Restoring The Workhorse Of Honda Dirt Bikes From Boxes

[@TrippyWheelz]

we need a video where Craig buys a motorcycle that needs something fairly minor and Dan has to fix it on his own. Like if you agree so they will make it happen.

[@jaandhammi4348]

Agreed

[@BlueSquatchproductions]

I'll volunteer to help Craig with the video

[@daniel_xxdannyxx7344]

That would be hype

[@brucelewis9440]

I’m 67, rode 65 miles yesterday on one of my two Honda 750s, and got my Craig and Dan fix today! Life is good!

[@darkfafnir4389]

I'm 40 and drove my Nitro Sport 50 about that many miles total since I've gotten it cause I'm new to riding 😂😂😂 I want something bigger but I'm probably sticking to scooters

[@sparseunderground]

And Greg... 😂

[@DarthLink1986]

That's badass if you ain't livin you're dyin!

[@alswearingen323]

70 here, and last week I drove my '94 Goldwing 1200 miles in 2 days from Heidelberg to Kyiv. A bit sore, but the fact I can still do this tells me that life is good! And yeah, I love these guys, too!

[@ronin539]

Craig you inspired me to get my 79 Suzuki running after 7 years. It was good to hear her running again. Thanks 😀

[@Brandon-cd4ts]

I love my rige line and xr

[@WilliamWhite-u1m]

Miss my RM great bike

[@lothre]

Craig living most of our dreams for a living! No greater high than getting a heap for cheap, then making it live and ride again! Dan killing it as a sidekick, as always!

[@austinmatson7986]

Fridays are truly the best. While at work waiting for the weekend to start, you get a notification that Craig posted. Now I have 2 things to look forward to when I get home. No work and a Craig video

[@van3158]

Don’t forget step 2 🍻

[@austinmatson7986]

@@van3158 absolutely. I feel that may be a given lol

[@BikeWorkz1991]

Exactly my friday 😂

[@michaelweilmuenster5754]

I'm almost finished building a 1980 XS650 that I got as a 2 bike basket case. They were stripped down to the frames and all the parts were in 4 totes. Both frames were cut to make hardtail choppers. Luckily 1 was only just barely cut so I was able to weld it back together. First thing I did was clean and organize all the hardware. Then all the other parts got cleaned and hung on a wall so I could see them. Figuring out the wiring harness was a challenge, luckily I have a complete 79 that I could use as a reference. The motor was stuck so I had to tear it down and do a full rebuild. Luckily it only had less than 9000 miles. It is the most satisfying build I've ever done. Really enjoyed watching you go through much of the same thing on this project.

[@leslieaustin151]

What kind of philistine would do such a thing? Turn a good bike into a stupid fashion statement.. Thanks for restoring one of them at least. Les

[@scifiknut]

Thanks for bringing back old broken-down bikes to life, even the literal basket cases. In this day and age where many things are intentionally manufactured to have a very limited lifespan, it's refreshing to see old classic bikes slowly getting a full make-over, returning them to their working glory days. Makes my day every time a project fires up and runs properly 👌.

[@jessekauffman3336]

Corporations greed over quality

[@Carcaine_addict99]

I'll be honest, buddy and I have been having some not fun times lately and this video made us decide to grab some old trail bikes and bring them back to life. Bring some day trips and fun back to our lives like old times!

[@recoilrob324]

A tip for seating a bearing when you don't have the exact right driver: Slice the old bearing race on one side then use it with whatever tool you have to seat the new bearing. The slice prevents the old race from sticking tightly so you can easily remove it after seating the new one.

[@aussiebloke609]

I've also tried running a small sanding drum inside the old race. Gives it just enough clearance so it won't grab, but ensures it stays straight. I'm sure both work in a pinch. 👍

[@Derryberry5000]

@@aussiebloke609 Great ideas thanks guys

[@Subjectno23]

Nice!

[@willemrossouw]

The South African Defence Force did almost just that : took a Honda XR500, painted it Nutria brown, and called it a day!

