The cct is a pretty notorious problem on Hondas. The xr's have pretty bad ones I hear and my dad's cbr 1000 f has had the same problem. I think that was the problem tbh, especially if the sound stopped after replacing it
Great video! Good on you for taking the time to help everyone who loves a 954 :). Hey a couple of quick tips (apology if they have been mentioned) to help anyone watching: - Download or purchase the 954 workshop service manual. - Use a tool tray and small containers (e.g. spray paint caps) for your tools and screws. Avoid the floor. - Use PLENTY of rags/cloth to wrap parts or cover them when resting against the bike. - When lifting the fuel tank up, rather than 'prop' the tank with a can or anything else, you are better off tying a strap from the fuel tank front bolt holes (with a hook) back to the sub-frame near where the starter relay/fuse box is. - No need for a sump plug magnet > the oil filter collects ALL debris (even what would be attracted to the magnet) before it reaches any bore or bearing. The magnet DOES NOT pick up main bearing or big-end bearing material (which is generally what people want to check when intending to buy one) since the top material layer of these parts are not ferromagnetic (thus will not get attracted by the magnet). What you generally see on a sump magnet is normal wear from the transmission (gears, primary drive, any other steel etc) that as mentioned, the oil filter does. Just informing ppl to save their $$$. **If you REALLY want to have a magnetic plug anyway, you can magnetize your standard sump plug with an existing magnet using the 'single touch' method (Google it, easier than me trying to explain!). - DO NOT use pneumatic/electric power tools for removing or installing bolts. They can damage a thread, resulting in an expensive repair. Use t-bars for cover bolts. They do not need much force. - On camshaft cover gaskets or engine clutch/stator covers, you can use 'HT Dirko' red sealant or 'Black 3 bond'. - Lubricate throttle/clutch/exhaust/air box flapper INNER cables with white lithium grease. - Lubricate side stand/foot peg pivots with Molybdenum Disulphide grease. - Lubricate clutch/brake pivot points and cables ends with mult-purpose grease. - Use fuel hose or a rubber hose to remove the spark plugs after they are loosened with the ratchet. - Remove the 'PAIR' valve system and flap in airbox. You can leave all the cabling. Leave the exhaust valve (H-TEV) ALONE. - BEFORE putting fuel tank back on, connect vacuum gauges so you can synchronize the throttle body. - The 'noise' or 'knock' is NOT 'piston slap' > the pistons in this engine have literally NO skirt to cause this degree of noise. Usually (going by the video) this is acceptable for a 954 engine, could be simple wear & tear. Check your next oil change for metallic/shiny particles in drain tin - if there are none, no worry. If there are considerable particles, might need further inspection. - NEVER start the bike like you did after the oil change > instead, while looking at your oil pressure light on the display (red one), press the 'start' button and allow engine to crank BUT do not let it run. When it is about to run, IMMEDIATELY hit the KILL SWITCH. Repeat this process until the red oil pressure light goes out (it takes about 3 crank cycles), then you can allow engine to run. There is so much that can be mentioned when it comes to service/maintenance. Hopefully these few tips regarding your video help :) Enjoy all!
I’ll just say as a owner of a 954. Treat her good, and ride her often. Don’t let em sit or they will have more issues than just maintaining them and riding em
It’s better if they’re ridden but if you keep them indoors in room temperature it’s not as much of a problem. Letting them sit in a cold garage or hot sun is horrible.
I just bought a 954 off my friend that sat for the better part of 5 years. The bike is in overall great shape but I would watch out for dried out rubber pieces. My chain guide and my rear cush drive dampers fell apart in my hands. Put about 1k miles on it so far with no other issues
I've owned a few 929 / 954 over the years and love them but they are a nightmare to work on! A few times I've thought that it probably would have been easier to actually remove the engine then struggle around the frame! ❤️🇬🇧
I've had to do chain tensioners on all the Hondas I've owned (1995-2000)Then I went to a manual one, where you just have an external knob to turn to adjust. Because that is a job you really don't want to do twice.
