I Found 2 Old Racing Bikes in a Shed! Will They Run Again?

[@firbolg]

Couldn't help but feel for the lady. That must have been so hard on her. Thank you, ma'am!

[@scrout]

It's great she found someone that is going to take care of her treasures.

[@kevinsellsit5584]

Good words fir!

[@t3hjnz]

Gah, when she brought out the jersey and helmet and leathers, right in the heart. Got something in my eye, brb

[@nickprice7752]

Yea, same here. I imagine that was pretty hard for her to let go of that stuff.

[@colinpryor6590]

Yep someone just started to cut onions here.

[@eugenecussen3735]

Huge respect to that Lady for allowing you to keep these rare machines alive.

[@TheVTRainMan]

His wife did the right thing passing those bikes onto you Craig! It was great to see the DT running again! I can't wait to hear the MX!

[@sparkplug0000]

I’m old, and grew up on Yamaha DT’s and Honda Elsinore’s. I’m not sure people today understand how important these bikes were in the day. Previous to these, a lot of people were riding step- through designs like Honda Cubs and CTs, which were great in their own right of course, but the Yamaha DT’s were a revolution, not just evolution. So many great memories on the back of one of these.

[@Rob.DB.]

Im old too, but just after you. I started riding at 12y/o in the Appalachian mountains of Southwest Virginia. Coal mines & Gas wells practically connected the entire county of over 500 sq. miles! After my buddy gimmie me a ride on the back of his bike, I was hooked!! Our group was typical for the time & economic situation, & that was ,"Whatever you had, you rode". So thats him at 70lbs.(drippin'wet) always in the front, literally FLYING his '82 YZ80, W.F.O. everywhere, ALL THE TIME ! His parents doubled up on a Honda 3 Wheeler, & his lil bro on a Honda 50, his neighbor was floating a Yamaha "Fat-Cat" ,an older neighbor kid was "in", a Honda Odyssey , (Remember those?...) another guy was about 4 ' tall & rode a Yama XT 600!, & creepy dude rode a Kawasaki 800cc. street bike, & always last was "Fun Uncle " Dave , who cruised a freakin' Honda Gold Wing ! ...through the tight-azz woods n backroads, & sometimes even single track trails ! I kinda felt outta place with my '84 Honda XR 200 because it was the only "normal" bike for that kinda riding. I'm sure we caused some double takes when we passed by, but NOBODY CARED!! We we're havin' a ball & still, to this day, those we're the BEST times anybody ever had in a million years !! Guaranteed !! ....Anybody ever see a Honda Gold Wing hitta' hill climb ??? ...with a steep drop off on one side & a big patch of poison ivy & "stinging nettles" on the other !?? ...No he didn't make it & ,yeah, it took at least 15 minutes for us all to stop laughing & catch our breath ! ... GOOD TIMES !

[@colestowing8695]

awww, Diane is a gem. I just want to give her a big hug 🤗

[@kevinsellsit5584]

Yes!

[@hoboundertheporch]

Waking up to a new bearded mechanic video is like waking up Christmas morning

[@gerryparsons-qx4eq]

Mabe u need to get out a bit more ,

[@DustySteel]

I agree, it is like a gift.🎁

[@Rob.DB.]

😕

[@birdshenanigans8506]

Your parents must of hated you 🤣

[@christianheidt5733]

Yes! Always fun ☺️. Try cold war motors, you might like it!

[@edwardhegarty750]

Many years ago I was getting into short track racing on a shoestring budget. I picked up a 75 DT250 from a police property auction. It had fallen off of someone's trailer on the interstate, and they just never bothered to go get it out of impound. I won the bidding at $105.00 and brought my score home. The wife was not thrilled. New handlebars, and a tank off of on old DT80 from a salvage yard, stripped off the Yamalube system to run premix. Rattlecan red and white paint job. First trip to the old flat track north of Azle TX was an education. Dead last, a lap down to everyone. Took the engine apart and brought the cylinder to a local shop. I ordered a Weisco racing piston and some dual stage reeds. They got the piston at the shop on the following Friday. The cylinder was bored and honed to match the piston. I brought the parts home and assembled my engine on Saturday morning. Loaded up that afternoon for the Saturday night racing. Came in fourth place. I was thrilled with the improvement. There's something to be said for riding a slow bike fast. I wonder where that bike is now.

