craig I know exactly why I haven’t done it I will do some plastic repair like you did with the tank as when I bought it the guy had wrapped them all and I made the mistake of removing it and then when I rode it I messed them all up I was so disappointed with myself for removing the wraps as the plastic underneath was brand new Great job 👍👍🇦🇺 At least I took off the old seat cover when I put a new one on

[@ricardodeangelo3851]

Every once in a while it's nice to see you doing a total restore. Thanks!

[@Motocentrick]

I had an 83xr 80, that was my first bike. Such classic styling, still one of the best

[@chriscapobianco9763]

Long ago working in bike shops I had learned, when you remove tires the cause of oxidation on aluminum, and rust and pittingon steel is due to using soap and water to reinstall tire. the tire seals the moisture in on the inner rim, soap is slightly acidic, overtime this eats the rim. Channel is great at showing viewers what its really like to be a motorcycle mechanic!!!!!! Over glorified and under paid :)

[@nicholastaylor1546]

Man missed Dan but so happy we got a video as yesterday I was getting withdrawals from the Bearded Mechanic

[@swapmeetlus4096]

Just got home from my usual 6 day work week. I’m tired and I don’t want anything to do with my brothers ‘75 mx125 I’m fixing up, so like a proper sadistic man, I grabbed a six pack and started watching you wrench. I’ll be back on that old Mx tomorrow, but for now I’m gonna enjoy your country edits. Thanks Craig!

[@jay_pozz4222]

I've just been working on my dr-z250 and bike carrier with my 2 little boys this weekend. They are 3 and 4 and love having time in the shed working on projects together. They are more tool savvy than I was at that age lol.

[@aidenradu-fw9lk]

Honda XR's are so cool! And so is Craig!

[@robh3267]

I built and raced an Al Baker XR280 for about 8 years and those RFVC motors are great, I did every mod you could think of and you can get a lot of power from that little air cooled motor, you should check the cam chain as it will stretch significantly over time because of the high spring rate of the auto tensioner also the intake valve clearance will tighten, other than that it's pretty bullet proof, great trail bike but the stock suspension is quite primitive, I installed WP forks and shock and it was a very race capable bike, one of the best dirt bikes I've ever owned even by today's standards.

[@lachy1709]

that toothed chain tension cam on the back tyre is an awesome idea, saves the hassle of tying to get the individual bolts on either side equal

[@Gixie-R]

Cheap de-Dirter/de-seizer my Granddad used to swear by on older rusted bikes was Paraffin oil. Leave it to soak and wipe it clean. Its also perfect wipe clean/weather protection for chrome and aluminium.

[@timothyellis6266]

I like the camera work! For rust removal I like Rustoleum Spray Gel, the also have some you brush on. Works in 20 minutes. Thanks for the videos!

[@lorduggae]

Glad you decided to get fit. My journey has taken me from being north of 400lbs (exact weight was unknown) down to 207lbs. Keep it up, whatever works for you!

[@scottyellis3442]

I would love to have this bike, in 82-83 I had a XR200. What good memories. S.O.S Pads works great on rusty wheels.

[@jmabs5096]

25:47 take a torch to it and it will come back nice bright and Shiney! I've done this with old plastics go get a little more life of of them if they are fades. Word of caution get the torch moving and never stay in the same area for more than a few seconds

[@steven-vn9ui]

Agree 👍

[@oldguysrule5895]

I promise I will exercise....right after I watch this video

[@backr80]

Honestly, listening to you work with the easy guitar music was relaxing. It reminds me of when I'm working on my bike in my garage with the music on, which is where id rathe be than on a computer doing data entry

[@RPS34V]

just found a xr 250 r thats been stood outside by the coast for 12 years , going to follow craig s resto on this , so far its been very informative , ive never seen so many parts rusted or seized , when i get it home ill post a video of it raw if theres any interest

[@Zeftow]

Need me a Bearded Mechanic garage apron, you inspired me to buy a 28 y/o motorcycle that I'm putting back in good shape!

[@Slinkywastaken]

Seeing Craig neck deep in a bunch of projects makes me feel better about the 3 I got going, plus one for sale and another waiting until I can be bothered to look at it.

[@kenjohnson5498]

My buddy used to use an old oiled up stem from a junk tube and put red atv under and around the stem and rim let it dry and remove the stem and trim the excess off to keep the water from getting in the rim to stop corrosion

[@seanalger3536]

Yes! Been waiting for you to work on the XR! That thing will look sick when it’s done. Keep up the good work man!

[@Georgebd2]

Love watching these cool rebuilds! Handy tip for the plastic (as long as you have all the gas out obviously) a light fanning with a torch sometimes brings that plastic back done it on a few projects myself and ironically learned the tip watching KZbin videos .

