We Bought a 2 Wheel Drive ROKON from 1971 (Neglected 20 YEARS!)

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Ike bought a Rokon 2wd motorcycle! These two wheel drive motorcycles are known as being the ultimate off road survival and trail rig. They're built for very harsh terrain- with great ground clearance, giant knobby tires, high and low range gearbox, two wheel drive(!!), and storage inside the wheels for more fuel, or whatever the rider feels like putting in it. Unfortunately this 1960s Rokon came without an engine, and the frame had been modified. Our closest period correct engine is a Briggs and Stratton 5 horse flathead, so in today's episode, we swap on a Briggs and Stratton 5 horse onto our Rokon and take it for a ride!
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[@twocvbloke]

"Swamp Donkey" is the perfect name for this thing, that's a cool as heck machine... :D

[@angus4202]

lpc refference

[@tylerwhite599]

My uncle had a golf cart named the swamp donkey

[@swampratt36]

I approve

[@killhacker5776]

Swamp Donkey.. I'll high five that!

[@leifhietala8074]

I am unbelievably envious. I mean - who WOULDN'T want a two-wheel drive motorcycle that can be equipped with a 3pt hitch? The Rokon is unstoppable. It will get you anywhere...slowly.

[@DougsterWolverineGarage]

The only reason a rokon wont climb a tree is because gravity! She wants to go!

[@HylianSoldier64]

"slowly" is an optional safety feature.

[@FriendlyRider88]

I’m going to buy one and a little tow behind trailer just incase the apocalypse or something of the sorts happens and how awesome is it you can store gas and or water in the front and rear wheel

[@CarsandCameras]

It's about time we got our hands on the ultimate off road motorcycle!

[@richiejones6471]

Hi

[@keltonfoutz2864]

It would be awesome to see y’all build one of these from scratch!! Keep doin what you guys do!!

[@The_RC_Guru]

They’re still in production and even have a street legal version, although it don’t go very fast still lol. Just pricey.

[@bahoonigan1182]

Something bigger then them tires is YOUR MA..... love for go powersports

[@markbd5]

Definitely interested in this build 👍👍👍👍👍

[@A-A-RonDavis2470]

I think with a little frame work, higher hp power plant, and a little buttoning up, this thing's gonna be a BEAST.

[@jlucasound]

Oh, Ya.

[@bobleonardsnowplowserviceo2632]

Okay the Decked commercial was great. I think you guys are ready for Hollywood!

[@johno2019]

Grew up riding one of these around the sand dunes at my cousins here in Australia. Now my uncle owns it and restored it and takes it to bike shows. Certainly gains attention from everyone.

[@Marks-Law]

You were going up the wrong side of the sand dunes because of your crazy British cousins. Right ?

[@samjohnson3593]

"I don't remember your name but you have an LS swapped square body" that is exactly how I am don't remember your name but I remember what you drive

[@theliberalrepublican]

I live 20 minutes from the Rokon factory in Rochester, NH. My son-in-law's buddy worked there for a bit, until he enlisted in the military. If you want to reach out to me, I will go visit, and show them your video.

[@BruceLyeg]

I remember seeing these ads for sale in the back of magazines. I always wanted one. That Decked drawer system is awesome, I'll have to check it out.

[@isaacclark6749]

I wanted one of those so bad, drooled over them my whole childhood

[@anesthetized7053]

these things are so cool! colin furze made his own version of this type of bike, but he decided to use hyraulic pumps instead of a regular chain drive. super weird build but its worth a watch for anyone who hasnt checked out his channel before

[@TylerDuysen]

that was a hydralic frame bike and was still 1wd this is 2wd this is motorized that was pedal powered

[@scottcol23]

@@TylerDuysen he did a 2wd gas powered hydraulic driven bike also. the lawn mower motor powered a hydraulic pump that went to two hydraulic motors, one for each wheel.

