Freddie Dobbs' Bonneville | Out of Time?

Join me in this video after taking on the challenge to fix @FreddieDobbs Triumph Bonneville T100SE. This motorcycle is the central focal point of his channel and has been right there with him on many adventures from all over Europe to the Sahara, across the Atlas Mountains to the local coffee shop!
In this video we investigate the cam timing and check for any other potential issues.
Check out Freddie Dobbs' KZbin channel right here:
/ @freddiedobbs
www.buymeacoff...
#Bonneville #dobbs #triumphmotorcycles
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[@TheWurks]

I'm overwhelmed by the response to this series of videos and thank you all for your feedback (keep it coming). I will cover the plug thread failure and reasoning for replacing the head when I get to recording the further engine work. However, in short, this failed thread is in the previously repaired side. The head was not heli-coiled it has had an insert fitted which has failed. I have previously repaired many stripped spark plug threads and always go with a correctly install time-cert if its first time round or a failed heli-coil.

[@richardsutton01]

A failed Helicoil due to incorrect installation is not that uncommon. However a failed double-threaded insert is really bad news as your options are then severely limited. 🙁

[@1mikefrost]

Spot on Joe . Your work is first class .

[@basilwatson1]

Yup, if it has been repaired before and has failed then yes the metal will need building up and re tapped ,,,, in other words a second hand head. Thanks for adding that info. Which THEN begs the question; Who repaired it.

[@richardsutton01]

@@basilwatson1 Kingdom Motorcycles, Ipswich.

[@johngibson3837]

I wanted to say ov going time sert as have a chainsaw that needs doing and sounds best way, like your style mate

[@FreddieDobbs]

I went from eyes wide open, to gasping in amazement, head in hands and cheering. That was a rollercoaster😳

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal, the bike shall live!

[@Paulie44]

We’re glad to see the Bonneville live another day! And Freddie, you need to get yourself on some bike maintenance courses 👍

[@nicolaf970]

Freddie your one lucky chap to have Joe fixing your bike. It’s making great viewing

[@qtronicqilt8898]

@@TheWurks Do you reckon it's loosing compression from around the bad threaded plug?

[@luddite6239]

@qtronicqilt8898 I don't think so. There seems to be enough thread to allow the plug to seal, just not enough to allow it to be fully tightened. If you look at Joe's compression test from before the cams were retimed, his compression tester screwed into these threads and the reading from each cylinder was only about 5psi apart. When he checked after the cams were reset, he used a tester that just pressed into the head (and so wasn't relying on the threads for a seal) and the increased cylinder pressures were still only about 5psi different.

[@ThatBobGuy850]

Someone in the Comments section of one of Joe's other videos said, "Never has there been such a big group of people rooting for the survival of a particular motorcycle" or something like that. And it's true, I think. Freddie has so much of himself invested in that Bonnie - it's a part of him and he's a part of it. And I think...we've all probably had a bike like that - one that we felt a particular closeness with. So, I know it's silly, but for some of us, it's personal - we WANT the "Riumph" to live, and not be summarily discarded like yesterday's flip-phone for a new and flashy iPhone. And so we eagerly and optimistically await Sunday night, to hopefully hear the verdict: Is it cancer? Or just a harmless mole? I know I'll be watching.

[@robertpewsey8931]

Spot on, I want to see the Bonnie back and lots more adventures on it.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Brilliantly put , I own 3 Triumphs, 1 owned 48 years and it's definitely been a big part of my life !.Joe has earned so much regard by this video series , notice how he removed the timing cover with the correct tool and a protective cloth !.

[@903lew]

I just hope he treats himself better than he treated that poor bike. I remember his pods from before the breakdowns where he was almost proud of never having done the valves nor being on top of other maintenance items as the Bonneville was “bulletproof”. Man should take a course in maintenance tbh.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

@@903lew I'm afraid he is not an exception these days, and has been shown ,a lot of so called specialists rely on the improved longer service intervals and the ability of machines to soldier on without undertaking manufacturer's recommended periodic maintenance tasks.Having come across Joe's channel through this particular bike, it is refreshing to come across such a mature , modest and honest ' one-man- band ' with skills that puts many ' professional ' shops to blame and will at least boost his channel enormously .