[@azayakiakihitano6858]

The health application you promoted are very useful, as mechanic you should always know how much knee gas that you have in your body

[@lancenutter1067]

Nice! Just bought a basket case 1982 Yamaha XT200 yesterday. Sorted through the parts today and am ready to start the rebuild.

[@volvogt21]

Good luck getting healthy. Everyone will be better for having a slimmer you in their lives

[@Avboden]

I had an XR250L down on the island of Grenada when I lived there for 3 years. Fixed it up, was an awesome bike! pesky CDI issues though. Also I learned you can totally check a set of motorcycle tires in as a checked bag, lol. Loved taking parts down and fixing it up.

[@tomvanveen5992]

love how this video was made white the music and the head cam

[@plympytheplumber4605]

The Bearded Mechanic shop apron! I will definitely buy one of those! Or mechanic work shirts perhaps

[@paulbecket7399]

if you find your self having a hard time stretching the seat cover on the seat base use a blow dryer to heat up the cover that makes it easier to stretch on

[@VintageGearMan]

Biggest build I think I have seen him do so far. Insane amount of work.

[@wickeddubz]

What a great job! This fuel tank looks better than new. So many interesting things to learn, so many good comments.

[@simonmayle45-70]

No more temu sponsors please! Absolutely love this channel and everything you, dan, and shawn do.

[@Cheezeball99999]

I had a Schrade for about a decade, used it as a pry bar more than I did a blade- but it never lost its edge. That's the only anodized finish I ever wore off with my hands alone. Countless, hundreds of hours of work I did with that knife. It was eventually stolen from me at work, in the middle of making dough at the Minsky's I delivered for. It's been six years and it still hurts. They discontinued that particular model, and nothing else has the same charm. 😔

[@TheHemiphil81]

I have a 96 honda xi250 r and I bought in 97 and I have rode the wheels off of her and she is still beautiful.

[@MrSchnauzbart65]

glad to follow your projects!

[@themister3865]

I have a 1986 Yamaha IT200 that I hope to do the same things to as your XR250 this coming winter, working along with my son.

[@jamtmill]

I am so glad I came across you. I unsubed from sean/shawn (Not trying to put him down). WIthout you I get too much of the character he plays and not enough info. I love your stuff! It is enjoyable and informative. God Bless bro

[@blueneptune-u8z]

I raced for Honda XR 650s Baja they all had black frames but white looks cleaner. Side note my Honda without computer got me Across Mexico every time my new KTM with super computer shuts down failed comp every time. this is your future

[@wickdghost3639]

Craig's so excited, and he just can't hide it!🎉

[@MrSolenoid]

For the tank I would just do some coarse grit sandpaper and then hit it with the torch. It will melt all the rough stuff and make it look almost like new.

[@crebbsjd]

Good job, boys!!! That will be an awesome bike. Greg is slipping a little. Hope ya'll don't flood from the rain. TY for another great video. Keep up the good work.

[@KenSole]

Hi Craig. I see you struggling to get the lid off your 5 gallon pails of evaporust every week or two. Sherwin Williams carries a five gallon pail opener. I’m a painter up here in Canada and it has helped me immensely in my job. They are really inexpensive and save your hands and wrists a lot of wear and tear. I hope this helps. Have a great day bud!!! Love your videos!!!❤️🙂

[@logandriggers1709]

Not sure where dan went, but I gotta say the sort of laid back, day in the life of craig part was honestly kinda nice 😂

[@leighhill9185]

I agree, I loved watching him do the manual stuff as well :) Quite calming lol

[@Guds777]

Everyone needs a Craig, he is such a great Beardchanic...

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

I still remember a Honda 50cc automatic basket case handed to me from another shop who received the basket case from a customer. I couldn't fix it either because there was zero documentation from Honda to go after.

[@juanvillesca1256]

Man the pocket knife and flashlight rant hit close to home here......hate losing those things😅

[@jfk64kennedy95]

suggestion, go to Home Depot, get a plastic Mason's mortar tub, they large enough to lay rim flat and soak entire rim, at once

[@turinhorse]

just dont go to the one in Dallas

[@Gideon_Judges6]

​@@turinhorse especially the men's room 🏳️‍🌈👹

[@dc6233]

I agree, I've seen what happens with Evapojunk when you only soak one half/third at a time. There's a video on YT that uses citric acid and baking soda (I believe) and he has had amazing results with no damage to parts, he challenged it versus EV. And unlike Evapojunk, hewas able to use it again and again with very little degradation. If I knew the name of the voideo I'd share it, I believe it's in my "saved" videos. Search around, he's got an accent, you'll find it.

[@ocwpzw]

Beyond Ballistics made a video explaining how to make the solution @dc6233 is talking about.