[@TylerDuysen]

@@scottcol23 oh youtube musta hid that one from me then

[@Stratos53100]

Yeah i saw that one it was a whacked radical ride

[@H3110NU]

I love me some Furze and safety tie.

[@buckykattguitar]

I remember seeing these in an ad in Popular Mechanics back in the 70s.

[@marc-oliviermartin7543]

Thanks!

[@isaacitllbefine7231]

Thank you

[@handyhippie6548]

i remember rokon ads in the back of field and stream in the 70's and 80's. i always wanted one as a kid.

[@bodine2537]

My buddy had a rokon. Bout 35 years ago when we were kids ,all i can remember bout it is it had the big tires just like this one but it had a kick start motor and itd haul butt once we got it started

[@darrenjackson6207]

I don't think you know how absolutely hilarious it was to have my man inside the dect storage box and open it up with him laying there .lol now that was funny ..😁

[@TheCorezero00]

@@caramelfim2885 FILTHY SCAMMER!!!!! NOBODY WANTS TO SEE THIS SORT OF CRAP!!!! KNOCK IT OFF!!!!

[@MegaMeaty]

I like that box, but I had a trunk made out of that plastic, and accidently dropped it outside when it was -35f outside, and it shattered like glass. It needs to be aluminum for me to buy it, because that plastic is crap when it gets really cold.

[@dumbasscountryboy]

@@TheCorezero00 report them!! I just did.

[@dumbasscountryboy]

@@TheCorezero00 always report them!! I do.

[@TheCorezero00]

@@dumbasscountryboy I reported that jackass every time he posted that crap!!!!

[@lbrennan2479]

Just an idea. Working off the original Rokon you just got, Charles and Ike make your own so you each have 1 (changing/improving your desired bits to suit each owner) then compare the 3 against each other in ability, looks etc to see which looks and performs the best.

[@tedgourley6274]

Gotta say gents, the quality of your content is top notch, you guys just have a natural flow to your episodes, each one of you is a unique and likeable personality, you're genuinely enthusiastic about your projects, just great stuff all around. Keep on keepin' on....

[@Captain_Yodelstein]

Its about time you guys did something with a Rokon. This is gonna be AWESOME!!!

[@mrgold1964]

I have a '69 model. It was slower than molasses in January with the original 2-stroke. Couldn't outrun it's own exhaust so you would stink after just a few minutes of riding. Top speed was around 12-15 mph. When I restored it, I did a re-power with a Honda Trail 90 engine. Now it has 4 speeds in low range and 4 speeds in high range. Top speed now 20-25 mph. Love the dang thing and don't plan on ever parting with it. Plans and materials at the ready for a single wheel trailer (coming soon).

[@nubreed13]

Crazy thing is they still make these bikes new.

[@IosuamacaMhadaidh]

Put some bark busters on that bad boy 🤣

[@joshvandruff1790]

All I can say is…I need one! That thing is an awesome machine. 🤘🏻

[@carljohnson672]

Love those bikes and they really are the Ultimate off road Machine

[@davepearrell9512]

My wife walked in when Ike drove over a rock pile and then again when John was in the drawer. I said yeah, they're grown men.

[@buckykattguitar]

Guys, I don't do well with change, but the addition of Charles was freaking genius!

[@shotsrodder]

Looks like it will go anywhere 😎

[@twodogsyyc6729]

Omg I've been looking for a Rocon forever. So dam lucky to find it. That's awesome in so many ways.

[@Ratkill9000]

They still exist, but start at $7,700 USD.

[@easydoesit2006]

Tank, tank, tank......quite the totegoat!

[@gradybrowning3976]

I’m partial to flat head Briggs, I raced them on karts for 10 years.! We sure could make them Scream!

[@jgraham8248]

Way to go boys! I rode the 2 stroke Trailbraker growing up. It would literally climb a tree! An iconic design that hasn't changed much at all. Oh, and no suspension will teach you a new set of lessons!

[@rephlexc]

As an Expat in Asia, I miss everything from back home. You guys make living more tolerable. Nothing like what you guys do here. Thanks guys.