Idk if I'd call it a lemon it seems to me like it just has average wear from someone either not riding it enough or just not mechanically knowledgeable so they just road it and did there basic oil changes. Things like stripped bolts, leaking gaskets, dirty oil, bad clutch disks ECT are just normal wear and tare from time. You have to remember this is a pretty old bike it's seen a lot over its years and this kind of stuff just happens it sounds to me like you just spent more than you wanted too on the bike but she's a beut and not a sad lemon. 💪 (Btw your spark plugs is showing the bike is running to lean) ps ps Also when you do the cam chain tensioner on the 954 next time around drop the engine in the front onto a jack so the CCT isn't as tight to the frame. 👍
When you drain the oil, if you are looking for shavings run it trough a filter, like coffee filter or a white rag something along those lines, you can also use a magnet to help. Sometimes loosing the engine and tilting it a bit can help a lot giving access, don't know if that's the case here or not, enjoy your 954 and thank for the video
Congrats on the repair. I know it’s a daunting task, but the feeling of accomplishment is well worth it. Now you can enjoy this beautiful bike without fears or regret.
I love your approach and patience. Having also done this on several different bikes (over 20 years). Today, I just don’t have the time. So I only buy new and utilise warranty for any potential issues. For me this is a trip down memory lane. Keep up the great work you do as it’s great for others to understand how complex it all is. 👍😎🇦🇺
Maaan I am so impressed by your knowledge and your ability to fix it by yourself. Are you a mechanic or just relying on the workshop manual ? Since I've been following you for a pretty long time and since you upload not frequently. Wouldn't it be an amazing idea to start a series(for newbies) teaching us how to ? Love your work man (From Morocco)!
I appreciate you thanks!!! I'm not a mechanic just a guy with some basic tools and enough knowledge to get myself into trouble haha. I'll try doing more tutorials in the future, I know I still have a lot to learn.
I remember installing an electronic gear-indicator for my 2000 CBR 929 (which is basically the same exact thing) and yes,NOT AT ALL being a primo "wiring" guy,it took me FOREVER on figuring out WHERE to hook stuff into,but surprisingly,it wasn't all that difficult! The MOST difficult thing,was having to reroute all the wiring stuff around everything to keep the wiring hidden. Great video HeroRR!!! :-)
The wierd noise rattling occasionally is your cam chain tensioner..replace it if its electric (non adjustable) or adjust it if its mechanical (non electric and adjustable)
I think not tensior its clutch basket springs .ones behind not clutch plate ones. I have sc 33 .athough my tensior seemed to not to be locking i got new one.but havent got engine back in frame . been 2 years opps .
After getting my own 954rr a few months ago I was very worried about all the engine noise and did a lot of research as well. Mine doesn't make the tapping sound yours does, however mine does make a sort of clunking I notice at idle. I tracked it down to the exhaust valves where the servo cables change the valve position at 3k/7k RPM. My servo motor works just fine but for some reason I get a rattle noise from the HTEV area down there. I've read about the pistol slap as well and try not to worry about as my bike performs flawlessly. I think the valves on these bikes are noisy as well, my 929rr engine is very quiet compared to the 954rr.
There is more power and compression per generated by the engine, and a slightly more aggressive cam profile, within the evolution of 954's head from the 929's design, so it's natural it'll be noisier than the earlier 929 father and original 900's grandfather motors.
Why would even buy a old ass bike ? That’s like putting a 50 yr old on the sports field during a soccer game expecting him to keep up with 25 yr olds lmao
@@TheInfantry98 why are people still buying old Harley's or classic cars, bikes, sports/team kits etc...? Or how long is the piece of rope you weren't thinking of?