[@DeiseRebel]

Riumph 😂 😂 Forgot that that’s being sorted also 😆

[@cp4512]

I guess I won’t be using Kingdom Motorcycles in Ipswich unless they have a very good reason for this…….. If this is how a mechanic at Kingdom Motorcycles treats a well known KZbinr, imagine the care they’d take with a bike of yours of mine 🤔

[@LeightonsLibrary]

I was just thinking this myself... what an ax job of an engine rebuild. The bad cap order is bad on its own, but the cam timing? If I were Freddie, I would be sending them a link to this video and an invoice.

[@matthewjackson3034]

I used to use Kingdom Motorcycles when I lived in Woodbridge. Never had any issues, was always a decent guy who went above and beyond to help. So find that odd. And KZbinr or not, still a normal person. So no different.

[@barryfrancis7421]

perhaps freddie got on the guys wick.

[@luddite6239]

Top work! What a contrast to Kingdom Motorcycles - not only did they fail to carry out the job it was booked in for, i.e. the thread repair, but their reassembly nearly wrecked the whole engine. This was not just an understandable minor error but a catalogue of failures: mismatched cam caps, reused copper washers, incorrectly set backlash cams and incorrectly set cam timing. As I said in an earlier post, I would be seeking recompense from them, perhaps in the shape of a new head. At least, I think, Freddie now has a spare head gasket to hand so that shouldn't hold up the rebuild. Keep up the excellent work and continue showing the "professionals" how it should be done.

[@1mikefrost]

Well said mate.

[@markwood9755]

Hear,Hear

[@paulstokes393]

I'll bet they were hoping these videos were never made 😅

[@clivehale397]

Totally agree .

[@AaaaandAction]

Twice recently I have had a bike at an expert shop to fix a problem which cost me a couple of hundred and didn’t solve the problem. I trailered the bike home, thought about it and then got the tools out. Short story, I fixed the bike in 15 minutes which I should’ve done before putting my faith in the so-called professionals. You have to remember that they are selling hours and not necessarily interested in actually solving the problems.

[@TomRyall3]

At last a mechanic that knows what hes doing!

[@williamgould2855]

a first ? up till now

[@paultownsend3696]

This is exactly what KZbin is about. Top content and a pleasure to watch you working.

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal!

[@jeroenvandervelden8213]

Nice job mate!👍

[@wjb2]

As a retired engineer and have restored many bike engines in my time,what kind of mechanic goes to all the bother of taking a head off and doesn’t do an assessment of both plug holes . then only Helicoils one spark plug hole. It Beggars believe . What a pleasure to watch a diligent craftsman.

[@luddite6239]

It's worse than that! The plug that's loose is actually in the cylinder that was supposed to have been helicoiled! Either the helicoil wasn't correctly fitted, or it wasn't fitted at all.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you pal, very much appreciated!

[@1mikefrost]

@@luddite6239 Absolutely spot on .

[@TheBoozeFreeBiker]

I recall one of the plugs blowing out on Freddy’s Morocco adventure, never heard of that happening before! Obviously someone has had the engine apart before and also didn’t know what they were doing. Keep up the good work 👍

[@MaaZeus]

@@luddite6239 Or they helicoiled the wrong cylinder? 🤣 No matter, this should be reclamationed, they clearly did not do what they were supposed to do and took the money anyway.

[@redmille1000]

I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about 90% of the time but I appreciate your skill!

[@Bonnie_robbie78]

If I were Freddie I’d be really pissed at whomever ‘repaired’ his bike previously. Honestly, thank God you found each other and a decent, skilled engineer is now in the case. Imagine if he had scrapped this bike, would have been a crying shame. I’m not one for bad mouthing anybody but come on! That top end was clearly thrown back together with zero care or professional pride. Keep up what brilliant work, it certainly brightens up a Sunday afternoon. 👍❤

[@felixcomms]

And this is why guys like Freddy who are not mechanically minded are an easy meal ticket for ruthless Garages. When you hand your bike over you are taking a gamble that the people you are dealing with are trustworthy and know what there doing. Its a minefield.