[@matthewdorshimer8161]

I’m such an og that I re remember when you guys used to call that 90° box a magic box

[@retrorewindllc9363]

I like that seat on it!

[@demonic477]

I got a chance to drive a Rokon back in the 70's they were amazing I was a bit unfamiliar with the bike and ended up driving it straight up a telephone pole . I got 10 feet of the ground before we both came back down but it still was a blast .my friend who owned it was surprised it made it up as far as it did but nether me or the rokon had a scratch . I have always wanted one but never had a chance to find one for sale. as far as I remember the top speed of one was just under 25 miles an hour to give you something to shoot for with gearing.

[@79tazman]

My uncle has one of them he bought in the 1980's for hunting and that thing is a beast it gets up to 40 MPH it has a 7hp engine. the tires on yours is bald compared to how they are when they are new it looks like tractor tires that will go through thick mud and even snow I live in Canada and drove it through snow drifts without slowing the thing down.

[@patriciahibbert6139]

Gordon here. I know I seen one in the fall 68 in the woods where a saddle horse would run into trouble , Them darn things went where no quad ,trike , trail bike would temp to go they a thing own to day even.

[@HellmuthsHotRods]

That seat looks like a major ball pincher. Some people pay extra for that, Cotton.

[@syco133]

I have always wanted one of these. One of our old neighbors had one like 30 years ago and I fell in love with that thing. This is gonna be freaking AWESOME.

[@thedude7726]

A friend had one of these , alot newer and nicer and its a freaking tank. They have a trailer for it and use it to drag deer and firewood. Its really impressive what these are capable of

[@whatsinanamethatthecaptive577]

Love this build. And I love the flat head too, Charles. Love the engine tilt. Been looking at the Rokon for many years. Please make many adventure trip videos with this bike. I have a feeling this is going to be one of your favorite bikes to ride.

[@karmsenrab8587]

I had to smile with your introduction; so note, in 1971 I was 16yr old and bought a 1953 Harley Davidson full dress panhead, 100% complete and original for, yes, you guessed it, $300 !

[@Lord_Verminaard]

Can't believe you guys finally got a Rokon! It's so badass! And since the frame was already cut, you shouldn't feel bad about modifying it to the max!

[@yamahabasher1]

That seat looks like it would be nuts to sit on. 😎😎

[@garageofscrap]

It looks like you might lose your nuts if get it wrong

[@jstephenallington8431]

Seriously, I just can't help but have a big ear to ear grin just looking at that beast. That thing is going to be a whole lot of fun for you guys to have around the new C&C World Headquarters & Road Rally Metroplex! I'm looking forward to seeing more of it soon.

[@robertshowers4580]

absolutely loved this guys. I haven't seen a Rokon in decades.

[@G-GFactoryMade]

Honestly ive made a couple of comments on third wheel charles. I’ve actually been watching cars and cameras since their first few episodes waaaaay back. When isaac was called ike and john was slightly chubbier than he is now (no offense john). Charles adds good character. Both john and isaac are amped on the bike and then you hear charles in the background, “yea the oil dont look good” is just classic humor. Give charles a lot of back stage credit, you can totally tell he has a lot of knowledge, but in front of the camera he doesn’t want to undermine you two. Classic dude right there.

[@FJ80Coop]

The best score you ladies have ever scored other than all of Ikes freebies !!! If a 5hp b&s will fit then an 8hp b&s will also fit and possibly a 11hp b&s will fit... No replacement like cubic displacement...

[@joeyhopkins3797]

I love the excitement Ike had when Charles brought up the ls swapped square. Shame he missed it

[@ericsilverware4561]

Very cool bike!

[@DougsterWolverineGarage]

Believe it or not, Rokon calls this a tractor! They are amazing machines! Wont break any speed records though! The neutral between each gear is weird to get used to. The stock version had a 2cycle chrysler one cylinder. Here in Michigan we use one to tow Deer out of the woods during hunting season! They still make them new with 4 stroke engines.