[@Rob.DB.]

Right on ! Im betting that guy hadda hardon crossing the line !! 😉

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

Prolly with Craig now!

[@luddite6239]

20:24 Difficult to see on screen, but if it's like a winged lightning flash resembling a '7' (probably a Japanese character), then that's a standard Mikuni carb for early 70s DT1 Yamahas.

[@richgwozdz8580]

It was

[@mazdarx2347]

I was thinking Yoshimura markings on that Mikuni carb

[@luddite6239]

@@mazdarx2347 Although Yoshimura do now do carburettors, they didn't start making them until the 90s, and they have the full Yoshimura logo, the same as on their exhausts ヨシムラ.

[@motorcyclemichael2182]

I had a well used 1978 Yamaha dt250 as a teenager that I purchased from my uncle for $150 in the early 90’s. That was some of the best money I ever spent. 😅

[@mzmadman]

Craig, I’m a 61 old bloke and believe it or not my first bike was a Yamaha DT1 250 and I painted it yellow as well. Man, you bought a smile to my face tonight, I have so many memories of that old bike beating my mates on their Honda MX’s and XL’s it was a beast. Thanks for the memories. No snow here bud, just sunshine and blue sky’s cheers from OZ

[@Chocolate_dragon]

You could see on her face how much she loved and misses her husband. She was sad to see the bikes go but definitely happy they were going to go some where they would be cared for and brought back to life.

[@johnmitchell9705]

If you want to make that DT1 scream, place the MX jug on it with a high compression head. Make sure you port the cylinder, narrow the ring saver in the center of the exhaust port not to much, match the cylinder liner with the aluminum and polish the exhaust with a mirror finish, the transfers and intake smooth but not shiny. Use the DT1 carb for better bottom end and try to find a torque pipe. The bike will pull like a Suzuki 350 of the same year up to about 70 mph or so. There were also some wide ratio gears available. Lots of fun! That was my first bike build.

[@MrXdaltonxp]

I rode a Suzuki GS1150ES while buying parts at the dealer I got to know the owner. It was family owned and operated.The owner was one of the best mechanics I have known.His son was ranked in the top 10,I think he was 8 in the nation on 250 before he got injured. His brother was just as talented.People from all over the country sent two strokes to the shop for race prep. I was amazed at the orbital port jobs. I was taught to port and polish street heads. The 1150 was drag raced after being built.They got me into dirt bikes and I ended up with a 125 that was a back up for a super cross racer they sponsored. I did more trail riding than track and loved drag racing. The brothers still have the shop to this day.

[@winksongs]

You could do all that or mebbe just buy a different bike..?

[@jamesthurber8807]

Super stuff Craig and Dan. I forget to comment how much I enjoy your motocross history notes. And there is special east coast flavor I was never aware of in most of your videos.

[@fordmanfinis]

I'm fixing an old seized up Honda. Had to melt the piston off. The wrist pin got hot and nearly welded to the piston and connecting rod. Managed to get the wrist pin out and order parts. Connecting rod is fine. It's videos like yours that remind me it's not months of work to fix things like this but just a few good days of work with several weeks of waiting on parts and then waiting again for correct parts! Gotta love when kids drive things without checking oil first

[@pauloconnor7951]

Dianne is SO sweet and true. What a perfect vendor. If I was there I'd buy that GT6 in a heartbeat !!!!!!!!

[@uncensored5104]

I love these old dirtbike videos. The hard lives they hold have so many memories, especially for that nice lady. Looking forward to the MX video and a sympathetic resto on both of them 👍

[@Makermook]

I love the enthusiasm you have for old bikes.

[@travistaylor8122]

You should totally do a series restoration the race bike!

[@maltejuergensen2118]

And then put on the jersey and go racing :)

[@TheVTRainMan]

^ This!!!! Yes!!!

[@zg1k68]

Woo, always a good morning when waking up to a bearded mechanic vid!