I had a 929, loved it, great trip to the Nordschleife. Clutch rod broke whilst I was in France, had to ride whole 400 miles back with no clutch, lots of running to get up to speed and bonking it into first. A year later, on the track it kept refusing to go into 3rd, or dropping out of third mid-corner, which was not cool! I sold it to get an CBR1000RR6, with the cassette gearbox, so that if that started playing up it would be an easier fix. I track-dayed that for nine years, never let me down. Was literally the perfect bike for the track. I didn't use it for much else, I think because it's begging to get leant over and I had some dodgy moments from enjoying some knee down fast corner stuff, you just can't cruise about on it. Sold it 2022, just bought a CB600 as I do miss biking though!
Imagine the cost of handing that over to a mechanic. You must feel good about the money saved, even though it was a horrible time of it. I've been there, and that's what I tell myself to get through it and make it seem better.
Raced a 929 or 954 on the freeway last week with my 2003 Aprilia RSV MILLE, he was quick af but I was right there with him 👌🏾 made me wanna get one lmao, these older bikes are gems I swear 🥲🔥
My 954 makes the same noises yours does. I replaced my CCT as well. I found that after doing the valve clearances (because they were waaaaay out) that it made more noise than before so I think it's mostly the valvetrain. My mechanic stethoscope doesn't pick up much noise near the crank but a lot by the valve cover. You should check if yours does the same.
I don't have the precision stethoscope such as yours but I used a screwdriver with a solid end for hammering by putting it at my ears and the flat head towards the CCT, valve cover, block head and finally found the clicking noise to be coming from the HGEV, HTEV? it's the exhaust valve. Somehow warming it up for awhile and riding it would eliminate the noise. Amazingly the exhaust valve motor still works for mine.
Great work here. Considering how black the oil was.. the inside of the rocker cover and head looked very clean. It’s an older bike now, so have to expect these things. Great work, bike looks ace 👍🏽
Just got off mine, I had the head bearing replaced on top on the handle bar collar, new front tire some plugs and the thing fly’s!!! I probably will never sell mine
Fun trick, you can wrap around a ratchet strap around the front of the tank and behind the rear foot pegs to keep the tank up. Appreciate the hard work tho, good vid!
Yes sir that slap was always super noticeable on my 954 when I had it. Something you should look into as well is some case cover protection. I went down in gravel at 15mph and my stator cover blew apart and in the process the mating surface on the actual engine at the bottom of the cover completely snapped off.... I cry still even after getting a new bike. I miss the 954
Really nice bike I don't think it's a lemon. They always had noisy transmissions. There was a recall on them for something transmission related. You did a great job checking it out. If you didn't find anything, just ride it. Cool video.
Don't bother replacing the flapper in the air box, you don't need it. It is your bike though so, you do you man! I wish I still had mine... I miss it...
Another tip, trust when i tell you, removing the tank will make youre life much easier on a valve cover removal. Sometimes, if its an easy job, ill put my bike on the stand so it sits upright and ill attach ratchet straps to the ceiling of the garage to pull the tank up so i dont have to disconnect the fuel lines. Working on these street bikes is a pain in the balls but its better than paying $100/hr mechanic 😆
I miss my 954 bladed it was my second bike after my gixxer 600 back in 05.... heavy but man she is nice also considered a liter back in its her heyday.. Nice bike.
lol that stripped screw right at the beginning lol I know the pain. Giving my '97 CB500 a once over and one of the three screws that hold the air filter cover in place is just spinning in situ- need to think outside the box to get that one out.... hmm... Nothing gives you a boost of enthusiasm like falling at the first hurdle hahaha
Back in the day when I was wrenching I wouldn't worry about what length bolt went where. Upon reassembly I would insert the bolts and if they were all even I knew they were in the right place. Most of them are pretty easy to figure out.
Bikes are fun. Wait until the diode to the neutral light goes out, lotsa fun. The neutral switch goes into the engine crank and sit on the shift drum, the neutral slot for "frame ground." As the switch wears, it will shave a little off but the shift drum will also "flex" with the switch. Typically, hot oil will leak and get on the wires requiring a new connector (easy, cut it off and solder new one). So you can save that neutral switch, universal on other Hondas, still good if you polish it and remove the corrosion ($1 lime-rust gel). Tapping sounds are common, especially V8s. A tapping sound at startup is always VALVE related, in this case, piston slap. There are books on how to diagnose an engine by noise (Hughes). It will remove carbon around the valves if you add a gas additive. Bikes are even more fun now.
