REBUILDING MY CHEAP HONDA BLACKBIRD WITH ZERO MECHANICAL SKILLS

[@MotoGoato]

Nice work getting that stuck screw out .... top tip - get yourself a set of JIS Japanese standard cross head screwdrivers as the cross head screws on your Honda are JIS heads not the common phillips heads. It does make a difference, the JIS drivers are way way less likely to cam out in the heads than phillips drivers. A worthy purchase when working on Japanese bikes 😉

[@nigelturner9606]

Great tip!

[@karlikirk3976]

Agreed

[@David-fl9iv]

Yip. Defo get a set of Vessels. Don't go near a Japanese bike with a philips.

[@BikesofRye]

Will look into this thanks!

[@motorcyclewild5873]

One of the best investments to make if you are working on Japanese bikes

[@nicholastaylor5677]

That wire with the LED was definitely part of an alarm/immobiliser system. Hopefully it’s been fully removed as they can be a nightmare. Good luck with the project 👍 will be following along

[@spikeccx]

Or scott oiler , hope for his sake its a oiler ehh . Lol

[@HalfdeadRider]

Definitely for an alarm, obvs been removed but left the wire there. My Y2K ZX9r still has it's factory Datatool Veto Evo Alarm and still works fine, but known others to remove them from 9 and 10r's due to annoyance and problems.

[@kopasznyaku]

I remember that on some Hondas of the golden era the heatsinks on the elecronics used to be insufficient for cooling in hotter climates/days. And when such a big bird clears its throat to sing, it generates a *load of heat under the fairings. As far as I can remember, it was maybe the voltage reguator, or the ignition. I don't remember precisely, but you'll find it, the attic if full of that. They used to put some extra fans (or/and a beefier passive copper PC heatsink) over there for hot summer usage. May have been a (manual) switch for such a fan, too. Such a manual swich is not an elegant solution, but can be a life saver on a mediterranean holiday in July-August. Rather put a fan with an adjustable thermostat. Or/and a quality, somewhat oversized (copper) passive heatsink (using a good amount of thermal grease for heat-disspiation, of course).

[@spikeccx]

@@kopasznyaku nope alarm or scott oiler

[@stuartmetcalfe547]

Alarm. Seen exactly the same on couple of my Hondas from same age. Never seen a Scottoiler with an LED indicator (2 bikes with Scottoilers). Looks like it has been disconnected at battery end. Fingers crossed properly done.

[@elphabama]

I really do sympathise with the task that you’re undertaking. All I can say is good luck because I think you are going to need it my friend.

[@andrewuk184]

For someone who, as you say, is not mechanically minded, removing that engine was a fantastic achievement. Well done!

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you!

[@jeffsappington9704]

Take photos with your phone to remember for reassembly. Plastic bags labeled with a marker to organize screws, etc., nitrile gloves for dirty jobs or using chemicals, Mechanic's gloves to protect your hands (The ladies don't appreciate a bloke with razor blade hands), some eye protection (yeah, we get two, but I like having binocular vision). There's all the usual suspects for loosening screws/bolts, but here's a few you may not have heard. An old machinist my dad knew used a 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF for soaking stuck threads. And I met a retired US Navy Boiler Tech that used tincture of wintergreen when one couldn't stand the odor/fumes of some of the more caustic methods. Oh, and on the wiring side, solder when you're able. Cheers and best of luck! P.S.-You may have been hacked. I got a response saying I had won a prize and to test telegram you.

[@rustysa1389]

Awe ,u got to start somewhere bra ! Respect huge task !

[@TriumphLover]

You're so brave! All I can do is help with the monetary contribution(s) and keep watching and liking!

[@BikesofRye]

You're the best thank you always ❤

[@nigelturner9606]

You think he is brave now... wait until its finished. He will have to be brave to ride that bike if it isn't perfect, it's going to try to kill him!

[@petebennett7008]

Not being funny but after seeing how the engine was removed I very much doubt this bike will ever be put back in any kind of way that could be described as ‘correct’ 😮

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

@@petebennett7008 As much as i like the guy i'd be surprised if the bike ever sees the road again.

