Will This 47 Year Old Estate Auction Bike Run & Get Me Home?

[@rogerelwynjones1366]

I’ve been riding since 1966 but the enthusiasm of these two for their projects is brilliant

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Thank you!

[@graemewaters3821]

Fantastic video Craig/Dan definitely the funniest yet 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@danlimbaugh3629]

It's easy to stay excited when there is no nagging!

[@IArcticFoxOG]

Amen to that, man! Jesus loves you! He loves you all! ❤

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@danlimbaugh3629 Is that why OCC TV show was so popular? hahaha

[@jackkielty8241]

How many men would screw around with an old bike in a frigid parking lot with the snow beginning to fall? This video is testimony to Craig's utter determination and skill in the pursuit of what may well be the sweetest sound known to man: that glorious moment when an old engine comes back to life.

[@beebeer]

Or he's just plain nuts 🥴

[@jackkielty8241]

Then there's that too.@@beebeer

[@mdjones905]

I would! 🏍😎😎🌵

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Or utter stupidity….

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

I think @jeff is right on this one

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

As a guy who also gets cheap/free bikes and tries to get them going cheaply, I watched a few videos about lock picking and got a cheap lock pick set. I get lots of bikes without keys, and being able to get in the tank or turn on the ignition for initial troubleshooting has been a game changer. You should give it a try, it's actually pretty fun!

[@aculpoca]

LPL and Bosnian Bill are invaluable contributors to youtube

[@TomsTinkeringandAdventures]

@@aculpoca yes, Lock Picking Lawyer is what motivated me to attempt picking. I used to drill out motorcycle ignitions and tanks but now I can get most open in a minute or two…I am not skilled at it so a pro could do it in seconds.

[@ATi1300Ramiro]

Lock picking is definitely a useful skill to have. I helped a friend get back into her Chevy Traverse with a $20 wave tool I found at Duluth Trading Co. It was a random find, but it worked lol

[@steveclark..]

​@@ATi1300RamiroMost automotive locks especially on old vehicles are shockingly basic, easy to open, hence why chips in keys and other non theft devices become the norm.

[@loganbrown6887]

I was about to comment the same thing, been using a cheap lock pick kit for a while now for getting under the seat or into the tank of old bikes that didnt come with the keys

[@kalvinwalker1734]

Working on one of these at the moment. No key, found online there is only like 45 different keys made for the 76. Found a 3 digit code on the helmet lock. Ordered a key with that number and it works for all three locks.

[@lancenorton1117]

The cylinder for the ignition on my 1975 Honda CB 125 has the code number printed right on it. Luckily mine came with a key.

[@chuckmather3837]

Back in the late eighties I was involved in a 7 car pile up that totaled my car. It was early February in northeast Ohio. It snows. Had no cash, but I had a Yamaha TT500. Rode it until spring then I switched to my Sportster. Didn't buy another car until the following winter. I'm older and wiser now but a couple weeks ago my truck wouldn't start. My 79 Gold Wing did!

[@WayneSummey]

Had friend that had that same TT 500.

[@jamesevans164]

As a bike mechanic I am known as the Bike Whisperer. All the bikes I work on I still have that passion for these stories. I remember. Jim Outback Australia. Love your channel!

[@WickedCerberus]

Why would you call yourself that in the comments? Cringe

[@PaulB58]

"I KNEW IT WAS COMING IT JUST CAME SOONER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD " Yep we've all been there 😊😊😊

[@InterWebGuy99]

Just what she said at the lake.... 👍👍

[@johna6968]

When I saw that front light bulb change colour I knew it was curtains. Great upload!

[@kalaharimine]

You blokes have demonstrated outstanding dedication in the face of adversity 👍🏻

[@jeffhunter2553]

Most 70s Japanese motorcycles just had a spring lock on a gas cap in other words an open cylinder with a pin and a spring. Anything with a rough shape the same as the ignition key. I proved this to a friend of mine the other day by using my John Deere tractor key to open the gas tank on his 76 Honda 750.

[@bobmar1953]

Where was the key

[@grantjohnson2454]

Craig we just love to see you fix bikes. No need to suffer in all that snow.

[@Jopie22a]

"It's less than ideal, but that is kinda how my life is" Awesome quote :D

[@rhegarxx6728]

Craig, your video inspires me to chase my dreams and became a Mechanic, hope u know that... Brazil is getting a new mechanic because of you!