[@colestowing8695]

Nutria...arent those the big rodents taking over swamplands? I didn't know they had their own color 😁

[@johnalleman1134]

What WAS that tray of jungle juice that you cleaned the parts with? I NEED THAT STUFF!!!! 😮 Seriously though, what is it?

[@lourensswart8445]

Jip, nutria brown ​@@colestowing8695

[@jeandremarais2951]

When did we do that ?

[@arlochristman8668]

So glad to see a properly packed bearing. It’s painful to see someone just rub grease on the outside and say it’s good.

[@NemetskyCzar]

I kept waiting to see Craig drill and tap the first broken bolt he found. I guess Greg will get it later. Great job guys, keep on keeping on.

[@neilfromclearwaterfl81]

I was also waiting to see that get taken care of without messing up the fresh powder coat. Yes, perhaps their leaving it for Greg so they'll have someone else to blame for messing up the finish. That broken shaft is why they won't let me (250 lb Gorilla wearing size 12 Triple E boots) near small Honda's. Looking forward to seeing it running again. Best!

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

It’s a family friendly show….removing that broken bolt could change that

[@neilfromclearwaterfl81]

@@The_Bearded_Mechanic Has Greg gotten behind on replacement chairs to smash instead? Then again there's Proverbs 22:3 and 27:12 to consider. Best!

[@grillsimon4548]

New video from the bearded mechanic my favorite thing of the week❤️❤️

[@jonstoetzel9720]

same here

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

Oh man, Craig!! This is Duja-Ve moment for me. Back in '96 I bought a '93 XR-200 for $200 in a big box in pieces that was in great shape, except for locked up engine. Luckily almost everything was there. I got a new jug, piston and crank for it. Rode it for a few months and sold it for $1600.

[@erikheisler8332]

Craig you can’t forget this video platform good information and yet funny enough to keep everyone watching ever school need this in there Tec classes to show kids it just nuts and bolts anyone can do it thank u Craig for everything brother

[@davidlambert6171]

I just recently had surgery of the left eye for retinal detachment and now I can only see with my right eye. Craig’s video is only a handful of videos I’m willing to watch with my remaining good eye!

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Oh Man! Heal up fast!

[@darthshibby3066]

Stay Shibby my shibba hope you feel better soon 🌬💨😶‍🌫️🤘

[@darksu6947]

I hope your cryball gets better brocicle. If not you'll be walking around like this all the time 😉

[@lunerbator]

my first bike came in a box :D it was a 1984 suzuki gs550 ESE. dude rode it for 1000 miles then took it apart in 86 stored all the parts. i bought it in 2009 for 500$. i loved that bike

[@LatinoGamer96]

I just had to sell my relic. A 1987 Honda XR250R. It used to be my uncles when he competed on enduro back in my home country. Man what a bike, it sat forgotten for 25 years and when i decided to restore it i just flushed the gas tank, added a little oil and ran like a dream. It was a goddamned tank, i will miss it :')

[@specialse]

been working on bikes for decades and never seen a steering stem bearing puller !!! i want one...good video .

[@hoopscorner6458]

Glad to see you are doing projects that last more than a day. The "one day get it to run" was fun for a while but rather see projects that take time and will last a long time...good work indeed!

[@danpedersen55]

I love your editing Dan, the music in sync with Craigs dismantling sounds, that's spitzenklasse 👍 love your videos, your humour and knowledge is gold 🥇

[@fraserwhite73]

Finished restoring my 89 XLR250 Baja this winter! Awesome little mini adventure bikes! No battery to go flat, bursts into life on the 3rd kick……or so…..Great bike as a first resto project! Thanks for all the inspiration Craig ! Next project is a Russian Ural 650 from the 70’s! Cheers from the UK!

[@73abu]

New project.. new excitement .. Thanks Craig for the video..

[@mickleblade]

Yay! At last. I've had 3. The 1st was an MD22 frame, no battery, no ignition switch, sold as it was a bit nickable. 2nd was MD22 with battery and ignition switch but still kick start,it died in an argument with a car. I woke up in a white room... The 3rd was an MD30 with an electric boot, magic.

[@garyseaton4619]

That's one of the best Hondas ever built. Seeing you put all the care and work into this build makes me very happy...