[@petebennett7008]

@@Markycarandbikestuff I have to agree mate

[@davebalaam]

A little trick with the exhaust manifold nuts is heat. They're designed to cope with a lot of heat so you're not going to damage them, but get a little butane/propane or MAPP gas torch on there to make the nuts expand, then they'll spin right off.

[@TheSilverback-p9y]

seen the tools he's got ? he needs someone with a garage to borrow some otherwise he'll need to buy a chit load , I know av built umpteen bikes from scratch from CBRs to DTRs to Ninjas ,its going to cost a fortune lol I hope its for fun hehe

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@TheSilverback-p9y If you have done umpteen bikes as you say, you know bikes can be stripped, engines rebuilt without needing too many specialised tools. Maybe a bearing/flywheel puller, valve spring compressor and not much else other than the odd small cheap tools like feeler gauges. Buy those as and when needed, then you have them for the future.

[@TheSilverback-p9y]

@@HalfdeadRider yeah theres loads more too many to write down , i'll try watchig these vids and give as much advice as I can , 1st 1 would be get a hayes manual and read it over and over again lol

[@Storm.13]

​@@TheSilverback-p9yobviously you haven't watched any Allen Millyard vids.......he has minimal hand tools and he builds some of the most insane custom bikes on the planet.

[@TheSilverback-p9y]

@@Storm.13 no mt av only just subscribed ,it was a video of the ghost rider that got my attention and this bike build , i'll take a look later sometime after i've caught up on a few other channels , theres too much content and i'm kinda new to youtube

[@bikerjock2654]

A good blob of washing up liquid in the palm of your hand, then half a teaspoon of sugar. That is great for washing the oil and muck off your hands.

[@BikesofRye]

Great tip!

[@johnfletcher371]

A tip when undoing a tight bolt - place the palm of your hand on the top of the ratchet and force down as you turn. This will lessen the risk of rounding the bolt

[@telwood15]

Gloves work well. Nice job.

[@oliverlotus]

You can't beat a Honda. I have a 50,000 mile, 1986 VFR750. Runs like a Rolex.

[@grahamhider3754]

Nice 1 Ryan I have rebuilt 8 bikes now. But I have a bike lift making it so much easier. ❤🏍🔧🛠

[@alanstockley391]

Well done to you for getting stuck in. 👍

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks 👍

[@BigPezza]

13:00 is the hydrolic clutch also get a set of JIS screw drivers someone has put that screw with a phillips and thats why you had a hard time getting it out. keep it up!

[@alanburns007]

It looked so good from a distance. Great to watch. Thanks

[@CalmBiker]

As has already been said, JIS is your friend for screwdrivers. You can generally spot a JIS screw over a Phillips one by looking at the head. Phillips have just the cross for the screwdriver. JIS have an extra little dot imprinted. There''s a small difference in the design that means that the JIS screwdriver will cam out when there's too much pressure but the Phillips will happily chew up the screw instead. I'd recommend a service/shop manual too. I'm not a mechanic either, so the service manual is ideal for step by step assembly and disassembly information. Good luck with the rest of the job. I'm looking forward to following along.

[@dukie1616]

Great Rye👏 That’s right just get into it, and you will have struggles at times but learn along the way and all the while documenting your trials and tribulations for all to see. Which is quite brave in its own right. Because some aren’t ready or have not the courage to take on such tasks that challenge, but in these test we ultimately grow. Thank you Rye

[@BikesofRye]

Yes! Thank you!

[@steviejinx1225]

I'm taking my headers off next week when a new Delkavic header set arrives, I'm literally dreading it.

[@BikesofRye]

Good luck!!

[@steviejinx1225]

​@Bikes of Rye Many thanks. 👍🏻 Did u heat the bolts with a torch or just use wd40 etc ?

[@mmxviii4736]

This is like me trying to restore a bike :) From my recent experience of trying to remove bolts that have been in place for years!!.. Get yourself a Breaker Bar

[@Caledonia3104]

all these challenges and not one swear word uttered.....what a man... i doth my cap to you :)

[@motorbikesandhacks]

Nice, it has the Hel upgrade for the oil cooler liners. Save the adapters on the block.