[@carlarthur4442]

Good Luck buddy 👍, one of my eldest Son is a mechanic he's now 50 years old and still spannering , one of my cousins started off as a Mechanic and has done that well at it he's now a Millionaire with his own business in Canada, hope your dreams come true Buddy 👍

[@who_is_john_galt]

Caraca, brasileiros everywhere kkkkkk

[@rhegarxx6728]

sempre! kkk@@who_is_john_galt

[@rhegarxx6728]

@@carlarthur4442 very noice! and kind of funny, one of my dreams is actualy moving to canada, maybe someday i can meet your cousin sometime! it would be great!

[@recoilrob324]

Drum brakes on a bike are wonderful as they'll never dry out and seize like hydraulic versions will on an old neglected bike. You guys have more gumption than me....well done!

[@philmorrow2446]

Craig Vetter fairings were the best aftermarket fairings ever!!! Beautiful and functional. Wish they still made them.

[@adotintheshark4848]

you can get good ones fairly easily..but the mounts? Good luck with that. You almost have to make your own.

[@hendrikgunawan5484]

always love the way you two hi five when the bike’s alive

[@beerbarn21]

Grew up in Maine and was blessed with a few unexpected rides in the snow. Made it home safely every time . No pucker factor there!! Haaa!

[@b6s4shelter]

The Aspirin is for the splitting headache from getting kicked by the mule! or kick starting.....

[@chrisprobert6]

Haha Headlite got REALLY brite just as the coil hit the magnets😂 Brilliant 👍👍

[@peterduxbury927]

Trying to kickstart with the headlight turned on - robs the Spark Coils of badly-needed volts.

[@dietrichess9997]

Ha! Watching you trying to kick that bike to life, in a snow storm, with bare hands and no grips on the bars makes any shitty thing I have to do today seem easy. 🙂 Thanks!

[@guyonacub4335]

You two guys have given me the inspiration to service/ fix my own bike So far all is good and no nuts / bolts are left over after ive finished Love the image at the end with the fuel wrapped around your neck Keep making me laugh guys Thanks

[@burt1758]

This dude's awesome luv the videos. 👍💪😁🤗👏

[@RK57AZ]

Hey Craig, Watching you and your motorcycle antics is like watching the Irish Try channel when they are doing drinking games! A whole lotta fun to watch without the hangovers or the pain! Keep it up and always stay sunny side up.

[@chrisb4504]

The bike key is in the shed under a rock! 😂😂

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Or in a coffee can of nails

[@TheRattyBiker]

Gotta love all the bad bits! That gourdy fairing and pannier set are so dated and ugly they are lovely! Great find 👍

[@GratefulBamboo]

My toes hurt watching that video. I also have plenty of time with wrenching outdoors in the weather. Brings back memories. Great video, hope to see that bike again. PS. Call a locksmith, dont mess up the locks. That bike will clean up well and be good for years to come.

[@MrPoppaLu]

The gas bottle around the neck connected to the bike would make a great T-shirt. btw- good call on not trying to ride it home.

[@geebopbaluba1591]

I remember those bikes back then but the really cool bikes were of course the KZ900. That is a very nice bike though and super clean like it was stored in a clean place.

[@ken2tou]

I bought a ‘76 KZ400 in 1978. It was a good bike. Same color. My bike had an electric starter. It was my only transportation for about a year. Nice to see one in such good condition.

[@easyfromtnbtw3555]

I like the stubbornness 😂 I would’ve put it in the trailer when the snow stuck

[@ianthepelican2709]

I would have put it in the trailer the moment I realized there was no key. But Craig and Dan have that never give up attitude that makes for such great entertainment. 👍

[@shawnsatterlee6035]

​@@ianthepelican2709it was trailered home n back. The lack of snow tells me that.

[@babygurl43613]

same here...lol

[@maSonKmKm]

I was so excited for this channel, and it has went above and beyond my expectations! Absolutely love the content! You should do a bike meet when the snow melts!

[@bashr52]

Watching Craig struggle and freeze in the snow just solidifies my decision to move out of upstate NY and head south :)

[@BlueSquatchproductions]

🏃‍♂️

[@midnightrunner684]

You know the thing

[@Kordziel]

Stay in upstate NY. I left for CA and wish I had never left, I miss it so much but I am stick here now. Ithaca NY my home. Trust me I have been to all the lower 48, and you are in the best Stay put.

[@bashr52]

@@Kordziel getting out of Binghamton was the best decision we ever made. After 31 years we just couldn't do it anymore. Ithaca is a nice place to visit, but I really could never live there.