[@Bonnie_robbie78]

@@felixcomms it’s just sad that so many don’t seem to have professional pride any longer. I just wouldn’t dream of doing that to somebody. That said, I’ve got the feeling this bike WILL be better than he’s ever known it once Joe has finished with it. I certainly know who to contact should I ever have any issues. I’d pay more to know somebody who really knows their stuff and takes great pride in their work. 👍

[@TheWurks]

Great to hear!

[@user-yb9ww6lv7j]

You should be pissed off anyway after realising the head didn't even need to come off.

[@dhc8guru]

Well in reality, the last person who said scrap it was probably due to the amount of time and money it would take to go through all this to fix it. Not that they were necessary trying to rip Freddie off, they were probably being realistic and didn’t want to charge him a large sum of money just to investigate all the issues and then have to charge him a large sum of money to fix the issue. That’s the reality of old bikes when you have lots of problems and you can’t fix them yourself. The repair bill tally’s up higher than the bike value.

[@denisg4288]

I don’t think I have ever been as enthralled about the internals of a bike than this. Excellent explanations and filming. A star is born. Freddie who? 🤣😂😭

[@briangc1972]

Even at $150/hr, it is still worth repairing. The vast majority of the problems were caused by the previous hacks working on the bike. The only way for the gears to be out of timing was due to the guy who did helicoil fix not reassembling it properly.

[@mslattery8710]

Or even doing the helicoil fix properly. D'oh!

[@lordgibbness]

So basically they took a slightly broken engine and broke it some more, and got paid to break it!!

[@chrissteer9215]

As a very old motorcycle mechanic this absolutely brilliant to watch as someone knows what they’re doing it’ll be spot on when its done

[@TheWurks]

Thank you!

[@mkoehler222]

As a non Mechanic that can do some basic maintenance it's fun to see if I can follow along and understand all what your doing. Thanks for taking the time to film and explain. Mark

[@TheWurks]

Thanks 👍

[@KimmoJaskari]

The top end was recently rebuilt by some shop, I recall that much. Guess they screwed up the job with gears out of position and more. Unfortunate. The reason it went in to the shop was that it fired the spark plug out of the engine in operation... so apparently the shop that fixed that messed that part up as well. Not a shop I'd take my bike with these facts in hand.

[@johnnorth9355]

The difference between knowing what you are doing and thinking you know what you are doing is measured in customer satisfaction. This used to be important to companies. Great job.

[@nigelfisher6896]

I think Freddie should demand a refund from whoever put this back together when doing the head gasket. The $ should be then passed to this channel, it deserves it.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

100% Imagine waiting forever and running around everywhere to source the base gasket only to find the re-assembly was an utter hack job.

[@trailingarm63]

This bike's got more problems than Africa. It's not helped by the fact that the owner has run up a fairly big mileage without having any mechanical insight whatsoever. I remember thinking "new cylinder head" the first time Freddie mentioned a spark plug being spat out. Although it's frustrating for you to have come this far and then be looking for a new head, it's been a pleasure watching your diagnosis.

[@Banditmanuk]

What a fascinating video. We're all routing for you to be able to sort this mess out. This is exactly what KZbin was invented for. Investigating, informing and entertaining. As a pre-Freddie subscriber I'm so pleased Freddie's misfortune has given you the chance to show the world your talents.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you pal very much appreciate the support. It’ll soon be time for stafford classic again!

[@billbike4662]

You’ve opened a small can of worms with this bike. I know you’ll find other probs. I truly believe you’re the only real mechanic that’s worked on Freddie’s bike ever. Thankfully triumphs are tolerant to neglect and incompetent wrenches. Cheers for taking us along🍺

[@gustaf3]

My guess is Freddie will get his bike back better than new plus he'll know how to look after it properly. Freddie truly won the lottery with Wurks.

[@misAdventuresonGenie-uw8bu]

All depends on how much it sets him back if you ask me. If he'd won the lottery, the womble who fucked up the original repair would never have been part of this story.