[@RickC8080]

Our Rokon Trail Breaker is a 1974. I was with my grandfather when bought in new in Huntington W. Va.

[@n3glv]

A friend had one, think it was a 73, in the woods NE of Pittsburgh back then.

[@joewoodard2513]

Swamp Donkey is also a nickname for a Moose... but it's definitely fitting for this build. Awesome content as always looking forward to the next episode.

[@gameboy1141]

A High viz paint job would be pretty cool on this

[@jimciancio9005]

Thanks IKE! Knew I saw that in the back of your truck a couple months back? LMAO! Awesome build guy's! They are so unique and weird feeling to ride with the 2 wheel drive system! Definitely something you have to get some seat time on for sure!

[@starfox_wr-45e93]

Nothing is stopping that thing 😃 Its so badass. I love it ❤

[@Nunya_Bidnez]

First a L0206 now a Rokon. Stepping it up boys

[@Anonymous-oy6rj]

Do a full restoroation, and build the falthead up for more power! I would love to see that.

[@kasperthelost]

I have wanted one of these since I was a kid and saw one in a magazine these are So sweet great find guys..

[@18wheeler77]

Guys. I’m sure y’all seen Kevin’s go cart from Junkyard Digs. The twin engine, y’all need to build one. That thing is FAST!!!

[@l.greenemachine66]

That's going to be great for your challenge next year with junkyard digs and red beard and all them. That thing will win the off-road for sure. Right on guys!!

[@dellstudio10]

Always loved these bike's. There also a modern 2wd dirtbike that is very fun, fast capable.

[@jamesglenn2006]

Mine was a 1966, had the Chrysler outboard air cooled engine on it. Wish I still had it. My brother-in-law honda 110, briggs ohv swaps them. So cool guys👍

[@PaulThomas-qo9vy]

Guys, that was a fun Part 1 rebuild/repower! I've always wanted one or two Rocons (1 to share, of course). Looking fwd. to Part 2! Great job guys!!

[@michael-sherwood]

well hot damn boys, i gotta say your gonna be having a whole lot more top shelf sponsors with a pitch like that, i will admit i do normally skip over most advertisement sections and sponsor bits but that effort was top tier! i have seen other channels both bigger and smaller promote decked but none as well nor as professionally as you guys did i actually watched the whole thing.

[@LukeTheJoker]

I would love one of these!

[@kenfarmer3266]

I have one just like that, it has a 2 stroke engine, the later ones had a 5.5 hp honda 4 stroke and now they have a 7 hp koler engine

[@kygunworks4982]

It's amazing you guys got ahold of one. They're obscenely expensive new, it's amazing that they're more than most 650cc size name brand ATVs

[@tristan6509]

Well these are basically hand made to order in the US so the prices are going to be expensive since it's not mass produced in china or somewhere where labour is cheap.

[@richardsteele6776]

That was awesome. Strange and cool at the same time. Looking forward to seeing more of this machine.

[@zorvlatch]

I lived next door to the Rokon factory in 1971. It was an 8' x 10' shack. I think they put out a bike every two days. It had a smoky 2 stroke engine. I think it was a West Bend. It was the coolest thing I ever saw!

[@mariocontrereas769]

Nice work u guys 💯👌

[@RRaucina]

Orla Larsen, The original owner and builder of the Rokons in Vermont was my neighbor and family friend for 35 years. He mined my property in the California Sierra foothills - we dug out a glory hole at the base of a waterfall. Had more energy at 85 than most 35 year old's. What a great character!

[@84greenbear]

The Rokon is a legendary machine.They used to come with 2 stroke motors. Those motors made it possible for them to climb incredibly steep angles.

[@michaelwilen42]

I had one of these bikes years ago. Chrysler 2 stroke powering it. Unstoppable beast.