[@MikeInBendOregon]

This brings back some really good memories Craig. I bought that exact same MX 250 new in 1973 when I was 12 years old. It was a great bike, and it is still my favorite looking bike from when I was younger... I only had it for about a year because Honda came out with the 1974 CR250 that was supposed to essentially be a factory race bike out of the crate, so I sold the MX to a friend of mine and bought the CR250. The Honda was lighter, faster and handled better than the MX, but the MX was no slouch. It's cool to see you as enthused about the MX as I was, and still am. I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it when you get to ride it. Of course it will be a little different because my bike was new, and this one has had a lot of hours put on it, but even still, it should still be cool...

[@Jesselovespinball]

I’ve never worked on a bike . But dammit isn’t it the best watching Craig ? His enthusiasm is what keeps me coming back every week. He’s genuine and I appreciate how he treats people . That means a lot about a person . Keep doing Craig things and the we will keep watching you !

[@DannyNeal-g8y]

Craig says, "You can't beat these old Yamahas!" Then he immediately whacks it with a hammer! Great video, guys.

[@natharnold3620]

Craig and Dan (and Greg); it would be so cool to see you restore that sweet MX and bring it back to Diane to show her again.

[@aarongrabowski3775]

Awesome video Dan and Craig. One more save.

[@christocambetes3074]

Congratulations on the new shop.

[@josephgermany7446]

A tip for cleaning points in hard to reach places: Cut a rectangle out of a soda can and fold the Emory cloth over it and then scuff the points. It's like viagra for your Emory cloth

[@Getmcwrapped]

Damn clever sir

[@nielskerszemaker5377]

so ure young and need viagra is what i read. ure right about the triangle

[@stuartd9741]

Take two deep set ring spanners in each hole of the flywheel, with a gentle rocking motion and occasional tappy tap tap, tap on the centre nut will remove the flywheel.. Have to be careful not to crack the magnets inside Yes a little sketchy but if one is in an emergency...

[@Steven-v6l]

it is "emery" ... Emory is a university in Georgia

[@classicrider5274]

Wrap emery over a feeler gauge, always works for me.

[@Mike-ki9ug]

What a treat a new video to start the weekend. That nice lady did the right thing calling you she knows you will breath life back into them. More people that have old bikes and cars in their garage or shed and there just rusting away should call people like you . Great video's keep them coming Dan needs a raise 😂

[@burridge911]

Great episode as always. Love the back and forth with Dan. 😂

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

A beautiful Triumph GT6!

[@rodlamping3573]

I had a mark 2 '70 GT-6. What a blast!!!!!

[@dalgguitars]

"Foot peg works." Nice. Also, a shop with a floor drain. Really nice.

[@ericearhart]

I had that same DT-1 in 1980. It had been sitting for a few years and after honing the cylinder and cleaning the carb I was the happiest teenager in my neighborhood!

[@jasonsteane2355]

Saw 1° and thought “that’s not cold”. Then I remembered it’s in old time 1700’s measurements.

[@nicholas5623]

lol same thought here

[@colestowing8695]

1* freedom units. not commie measurements 😂

[@Fastcar5000]

When using temperature in relation to how it feels to people F makes way more sense. 0 cold, 50 comfortable, 100 is hot. In between those points is exactly what you think it is.

[@whaguitars]

A new Bearded Mechanic video. It's gonna be a good day.😀

[@samuelhatman8995]

Did ya let Diane know her hubby's bike lives again? Was this one his? Anyway... great work guys!!!! My wife was a supportive gal named Diane as well. Taught her how to ride in 1977. She retired her 650 Honda last year. We're both 71. I quit 25 years ago, but rode other peoples bikes. I got a fixer-upper out in the garage right now to ride again this summer with no plan to ever stop riding again.... ever!!! Thanks Craig!

[@minnesotatomcat]

When I was 10 I saved up enough gopher trapping money to buy a 1973 Yamaha 175 enduro. It was way too much bike for 10 year old me but we figured it out and never killed each other. It was the ultimate freedom for a kid like me, I was all over the county on that thing working for farmers or just flying down the gravel roads!

[@braaaaaaaaaaap]

F150 with no bed step? You're a wild man. Makes it so easy to load and unload bikes. Grizzly Trader.