[@junglebiker2363]

Ah! Finally an explanation for why the '86 XR250 engine has been sitting on a bench in the background for so long. I've seen a RFVC XR250 head with the same damage repaired by machining it to fit one half of a plain bearing from some other application. Also, RFVC XR250 heads are notorious for cracking between the spark plug hole and one (or both) of the exhaust ports, so examine that area carefully. Admittedly the older ('84-'85) heads are worse, but these suffer from it, too. Honda reduced the size of the exhaust valves for the '96 (?) model year which finally solved the problem. Stripped 6mm bolt holes in these heads are very common, I have heard that Honda used to preemptively heli-coil the heads on their RFVC powered race bikes. I like the RFVC engines, I work on them all the time, 200/250/350/400/600/650, only the 500 has eluded me thus far! I'm working on a fix for cracked 250 heads, but it is still in development. Nice to see you putting this one together.

[@eckridium]

How awesome is it to know that Craig and Dan went to the moon!

[@leonidaskobylkin817]

Best mechanic on KZbin 👍

[@joby988]

Glade to see older bikes coming back to life, in your show. I still pack the grease in the bearing, as you do. Now retired, it's about time I got off my coster and enjoy my hobbie. As a youngster once more, thank you.

[@danielcarroll5667]

Two of my favorite and in my opinion , indestructible , reliable and just plain fun dirt Bikes ever in your shop at the same time , IT 175 , XR 250 , keep up the great work guys...

[@tex9280]

Big G'day from Down Under 🇦🇺 I always love your content regardless being a HD Enthusiast. Keep it TWISTED, Braapp BRRAAAPPPP ❗ May all your days be Harley days 💪🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤💪 Safe travels 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺

[@Bikebrechfa]

Currently in the middle of my first rebuild, a 1997 xr250r - great timing. Cant wait for the next instalment...... Great video as always thanks from Wales.

[@MM-dn3de]

Yes Craig. Using the spray paint correctly, I'm a painter and yell at my phone when KZbinrs do it wrong.

[@Superjet113]

Haha, me too. I've been refinishing everything under the sun since 1995. I was just going to say the same thing you just said, till I read your comment. :)

[@davidgoodwin958]

I like that you don't rose color your projects. It is more to the truth, and much like many of us have experienced. Best wishes on finding the necessary parts. You guys do a great job. That welder did hit it out of the park.

[@batboy4387]

you guys are cooool man, love from Sri Lanka😄💚

[@sakumisan]

@The Bearded Mechanic Thank you for the motivation to get my old bike back on the road. I spent the last 3 days working on my 86 Vulcan 750, my first motorcycle. Changed every fluid, rebuilt the carburetors, and fixed 13 years of "learning to wrench" hodge-podge wiring with proper crimps and heatshrink. The universe is playing a trick on me as I have 2 front carb boots, no back one (it's a v-twin so theres a front and back, different shape)! Luckily a rummage in the parts bin found me a spare I had picked up over the years. No wonder the carbs never seated correctly... After that she fired right up! Has good rubber from 2021 so will go on a shake-down cruise tomorrow. Thanks again and keep up the great content.

[@thekikendallsautoandrandom1271]

FRIDAY MORNING MOTORCYCLE HIJINKS WOOHOO

[@hyenalingo]

i got an 84 goldwing (lovingly dubbed the shitwing) that im trying to get running again, and you make me wanna go out and work on it every time you post

[@biggreenfish3267]

If you are not watching this in your Dickies Work shirt with your Carb Cleaner scented Glade plug-in on high, then you are doing it wrong.

[@oscarscholten2059]

Dickies work pant with a grubby bandshirt... Almost did it right

[@mattlittle3330]

@@oscarscholten2059 That works too!

[@omary5439]

In my Dickies work shirt rn but the problem is the carb cleaner has me high instead of a Glade plugin 😂

[@chriszasada9756]

Always a blast watching you and Dan on the adventures of returning the dead to the living . Cant wait to see this bike finished

[@lukeatterberry3253]

I always think Dan is 12

[@rosetheblackcat]

that's because he is

[@SqueezeMonger]

Im eleven, but f*** 12

[@Notoriety112]

Is he not?

