Rebuilding A Motorcycle Motor!! (Indian ThunderStroke 116)

[@BrandonBicasso]

Merch drop: BrandonBicasso.com Patreon: patreon.com/brandonbicasso

[@mikemaifeld6280]

Did they ever have cam tensioner issues like the Harley twin cams there a lot alike.

[@BrandonBicasso]

@@mikemaifeld6280 I have not heard of cam tensioner issues on the TS including the plastic oil pump gear.

[@Hippy75]

Im not even an Indian guy, but i find your work theraputic. Great stuff

[@BrandonBicasso]

Preciate that Daryl.

[@RickAbbarno]

Been riding and wrenching on Harley's for over 40 years. Bought an Indian Chieftain 4 years ago and never looked back. Love the Indian engineering and so far I am sold on Indian products. Your video was excellent. Saw your wife helped you lift the motor to the workbench. That is my kind of women!! Great video😊

[@roguecheddar]

You are doing God's work. These beautiful Indians deserve to be on the road again.

[@Remymoto]

dude, the amount of time and effort you put in to get all the nice angles while you worked... Really well done and probably going to be greatly under appreciated by folks who don't understand how much extra effort that took while doing the rebuild.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Preciate that, Remy!

[@erniemathews5085]

Absolutely. Great work, mechanical and video too.

[@fausto8932]

You are a great mechanic. I've been a motorcycle mechanic for 42 years. Congratulations on the great job.🇧🇷

[@noidontthinksolol]

nice work man, if i can give one tip is not to use that much sealant, you only need an extremely thin layer of it. when that stuff comes loose over time (the residual stuff that gets squeezed out) it gets stuck inside oil passages and messes up entire motors. ive just did a motor last year that was completely worn in the top end because of sealant inside of the oil supply passage to the camshaft

[@JimCunningham-m1b]

Thank you for sharing this assembly. Just purchased a 2024 Roadmaster Elite. Of course waiting on delivery of this limited model. After many imports and numerous Harleys with multible CVOs, this is my first Indian. Im impressed with the internals. Especially the cam tensioner and oil pump design, which is an achillies heel of the HD engineering! Wish I was there to assist and learn more about the 116 ci.

[@Shawn-d5n]

It’s definitely a well designed motor. Enjoy your Roadmaster 😊

[@Shawn-d5n]

You were so meticulous with small details which is definitely the way my brain works as well. Is there a reason why you didn’t clean the carbon buildup from the top of the pistons?

[@austinrodriguez7628]

The Achilles heel of Harley is the CEO.

[@gmo1203]

Watching engine rebuilds is so relaxing. This one of your best videos.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thank you! It wasn't filmed that way at first but it transitioned into this style later. Less talking, and more straight to the point. There was less explanation on what I was doing, but that kept the video from being longer.

[@JordensCadet]

The attention to detail is so relieving to watch.

[@Boasandpythons]

That metallic flake is absolutely killer man! I think we all felt our heart drop out of our chest when that bolt on the clutch basket broke off. Nothing like bringing out a tap and die set to brighten up a day lol. Awesome build!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Almost wanted to cry after being that close to finishing. Took another week waiting on that screw to come in. 😂

[@donrudeboyt1895]

This video has to be one of the most satisfying I’ve seen in awhile. 👍🏼

[@barebones-jl5ht]

I've bought a chief in 2014 & traded it in for a Springfield in 2017 & still can't trade it for anything else! I thoroughly enjoyed your rebuild of your engine , very detailed, no loud music, & a very easy to watch insight into the complexity of modern vee twins. I look forward to more of your build vids.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks for watching ✌🏾

[@twistieslayer3592]

Your skills are drastically improving. The sense of accomplishment you must feel for assembling a full engine. I look forward to seeing where your journey takes you.

[@TeamTaur]

I actually like the sound of metal and nature throughout this vid. Good choice. Kind let me focus.... like when u turn off then music in the car when u get off the main highway and start driven local back roads whilst trying to find and visit a friend's new house for the first time, as the sun sets.

