We Bought an Abandoned 1972 Sears Roper Mini Bike, Will it Run & Ride Again?

[@CarsandCameras]

Big things happening in the shop! Stay tuned!

[@Yohosun]

And more room for new employees? I’d love to work there

[@mikesbarn1858]

I already said I’d work for pizza and donuts.

[@timteecvhn]

I think the bike probably had an unlucky encounter with an owner that didn't know what they were doing and tried to assemble an engine that just blew up on them as soon as they tried to start it or something.

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

I really am looking forward to the next Mini Mayhem, I've been looking for something new to bring.

[@evilbeetlekustomscreations4965]

Anyone familiar with the little Indian two-speed mini bike I just picked one up it's all original it's been sitting since the 70s in a garage I've been trying to buy this mini bike since I was 12 I'm 39 now and they finally sold it to me unfortunately the old man passed away Story Goes he took it from his grandson for riding it to school and it never moved since

[@grntitan1]

I’m guessing the mini bike had an engine(not original to the bike) with bottom oil drain plug. So they cut an access hole. Just a guess.

[@papatomsthoughts]

my guess as well..

[@JohnWheels]

Same

[@bradleyj.fortner2203]

That's a good guess.

[@mortneff4674]

Right there with the same thought!

[@loddude5706]

I prefer to think they were running too rich on a good batch of vintage moonshine when the piston & rod struck oil : )

[@BuildBreakRepeat]

Good seeing you fellas at Pate's! As a Texas Resident I can vouch that it is tradition around here to bust a hole in the engine plate to add some extra cooling

[@petemartus8876]

Still 😎 cool

[@OrangeApeOutdoors]

Texans are cringey

[@davidjessee7701]

I'm 55 years old... some of my most fun times was when I was 9 10 11 years old riding my old mini bike and go cart..

[@erickvond6825]

Just in case you didn't know and to save others future frustration I have the following tip. When inserting an inner-tube into a tire, it goes a lot easier if you put a little air in it. With it all vacuumed out to make the tube pack into a smaller box the sides stick together and it makes it a little more difficult to position. In some cases you can also get a twist in it which is bad and you'll find out why when you try to inflate it. So to make life easier just give a short blast of air into the valve stem. One stroke on a bicycle pump is enough. You'll be surprised how much easier the tube will be to install. Thanks for the great content guys. It's really been a blast watching.

[@kevinsellsit5584]

I also like to powder the tube with baby powder.

[@kevinAuman1]

Agreed I always breathe a little air into tunes on any tire before I put them in the rim, it just makes life a whole lot easier....

[@AdamHutcherson615]

Yep, it’ll save you some money!!

[@danthemowermedic4444]

That hole on the bottom of the frame is where the scrub brake is mounted on the frame. Sweet old bike there. I've never owned a classic or had a go-kart or minibike growing up but I sure do have a few now. I have a Kmart Doodlebug from the 90s with a tilly 212 Hemi that's worked to a 223 and ported head with the small valves still. I have a 1979 CM400 and an 82' CM450A. Those were restoration projects of mine and I recently picked up a Yerf-Dog Spiderbox 150. It needed a new rear axle, sprocket, and Chain with a battery, and she's proper again! Sorry for the long rant. Love what you've inspired me to do!

[@penpon9960]

I got a 70s Sears Puddle Jumper mini bike. Complete with the original tank and motor. Love that bike.

[@raymondbrown6311]

Oh Wow this brings tears to my eyes because two of my friends that I grew up with back in 1975 had that same mini bike it was a Sears Roper 5 horsepower what a jackshaft

[@yohannmessersmith102]

I like how he's in love with what you guys do he's a keeper and you guys are awsome for treating him like family wel done

[@chrishorst6993]

The Roper looks so much better with the green removed. Good find Charles

[@kuyajohnny8506]

Look Boys ya gotta give her the Beans! Charles what a great find. Like alway good times! I picked up a old mini bike frame and the kids and I got a new project.

[@jamesmcgee9279]

The hole in the engine mounting plate! I think somebody had a vision! A lights on moment and realized the idea wasn't going to work. Awesome find Charles!