[@michaelchristian8220]

Nah, he's a 10 for sure

[@throttlebrah]

Inline or V shape?

[@lylekilpatrick1504]

I came across one of your videos a month or so ago…..I absolutely love your old bike revival videos!Im hooked on them!I hope you keep them coming!You are an excellent bike mechanic!!!!👍👍

[@sickvick83]

I guess they couldn’t figure out the OCC bike lmao

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Geez....sometimes things take more than a couple weeks to figure out. But we are close to getting it.

[@JPBerkleeDude]

Yea GEEZ @sickvick83

[@elfiesterojr]

Maybe they are waiting on parts or the machine shop

[@eggbert191]

Needs an exorcism first

[@22smcrrider96]

I guess watching the video before making dumb comments isn't something you do very often

[@leslieaustin151]

Today I got my Innova Special (ANF125 much modified) legally on the road, and then Craig pops up with this great video. Got to be a good day then! Thanks Craig🏍️🙌 Les in UK 🇬🇧

[@richardgould2743]

Love your channel! So interesting and accessible to regular guys like myself. Excellent instruction and great humor. Great chemistry between you and Dan. I look forward to each posting!!

[@ucprof2008]

I bought a CB160 in 1965 when I was in High school. Loved that bike which got me around until I was run off the road by a woman who said she didn’t see me. Sold for parts to a friend in 1967, and he restored it to usable shape and continued to ride the bike for several years. Good memories!

[@iffyaviator]

I have been restoring a 1991 XR250L and have the last of my parts needed to finish it. It has been on the back burner for years. Really enjoy this video.

[@spilknasty8923]

Working on two 85 v65 sabres and a 99 cbr600f4! Love the channel keeps me motivated on my projects

[@84gssteve]

This is why I love flipping bikes, you can store them anywhere and everywhere and it's still a functioning, registered mode of transportation once it's done and sold. I bought and sold so many EX500's in the past that I actually had enough random parts to put together a whole 'nother bike from scrap......got $1000 for it too!

[@1970warsteiner]

I have four Honda XRs in my garage now, absolutely love them

[@skiman7357]

This couldn’t be better timing i have just bought a 86 XR250R!! It’s also a POS but i can now steal all your hard work and parts supplier ideas. Thanks Craig 😎

[@cowcar87]

Dan, great editing with the music at 31:26! Love your videos, guys. Keep up the great work.

[@spadac4543]

I have an 85 XL350r with only 4,000 miles I inherited from my dad. Thing is an absolute blast to ride. Pretty sure he didn't change the oil in 20 years and the thing still ran fine. I've been working on making it run and start nicer over the past couple years. Good luck with the XR!

[@MrJoelinq77]

Craig, I'm currently restoring a 98 Honda XR400. What a treat to see you do an XR. Can't wait to see the finished product for yours and mine.

[@EdwardRoss-tb5hz]

I really like the dirt bike resto-mods!! Thanks for sharing!

[@scottcazelot4663]

I really really love complete restorations. Thank you for doing this bike fully!

[@MrDutch4fun]

Oh man! What a wreck but this brings back great memories! I had a 1982 250XLR (all Red) in Highschool. Loved it! Can't wait to see the final build and see you tear up the street & the dirt! Keep up the awesome work!

[@zacharywatters1843]

I love my XRs. Owned a ton of them over the years, have 20 some XRs right now! They’re amazing bikes, can’t beat the dependability. Typical failure on those 250s, like you’re seeing, is cams being wiped out along with the head, oil passages clogged from gasket maker, streched cam chains, and people simply not changing the oil. Parts are readily available at least but finding a head and cam does get pricey. The last 250 I picked up was a 1986 for $20! It was mostly complete and the motor looked amazing when I tore it down, just worn rings. Stoked to see this build and can’t wait for an update

[@philcarr7015]

Dan, great idea to use a larger Allen wrench size to get those valve cover bolts loose. Something that works on Philips screws and should work on Allen's too is to put some valve grinding compound on the bit. It helps grip the fastener. It works on Torx as well.