[@paulruth83]

You never cease to amaze me with your patience and ability to get things done. Yes I was entertained and enjoyed watching you put this Indian engine back together. You have produced some really great videos, I don't think that I have missed any yet.

[@dapras]

putting a thunderstroke motor back together - ASMR ..this was oddly relaxing

[@BWGPEI]

I was very happy to watch you. My tear-down was a GT-380 back a long while ago now. But the feeling of having that engine kick-start after the careful work is something that never leaves you. May you ride long and safely!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Def appreciate it! 🤟🏾

[@norcalranger]

What a masterful job of not only rebuilding that motor, but the incredibly complete video record. Just amazing!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks, Tim! People can come back and watch how it’s put together if they ever need help. 💪🏾

[@sway0221]

My man!!!!!! I see why videos are few far and between! A LOT of work! Great Job!!!!!

[@stephenharper3922]

I have a roadmaster with the 116 , strong motor. Your skills and details are inspiring. You should be proud and keep up the good work. Job well done.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks, Stephen!

[@GarySmith-up1un]

In my youth , I had a nice clean workshop like yours 👍 a very rewarding experience when we Fix something & it runs.

[@60bazzle]

It is always a smile maker when that snapped off bolt comes out with the extractor. Happy riding.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Heck yeah it was. I was sweating!

[@whisperingdeath308]

I have a 116 and the amount of detail in these engines is incredible.

[@SauvikRoy]

Watched it in full. I loved the care and accuracy with which you completed the rebuild. That blue keyring tool was pretty great too! Great work dude!

[@donaldellis8116]

Man, great video! Some advice as I have done several Harley Evo builds, I have found that adding anti seize to the threads on the case bolts or were bolts go into aluminum will aid in preventing the threads from galling and will increase the accuracy of the torque being applied. Your attention to detail admiring.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

I dont like the use of a plastic pinion gear.

[@blairguinea6811]

This is a Masterpiece Sir, that crank is enormous plus the clutch, what a massive engine...........even that little alloy blue thing which you used to lock the clutch basket while you torqued the bolts thank you Brandon................so enjoyed this precise build

[@bkdexter79]

I like how you took the time and effort to be neat and meticulous. The assembly grease was a nice touch! Thank you!

[@SaltineAmericanCracker]

I love watching you guys build and rebuild motors. You have a God given talent my friend.

[@MCmotoUSA]

My man! You are doing great things. This will instill confidence and motivate many to not give up on small issues, when huge issues like this can so calmly be handled. Frustration along the ride is sure to appear, but the destination is extremely rewarding. Great video!

[@felixnunez1776]

Bro..this is the most zen maintenance video I've ever seen! I could watch you work all day. Good job!

[@BrandonBicasso]

I appreciate that, Felix. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertwatson39]

Hey Brandon, thanks for this video. Even though you were assembling an Indian motor and I have a Victory. It was good to se the workings of how Polaris build their motors. There isn’t much that I have found on KZbin with regards to the workings of the Vic. Thanks for posting this Mate. Bob from Downunder.

[@erniemathews5085]

What a great, well built engine that is. I love sturdy, and if fortune smiles, this will be my next sidecar hauler.

[@realgenjutsu8181]

This was worth the wait. I can imagine the satisfaction you feel from this.

[@gagbum]

quietness of it all really does add a lot even if you dont hear it

[@howder1951]

Nice work! Everything goes together so much nicer when it is spotless clean!

[@donbeadling5426]

Lots of beautiful parts in that motor! Your work setup looks hospital clean. All you need is the white coat. Looks like your attention to detail is going to pay off!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks, Don!

[@BobbyTucker]

One thing that's impressed me more than anything and that's how clean your hands are, that's something I am a stickler on. I've assembled small block and big block Chevies with the cleanest hands in the city.

[@BrandonBicasso]

My wife doesn't mind when my hands are dirty but I do try to keep them clean haha

[@LouiseOuimet-wo2dg]

Yes thar more than you can say for some cooks in restaurants, I'm like you cleanliness is no one.signed JIM 🤗

[@patk6073]

Man that’s precision work !!! Congratulations.