[@BikesofRye]

Oh yes well noted

[@danielbroom9768]

Absolutely love videos like this , people learning as they go , great job fella 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks 👍

[@TriumphLover]

What a job! I can change the oil for ya! :D

[@BikesofRye]

You sure??

[@TriumphLover]

@@BikesofRye on 2nd thought... hahaha 😆

[@simon2knine]

The crusty thing you thought was a water pump is a leaking clutch slave cylinder. You might think about taking lots of photo of wiring harness before you start remove all the connectors. This will help when the bike goes back together.

[@michaelp998]

He will need to stop the piston from pushing out , cable tie.

[@woooster17]

I’m at the deep end for sure mate.. Whenever I do something similar I put the associated bolts and screws in freezer bags with labels, so I know what is what when it comes to putting it all back together 😊 Taking stuff apart is invariably easier than putting back together.. Me: “err, I can’t remember where this part goes now” 🤔😄

[@neilwiddison6529]

Great job mate. I am no mechanic but I love working on my bikes. Keep it up.

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks, will do!

[@garyhutson6361]

Man that looks like hard work lol. So lucky with all those bolts 👍🏼 if ever need a hand on a Sunday, as that's the only day of I have. I'm only in Northampton. 👍🏼

[@BikesofRye]

Solid proof of Honda's reputable build quality surely

[@nigelturner9606]

Itd be a great help to yourself to tag everything you take off, so you know where it goes on reassembly!

[@ambrosiad1588]

The learning curve between now and putting a turbo on that bike is going to be huge, but we're all rooting your you. please Mr Rye get yourself some gloves, you'll give yourself dermatitis if you're not careful

[@mikekovacs8981]

Gotta admire your courage with your current level of experience. Just take your time and document everything - its do-able. Don't be the guy that gives up partway and sells a basketcase.

[@BikesofRye]

Won't be giving up you have my word

[@wallabybob3020]

Invest in a Haynes manual my friend. Worth every penny!

[@BikesofRye]

I actually have just received one!! Hoping for the torque settings when I build back up

[@wallabybob3020]

@@BikesofRye Haynes are like ‘Motorcycle mechanics for Dummies’. They’re not brilliant, but they give you the basics and most other fixes you can find on the internet. I’ve just done a full clutch replacement on a Speed Triple. Never worked on a bike in my life and was dreading it, but it was actually quite straightforward. Do the prep work and you’ll be fine. Any bolts that don’t want to loosen, tighten them a bit first. I learnt the hard way on that one.🙄Looking forward to watching the build,👍🏻

[@karlikirk3976]

You are going to have fun lining that up on your own.

[@SteezyG]

as home mechanic, Halfords advanced tools are the best for the money. get yourself a trade card with them and theyre so cheap but the quality transfers into making all these jobs easier. I 100% recommend getting the biggest kit they do and keeping this one spare in the car.

[@Vanalleswa]

i own a blackbird in mint condition.. when you got it running, it will be a dream to drive :) hope its going well!!! cheers!

[@Maax1200]

A good tip is to get a impact skrewdriver (dont know if thats the right englis word for it) Mutch easier to get those old JIS screws undone. Dont forget JIS bits.

[@michaelrimmer2557]

Label all connections, helps when your putting it back together.

[@alanbarnstable6414]

Well produced video, that motor is certainly a minger, look forward to future episodes.

[@45ltr]

great content and looking forward to the end result, owners clubs are usually a good place to start with helpful tips , cheers from Scotland👍

[@BikesofRye]

Thanks 👍

[@Thesuzzeman]

For a novice that's a good start i hope it goes back together without too much hassle

[@JeanRoi]

Well man I wish you all the best. You’ve got a job in your hands here 😎

[@nickmitton7350]

Well done on your first engine removal. The round unit on the side of the bike with a pipe coming out of it is the clutch slave cylinder. You can get a service kit for that once you've cleaned it up. Good luck with the rest of it. 😎👍🏍

[@jonhird3189]

You forgot about buying the wire wool I think you left it on your head 😆 love your videos Mr rye!

[@richardday3862]

I use a length of flexible orange Calor gas hose to syphon out the fuel before removing tanks. Much easier than lifting off a full tank.