[@cheifreal]

I have the 79 xr500. I love it. Starts in a single kick above freezing and bout five when below freezing. Hella dependable.

[@stevebloke5455]

That was great!! im now on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment. Love the 90s Honda dirt bikes. I ride a 98 xr400, great fun. Thanks for posting.

[@MichaelCesar-k1n]

So satisfying to see you get these bikes running. Then ride them with no seat, brakes and holding an IV bottle! Love watching how you diagnose them and tear into it. Very entertaining to. You are multi talented.

[@krazyunicorn9538]

We love the Ridgeline. I'm on my second RTL-E

[@hondaryder3779]

Dutch police and marechaussee(military police) used to ride the XL600V. My 2000 XL650V Transalp never let me down yet. Can't wait to see this bike finished, gonna be a beaut.👍👍

[@Superjet113]

Ive never owned a 250 XR like these, but have owned my XR650R for the last 14 years, then before that I had a 81'XR500R. Loved that 500R, climbs hills better than my XR650R. Anyways, I really appreciate this video and the restoration that unfolded. At this point you had go for it and do it all and do it right! Thanks guys! Liked, and I'll be waiting for the rest of the story.

[@ramonperezsanchez]

Man Love this vid... I have a 86' 200R in the farm I want to restore it to museum quality for it's 40th anniversary. You are so awesome and such an inspiration... Thank you so muuuuuuuuuch for hyping me up! Love the channel! Thank you!!!

[@martyniner8893]

I had an 09 Ridgeline, loved that thing! Some may call it a NART (not a real truck) but man that thing was handy, and a great engine!

[@flik02]

I have a '98 XR600R opened up to a 628. That thing is an absolute beast! Love the channel!

[@abraloctmobb4677]

Ok. I have an ajs 125 Daytona that blew up on me. After stripping the engine with a friend of mine we discovered It was the crank shaft ( it's in about 1000 pieces) I have zero idea about all this as I'm new to it all but my friend is very much in the know. Anyway, watching these videos makes me feel like I can learn and maybe even fix this broken piece of crap I have taking up garage space. You're the man to a young / getting old learning man. Thank you.

[@onofu]

Your suffering is so pure. We all feel more human for sharing it with you. Keep doing God's work. Love every minute of it!

[@stuartessenhigh2793]

Another fab video. Thank you Craig and Dan. You make me happy and I learn loads! You're cool guys!

[@sheldons1501]

Great editing! Love the music matched up to the bolt loosening!

[@ggold3357]

looks like your typical Craigslist post: "1 owner, gently used, needs some TLC... ran last time I pulled it out!" This was awesome. The amount of skill needed to, legit, take a "bike in a box" and put it back together is so great! Another great video Craig and Dan. Thanks for the update on the Geico paperweight. Looking forward to how that ends up.

[@christopherhunter8637]

I have always owned full size pickups and I just bought a 2013 Honda Ridgeline about 4 weeks ago and I absolutely love it!

[@uncensored5104]

Two of my favorite bikes; XR's & IT's, you're spoiling us! The piston looks like the valves have touched it.

[@ctvette1318]

What memories this bike build brings back to me! Always loved these bikes! Can’t wait for the next video on it. Excellent work Craig!

[@toddwilson6357]

I had an '86 XR 200 back in high school and I rode/ trained on that bike through all four seasons for MX racing! I didn't do much racing but, I LOVED that bike!!! I Love the videos and can't wait until the next one! It's like...Saturday morning cartoons for me as an Adult! A little funny and I ALWAYS learn something!! Love the vibe guys, keep it up!!

[@AlexLawngtv]

Craig, i love this channel. Thank you for starting your own when Bikes and Beards thought going to TN was a solid idea. Your mechanical work was what had me subbed there. Your chemistry with people is really special.

[@Gixie-R]

I brought my old XLR250 from Scotland, 646 miles from home , made it in 14 1/2 hrs. She had 14k on the clock! had it for a few years, turned it into a field bike when it was tired, As far as i know the bloke who brought it from me restored it. Great bike if speeds not your thing, Itll take you anywhere.

