Rebuilding A Motorcycle Motor!! (Indian ThunderStroke 116)

💭 Over a 3 month period, I rebuilt this Indian Thunderstroke 116 motor. It came out of a 2022 Indian Chief DarkHorse and is an ongoing project to rebuild this bike.
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#BrandonBicasso #IndianMotorcycle #Rebuild

[@BrandonBicasso]

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

[@user-ik5uy3qs9p]

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.

[@Hippy75]

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

[@BrandonBicasso]

Preciate that Daryl.

[@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!

[@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😊

[@JordensCadet]

The attention to detail is so relieving to watch.

[@donrudeboyt1895]

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

[@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.🇧🇷

[@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.

[@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

[@Sharky_On_The_Road]

Really cool, You make it look easy.

[@sway0221]

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

[@whisperingdeath308]

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

[@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.

[@gagbum]

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

[@GarySmith-up1un]

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

[@144Jericho]

You are a master at your craft my friend.

[@roguecheddar]

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

[@joemann3536]

YOU ARE THE DOCTOR!!!👍👍👍

[@dapras]

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

[@patk6073]

Man that’s precision work !!! Congratulations.

[@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.

[@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. 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@WhiteNorthStar1]

Stunningly useful process, with great visuals and sound :)

[@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!

[@Trampslikeusjb]

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

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks Jason 😎

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@dsas1469]

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

[@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!

[@derekcollins1972]

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

[@sdmascar8905]

your work is amazing! doing big things!

[@BrandonBicasso]

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

[@howder1951]

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

[@fenrizwulf6682]

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

[@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. 💪🏾

[@erniemathews5085]

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

[@raynavarra]

Impressive build Brandon. Attention to the details is evident.

[@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! 🤟🏾

[@bkdexter79]

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

[@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!

[@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. 👍🏻

[@ActivityPhoto]

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

[@carlhitchon1009]

How, that machine is immaculate.

[@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 ✌🏾

[@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!

[@jag1963]

That Engine! Something about the 116 ThunderStroke.

[@finchwilliams9859]

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

[@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!

[@totokingkong1]

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

[@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! 💪🏾

[@realgenjutsu8181]

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

[@flyingfish173]

Thank you for sharing!

[@romandybala]

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

[@spacetruckin6555]

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

[@jonathanclark6764]

Cool bra, great motor and super easy to rebuild

[@tomhill4003]

Really first class work!

[@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!

[@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.

[@Usmanthemecano]

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

[@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

[@Jim-MT]

Excellent work!

[@cflions]

Great video. Love the look of the rebuilt motor.

[@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

[@fgrdjr]

congratulations had a great job

[@KittanBachika]

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

[@richhardchoppers7869]

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

[@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.

[@IJayAmLegend]

Nice motor, nice work.

[@59jaguar]

Your nothing short of a genius! Great work man!

[@Lif3behindbars]

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

[@ridetilltheend]

Impressive!!! love the content!

[@kaystorms7494]

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

[@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.

[@avinmcmxcv]

Very deep , thanks for the knowledge ❤

[@Dr_Cap]

excellent vid bruh. very satisfying to watch.

[@streamofconsciousness5826]

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

[@marathonrefrigeration9593]

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

[@mychaelritterhoff2520]

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

[@BrandonBicasso]

Trial and error 🤟🏾

[@MrEhf111]

Now, that was pretty damn cool! Awesome job

[@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.

[@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 🤗

[@robjamescapel8891]

That cleaned up like new.

[@pacolopes8463]

beautiful service

[@4242pepper]

Nice work!

[@grampageorge3407]

Good information!

[@marcorodrigues4290]

Nice job!!!

[@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.😎

[@jerrypittman7263]

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

[@georgecatalin138]

One word : SATISFYING 🤌

[@micksterboone4517]

Interesting cam drive setup.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Great job ! 👍🇺🇸

[@robertevans9354]

Good work , nice video nice camera work , good luck

[@crashgorilla]

Hope there’s more on the rebuild! Made it look easy !

[@BrandonBicasso]

Check out the playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLF9F8gZlqwznAQZabo1XXBLXKkGpSACS9

[@jdcdecarvalho9478]

This setup is very good .

[@vascodeormaechea2140]

Excelente muy buen trabajo !!☺

[@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!