[@danieleshelman198]

I had that exact same model of mini bike, I bought it with a dummy engine and that same hole, it had been modified to mount on a ride that sat in front of the krogers store in garland Texas when I was a kid, I bought the mini bike with the mount for the ride still on it, when I put a Briggs and Stratton engine on it I removed it. Rode that mini bike through 3 engines, ahhhhh childhood.

[@ancientfilm]

Was the hole cut specifically to modify it for the supermarket set up?

[@JohnHill-jm7tm]

Another great video guys 🤚. This Old Man always enjoying your videos on my 70 inch TV in the ManCave. Love you three. 🛵🧔💝💝💝

[@brandonfloyd6321]

Y'all need one of those old mini bike merry go rounds from the fair.

[@Jalen_Knight8526]

This is my absolute favorite KZbin channel. I love this channel. Keep it up. Y’all are doing good. Keep on uploading and making the best videos. 🚗&📷

[@Icantball67]

I think it’s time John and Charles get some weight vests so they “weigh” as much as Ike when they race each other. Make it fair across the spec side and leave it completely up to the driver

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

So boring like Nascar?

[@Duckyninja50]

It would be more dangerous if they were to crash wearing it.

[@amazinggamer1942]

Or Ike wears a suit with helium so he less

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

@@Rattus-Norvegicus Not *THAT* boring. I mean we're not talking about driving in a circle for an hour yet.

[@Rattus-Norvegicus]

@@ToyotaGuy1971" ...yet" Lol, they did have the Dust Bowl last year. Now they got timing lights. All they're missing is a black driver and some subtle racism and they're good as gold.

[@ziggassedup]

Here's a tip when fitting a new tube....Talcum powder lets the two rubbers settle and doesn't let them slip on the rim like soap does...

[@petebovenzi8119]

Love you guys. Charles’s face when that thing began to purr. You can see his passion for that mini

[@gradywalker1371]

Hey guy's.. In 72 I won a Honda QA50 in a shoe store drawing. I was 12. I'm now 61. It was green. I still see quite a few on line. Can you please please try to find one. It's a true classic. Y'all won't be sorry. It would be a great addition to your collection. Love the channel. Ike. I want your mustang 2+2. 😆.

[@jonathancrissinger2301]

I find the videos with the three of you a real blast. I haven't seen anything yet that I haven't enjoyed. Though it will probably never happen, I know if I were ever able to come visit you guys, I would have a great time. Either building something or restoration, it's always fun to watch. Thank you for helping an old man have fun by watching you guys having fun.

[@danf4616]

I had a 1970 Sears mini bike (bought it new, I'm old). Rode the heck out of it. It was just a base model with 3.5 Techumseh and centrifical clutch. Always wanted one with springer forks and torque convertor. Wish I still had it, I'd give to Charles! 😎

[@adrockey]

Great buy Charles! Cool looking minibike.

[@jasonpetrich4141]

Love this bike, the sissy bar is super sweet you really scored a very nice bike Charles. Great job guys

[@135396]

Ahhh man what a find! I picked up an all original 72 a few years back for 150 bucks. Used it for a pit bike for a while and sold it to a friend. So cool to see another one like my old girl!

[@nicholasprussia2707]

Love the little extra outro 👍great work guys...you never disappoint on the smiles 😃

[@johngoode6787]

Good to see the old girl getting some luv...really enjoy your graveyard restos...shame Hollywood can't make stuff this entertaining

[@ethanh3421]

I really love the vintage minibike builds. Hope to see more of them this summer! I just bought my first vintage frame and am stoked to work on it! Not just colemans anymore man!!

[@tristanmcnabb2741]

Big hi to John great work 🌟🎉 I love watching your vids 💕 and love the mini bike so cool allsome work from cruzermans inventions 😁🎉👍😃

[@Smurphenstein]

Charles is definitely a key member of the team now. I kept thinking he would finish up because I think he was an intern at the start, I am really glad he is still there.

[@marcelwk]

Sidecar go kart is definitely on my wish list. Looking forward to that build!

[@bradleyj.fortner2203]

Yeah, that'll be cool.