[@darkhorse2reign]

I'm not a mechanic but dang bro this was satisfying to watch a.V twin get put together.

[@guyconnell2250]

This will be a go to video for Indian DIYers! Well done!

[@romandybala]

Thanks so much for not overlaying any music, Great video.

[@mohawkdriver4155]

Very cool. It must be quite satisfying to put a motor like this together from bottom to top. Can't wait till you crank it!

[@raynavarra]

Impressive build Brandon. Attention to the details is evident.

[@jasonshortphd]

You need to do a new cut of this video and tag it ASMR Motorcycle Maintenance. I bet it would get millions of views. Starting an engine you have rebuilt for the first time is scary as heck. But love to see your work!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Definitely can do a second cut. I had 6 hours of video to start haha.

[@BobbyTucker]

The conclusion I came to when building or rebuilding an engine, upon hearing it first light up and run is like hearing my baby's first breath, how many others feel that way? I've always felt that way from my first engine, I hope I'm not sounding like I have a bent pushrod myself, lol.

[@gregabell4799]

@@BobbyTucker My philosophy has also been, "motors want to run" (from my uncles). If you're trying to get a fresh motor fired up for the first time, if it "sounds" like it wants to run, then it does.

[@paulr3660]

Fantastic Video !!! I enjoy seeing the inner workings of things, especially things I own. I won't be able to get out of my mind the star gear moving as I shift and ride down the highway. Thank you for all your hard work and all the time on the backend creating and editing your videos.

[@finchwilliams9859]

Awesome job young man…totally impressed. Your patience was very impressive as well.

[@derekcollins1972]

Good job. Those are great engines worth saving. Your the man.

[@Hoggdoc1946]

Very nice job on the reassembly. Boy oh boy that engine design is so superior to a Harley engine.

[@MAHGlie]

Thanks for taking the time to show us the reassembly. There are several points about the Indian engine design I prefer over my Road Glide. Thinking about selling and going Indian.

[@Handirifle]

I am always in awe of guys like you. I am very mechanically inclined, and have some professional mechanic history (long ago) but I know I would leave out important parts, or damage something in re-assembly, lol. Nice work.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I left a few parts out too 🤣 I just cut those portions to make the assembly straight forward.

[@gregabell4799]

@@BrandonBicasso And now being lighter, it's faster

[@spacetruckin6555]

Indian looks just as impressive on the inside. Look out Allen Millyard, here comes Brandon Bicasso!!!

[@Trampslikeusjb]

The detail in your videos is so appreciated, great work!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks Jason 😎

[@johnbartholomew1056]

Brandon you are my new guru. Thank you. I’m too old for a chief. Or a scout😢. But I want to do what you do. 👍🏻

[@LouiseOuimet-wo2dg]

Mecanics they're a great bunch to have such skills and memory to know how to put every piece back in the right place, reminds me when i was taking my mechanics course and one of my first repairs was to take apart and reassemble a carburetor. All proud i did it in record time,only to look to my right and see that there was a piece i forgot to place in . There went my pride. You learn with your mistakes. Take care and great video, thanks.Signed Jim

[@BrandonBicasso]

I took this engine back apart 3 times to fix my errors. Rite of passage.

[@joemann3536]

YOU ARE THE DOCTOR!!!👍👍👍

[@nasimwehbe8410]

This was one of the most relaxing videos I've watched. No crazy music. Just a man rebuilding his machine and the sound of the tools. I also love these Indian motorcycles as well. You just got a new sub bro.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeeah, I've had some people ask about the lack of music, but I really felt it was better without. Other videos have music, but it has always been a low ambient background kind of thing. Thanks for dropping in!

[@nasimwehbe8410]

@@BrandonBicasso no problem. I'm loving the content.

[@fenrizwulf6682]

Great video. I love what you did with all the paint/ powder coat.

[@KittanBachika]

That was very cool to watch, definitely something that is impossible to do in my country. I wish i could do the same

[@sdmascar8905]

your work is amazing! doing big things!