[@Derf1313]

Nice pair! Looking forward to all the work, lol. Had a few Yamaha's over the years, lol. Including a 72 DT-1 360, definitely was a screaming 2 stroke! Thanx !

[@GarryCharlesworth]

Great stuff Craig, hope to workshop comes together for you.

[@ngblunden]

Great Job Craig ,i am Well envious of those Bikes Mate ,A once in a Lifetime find .Best Wishes from Neil in Wales UK

[@carlbrown8830]

Your video reminds me of a funny story. Around 1980, my buddy and I took our DT's into Montana. We stopped to cool our bikes at the border. When we resumed, his 250 wouldn't start. After 10 minutes, it kicked back and started. We lined up to race to town and took off. When my friend didn't show up, I went back to find him sprawled in the road and his bike in the bushes. His bike somehow started backwards sending him over the handlebars when he popped the clutch. R for race!

[@Rob.DB.]

Except, I've never rode. But other than that!! J.K. All true sept bike wasn't leaning against a tree. Bent th bars a little n hadda straighten the front wheel with my knees n twisting the bars... Took a rope n 3 people to get it back up the hill. Buddy said, "I saw you. It was like you just decided to go straight over! Like there was a bridge or something there!" We laughed pretty hard about it after !!! Bike dont have a reverse. 100% positive about that. Google it. Guess he was embarrassed & made all that up as an excuse. ...Orrr. YOU MADE IT UP FOR SOME REASON. ...but yeah. Bikes no have a reverse gear bro. Duhh!

[@carlbrown8830]

@@Rob.DB. Swear to God it was true. The best we could figure, the points were worn out causing it to kick back and backfire. Must have been close enough to TDC that the engine started backwards when it kicked back.

[@Rob.DB.]

@carlbrown8830 good point on the points! No pun. Kickback SUCKED!

[@goodcitizen64]

That's an awesome find and great that you got it running!!!!

[@garyseaton4619]

Both of these bikes are some of the first things I ever rode. I was lucky and did these along with Hodaka, Maico, the sick Yamaha 400, and later came the Suzuki's, meaning the RM's... Craig and Dan you're bringing back some fantastic memories... I'd love to get a hold of that Triumph... Could you send me her info?

[@touchstonedefense8533]

First bike was a 73 DT-125. Still have the title. Love how those bikes sound. Oil injection was awful. Eventually just premixed.

[@greghatzenbuhler1078]

I enjoy your videos having raced off road in the 70s onwards. Your knowledge of the early years is sort of light.

[@KelleyCycle]

Congrats on your new bikes, Craig! The Enduro is likely a 73 DT3 as they had the 21in fr wheel, that carb is the orig btw (that casting mark is correct). Waiting for MX now...and yeah the orig ignitions were grim so hope youra works at least!

[@Split_Routine]

So nice to see these bikes, I have a silver 1973 Yamaha SC500 besides the Mulholland shocks it's in crazy original condition

[@87mini]

I graduated in '72, and my gang's favorite place to hang out was at the Yamaha dealer, right next to the diner. From '68 to '74, it was a regular stop, so we got to watch the evolution of the MX from basically an Enduro with knobbies, a 21" front wheel and a magneto (Enduros had electric start!) to that sleek 73 you have there. Yamaha color coded the tanks to displacement, which was cool. Good times - I love seeing these old yammies come to life - I had mine spread across the workbench more than a few times! I still have my magneto puller!

[@derichiggins]

That's pretty good shape for a 72 DT. The carb looks factory for a 72. We had 2 of them and a 175 growing up. My dad still has his 72. Fun bikes.

[@cedhome7945]

This is rapidly becoming a two stroke fanatics channel (not a bad thing). Allways amazed how none of the barn find bikes have rust covering there rings. I would never try and run one without checking the cylinder and piston otherwise damage could be made worse just trying to start it...... Take the exhaust off and check them first before just trying to run it. Fun to see these old bikes pump smoke and annoy the green lobby 👍🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@DaveMicheals-r4g]

Awesome she gave you his bike and gear... can't wait to see both these bikes run

[@diverdon55]

... Those "shocks" with the resivour were one of the first things to go ... Replaced them with adjustable koni's .. Those factory shocks had the dampening of a screen door closer ..