[@GeoffreyCroker]

The active ingredient in the Rustoleum rust remover is phosphoric acid. Which removes rust really well, but also dissolves zinc 😬 That’s the bubbling reaction your seeing. Evaporust is best for hardware you’re not planning on getting re-plated.

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Yeah…screwed that one up. I wasn’t thinking…

[@Jesterpec666]

Best channel to watch. The Dan/Craig interactions are great. Craig just nails it. No ego, no I know how to do this, that etc. Just honest interesting vids.

[@GregDelong-ob9kl]

If this was my project, I would have given up about 15 steps ago.... You are the magical master mechanic Craig! I wish you were my neighbor 😉

[@JohnOConnell]

One of your best, You came up against every problem imaginable and beat them all.

[@uhhuh.yeahsure]

The story of this sounds like my 1999 cr125 broke took apart to fix organized in boxes and bags and it is sitting to this day, watching your vids trying to get motivation and information on when I do rebuild

[@trentwilson9089]

this is awesome , i just started rebuilding a 1987 honda xr200r last weekend!

[@thomasl6405]

Great fricken Music choices!! It made the video next level!! Seriously loved it! Nice job my guys!

[@murdoc6501]

Could watch you guys all day! Look at the big brain on Dan, coming through with an idea! Greg would have given up! Go Craig and Dan, keep moving forward!

[@max_coast]

Awesome work. It sucks it's such a mess, but I'm excited to see it all finished whenever you can make it happen!

[@Shomelife]

For a hammer-on bearing installer, I always use the old bearing race. Take it off with the puller, cut a line through one side with a cut-off wheel, boom. The perfect size installer that comes off with relative ease.

[@adylevene4318]

Someone ran that out of oil by the look of the cam , I had exactly the same with KLR600 just get good used parts. You the man Craig.

[@Avboden]

I lived on a Caribbean island for 3 years. Bought an old XR250L there and whenever I went home I flew back with parts. Fun fact, you can check through a set of tires ziptied together just like a checked bag! Anyways awesome bike other than some pesky CDI issues. Absolutely perfect for riding on/off-road all around the island. Plus I could just jump the speed bumps.

[@AndyAitken]

The rigdeline was a forgotten gem of a truck. Much props for still having one and rocking it.

[@chillywilly3397]

You guys are great. Work well together and play off each other brilliantly. Reminds me of Abbott and Costello. Totally love your videos.

[@MrSchnauzbart65]

man restoring this is so much work! 😮

[@jasoncordoba9004]

Craig, about 20 years ago I rode in this charity desert ride called the High Desert 250. In our group there was a dude riding a newer (2000's) XR280R. It was formerly a 250 that was bored out. I was riding a brand new XR400 at the time and the dude switched with me for a while. I got to ride that thing for 10-20 miles in the desert and it left a mark. It had 6 speeds as opposed to only 5 on my 400 and it just seemed to have really good midrange and top end with that kit. One of the more fun bikes I've ridden over the years.

[@danielgooderham9644]

Hey Craig thanks for the reminder im restoring a 1995 honda xr250, 1989 suzuki TD250x and a 1993 yamaha DT175. Keep up the great work guys

[@Emily-ou6lq]

*tS 250x

[@garethdwatkins]

Great bikes.. I always loved the style. My ex-wife had an XR 600, and I learned to ride in an Yamaha XT600... all great bikes.

[@Bonzomallard]

Nice one guys. Well done Craig for all the effort. You're a legend of a man. Humble, funny and always gets the job done. Keep up the good work 💪

[@STHusky]

Craig I have a 1983 XR 350 and you inspired me to work on it and got the thing running after 2years

[@markdavenport2125]

I just bought an 83 XR200R for 200 bucks all torn apart part pretty much the same condition as this one but the engine is in better shape than this one but still a project looking forward to part 2 of this video so I know how to do mine. really needed this video Craig you guys are awesome to watch. in part 2 could you talk about the differences between the 200 and 250 thanks guys keep em coming😉😊