[@mattdonna9677]

I had the same bike in 1985.top end was 70 m.p.h. Sold it and the new owner put the KZ 650 motor in it. He used a torch to heat the front frame tubes and a jack to spread the tubes, it worked out beautiful.

[@CMannStayns]

An idea for fuel problems like this - modified Camelback. Or a homemade camelback. Couple gallons of gas with a fuel line and a pocket full of adapters. Safe? Probably not. Effective? Should be.

[@allanmalmberg3145]

I love you guys , you are so humble at every thing you do .

[@stilldeadrecords]

Bought my first bike last year, 79 kz400 ltd, i’m the second owner (only 8k miles!) Had to go through similar stuff to put it on the road, even put on the same exact tires. Struggled with those keihin cv carbs for the longest time until i found out you adjust the floats with a wet setting, 3mm +/-1 from mating surface, now it runs like it’s brand new. Such a fun bike, love 70’s kawis

[@andym7023]

Most definitely snatched victory from the freezing jaws of defeat - incredible

[@kenthenderson7707]

Props to Dan, too! He has a great way of interacting - fun and helpful. Good edits, too!

[@mikec.3788]

Most older motorcycle locks can be opened using a fork. Bend the 2 outer prongs back so just the 2 middle prongs are straight. Use those, stick it in and wiggle it, twist it etc. It might take a few minutes but it will work

[@Badboythatsgenuine]

That's a lot of determination on both of you guys! The bike rocks too for that price. Wish you guys all the very best! 🎉

[@billribas]

funny with the locks - when I was at motorcycle school back in the 80's, we were ahead of the rest of the class at one point, so one of the instructors showed us how to make a lock pick out of a spoke. good times.

[@stevehall6526]

Man you do put yourself through things . 👍🏻👍🏻Well done .

[@NoahT98]

I bought a my first bike a 1978 KZ400 B-1 (standard) almost a year ago. It was in really bad shape and had a seized engine. Ive been working on it during my free time and almost have it all back together The engine is fully rebuild and now I'm doing electrical. Its been a great learning experience. I will say that some parts for these bikes are hard to come by. Can't wait to get it running.

[@chaseychaseum5366]

Good job Craig. Just so you know, it's not much better here in Tennessee. Maybe a little worse in places. I bet Sean isn't out riding an Alley Glide type scoot either!

[@BikesandBeards]

super sunny and 75 degrees over here in middle TN. going for a ride right now lol

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Grey and snowing here. I’m going for a ride too🤙

[@chaseychaseum5366]

@@BikesandBeards@BikesandBeards, I think you misspelled 25 degrees, LOL! Or maybe it's just nicer weather off of the Plateau ;)

[@JeffKopis]

Neighbor of mine is 68. Im 58. Known him since 1975. In 76, he bought a new KZ900, and still has it. He also has his high school car, a 68 GTO with a real Chevy L-88.

[@bigaudioal]

As soon as I see the notification that a new video has posted, the day just got way better!! Especially on a cold, snowy day here in Maryland. I need riding weather back now!

[@gregoryrapier3021]

You riding in the snow reminds me of the two Time I had tp ride in the snow with my 1996 Concourse. I worked at Gallo winery in Modesto Ca. I lived up at 4800 feet above sea level in Twain Harte. I left for work in was sunny and 12 hours later it was snowing at my home. That happened two times then I learned to check the weather report. I rode my bike just like you did here. Two feet down on the ground. But I had to ride 3 or 4 miles like that. The funny thing was. There was a cop sitting on the side of the road under a street light. It was around 1 am. The cop looked up as I was passing by and did a double take. I know that cop has told this story of some fool riding a Concourse in a snow storm many times since. It was pretty crazy. I put 370K miles on that bike and about 8 of them in the snow.

[@sauhamm3821]

you should watch a few LPL videos about getting in locks, it's way easier than most people think and you can have a little carry kit that will get you into any bike...

[@PeterTheBeard]

Craig, you're amazing. Taking a bike, in the cold, that's sat for years, and still you manage to bring some life out of it. You are the man!

[@isaiastorres3943]

Anybody else paid attention to the awesome ram charger SUV in the background? I did.

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Yep

[@ianluscombe]

I loved this video. Respect for going back out in the snow. I think the guys in the space station saw the flash from the headlight when the rectifier died.

[@jan22309]

Nice Bike! Love these classic bikes, they are worth saving.