[@timwilkinson2797]

YES !!!!!!

[@DefenderoftheTrees]

Sidecar Minibike!!!

[@darrellkelly7614]

@@DefenderoftheTrees won't that side car be really small?

[@DefenderoftheTrees]

@@darrellkelly7614 compressor tank?

[@patrickbennett9120]

That is a great mini bike... yes it's a cruiser for sure... but it's looks almost all original... like from the Sears Catalog in the 1970's. Some kid woke up Christmas morning with that mini bike and sure was completely happy for the next year. Good find Charles... I... like you... appreciate old school mini bikes from back in the day.

[@reelfishingtradition1655]

Changed trans in old 77 LTD i had yrs ago, had a longer tail on it so needed short shaft, old man did like Charles said, coat hanger and torch, to cut it down and make it shorter, did a awesome job, and balanced really good. No vibrations at any speed. So it is possible.cause I've seen it done myself.

[@trblemkr1d106]

Back in the early seventies I was determined to get my first mini bike . So living in Peoria Illinois I got my first paper route. I was 12 ( almost 13 ) and the route had 250 houses that I walked ( ran ) 7 days a week for the Peoria Journal Star . I was clearing about 90 dollars a week . After summer and Peoria's FREEZING WINTERS the little Briggs and Sratton mini bikes didn't look so good . So I made my Dad take me to the Honda shop and set my sites on the CT 70 Mini Trail which was 3 times the cost of the Briggs mini bikes . So I got a morning route also that I did before school . All this hard work was teaching me about the value of money earned . In 3 years I only missed one day with the flu . Well , I had saved about 1500 dollars and gifted myself with a cheapo stereo , a 150 dollar guitar and Amp and some albums . I was tight with that money . Right about then we moved ( again ) to Louisville Kentucky . Right away I got a job fast food place making 1.75 an hour and the mini bike dream turned into a motorcycle. 6 months later I bought a brand new Suzuki 185 because you could get license at 15 for a bike under 200 cc . I was in heaven... then my Dad bought my younger brother a brand new Yamaha YZ 80 ( WTF ! ) . Oh well...the Suzuki was MINE and it taught me a lot of valuable lessons . I valued my work and what I earned...him not so much . PK

[@danallsopp7441]

Little cheeky fast and furious quote, inch or a mile

[@raylansall4434]

Thanks guys for all the great stuff 👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🤪🤡😎😁👊😀✌️🙌

[@donaldhalls2189]

It's called fussion welding with gas touch and wire, similar to braising, all the best to yous and your loved ones

[@gozznut]

The orange looks SOOOO much better than that green. Can't get over how easily and how well it cleaned up.

[@trippnbilly7130]

Nice score,Charles. I love the old,rusty stuff

[@shiftyoneau9775]

Charles was such a great addition to your group. John your truck looks so nice.

[@FJ80Coop]

Remove the guvnor,clean the carb,adjust throttle for max twist,install new plug and the run the hot laps..

[@shotsrodder]

Charles seems a little excited 😂🤣

[@tiobolha]

Great episode as always, just wanna say, Charles is the greatest guy and humble. Ike and John just made his life better, you three just look the happiest guys on earth. You are a great trio, keep on the great content!

[@jamesmcgee9279]

John- "If there's anybody who can make five horsepower look like a lot, it's our boy Charles." Lmao! You guys are hilarious.

[@crazyeyez1502]

Track updates? Bunch of hay bails, and did the water crossing get changed again? I know they did the concrete while back, but this looks more then before...

[@bradleyleggott3889]

i started watching these guys because i was trying to get my dads 1972 sears roebuck minibike to run again. seeing that they got the same one is absolutely awesome. commenting before i even watch because im so excited lol

[@darrellkelly7614]

Great addition to Mr Cs collection.

[@justinbgraf7565]

I grew up on a 1959 Fox go cart. Was my dads.

[@Joshers2077]

That side car with the bronco type frame would be so cool

[@brentheltsley7187]

She’s a nugget fellas! No smoke and purrrrrs. Suspension looks good

[@dabtech7456]

FYI brake clean is just acetone and butane mixed together

[@ckfpv]

Nice to see yall guys making these bikes and carts 💪💯💪

[@elesjuan]

Damn John, that c10 is looking SEXY!! You all did a fantastic job restoring that truck!