[@keithsbitsandpieces]

If you have a bolt that's rusted, try tightening it first that can then crack them loose

[@cryptic_badger795]

Yes agreed, ideally heat it first if possible and if it goes tight again when loosening, them tighten again slightly then loosen again and so on👍

[@woppy71]

You havn't done too bad there lad, condidering the tools you had :) Thanks for the upload, will be following and rooting for you :)

[@MyRandomLife247]

Not bad mate for a first timer. Cant believe you got away without snapping any of the exhaust studs!

[@theriggsworkshop8606]

Mate your doing a great job.. Well done... That random wire was from an alarm the bike had at some point in its life.. No big deal..

[@lukedenison9806]

Great work. Although taking something apart is one thing, putting it back together is not so easy

[@kevmorgan6564]

If you've got nasty nuts or bolts, try a six sided socket. They grip the flats and not the corners👍

[@HalfdeadRider]

Stay away from 12 sided sockets anyway as much as possible too.

[@richgixer]

Fair play mate attempting to drop the engine out with no clue same as me 👏😂 looking forward to the next installment 😎👍

[@pauljackson1126]

Hi mate.you did well so far.you need an angle grinder(use eye protection) to grind the head off the soft link on the chain,or a chain splitting tool.Latex gloves or mechanics gloves will save your hands.JLS screwdriver for Japanese screws.Its the clutch slave cylinder that was all furred up.and looked like the warning light for an old alarm.please don't think I'm criticism of you.thought you did a good job.not sure about mixing the anti freeze with the waste oil though.

[@pauljackson1126]

I had a cbr1100 too.i fitted a jaws brake line kit which did away with the linked brakes.i thought the bike was better with a separate front and back brake.i also fitted the jaws bar risers.

[@JimOutofControl]

Bike nerds of a feather on KZbin together. Great project. I’m hanging on it. Done a lot of this myself. Heaps of awesome tips in comments! Keep it up !

[@ff2346cookson]

Did my own basic maitainance when I had a Blackbird....but nothing at all like this....great to watch...are you a mechanic? Looking forward to how it all turns out...👍👍👍

[@BikesofRye]

I will be a mechanic by the time I finish this bike 😉

[@RobAKemp]

@@BikesofRye You sir are a brave man. I’ve subbed, as this is gonna be a fun series. The best purchase you can make is to buy a workshop manual. I completely stripped my bike including the engine and rebuilt it back in 2017. That manual will be your best friend. Could not have done it without it. Be happy to help with anything if you need it.

[@iainatkinson9239]

The original fairing fasteners clean up really well by putting them into a drill spinning them up and using autosol on them and ear buds in the dimples, as a finishing touch! As for getting stuck nuts off especially exhaust studs heat and penetrating fluid is your friend, the exhaust pipes have a special metal gasket on them for going onto the headers, the airfilter looked a K&N and with the new engine change the spark plugs before fitting it's easier whilst the engine is out! respect though

[@numberthree-ul9if]

Buy some liquid metal. Build up where the engine threads are snapped off. Then drill through the liquid metal once its set. Then put a nut on the back. Buy a new casing and gasket and sealant. Then bolt it back together. Hey presto. Sod taking the engine out.

[@MrH250]

It’s a good job you are building this bike for KZbin content because the hours you put into it and the cost is going to be double if not more the value when you have finished it. That said, I will be following your build so hang in there👍. Oh and that socket set is 💩 .

[@nigelturner9606]

Yeah, get yourself some top quality tools. Most mechanics use 'Snap On' fully guaranteed, you break them you'll get a free replacement 😉

[@rickconstant6106]

@@nigelturner9606 buying Snap On tools would definitely blow the budget. There are pretty good tools available for DIY-ers at a lot lower cost. I've found Halfords and Draper do good socket sets and hex/Torx bit sets. I've used some of them myself, and I was a car and van mechanic until I retired. With screwdrivers, though, you do need good quality, because they can easily damage the screw heads if they slip or burr over. An impact driver is a useful tool to have for shifting stubborn fasteners - I still use the one I bought 52 years ago when I got my first bike.