[@cedley1969]

Superb little bikes, change the oil and filters and very little goes wrong with them. It's worth taking the sump off every few oil changes as there is a mesh strainer on the oil pump which can block up as the mesh is very fine.

[@wakkogn9351]

Great video! I haven't watched it yet, but it's Craig....soooo...Great video!

[@xliquidflames]

That weather, dude, holy smokes. If you _must_ ride in that, it is a 2 grimlin bell kinda day, double the protection.

[@neilpatching7443]

I was wondering if there was a bloopers real coming up but thankfully you left it all in the original cut. Your enthusiasm is so infectious. Well done guys now go and get warm. 🥶

[@adamnorman556]

Craig you are quickly becoming my favorite KZbinr. It's refreshing how authentic you are in showing your mistakes.(I've also hooked a battery up backwards and blown a fuse). Thanks for the great content.

[@davidarnette327]

Cool old nostalgic bike!, Keep up the good work 👍

[@kirkdavenport7185]

I love your content. :) You remind me of me. I am a trained Power Mechanics Tech and Motorcycle Mechanic from the 70's when men were mwn and bikes were simpler. You gotta keep doing this all day, because you have a fan in me forever. Thanks Mr, Bearded Mechanic :)

[@daveco1270]

Good work getting it running guys. It definitely seemed like you blew the fuse, the way the headlight flashed then went off. I'm a couple hours south of you guys and these last two weeks have been cold. I used to like the snow... but that was before I started riding motorcycles.

[@fader2701]

the bright blue magic light inside that lightbulp at the end was like pure lightning. 😀

[@adylevene4318]

In the UK lots of those 400's have been made into café racers and brat bikes they look really cool.

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Here in the States there are a lot of unfinished cafe racer projects.... haha

[@themotorider1]

I'd leave it as it is. 👌

[@cedhome7945]

They are also making good money as it's 40+years old so no tax and no MOT (UK)

[@johnnunn8688]

What is a ‘brat’ bike?

[@johnnunn8688]

Craig, please. When riding a bike, put your feet on the rests, so you are in control and balanced.

[@brentbauer8258]

There is a very fine line between what you are doing and what nobody else is doing when the snow is falling.

[@MrPrincepop]

Craig, thanks for freezing🥶❄your cojones 🥜🥜off to make this content. 😂That's why we love you (plus you get these old bikes running too. )

[@theloudabouts]

Craig, get yourself a plastic folding table as a portable work bench, save your back and keep your tools off the ground 👍🏻👍🏻 Chief from Australia 🇦🇺

[@dr.rupture8467]

The bearded mechanic working on a Kawasaki? I knew today was going to be a good day!

[@yamahjett]

Good to see you're not taking a winter break; I live in the area too and can attest, it's been pretty cold this January so far.

[@mrpiggy9646]

I’m so glad you got it running!!!

[@wakkogn9351]

Spoiler alert!

[@Adibarum]

You both deserve a medal for services to Biker kind..most people would have given up the moment the weather got cold..but you two just continued with the plan to get the bike started come what may and attempt to ride it home..Bravo

[@dwRS1]

The doughnut at the end was perfect.

[@davidholbrook1118]

I always enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@xXRunDeathXx]

"... cause i'm an idiot..." i felt that :D love buying dumb stuff i really shouldnt and then pumping way too much work and money into it. but it's always a joy watching you craig! btw your merch shop seems broken

[@The_Bearded_Mechanic]

Thanks I'll check it out

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Thats a very cool bike guys...be awesome to see it brought back to life!!!

[@marlinhubbard7969]

Shoulda seen it coming!!!! Hilarious! I love it. Great video!

[@gorgon9786]

This one was hilarious, Mr. Craig!.. You promised your wife to not do anything stupid, right!.. 😂. We didn't see the setup with the fuel(bomb) hanging from your jacket, coming.!! - had to Lol, hilarious! 🤣.. And the tryout in the snow was bringing myself back some 50 years!! Thank you for this entertaining video! You did fix it! 👍😃

[@jimp.7286]

Dad bought his first harley in 1949/50. He used to call motorcycles; motor-sickles. HAHAHA. Always. Never the other way. It used to bug me when I was a teenager because none of my motorcycle buddies pronounced it like that and I figured he was just being a hillbilly. I'm thinking I need to bring it back the way you do and help make it a thing. I rather like it. Windjammer fairing. Another thing I used to think was goofy looking. Now I want a bike like that with one. Funny how that works. Another really good one here. Cheers. 👍 Edit; clipping the gas bottle to your jacket made me burst my gut laughing.