[@dabtech7456]

Definitely some rare parts on that thing

[@darploin5071]

Mr. Roper that's what you're gonna call the bike That was the landlord on threes company

[@Voyagersk9]

That’s a really cool bike!! It cleaned up good!! Great job guys!! Can’t wait to see Charles add to his collection!

[@GooseGosselin]

Awesome episode. Cool vintage bike revived and hotlapped, even the suspension worked. A shop update, the door is a smart addition and it looks good, plus a lil Jeremy Clarkson vibe at the end. I can say for sure I will be at Pate next year by the way, long drive from Canada, but looks like fun!

[@Avetho]

Seeing you guys wrenching on things makes me want to as well. So today I put the summer tyres on the family sedan and my dad and I replaced the front brake pads and rotors with fresh ones. I had a foible at the start, I put a 1/4 inch hex driver into a T45 Torx caliper slide bolt, the darkness of the sun at my back made me think it was a hex, I didn't have a 7 mil hex handy so I used the imperial size that fit and I found out the Passat, despite being a USDM model, uses metric. Oh well, after riding my bike to the parts store only to find it closed for the apparent holiday, my neighbor got the driver unstuck (in two pieces since it broke but nothing uses a 1/4 inch hex driver anyways) and the caliper bolt was luckily unscathed. So then I did the rest. My back hurts though, but at least the money saved was well worth the trouble, instead of sacrificing several hundred bucks to the gods of consumerism we used the decent set of rotors and pads we bought back before the current depression when the prices of things were more reasonable, still gotta do the rear brakes and pads some other day though lol :P

[@jimc2545]

This old guy just found your channel, love the content, and love the dialogue of 3 young buddies having fun

[@larrydavidson3402]

That turned out pretty darn good. You three have that magic touch.

[@jamescarney2088]

possibly had another motor mounted on the frame with a bottom oil drain , hole was cut for access

[@bigdogcountrymusic7146]

Brillo Pads work great on the Chrome Parts, I have been using them for years on my clean-ups. Keep up the Great Work and Videos.

[@mikesmith8557]

I am so unbelievably ready for the open wheel cart it looks one of a kind

[@j.w.3345]

Love those bars and the sissy bar. A true 70s mini bike!

[@fastmachines500r8]

The best mini bikes were and always will be any of the Rupp mini bikes

[@TJBrennan58]

You guys should buy the Odyssey from Grind Hard. Rebuild the snowmobile motor and rip it round the GP. Its for sale.

[@coffeehouseforge5632]

When my dad taught me to weld. I had to first master the Oxy-acetylene Torch and coat hanger, before he would let me touch the old cracker box👍

[@billytracy7580]

loved the top gear reference or should i say the grand tour

[@johnmorgan1629]

That thing looks so much better with the green paint stripped off, down to the original orange.

[@bryangarton2313]

nice bike 😎🤓😎

[@chrisbucher5052]

I see there is an opel gt in the yard. Nice

[@petecunnien5368]

So dang cool!! Just love those mini bikes!!

[@darploin5071]

The hole in the bottom of Charles's Mini bike was put there because one of the engines they probably used had the drain plug on the bottom and they wanted to be able to drain the oil. Have a great day

[@BustedKnucklesBuildsTexas]

Great job on the bike , that bike went to a great home !!

[@jimcrowell5093]

Wish i still had my Rupp mini-bike and the Mac 91 i swapped out for the tecumsah back in about1966 😆 had a nice moped back then too

[@bengross5669]

Very cool mini bike. I'm picking up a Sears Roper tomorrow that has been stored in the gentleman's living room for 30+ years. Paint looks original but I can't verify that.

[@toejamr1]

20:55 “fine” steel wool is 0000 grade steel wool. Been using it for 20 years. Nothing works faster/easier to shine up chrome imo.

[@Rocketguy6969]

i cannot believe what it turned into! One mans junk is another mans treasure.

