Restoring The Workhorse Of Honda Dirt Bikes From Boxes

I'm restoring this Japanese dirt bike for America!
Check out our new store! thebeardedmechanic.shop

[@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

[@user-ee8hp3vv3x]

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 😂

[@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?

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@grillsimon4548]

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

[@jonstoetzel9720]

same here

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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...

[@waynepantry7023]

No they are not. The RFVC engine was one of the worst. Especially the 200, 250 and 350. They loved to crack heads. Not enough meat between the 4 valves and spark plug holes . . .

[@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

[@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.

[@specialse]

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

[@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.

[@eckridium]

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

[@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

[@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 🥇

[@73abu]

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

[@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

[@lil_sea_snail2673]

Anyone else notice the clean beard cut? Looks good on you Craig!

[@jeffm234]

There must have been a flash fire he didn't show us

[@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!

[@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

[@programz3r0]

"it's like someone went at em with a dull beaver!" that has to be one of the best lines I've ever heard.

[@EdwardRoss-tb5hz]

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

[@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 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺

[@batboy4387]

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

[@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 :')

[@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!

[@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. :)

[@scottlin777]

Craig's patience is impeccable.

[@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!

[@thekikendallsautoandrandom1271]

FRIDAY MORNING MOTORCYCLE HIJINKS WOOHOO

[@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 🇬🇧

[@MrSchnauzbart65]

man restoring this is so much work! 😮

[@seymoarsalvage]

That reaction on those bolts are not the rust being dissolved, but the protective zinc plating being ate away.....

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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...

[@usaevo8]

What I love about this channel is how much I can sympathize with Craig's pain and disappointment. And I dont even work on bikes.

[@1970warsteiner]

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

[@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.

[@user-uw6vo4bj2q]

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.

[@stuartessenhigh2793]

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

[@cowcar87]

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

[@sheldons1501]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@spilknasty8923]

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

[@uncensored5104]

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

[@Jaybird-uq3tb]

Craig is good at motorcycle puzzles.

[@scottcazelot4663]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@thomasl6405]

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

[@chillywilly3397]

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

[@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.

[@mattyg3696]

Like your build, it took me 3-4 sessions to watch to the end. 😂. Life kept getting in the way. Looking forward to see the next installment

[@codysmith1370]

Just want to say I found your videos a few days ago and just kept watching, before I knew it, I had watched every video you've made so far. MAKE EM FASTER :D

[@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.

[@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 💪

[@Getmcwrapped]

Love to see a video that is just a walkthrough of all the bikes you still have and which ones you’ve gotten rid of

[@Mean-bj8wp]

I have to say this is my favourite YT channel by far and really look forward to the next upload. Fir me to compliment an American openly is quite a thing.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

What country are you from? Just curious.

[@AndyAitken]

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

[@Nexiteee]

I got a Old Honda Xl 250R my dad had this Old bike for since 1988 and now gave it to me And this old Honda Is still going to this day. Got to love a old honda Its true what they say These old bikes never stop Running.

[@JohnOConnell]

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

[@GarthKerr-fe7bf]

Honestly one of the best channels to watch it’s educational and fun also very entertaining

[@smartin2174]

😆 This is exactly how my project started. A 1953 Dürkopp MD200 in boxes, no documents, no books, no nothing, but I managed to put everything back together and it runs. And it only took me foive years. 😆

[@ctsnider88]

I can't wait until the CX project starts. That was my first bike. I had to rebuild the trans and replace the dogs in 2nd gear. Fun times

[@robertkeyes2654]

Rode one 'til I couldn't! It literally outlasted me. Thanks for the video!!

[@paule5812]

Thanks for tearing the Busa engine down I know you knew that you didn’t need to but I love the extra content it creates for the channel. BTW thank you for the Bearded Mechanic shirt I love it.

[@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.

[@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

[@crebbsjd]

" When in doubt, grease it out," Craig and Dan! Another banger, boys!!!! Love the white powder coat, good choice.

[@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.

[@jangles1839]

Heya Craig! I don't hate Ridgelines,..I just don't like them! 😁 This should be extremely nice when you get 'er completed! Thanks so much for sharing! 💙🙏🏻

[@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!

[@Adventure2wheelDan]

Classic “hammer in a bigger size” technique… been there 😆 glad I’m not the only one! Great content Tuned in 🎥 🍿

[@donalddesilets7640]

Really looking forward to see this all back together and running. Great video. The two of you together are a great team. Love the way Dan keeps Craig from smashing something ! LOL

[@paradiseprod6153]

i got a lil fan i use when i pull out the torch so if im leaning over somethin wrenchin on it the smoke isnt going straight up my nose! much love sir i watch you alot lol

[@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.

[@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 😉

[@OssianEMills]

The EDITING is amazing! Great job, as always, Mr. Editor.

[@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

[@dbailon0123]

Man I friggen LOVE Friday uploads! Good stuff boys 👊🏾 Shoutout to Greg ! (and Dan c:)

[@willestunts]

This is my favorite motorcycle YT channel!!

[@davidhoyle4465]

I love machine love, but mate, Dave from Canada says this one is too far gone to be worth it. Holy crap. -Great that you're showing thread taps in action; awesome old bike for sure! ; great video, so much happening in this one show about one nice simple old bike project, save-worthy video for training! Now I'm cheering for you to bring it back!

[@spoogtastic]

Ive been dying to see more on the occ bike but seeing craig do anything is always a good day.

[@michaelb.42112]

My favorite channel, thanks Dan and Craig ! Sean who ? just kidding. Dan is THE best Ed McMahon, ever. I LOVE Honda Ridgeline trucks.

[@trentwilson9089]

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

[@MrFreakenfast]

Hell yeah! I'm rebuilding the top end of my 86 xr250r right now! Good luck finding a new cam, I found a NOS cam on ebay in Brazil and I definitely paid a premium for it!