[@BryceAWD]

My first bike was a 77 kz750. That I bought as a box of parts. I spent the winter painting powder coating and polishing every single part. It was absolutely awesome. Man, I miss it.

[@mkandy81]

Craig you're an absolute hero man!

[@27nayminthu]

brooo! we will definitely love you the same even if you took the bike to the shop first instead of wilding out/having fun with it in the snow. your health is as precious as your skills.

[@smithyoftherust]

Those dunlops have been my go-to for daily riding for ages. Are there better tires? Yes. But the dunlops are just great for the money.

[@kimondickson2791]

The relationship between these two are truly genuine, their enthusiasm for even the smallest triumphs are golden. Great work great channel

[@CageFreeTom]

Have to admit, the videos are best when Craig is partnered with someone that provokes him. Responses are great!

[@news603redux]

I've had two 440 LTD's that looked and rode great. I recall a six speed too, great little bike. And if you get the belt drive model, even better!

[@davidmckenzie4092]

You guys are amazing at making great content. Buy an old bike and fix it in a car park in snow with limited tools and still get it to run, brilliant

[@TheLoneHaranger]

Aw, man. What a trip down Amnesia Lane. Love that Kwakka. I had a Z440, late 80s. Same colour, bench seat. (No fairing.) Chuffed along like a charm. Took her home, from base, that first year. 750km round trip, started hearing a worrying clatter. Kept revs down and babied it. Put up with the rattle til I could get her home and in the shed. Pulled the oil drain and lookey, lookey nice, shiny confetti. Yup. Crank bearings was chewed up. Bronze bearings shat themselves? Bike shop was able to build up the big ends and re-surface. I miss that wild 37hp.

[@bbenc85]

I found gold when I found this channel.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

One of the best motorcycles of all time. Virtually indestructible. And faster than you might think. Criminally overlooked, imo. These were quite common in the early/mid 80’s. Fun fact, the electric start version had _both_ elec and kick start.

[@jellyman140]

I love an 80s 400. small, light, not much less nimble than a 125, but can do over 90mph with relative ease

[@rvlifesweden3952]

Fantastic to see old bikes, check the rotation of the front tire, you rock!

[@andyreynolds6194]

I always feel sorry for ‘estate sale’ bikes, as someone stuck that away way back when promising to get it going again one day, and just never got round to it before they passed. That’s how I justify coming home with 3 in the trailer AGAIN to the wife, anyway.

[@knifecharlatan8912]

With as many old tanks and leaky petcocks as you guys run across, i recommend keeping some thin rubber in the tool roll. Like a bicycle inner tube to make a petcock gasket on the fly. I have done this myself, it will work.

[@John_Ridley]

"I promised my wife I wouldn't do anything stupid today..." But I gotta be me!!!

[@johnweisYamaroler]

The weather in the video is about what it's like in Portland, on the other coast right now only we have freezing rain with a layer of ice pellets underneath. You guys working together add so much fun 😂 to watch!!

[@Grey86]

Waiting for Lock Picking Lawyer to comment ⏳️

[@peter_hauer]

This is amazing, that you worked on it in that conditions. Respect!! Great content, I really love your videos.

[@gregoryjasongranado5248]

If you've never used a nail as a cotter pin you've never really worked on a bike.

[@stevetomlinson6487]

i had a 76 kz400. it was a fun bike and watching this video brings back memories. eventually sold it, due to repair time exceeding ride time. Keep the great work because "everyone needs a Craig".

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

I have a 1975 KZ400D. I enjoyed this film, it made me remember my own trials and tribulations. They are resilient little beasts that want to run despite everything. Remember that the carbs are finicky and need precise float levels.

[@ronwoudenberg5344]

Dan's "Mechanic Calander" comment was his best of the season. I have studded knobby tires with hex head sheet metal screws and rode through the winter on a Honda 250, back in the day. Smarter today.

[@jaredbowles4202]

Watching Craig's videos has given me some confidence in the 1984 Honda Sabre V65 I am rebuilding. It's nothing but work!

[@captaindave47]

Craig when the bike started I realised I had a huge smile on my face, I was so happy to see it run again after so many years being sat, unloved. Well done.

[@simonapeters4372]

Keep on working on it I don’t think the heavy stuff is going to come down for quite some time now