[@ericwilson2585]

Yeah you guys, everything I do I have to do out in my front driveway. And way up here in da nordern michigan, it can git a little bit fustratin eh? Lol... Love what you guys do keep up the good work.

[@jesseshelby4383]

I'd have loved to go to the swap meet and see all of the cool stuff there. Looks like you guys brought back a few treasures to keep ya busy. The fox is my favorite. 🦊👍

[@wilsondriver654]

Lucky they didn't bother scuffing that old paint and decals

[@davidgrossmiller7073]

Thats a great find.

[@leelane9929]

I’ve got a 1971 Sears Roper I call my “Rat Rod” it originally had the 2 speed Jack shaft . I’ve got a 5 hp Briggs with a Mikuni carb. 10inch tires, custom exhaust header, also remounted the rear shocks to lean back put custom fenders on. It’s my on going project bike

[@thomasmcnab5068]

Sears & Roebuck youngster's!

[@Jalen_Knight8526]

This bike did pretty darn good on the Grand Prix even though it was a Pate Swap Meet find. But sometimes the things you find at Pate Swap Meet is actually better than you think they are when you buy them.

[@Eric_Cleckler]

I recently picked up a 1977 ct70 for $400. I put a carb,fuel lines and cleaned the tank. Running great. I still hope to get the 125 one day for longer trips. But I’ll never sell that 70. Hondas are awesome

[@N1RKW]

That was a fun episode, guys! I always enjoy seeing the competitive fire in Ike's eyes get turned into screaming fast lap times!

[@reddog543211]

Great job guys.....excellent turn-around!!!..... I hope no one breaks their neck!!..... or shoulder.....again

[@jonathononeal2570]

If I could guess. I think someone tried to rig up a push mower / bottom shaft engine. Or maybe it could have been one of those 25 cent rides you used to see in front of the old grocery stores. And that's were the mounting pole was. But just a thought. Keep it up guys , love this content!!!!

[@timskylark]

Back in 1977 my dad bought me a Sears trail tamer. I remember that bike well it was blue. It had a black stripe across the gas tank

[@timothymorris8118]

I think you guys should dub it “The Scout” . It is lightweight so easy to load up and off load and use it to “scout” swap meets for more deals .

[@johnolszowy8663]

Nice bike guys

[@elitecpudoc329]

What's with the massive collection of mopeds behind the shop?

[@jamesholt2403]

Seen a few comments already.. but I say an ATV motor that has a bottom drain plug..

[@nigelqflarp]

Have you guys ever gone to the spring or fall Carlisle (Pa.) swap meet? At 82 acres and 18 miles of walking paths of everything under the sun, I think you could find lots! If you haven’t, check it out!

[@2strokesforagoodtime157]

It's be cool to see Charle's 3 sears mini bike head to head on a gran prix

[@timothybyrom5560]

Over the past I blew up a bunch more those Tecumseh engines, and wore out a couple of Briggs. The first engine I ever rebuilt was on that bike. I was eight. I blew the original engine, and dad got me another bike. Well I was throwing mud all over the place down on the pond,and that one started oil smoking really bad. I pulled it apart and the rings were shot,and the piston was scuffed, so I took the piston and rings off the broken rod, put them in the smoker, and wa la I was good for another little while. I got tired of the problems a Tecumseh carb has a habit of giving you so after a few more Tecumseh I cut the brace and then the tiller got robbed. Then it went into retirement. I got a Yamaha GT80. I pulled it out of the weeds when my first son got old enough. Lots more history but I won't bore you with it.

[@josephfrost2798]

You probably know, but the cross bar under the engine should be the scrub brake. At least on my sears . I also don't have front forks. Sent from: Carolina beach, N. Carolina

[@MrAmoney416]

The world needs more mini bike know how.. I'm restoring my uncles doodle bug from the 70s probably. The steering was completely stuck with rust and there's no wheels or axles. Been gringing and sand blasting my little heart out. Do yall have a forum?

[@kennystinebaugh6984]

I’d say the original engine was a Briggs with the drain hole on the bottom of the case with an extension to one side and someone decided that it was better to have a plug in the bottom to get all of the oil out without tilting the bike.