[@thomasstevenson5367]

I love those old bikes! Wish I could find a nice old barn find that didn't cost an arm and a leg 🤷‍♂️

[@lindasnook6735]

Quick tip : Wear those Bill Walters leathers during the cold winter riding days. You make look old school, but you ll be warm.

[@GMan-y6q]

I had a Yamaha YZ 100 in the 70's. It had a steel monoshock. 6 speed transmission, and it was fast. I also had the Yamaha racing Jersey similar to the one she gave you. I tried to look like Bob Hannah. I was very proud of it. I would wear it to school. My dad use to say if he knew what he was buying I would have never had that bike. 😂

[@roberthocking9138]

Lovely old DT, my first bike was a 125, I rode that places I can’t even believe now looking back 50 years later. 😂. It had some sort of yummy hot up kit with a different t piston etc.

[@davidlambert6171]

Bacon, beans, bread and Bearded Mechanic video….the perfect Friday breakfast!

[@blasphemoustrat]

Great episode. Love the history and the drives.

[@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950]

In February, 1979 I bought a brand new 1978 DT250 off the showroom floor, for $1,100. The inside of the tank on Craig’s new bike looked better than the one mine had when new. Mine came off the boat with the gas tank pre rusted.

[@feron450]

Getting the story, the jersey, the helmet, and the pants makes that so awesome!

[@jamesadams2334]

That 1973 MX is a great bike. Super motor for vintage racing.

[@LanceGraulich-m8h]

Growing up in the 70’s was the absolute best. Grew up riding DT 90’s, DT 125’s, DT 250’s, G3 and G5 100’s, and Ace 100’s. Lots of great bikes. Yeah they didn’t ride like today’s bikes, but we had the absolute best times!! Weather didn’t stop us!! Rode them all year long even in the snow!!

[@berryfisher4764]

Another success!! Nice work Craig!! You too Dan

[@jpayne8096]

I'm kinda jealous...... I've been looking for a bike from my youth that was one of my most favorite, a 1973 Kawasaki 175 F7. Been searching far and wide, this video has reignited my passion for my search. Very similar bikes, as Kawasaki also made a 250 that could be a twin to these, but since I owned the 175, it has a special place in my heart.

[@TulsaAM]

I enjoy your videos because of how excited you are about the history behind the bikes. I appreciate what you do.

[@shawnmurphy759]

What a wonderful, heart-warming opening! Love this video.

[@metalmangle]

"Only put it in R though, after 4" :D That got me.

[@logicthought25]

A really nice Triumph GT with the rare racing trans. 😗😂

[@aidintaylor4669]

Uncanny, im working on making a classic vinduro/mx bike from an old Yamaha AG100 and i was just googling images of these bikes last night for ideas. Such awesome era of bike, so cool to see the old guys gear and setup.

[@Rglande]

Hi I love your work! Good luck in your new shop.❤🎉

[@richmccabe2902]

When I was 12 I rode my dads DT250. Had to take off from a stump as I could not reach the ground. That thing would kick back horribly. It had a 21" front wheel and I always assumed that was the standard wheel. Learn something new every day. Cool bikes.

[@aaroneaton4849]

I have a '73 DT3 250 I am restoring. I am putting an MX250 head on it. The piston is seized, spark plug was out of it for years when it was outside, but I think some Evap-o-rust actually was able to eat through some of the rust and this weekend I hope I can finally free up the piston.

[@ride_of_a_life1830]

My father raced on a '73 Mx250 in the 70's. When I was younger, i would alway go in the garage and sit on this bike. I my teenage years i got to ride thus bike until the motor finally gave up and we cound find parts for it! So many great memories!

[@travLee7]

The mechanic w his beard can fix anything. Love the channel, broski..

[@a9503128]

Cleaning points. Fold the emery paper around an old feeler gauge for added strength.

[@bobmcbob9603]

You were absolutely right about old Yamahas!