[@BrandonBicasso]

It took 3 months on and off but it’s done. 👏🏾

[@chuckspeer2163]

This is cool i am 70 started on bicycles at 6 or 7 finishing carb work on a 2⁰7 Yamaha royal star tour deluxe then going to to do valve work on a 2005 honda vtx 1300s my first bike at 65 ha had a friend says still kicking not as high proud of you young man caring on the work and teaching others LOVE IT BE. COOL BE SAFE

[@BrandonBicasso]

Heck yeah, thank you Chuck!

[@HER6GEARS]

This is so badass. You got me looking into my State’s regulations on buying wrecked bikes 😂 good work dude!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Reach out if you have any questions! 💪🏾

[@144Jericho]

You are a master at your craft my friend.

[@ecrusch]

Good job Brandon. You have learned quite a lot along the way. I (and I think many others) am enjoying this build. That bike will be like new when you are done. Peace.

[@BadAssEngineering]

Hopefully you can do the same with a 1200 Scout engine and an FTR in the future, its very enjoyable to see an engine assembly/disassembly

[@BrandonBicasso]

I don't have a motor rebuild on either, but I do have something worth watching on that topic coming.😎

[@TheMetalmachine467]

Awesome accomplishment 👍 Indian incorporates the trans within the same case as the engine where as harley-davidson the trans is separate also a gear primary no chain slop lol

[@Sharky_On_The_Road]

Really cool, You make it look easy.

[@totokingkong1]

Nice job but when using the torque wrench, torque the bolts in a downward motion tightening against the table.

[@kj7element276]

Awesome job, I would have been swearing left and right putting this together ESPECIALLY with those broken bolts and the one that broke towards the end! 😂 thankfully it came out easily. I have a bolt that I have been trying to get out for a couple days, really hoping I dont have to weld a nut on it because I’m horrible at welding.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Try a left handed drill bit if you haven't already. I had to do that to get this one out. I got lucky that it would freely spin without much effort.

[@wooddawg4868]

These motors are basically bulletproof, the gear drive design means all you have to do is change your oil twice a year and you have good maintenance done.

[@WhiteNorthStar1]

Stunningly useful process, with great visuals and sound :)

[@streamofconsciousness5826]

Nice and clean, and the work station spotless, pristine. That was interesting, and well done. Have a Great Ride. 🍁

[@Lif3behindbars]

Nice work man. Wish I had more friends like you, I love doing this kind of work

[@flyingfish173]

Thank you for sharing!

[@3asyrider75]

A full teardown is way beyond me, but I do want to attempt the Stage 3 BBK kit from 111 to 116. I did Stage 2 cams myself, and taking my time over a winter Project I think I can handle the Stage 3 kit.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Heck yeah, you can do it 100%.

[@59jaguar]

Your nothing short of a genius! Great work man!

[@mikeoc217]

Thanks for sharing the tech knowledge. I've riden HD's since highschool in the 1970's. Just decided to look into a 116 Indian for change of pace. 🇺🇸

[@BrandonBicasso]

Def do so! Even if it’s not for you, go check’em out at a demo day.

[@marathon8649]

Excellent video quality and sound. It looks like you've performed a few rebuilds in your time.

[@kennethhall872]

Hello ... truly appreciate your sharing and your efforts. One suggestion? Use silicon grease/diaelectric on ALL your orings, seals and rubber interfaces . . . it will extend the life of them and help hold them in place while assembling. Sorry I couldn't share before you started . . . GREAT JOB!!!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Def a good tip. Can always go back and do it.

[@kaystorms7494]

I've had 2 different Thunderstrokes. They are the best motors ever.

[@dav8388]

I figured it had to have a balance shaft with how smooth these engines run and being solid mounted. That was one hell of a big balance shaft, and counter weights on the crankshaft. Cool to see the internals of my engine.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Incredibly smooth engine. Glad you got some value from it! This engine is still running great!

[@cflions]

Great video. Love the look of the rebuilt motor.