[@stuartessenhigh2793]

I had an XR250 for a while. I'll probably regret selling it at some point. Can't wait to see yours finished

[@TwoWheeledPotato]

34:40 we all have days like that, i call it the humbler. it makes you take a step back and think what you're doing.

[@dieseldavis8870]

An angel grinder with a wire cup brush works great to get corrosion cleaned off the inner part of the wheel. May save some prep time. 😊

[@BlackLinesMatter]

The first 3/4 of this video is proof that Dan is critical to the success and entrainment value of this channel. Go Dan!!!!!

[@tsheddie7312]

Looking good!!! a little trick for getting sun damaged plastics looking factory new once you have sanded down to a nice finish just hit it with a blow torch takes a bit of practice but it give you such a good finish! I have done it on 2 old quads and it makes a huge difference 😂

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

These were beyond that. Heat works on some plastics, not always my favorite method to use but it works

[@tsheddie7312]

@The_Bearded_Mechanic Well you definitely made the right choice with it it looks flippen amazing!

[@WhoTFstolemyname]

I almost asked about the busa, but glad it's still in the works!

[@TheGalantHamburger]

You should try flame polishing plastic parts, run a blowtorch over them - it brings the oils back to the surface on them and restores the shine, just don’t scorch them. Go ahead and google or KZbin it if you’re not sure.

[@eloquent_redneck3719]

this build has been one of my favorites

[@zeitgeist2720]

Those wheels came out great Craig! Currently searching for parts to convert my front wheel/brake/fork setup to CBR600F2/F3 parts on my 1998 Honda Magna. Your vids are awesome

[@Tryke_Ryder]

Your attention to detail is quite impressive!!!

[@David-j7j]

Just a quick suggestion on the tank for next time, yes you need to sand it down but you don't need to polish it just use your blow torch and the plastic will shine again and look amazing...try it on some old plastics and you will see what I mean. Nice work on the project!!😊

[@BuckFutter-rs1ry]

I love the back-and-forth shop banter between you two.

[@winstonbattle]

great work buddy, I see even your beard is slimmer kudos cant wait for that bike ride

[@petergouldrup4317]

I noticed Schucker last week and was wondering who it was.😂 thanks for telling us.

[@luistucker1523]

Pulling my Harley Davidson motor apart while watching is such a motivation

[@Gixie-R]

We have XL's here in sunny Blighty. I had a old XL250 that was graced with CR500 wheels brakes and suspension and a Joy fast road CAM ment for a RS250 and a Amal carb big enough to bring World joy by Tea break. That thing took so much serious abuse, It mud plugged, Rode through Rivers and Streams, it Hill climbed, Wheelied well. Towed a Broken 2.0 Capri with a rope for 80 miles on a early morning Motorway, It hit the BMX track, Concrete Skate park and the Quarter pipe long before Redbull even existed. One bike i wish id never sold on, She took everything in her stride.

[@cosmodewit]

Ah perfect, i watched the first video the other day and was wondering what happened to it. That's the downside of having watched the backlog of videos when you find a channel you like, there's a lot of waiting for an update.

[@Waldron1943]

I remember those; Honda advertised that it was the first bike with a radial four-valve head until someone pointed out Rudge had used one in 1929.

[@JonWSr]

Propane torch works well to bring back plastic coloring as well

[@barrystinton6474]

if you have any wheel silver paint you can cover the corrosion on the top of the fork tube to protect it

[@brotherbean5995]

Although i have no need for Trainwell. I must admit, this ad was absolutely hilarious

[@jamesbatso4092]

Nice!! i just started a 1980 Honda XR500 rebuild. Great content bud 😎

[@craigcombelic4917]

Dan, come home Dan! I miss Dan.

[@kawasakiden]

love this bike never had one but in 86 when I was 18 I had posters of CR500 XL250 and XR250 on my wall. 😀

[@omgitsdollarbill6859]

Put Quilter's batting between foam and cover makes seat much softer. Hides small imperfections in foam

[@millymoo6575]

Amazing effort on that tank wow!!! 🤩

[@Real.Alpheus]

Evaporust works wonders on rusted bolts and other small pieces when used in conjunction with an ultrasonic cleaner. Speeds up the rust removal process greatly. Give it a try.

[@dc6233]

There's an even better and cheaper mix, citric acid and baking soda (I believe) do some searching on YT videos, the mix he makes is far better than Evapojunk, and he uses it againand again and again. If I find his channel I'll post it.

[@giostisskylas]

A very interesting YT channel. No $50,000 motorcycles for posers, just normal motorcycles for normal people. BTW: Am I right in thinking that motorcycles from the 1990s without electronic gimmicks and at affordable prices are very trendy? Subscribed immediately. Greetings from Germany.