[@brianscott9861]

I really enjoy watching your channel. I grew up in the 70's. I have a scar on my leg to this day, a scar theater never broke the skin, but I have a scare from a 70's 360 Yamaha Enduro

[@markkeyser]

I had a CT 175 - what a blast it was! Replace the clutch and was surprised to find that the clutch disks appeared to be made out of a phenolic-type of material as opposed to metal.

[@sharplessguy]

Loads of memories here. My second motorcycle was a 73 DT250. My first was a 71 dt100 that I raced motocross on.

[@chrisconolly488]

Another 2 ring a dings to watch you play with! Now I have to go looking for one for myself.As per usual top content keep them coming guys!

[@xpndblhero5170]

7:07 - That's awesome she still has all his riding gear but I don't know if I'd be able to take it, I'd want to keep it w/ the bike but I'd prefer she have them.... That would be an awesome jersey for riding in an old bike race or something but it's too cool to mess up. I'd be terrified I'd wreck or catch a branch and rip it.... It would still be awesome framed and mounted on the wall. 😮👏👍 Edit: 8:08 - The hardest part about going somewhere is driving in reverse on the way home.... 🤣

[@patterisepi]

Thought the same, let the old lady keep the memories even if the bikes are gone to an better home.

[@scrout]

Had a maroon 1972 175 cc 21in front wheel. Learned on a 66 Trail 90, then a Honda SL100. The Yamaha was a complete rocket ship comparatively. Good times.

[@martinward4439]

love the bikes..and that GT6 .👌👌🇹🇭

[@zombiemike5611]

You love those Yami-has! I have a soft spot for the Yamis too!

[@ElectrikNYCfunK]

i hope she sees how much love & respect she's getting

[@dirtyfoxx443]

You have to fully restore the mx! No ifs ands or butts! That bike needs to be restored, and showcased with a manican wearing is riding gear standing next to it! So kool!

[@petrimillar7408]

Man I haave been waiting for new videos to pop up. Nice bikes and awesome history behind them. Keep them coming!! And still waiting for the suzubusa..... :)

[@chuckrash3343]

I had a 1972 DT-1 250 and loved that bike

[@ReviveRideChronicles]

Very cool. Your video made my day. Thanks for sharing.

[@roygeneherren]

I use to race a ‘73 Mx! It was a blast! A few years later it was obsolete in Mx, but was great for hare scrambles!

[@shawnmurphy759]

Not enough to slow us down not enough to put a drip pan down! I love this channel !

[@BigDog_T]

Oh good ole 322 corridor up through the Juanita!

[@terrycavender]

It's been modified just a tad. The front wheel was originally a 19, that looks like a 21 from here. The countershaft cover has been cut to keep the sprocket free from mud, or kinda free... 🤣 The early YZs had a similar mod. I had a DT3, great bike.

[@jimp.7286]

How do you keep finding these things? How many of us would love to find one? Just one! I'm out west and you'd think they'd be everywhere since they were everywhere back in the day - but nope. If they're around, collectors are hording them. Another good one here. PS; seeing you ride it on a cold, clear, blue sky day against the snow was awesome! Cheers. 👍👍

[@TommyWings]

13:21 is an example of a cool sound design. Niiiiice

[@claynesbit7552]

I’m drooling over the KDX and XR in the background. I’m looking for one of those to build currently so I can ride with my son when he rides.

[@junglebiker2363]

HAHAHA, when you dropped that DT into gear, I was thinkng to myself "I hope you have it pointed in a safe direction, because the clutch is probably stuck...." Good times.

[@PioneerOPioneer]

Timeout! How much and how to reach her about the Triumph?!?!?

[@roguegorilla8981]

That’s what I’m saying

[@danlimbaugh3629]

GT6!!!

[@conkcat]

Ooh goodie, another bearded mechanic to watch tonight.

[@johncolson1294]

My first Yamaha was an MX 250. Then suddenly I had 5 more. Each one had a problem so I took them all apart and made 2 complete bikes. I was in love with Yamahas. Still my favorite brand. I'd love to have another! Then I'd show the local "young bucks " how to ride!😊

[@TauJensen-by4qy]

Buy a nail file for the points, works perfectly.😉👍