[@rl6319]

Man, you’ve come a long way since the first time I saw you working on your 109. The engine looks so simple this week I went and traded my Harley Davidson ultra Limited and on a chief and dark horse to me. The Indian sounds better than the Harley, and it rides better. I love the ride modes. Your video inspired me to switch to Indian.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Oh wow. Big change. Congrats on the new ride! 🤙🏾😎

[@indys7347]

Great work! Using the pneumatic ratchet to tighten hardware on your engine definitely kept the suspense up. Lol Friendly recommendation invest in some sil-glyde to put on all your o rings when installing. Helps seal properly and retain moisture. Can be used on fuel, oil and brake systems. Great stuff. Also with the RTV a plastic razor blade will help spread an even layer. To properly seal you hand tight hardware together, let sit for an hour then torque. Also with new stator coil you should clean off protective coating before installation, if you notice grease/oil coming from stator area it’s mostly likely from coils, it likes to melt off once the engine is hot. Great work though! Not trying to be the know-it all KZbin commenter, just sharing knowledge I’ve gained over the years.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Nope, those are all great tips and I sincerely appreciate it! Seriously, thank you.

[@pauldavidson6321]

I've found that left hand drills are the way to go for removing broken bolts when they grab they wind the bolt out , standard bits tend to tighten the bolt.some keyless chucks come loose drilling backwards.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yep, that’s exactly what I used to remove it. I got lucky where the bolt wasn’t fully seated so I didn’t have to drill as much to get it out.

[@SampsonJoel]

@@BrandonBicasso How can 1 get in touch with you. Want to upgrade my valve springs, looking for advice.

[@mychaelritterhoff2520]

Very impressive! Excellent video work as well. You make it look really easy.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Trial and error 🤟🏾

[@jag1963]

That Engine! Something about the 116 ThunderStroke.

[@Usmanthemecano]

What a cerebral job! Awesome video. Goodluck to your channel

[@richhardchoppers7869]

Now i see how they made OHC that looks like side valves. Good job man

[@yc1742]

영상 잘봤습니다 딱하나. 아쉬운건 피스톤 실린더 조립하기전에 피스톤위에 카본 부러쉬로 제거했으면. 좋아을텐데. 아쉬움이. 남아습니다

[@charlieritchel1492]

I watched the whole video without skipping forward. You did this right brother!! Keep up the great works.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlieritchel1492]

I really did man. You took your time and showed your work. Calm and collected, slow and steady. I do have a question though. Have you considered putting one of those engines in something else ? Like a VW bug or go-cart ?

[@BrandonBicasso]

I have big ideas and I’m working to get my skills to catch up. That would be super wild and cool tho!

[@charlieritchel1492]

@@BrandonBicasso don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to take away from what you're doing. You are clean and so is your work and your work area. That says a lot about the character of a person. If you decide to build something in the future, I'll keep my eyes open 👀

[@jonathanclark6764]

Cool bra, great motor and super easy to rebuild

[@Zulutime44]

Nice video, gorgeous motor. If it were my build, I would paint the barrels and heads glossy black and the rocker boxes and push rod tubes chrome or polished aluminum, same as the engine side covers. In my dream, the tank and fenders would match the blue frame.

[@jerrypittman7263]

You are still alive, been awhile. Like what you are doing with the bike.

[@carlhitchon1009]

How, that machine is immaculate.

[@denniscustard3608]

Young man, you did a wonderful job of putting that motor back together. This is the first time seeing your video, can you elaborate on your background and experience. That's a lot of components in that critter!!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Hey Dennis, I just followed the service manual. I do computer work by trade. ✌🏾

[@joshuavega1723]

Awesome video, thank you! "The Right Stuff" is also a good alternative to the Ultra Black when assembling engine cases. I learned this from Carl Morrow before he passed.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Will keep that in mind for next time. Thanks Joshua 🤟🏾

[@MrEhf111]

Now, that was pretty damn cool! Awesome job

[@MH-bu7jy]

It's amazing how precise engineering is so well, precise

[@BrandonBicasso]

My thought as well. It’s all cut to perfection.

[@ridetilltheend]

Impressive!!! love the content!

[@omnivore2220]

Oh Man, 20:27, please wrap a clean rag around each connecting rod, completely covering the entrance to the crank case. If you should happen to drop anything while working on those rings, it won't fall into the crank case.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, would’ve had a bad day 😂