[@gustaf3]

​@@misAdventuresonGenie-uw8bu As it was, Freddie's Bonnie was worth near zilch in my opinion. A used 2012 Bonnie in mere running shape costs approx. $3,000. So there's that to consider.

[@redzed40]

It's almost like Freddie did the rebuild himself 🤣

[@rogerc8960]

Freddie should have his spanners confiscated.

[@saxon-mt5by]

I think Freddie would have made a better job than that 'expert'.

[@dannyjacquitighe3880]

That’s cruel 😂

[@redzed40]

He seems like a very nice pleasant guy, but lets be fair wielding spanners won't be going on his CV hey..lol @@dannyjacquitighe3880

[@korni5292]

There are three good reasons why the "riumph" must be saved: 1. the world would be a bit duller without good old Bonnie. After all, it's not her fault that people who don't know their business have tinkered with her. Every Bonnie deserves to be cherished, cared for and preserved. 2. Freddie and the Riumph belong together. Their close bond is part of what makes his stories work. We can't and won't do without it. 3. the story with the Riumph and The Wurks must have a happy ending and until then we can continue to follow this excellent content with excitement. Please bring the Riumph back on the road so that we can enjoy its many more adventures!

[@lordgibbness]

I don't think anyone will be using Kingdom motorcycles after this!!

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Damn, even had the notifications set for this premier!

[@TheWurks]

No problem my friend, an honour to have you here regardless! We’ll raise a glass this year I’m sure…

[@nonsononessunooko4066]

the Riumph will rise

[@Terryb31]

Brave man Joe. Confidence in doing the job is one thing, but this is gonna make or break your own channel as well as the famous Dobbs Bonnie. The garage (expletives here) that bodged it should be packing up their belongings about now. Joe, as a time served mechanic, I've been shaking my head at Freddie for ages now, the poor boy is so green, hopefully he will learn a lot from this video, your diligent work and comments. Great work Joe. 👏

[@karachaffee3343]

AT LAST ! Someone who does not use an electric wrench to spin off fasteners! Absolutely refreshing !

[@Roylovelock]

Wait a min, didnt freddie pay good money and had to wait an age for a gasket to get this spark plug issue fixed. Looks to me that that garage may have royally screwed him... i would be knocking at thier door for some sort of if not all of a refund from them. This really annoys me to see that there really is no need for it. Keep up the excellent work hopefully we will see the old gal on the tarmac again soon

[@pggp273]

At last someone on KZbin that knows what he is doing. Fair play to you fella !

[@luddite6239]

Now I'm not normally a litigious person but _if_ it transpires that the cam timing is out, then presumably Freddie could seek recompense from the previous garage that carried out the work, through the Small Claims Court if necessary? (Posted two hours before the video is released.)

[@1mikefrost]

Absolutely

[@marksimpson5218]

Try proving it, it’s bad enough with new vehicles let alone a bike that age.

[@tokairic3925]

Age has little to do with it - the previous "repairer" was the last to work on the bike and they made a pigs ear of it. @@marksimpson5218

[@MrDesmonick]

At last, someone as fastidious as me! Loving your work, and stunned that another tech would do such a poor job previously 😢

[@waynepaterson450]

This is proper reality TV.

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

“It’s leaking it’s a real Triumph” pmsl Classic! Doing a brilliant job roll on Sunday👍🏻

[@richardsutton01]

I have asked Kingdom Motorcycles of Ipswich to comment on here about the problems found with Freddie's Bonneville. I am interested to see if they have any explanation as to why so many mistakes have been made with what was a relatively simple job. I suspect that the Helicoil is loose because the mechanic has not used a special Helicoil sized bit to drill out the old thread. The Helicoil sizes are usually fractional metric sizes because of the particular application. I would remove the Helicoil and, provided that there is sufficient metal around the spark plug thread, fit a Tappex Trisert type of insert (there are many similar products available) which have an external and an internal thread and are a solid fit. The fitment would probably need to be done on a pillar drill if the insert is the type with a rebate but the head is probably going to come off again anyway. Richard