[@albertpeterson7134]

Charles Don't Forget John In The Decked Tool Box😆😆

[@grtych]

When you said you went to the store to get a muffler and some pipe....I was not expecting the use of actual pipe fittings 😂😂

[@MidwestMechanic]

Never heard of these till about a week ago it got brought up at work randomly and now I actually felt to see on in action so awesome

[@jimmywilson1388]

Man that thing is awesome… I love how you guys work on old things that almost anybody could afford… Keep up the good work!

[@jdmbeats]

What a gem of a find, I would love to show up to a Grom meet on this bad boy. 👍

[@finnalexander17]

these things are awesome you can even float them across rivers! they aren’t fast but they can get you just about anywhere

[@fortyfukinseven]

i usually push through in-video sponsor ads, but ive been watching you for years, and i love where you're headed. you made that ad fun. keep on keepin on

[@shenaniganswhatsoever363]

Very cool guys. I remember one of those from my childhood. They are quite the setup for being as old as they are.

[@FJ80Coop]

Just a heads up for Isaac.. The front tire cannot spin unless the rear tire spins also due to the 1 to 1 drive ratio of front and rear tires... There is no differentiation... A properly set up and tuned Roketa in good shape can and will traverse a 45° slope with a good rider with good foot pegs and a sense of balance... Also with snow chains it will ride over and through any ice,some mud and slippery conditions as well as most snow when tires are aired down...

[@GodschildinNC]

So cool! I love it! Now you can carry a lot of weight along way wherever you go without wearing you out.

[@KEIFabrication]

The Rokon's are unbelievable! First time I have seen one in action. The ROKON factory is just a few minutes from my son's house!

[@jonkwilloughby]

That is awesome!

[@dagwood64]

My neighbor had one her husband bought in 1964 but he was killed in a pane crash in 67. I have been trying to buy it since the mid 70s, she contacted me 3 years ago to see if I was still interested in it and she gave it to me. The green brown paint was mint, he also installed a 6 volt headlight and taillight and the fuel tank was clean. It came with a a trailer he bought for it, all I had to do was put a carb kit and clean the points and she was a runner. It will pull a half a cord of firewood in the trailer with no prob. It is on loan at the Owls head transportation museum here in Maine for the past two years (free storage LOL).

[@Taino871]

Very impressive! “ Swamp Donkey” is awesome!

[@2ndlt.sadness67]

I've been waiting for this video ever since I saw they got one

[@grymatgreen6708]

Me too

[@mikecaracoglia3678]

Love the Rokon. They are still in production local to me in Rochester, NH. While the Rokon is designed to be ridden sitting down like a tractor, you might try standing up on the pegs for the tougher obstacles - Trials style.

[@sweeneysweeney1901]

This legit looked like it did better than the 3wheelers in the creek. Let's see a head to head in the creek and rocks

[@mindovermatter3988]

You know how to pull start my heart is the perfect saying for single-cylinder mini-bike and go-kart lovers

[@ihrskirs]

Good thing you got Charles under your wings, a sweet and god man👍, like him a lot❤️

[@farmallpaul4518]

Awesome!! That kicks A$$!! Our Rokon always wore us out! What a trip!!

[@N1RKW]

That thing is awesome! The Rokon factory is in Rochester, NH, only about an hour away from where I live. Those things are legendary, though you don't see them very often even here in NH. There's nothing else quite like them!

[@michaeledge8905]

Yes I’m 63 and from that era you had west bend and power products and the bad ass was the mcCulloch 91 and 101 racing kart engines. Fun times

[@isickofit]

Wanted one forever..

[@jlucasound]

Charles. You fit like a glove. What other channel could ever hope to have Owen Wilson come on board.

[@snowfurthefox]

I love rokons and the best part is they still make em

[@MykeyInChains]

Finally! A Rokon! I was hoping you guys would eventually get one of these. Keep up the good work.

[@emersonb5764]

Dangit John I’m gonna start having those nightmares again about being trapped in a coffin and can’t move. I’m getting all itchy and anxious just thinking about it. But the rokon is super neat and the decked boxes look pretty cool too. Fun stuff.