[@mattupshall4516]

Good work! Amazing what can be achieved in the drive way! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@montypythonish]

Nice start, but I think I might have put the bolts back in their captive nuts after removing the part. This way you don't have loads of loose bolts laying around and you know where each one lives. Keep it up👍

[@digger8180]

Worth saving, you will love this bike when finished.

[@davidperryman2128]

Dont forget to remove the plug leads and any wiring that is connected to the engine. Well done for having a go!!

[@sjg6074]

I’d say the wire is part of an alarm system. I have a META alarm on my bike and that is the same as my flashing armed light.

[@nicholastaylor5677]

Also grab some JIS (Japanese industrial standard) screwdrivers, they’re not actually Philips heads on a lot of the original screws. It will help them come out a lot easier as they fit the head perfectly. Learnt my self stripping carb screws before 👍

[@brianmaughan2990]

Excellent job so far and as you’re going to do a full rebuild while it’s all stripped down check wiring harness fix on large plug has been done near the rectifier on left hand side of the bike just search blackbird harness fix on KZbin good luck with the build 👍

[@257796]

Bruv, bring that awesome hair all the way down the back and do the whole mohawk. You got the good curly hair. That always looks great in a hawk. Like the baseball player mohawk. I think you would nail it cousin

[@jameshoward-bm5dh]

Get the rear lowest engine mounting bolt in first by tilting the engine forward the jack up ghe engine so it pivots on the rear engine mount bolt to get the other ones in

[@roaming-aus]

Labelling items such as electrical plugs helps when it comes time for assembly.

[@jayc342009]

i really admire your determination, i would absolutely love to do this on the side for a little extra money but i lack the confidence

[@allanhughes7859]

Hope you are making a note of where everything is going or coming from !!

[@andypicken7848]

I wish you all the best with the build and I realise its not the full point but the project may ending up costing more than if you brought an undamaged bike

[@petethemod1]

How has that motor not gone POP? That poor bike has certainly lacked loving. I have seen replacement engines from £400 upwards. Surely they cant be in a worse state than that one. Looking forward to following the rebuild.

[@Fieltrom]

Great job you got there. Learnt something new with the Phillips not being Phillips in comments😅. Tight bolts. Let penetrative sit for a bit, use 6 side socket not multi on tight bolts. Can try hammering socket lightly while applying pressure making it a light impact to free it up. Actually trying to do it up and off then on but just to get movement only, then it should free up. after that you'll be looking for heat.... watch your angle using extensions you'll round a bolt easy but towards the end you were supporting the head to prevent it so good job.... Interesting journey to follow 😊....Heavy Diesel Mech I've never done a bike myself....

[@martynbiss9003]

Another tip is to use only use 6 point sockets and ring spanners. Socket sets from places like Screwfix are usually 12 point, these are much more likely to round of difficult nuts and bolts.

[@andrewonmyway8184]

That behind the front sprocket cover is the hydraulic clutch activator. Should clean up fine. 😊

[@cynthialeffler6649]

Excellent choice my brother 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you so much 😀

[@steamjim]

Good work interesting to watch - looking forward to seeing progress. Keep it up and good luck

[@karlos3611]

This is excruciating...I really feel for you mate. That bike is in a very poor state most of it looks trashed you could have bought one in good nick with a decent engine and plastics for not much more cost there are plenty out there. Good on you for taking it on though i enjoy your channel. Get a box of disposable gloves you won't need to wash your hands after they are a must. Chains we usually just cut them off with a small grinder or grind the pins off and split a link. Another tip is don't hit your socket extensions with your hammer they will disfigure and your ratchet won't fit on any longer... you can get a set of punches they are cheap.. Look forward to the next Vid good luck👍

[@stuartbailey9941]

Agree with Keith, try tightening first. You can also try heat which will expand then contract the metal and help to break the bond. Just ensure there are no flammables or low melting points (plastics/connectors etc) nearby!. Interesting project. Good luck. Regards

[@nigelturner9606]

Can also put a socket on it and give it a good crack with a hammer. I'd advise getting an impact wrench.

[@kevinpollard1550]

Ur a credit to urself brill job love the vid

[@BikesofRye]

Thank you!!!