[@larrywade9041]

Well I took the time to read ALL of the comments before typing mine in. I have to say that everyone did a great job with their comments which leaves nothing for me to add BUT; my hats off to you Mr. Joe!! Illinois, USA

[@richardbartlett6932]

Jeepers. Ok we kinda guessed kingdom rushed and effed up the rebuild. It seemed funny when they said it could be weeks or months then suddenly the bike was ready for collection. ! We all make mistakes but its pretty clear it was slung together to get it out the door.. They really shouldn't have took the job on if they couldn't carry out the work OR if circumstances changed perhaps should have been more open and honest regarding the situation.. Either way this is going to bite them on the arse big style as their incompetence is going to be here for all to see forever.. Anyhoo great and thorough work video and looking forward to seeing the next installment regarding the head and what you propose to do about it

[@stevecambers3190]

Your discoveries do say a lot about the previous 'Mechanics' who have had their hands on this bike. Glad it's now in your safe care..

[@howardmann5634]

The uk needs motorbike mechanics like you out there top job mate

[@TheWurks]

Thanks pal!

[@rowdyrodb]

You're an absolute legend.

[@adamking6419]

Knowing its none of my business! But as a vehicle technician I cant help thinking you just need the right repair on the head.without removing it. Bringing cost into the equation. There are guys out there that can repair the thread with out removing the head that will last the life of the bike/engine. Ive used a business called the thread doctor in hampshire which is an excellent service. You tube channel superbike surgery has also made such repairs. It would have been nice to see a shot of the timing marks in the correct postion. Good work so far 👍

[@TheWurks]

Hi pal, thanks for commenting. Ordinarily i would be pursuing the thread repair but and attempt with an insert has already been carried out which is the failed thread. With the proximity to the valve seats im not happy with the amount of material left.

[@adamking6419]

@@TheWurks oh not good if that's that original cylinder with the problem spark plug thread.

[@antonoat]

Just as you get good and bad in all walks of life thankfully Freddie has happened across a real diamond on this occasion, thank you for sharing your expertise, most interesting!

[@TheWurks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@critterIMHO]

So, the shop that replaced the cylinder base gasket put everything back together wrong. Wow…

[@nigelbaldwin752]

This may sound strange but i'll say it. The satisfaction as an engineer for me was from knowung I had done a good job, not what the customer thinks, Many engineers have three important characteristics, skill, knowledge and pride in the work done. All of those are clearly evident here, good on you.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you pal!

[@EnglishVeteran]

Brilliant series this and frankly outlines the trouble you can buy after other people’s “bodges”.

[@RiskyR]

Great series. As a mechanic myself I love these in depth videos. I'm horrified by how the engine was put back together by the other "mechanic". So many basic things that went wrong like the camshaft bearing caps. Keep up the good work! Love to watch these videos. Regards from Holland 😊

[@paulbiddulph7620]

I also, as a retired mechanic, am absolutely stunned at the lack of workmanship shown by the company who carried out the repair. We all know who they are. I would be writing to them and would be asking for an explanation. Well done Joe 👏

[@clifffawcett]

Wow. So cool. Thanks for sharing this in such detail. The cam timing job was interesting and satisfying to watch. When I saw that "spark plug wiggle" I felt sick to my stomach. Growing up my dad always made such a big deal about never cross threading a spark plug. And this is why... Bummer! I hop you can find a good cylinder head for a good price.

[@paullewins9445]

If I remember correctly. It was the RH plug hole that Freddie had problems with, and that had supposed to have been repaired by the garage he took it to. So not only didn't they make a good repair, they cocked up the rebuild...cam timing.

[@stevenrobinson5035]

I so want this bike to live again. It seems to want to live, despite Freddie's "slight absence of mechanical sympathy" however, i fear it is going to end up like Trigger's Broom🤣🤣

[@markpercy4277]

She's going to feel like a new bike by the time Freddie gets her back 👍

[@TheWurks]

Thats the plan!

[@paulcollins6197]

Take the head to Seager Engineering in Debenham, Suffolk ( just up the road from Freddie in Ipswich) and have Pat put a bronze thread insert in. His work is top notch.

[@TheWurks]

Seager are top in my book too... Pat does some incredible work!

[@tokairic3925]

Just a matter of economics. Maybe a used but good cylinder head would be cheaper than the bronze insert. The insert would be my 'go to' repair too. A used head may also need skimming level, especially if its been roughly removed.

[@SuperbikeSurgeryTV]

A single Time-Sert is about £1.50!

[@ColinCarFan]

Another great video - loving it! I have to say that when I saw the camwheel error, then the backlash gear not set, cam caps in wrong places and finally the loose plug my heart sank every time - felt like I was watching historic evidence of a poor abandoned dog's bad treatment! It will be fantastic to see this engine running properly.

[@TheWurks]

Absolutely, it will live again though!

[@timparker9235]

how on earth did it run being that far out, looked like 10-15 degrees? I am gobsmacked at that, I really am, I reckon the workshop that did that will see a downturn in their business because of this, shocking - again well explained and enjoyable video 😊

[@markfenlon7049]

Well done Wurks, good to see real skill in action. The investigation reveals appalling shoddy workmanship by Ipswich based Kingdom Motorcycles who recently rebuilt the top of this engine.

[@LostYogi]

Brilliant, Bonnie will survive and come back stronger than ever!!! Great wurk!

[@nicolaf970]

Edge of the seat stuff is all this repair work.

[@TheWurks]

Certainly is!

[@user-yb9ww6lv7j]

Surely with all this evidence building up that the previous mechanic made a complete bodge of the job, Freddie should go to court to claim compensation.

[@andrewf1326]

Watching these episodes is more enthralling than reading any thriller i have ever read. It feels emotional. I think because you're caring for Freddie's sick friend. His Triumph.

[@johnjones-ym7qf]

Just goes to show that so many "Mechanics" just don't put any care into their work, the previous repairs on Freddies bike are something anyone who has had a bike experienced over the years, this is the reason many of us dont trust garages and videos like this this are so important for people to understand the basic's when getting your pride and joy repaired. Joe's work is seriously top end, wasn't satisfied with an "OK" compression test where many other garages would just leave as is, I'm not a very technical bike owner but even learning a small amount from these videos helps when dealing with so called mechanics, As a bonnie owner I cant express how interesting this channel is, Let's all support Joe as much as possible as he truly deserves it!!!

[@sdpicturecard6858]

It’s quite enjoyable to see you methodically step your way through this project. I wish you all the best for a successful repair and to get the Bonnie back on the road.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you very much!

[@ktmmark]

​I would put a wurth spark plug insert in they are stronger than stock and lock into the head. i used them on my BMW.

[@LeeB132]

Hi Joe, bad news, ive now been through all your vids , can you make some more a bit quicker please 😂. Have enjoyed them all , the scrambler build was fantastic but especially loved the angle-sea one. Great channel , look forward to seeing it grow as it deserves. 👍🏻

[@TheWurks]

Ahhhaa if only there was time pal! Appreciate the support and there is plenty more to come!

[@LeeB132]

p.s Joe do you sell the wurks stickers id love some for my tool box , work shop etc . cheers.

[@TheWurks]

@@LeeB132 dont sell them but i do have some i can send out…

[@LeeB132]

thanks Joe, will buy you a coffee then if i can work out how to do it.@@TheWurks

[@davidrawlings3460]

So all that time the bike was off the road waiting for a gasket and the spark plug thread wasn't even repaired ? And to top it off the engine wasn't reassembled correctly what the hell!.

[@millinutz]

good to see you've got that "riumph" off..., it annoyed me more than all the problems you've been having with it. Thanks, now I will sleep better!

[@lj4584]

Great to watched a skilled engineer at work. Methodical troubleshooting at its finest.

[@TheWurks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnbiddal5951]

Great video and an excellent illustration of the difference between bike 'Technicians' and genuine Mechanics. 👍

[@TheWurks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tokairic3925]

The garage that told Freddie to "just scrap it" probably had their eye on 'taking it off his hands' for peanuts..........