[@davidoram3423]

For the sake of your knuckles, you need a much better range of ratchets and extension pieces. And for goodness sake wear some gloves!!! Bearing in mind the limitations of your tools, you did very well to get it all apart!

[@BikesofRye]

Great point!

[@DaveSmith-hp1sw]

Tbh I would be doing a basic rebuild use some rvt sceal that up and run the damaged fairings . But fair play going for the full rebuild . Brave man

[@the_grumpybiker]

Nice job mate. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with it. Looking for a project myself at the moment.

[@dundeedeek]

Get a genuine workshop manual if you can, I took my 1989 ZX10 apart and a manual was invaluable. You can probably download one for not a lot of money (I got mine for £6 and printed it out at work). Hope you bagged the fasterners and marked up the bags!! I stripped mine down to an engine and frame, it was easier to lift the frame away from the supported engine.

[@paulnaylor9604]

As above an LED either connected to the alarm/immobiliser system or a deterrent connected straight to the batt, hopefully the later. Your a brave man with deep pockets i hope! Lol in all honesty I’d love to restore a bike myself but I’d have to at least be in a heated garage with a bike lift, both of which I don’t currently have. You could of bought something mint for what this will set you back I imagine 😮 but you’ll get so much more from doing it yourself 🤙🏼 see it through pal it’ll be worth it 💪🏻 Good luck

[@jimhedley7459]

We’ll done , with those tools, not bad and you’ve still got skin on your knuckles , advice , more tools and even more tools 🏍💪👍🏍

[@ioniq5125]

Well done, mate. Makes me wonder what you'll need to remove to do a valve check. Bloody hell. Looking forward to your progress on this beast of a machine!

[@johnharvey5338]

Make sure you buy lots os small sandwich bags to put the bolts in, that way you can label them by section, rather than a big pot full of bolts trying to find the right one.

[@LTLT900]

Sandwich bags are a marvellous invention.

[@twowheelstouring482]

Whoever invented rust wants shooting, its spoiled many a happy experience of maintaining my own bike!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Good luck with the rest of the build pal! 👍

[@jackjones8552]

well done for getting stuck in!, you got lucky with the bolts (headers in particular)! guess it was built when honda still had good quality

[@neilballam8701]

Good job. Take the front wheel out, let the engine touch the ground then lift the chassis off.

[@stefantrzoska]

i think you did very well for a first timer

[@mikedavies5084]

Keep going ,you’ll end up with a decent bike and learn a lot as you go

[@HollyBerryDOOG]

Welcome to the world of rusty old bikes! Well done though, some really good progress 👍

[@charlottegrieff662]

"Not mechanically minded." Talk about going in at the deep end... Welcome to the greasy fingers club. 😊

[@ryandenver2453]

You didn't make a mistake, think of it as rebuilding a piece of history, it will take time and money but will be well worth it when you've built it and can stand back and say yep I built that.

[@Captain-Donut]

Lol….. love be all the excitement without the mountains of pain. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@deepestandy]

Go on lad. Good efforts there!!! Get some heat on those header bolts. You’ll not hurt them.

[@royhutley8576]

Another tip when siphoning fuel is one long pipe into the fuel and a short pipe just in the tank then block tank hole by putting rag round hose and hole to seal as much as possible then blow hard down short pipe until it starts to flow from end of long pipe it will then continue to flow and you don’t get petrol in your mouth

[@rickconstant6106]

My technique is to use a hand operated pump (£7.99 from eBay, including hoses) to start syphoning process, then let it flow by itself. Had enough mouthfuls of petrol and diesel in the past.

[@lordgibbness]

Wire may have been for heated clothing directly from the battery...

[@animal1064]

Hey bud If you're replacing the chain, angle grinder cut it off... If not , undo the rear wheel nut and loosen the chain adjusters ... Just followed u. As I'm rebuilding my gsx14. 😊🤘🤘

[@ianbarnes8593]

That grungy part isn’t the water pump it’s the clutch cylinder. Don’t pull the clutch lever in or the piston might pop out.

[@thatscubaguy]

My anxiety levels spiked worrying screws are going to get rounded up 😂😂 Good luck pal