[@nickduffy8482]

This is like watching a first class detective series. I wonder if the previous repair shop will do the honorable thing and step up with an offer of some compensation for their shoddy work on the bike. If they don’t it will tell us a lot about their ethics or lack there of! Looking forward to the next episode, keep up the great work.

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

I studied motorcycle design and technology, and I am both thoroughly impressed and totally absorbed in following Joe's expertise, in his methodological approach, his knowledge, and his clarity in explaining the process.

[@chriserskine585]

Excellent work, fault diagnosis is the key to everything mate, 👏 ❤

[@TheWurks]

Absolutely!

[@RyanFlee]

Wow, these findings speak volumes about the utter incompetence or indifference (whatever it may have been) of the first mechanic, the one who did the helicoil-repair of the cylinder head. It's like he rushed the rebuild of the cylinder head like crazy without any regard of proper fitting of the parts. Cheaped out on the copper gaskets for the oil line as well. I hope you'll find a good, reasonably priced new cylinder head to revive this bonneville!

[@luddite6239]

Better make space in the workshop for the Transalp, Joe - just in case! 😉

[@jgordoncooper7112]

Sorry, I'm back. I can't stop thinking about this. Don't give up on the possibility of a successful insert repair. Consider this. -- A used head, with unknown history, even one with perfect spark plug threads, was removed from the engine for a reason. Now you might be facing a whole bundle of endless problems. Valves, seats, springs, guides, buckets. Is it warped and so on. You have proved that the valve train is healthy, with excellent compression. The head has one problem. Give it a chance. Does the insert want to come out with the plug? Great job.

[@brucesnyder690]

Wow, that guy knows his stuff.

[@MorningNapalm]

Fantastic work, I hope the bike will be running well at the end of all this, and that you are able to grow your KZbin channel with your charity job :)

[@mikoajlatocha265]

You're like a magician to me :) great work with such an effort.

[@TheWurks]

Wow, thank you!

[@stevefleming4450]

Excellent video.. really good stuff. Cheers

[@jgordoncooper7112]

This is both disturbing and righteous. Knowing how popular Freddy and his Bonniville are all around the world, how could the previous shop botch the job so badly and almost deliberately. Now everybody around the world knows what a Hack Shop it is. This after Freddy gave them such good comments and total trust. Just beyond belief. A sad story for motorcycling. Remember, a motorcycle is an extension of your body ---- almost a living thing. That particular Riumph deserves all the care it needs.

[@ZZR1200ZX]

I take my hat off to you or is it my helmet. Freddie is one lucky guy . He deserves it.

[@relph3]

Great work! Thank goodness there are people like you with the knowledge and experience to be able to work at a very high standard, willing to share and also willing to help others. Referring to the sparkplug hole thread issue, why don't you obtain a plug hole thread repair kit, they are cheap and affective? I have repaired or have had repaired, plug threads a few times over the years. The first of which was back in the 1980s on my Triumph TSX 750 (T140 derivative) after I cross treaded the plug hole. This was repaired by a guy down the street (my dads friend who messed about with bikes) without taking anything apart at all. The plug hole was, I think I remember, drilled first before an new thread being re tapped with both the drill bit and tap loaded up with grease so not much swarf could drop into the cylinder. The hole was then fitted with a thread insert not dissimilar to a Heli-Coil. This repair was faultless for the following few years I owned the bike. I seem to remember, people telling me the head needed to come off but, at the time, I was a skint young lad, so I opted to take the risk of having the plug repair done without removing the head.

[@BillySnakes]

Only another hurdle. Looking forward to the next video

[@martinwest3119]

Great job you're doing,so pleased you found the causes and Freddy will have a fully repaired Bonneville thanks to your skill and patience.

[@TheWurks]

Many thanks!

[@jedw9983]

l now understand why all the other bike repair shops fobbed Freddie off. I'm not saying they were right to do so, but the cost involved in repairing what was already an insurance write-off simply wasn't worth it, and they knew it. I could be wrong, of course, but it's been an education for me. And great to see you persevere at no one's cost but your own...#respect

[@marksimpson5218]

No you are correct, the bike shops can’t put a price on a job like this & the total cost would be way more than the bikes worth. Most bike shops just want to do service work & I don’t blame them.

[@mickcresswell1031]

I agree that the cost of doing the work would probably outweigh the value of the bike, but what I am really struggling with is that a) the condition of the bike as Joe has shown us was not Freddie’s doing, but a so called professional workshop and b) the said professional workshop has stripped the bike back to the same point as Joe and inexplicably put it back together wrong in so many areas! That is proper crap workmanship and a bodge shop to be avoided!

[@903lew]

@@marksimpson5218Most bike owners just want a bike that runs as well. There really should be two terms for mechanics: service shops and mechanical restorers because they’re not the same thing.

[@marksimpson5218]

@@903lew I agree, but I would only keep a old bike if I could do most of the work myself. Maintenance is not Freddie’s strong point😂

[@davek4986]

​@@marksimpson5218 Is 2012 old now..?

[@biker_dale]

A joy to watch, like myself, if you going to do it, do it right first time and save a headache later. looking forward to the next video, Freddie is a very luck man to have you working on his bike 👍

[@TheWurks]

Thanks 👍

[@shelbylacanilao541]

Waiting for days for this video. The moment of truth

[@DarranHunter]

Top notch work Joe and great to see that your subs and views for the channel have been given a huge boost too.

[@TheWurks]

Thanks 👍

[@rogerc8960]

take a look into time sert thread inserts, much better than helicoil, i have put one into my t140v and it has saved my head. they are not cheap but cheaper than another head.

[@amygardiner2278]

Fascinating to watch this work! Even for a non-mechanic, layperson like me. Definitely learning a lot here! Richard Bach, the aviation author, had a wonderful short story titled "A Light in the Toolbox," about the joy a mechanically-challenged pilot experienced learning to wrench. Makes me want to start working on my own Triumph. Good motorcycle (and airplane & car) mechanics are scarce as hen's teeth in this part of the US.

[@2007stor]

Good series of videos, well explained and a pleasure to watch someone who obviously takes pride in what they do..... looking forward to the next instalment.

[@Mollygower]

I am so glad I subscribed to you. I love your style and professionalism.

[@TheWurks]

Thank you so much!

[@Orwellianbiker]

Very interesting video, thank you and Long live Freddie’s bike 🙏🏻❤️

[@gdfggggg]

From those who know, you know your shit. Pure class.

[@LuksonSG]

I'm really enjoying these videos, fantastic work and thank you for sharing your findings with us.

[@Ilovetriumphbikes]

What an absolute legend. I know absolutely didley squat about engineering, but finding this series so fascinating.. I’ll defo be buying you a coffee, if I knew how to do it… 😊😊

[@TheWurks]

Thank you pal!

[@terrellgarren7125]

Well done! Very interesting. Now I am hoping the transmission goes out so that there will be a season 2. 😀

[@robertlee6949]

Too bad to have to correct others mistakes. I'm surprised it ran as well as it did with the cam that far out. In the past I have used a product for sparkplug holes called a "Time-Sert". It is essentially a solid piece with an inner thread for the sparkplug and an outer thread to seat in the head. Being solid it is much more reliable than the coiled wires of a helicoil. If the diameter of the outer helicoil repair is smaller then the outer diameter of the time-sert you may be able to override the helicoil install and use this. The time-sert has a stopper on top of the insert so it can be run down, torqued and lock-tighted to the top of the head. I this case I would recommend taking the head off so you can see what exactly is going on if you try this install and to eliminate any chips and debris going into the cylinder. As you were going to pull it anyway no time lost. It might be worth a shot and the saving the price of a different head might swing the pendulum back to saving the old girl...

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

Freddie needs to know we're all invested in this bike now so he needs to keep it right on return

[@richardheather2687]

Loving this series, getting Freddie’s bike back up and running. Well done.

[@antw3565]

Currently my favourite KZbin series. I am starting to look for second hand 865 Bonnevilles for sale in Aotearoa. It is a sickness.