@@HeroRR Tapping sounds are common and do not pose any serious harm to an engine, however, they are annoying! They do not go away either. The only thing I can tell you is it is related to your valves, intermittent. The question is how badly do you want to fix that annoying sound before the engine warms up?
Good job man! Piston slap not being a big deal sounds insane to me, but im by no means an expert. On cars that could be pretty expensive where a machinist needs to bore out the cylinder and get slightly bigger pistons to compensate and all that. But hey, maybe the tolerances are just smaller on a bike, I dont know tbh
I saw your other videos, and noted you have a CBR600 as well. Have you removed the head cover on that too? Is it comparitively easier? I am getting some tappet noise, not severe, but occasionally I get a sewing machine kind of noise from the head when riding.From what I have read, most people take the engine out to adjust the shims. Also, the speedometer stops after riding for about 5 minutes, then starts again. I attached a multimeter to the speedo terminals, and noted that there is a constant 5V being applied instead of the pulse when the speedo stops, which indicates that it is not the instrument cluster, but the magnetic pickup in the engine. Nothing is really easier to get to, but I was wondering if you have ever done this on the CBR600?
So not looking forward to the cct change on my 954... but ive had some interesting times with an htev delete and a power commander 3... but now I know what I'm looking at thanks for getting what you could filmed...lol
Anything to do with the top end on these bikes it’s quicker to drop the engine down, simply because there’s no room. Personally I would have tried to stop the leak, but as long as it wasn’t a major issue I’d just live with it 😆 until I had to get in there for some other reason. I have an 04 F4i, our bikes are very similar in design. I blew out a spark plug last summer, what a nightmare. Ended up swapping the engine because it was the easiest and most cost effective solution. $600 got me an engine with 14K miles, mine had 38K.
Dang that chain tensioner is in a tricky spot. I got lucky the one on my CB919 is thankfully out in the open lol. I noticed the piston slap on mine too and thought something was wrong too hahah
My cbr600f4i is the same struggle with the timing chain tensioner. I hate it. Working on just about anything on the bike is a pain in the butt. But damn do I love the bike at the same time lol
Hero I have a 954 since new 2002 Your engine sounds normal . Keep it stock maintain it well,ride it a few months then I'm sure it's an original fuel pump so go ahead and change it out for a stock oem honda pump no cheap sh*#t. Trust me you can thank me later. My bike was lagging just not like brand new New fuel pump bam! Sucker is a rocket 🚀. Enjoy 954 best most accurate steering bike I have ever ridden. Surgical.
Great video I had a 954 new lovely bike ,if I was you if the oil was that disgusting I would change &flush the coolent as a well ,you don’t want her over heating .👍👍🏍🏍🎉
5:21 Hey dude thats not from a mouse. Ive seen guys on forums talking about an "air box flapper valve" mod. I believe thats what you are looking at there.
Holy shit what a nightmare hahaha That cam chain tensioner bolt is comical... guess its what happens when you try to squeeze an almost liter size engine in a skinny frame. Good job on doing it !
That’s why people pay $$$ for new bikes. It’s not a lemon, it’s had 20 years amateur maintenance. Bikes with a cheap micron exhaust are a bit of a giveaway. Flush brake fluid, do a valve clearance, new gasket, plugs and air filter and replace cam adjuster. 1/2 a day. Next will be fork oil replacement. Seized stripped bolts on a 20 year old bike is par for the course.
Next time you remove the tappet cover, loosen the bottom part of the radiator n swing it forward. That should give you room to remove the cover that way
Hi, When you replaced the cam chain tensioner did you put pressure on the cam chain so that it is held in place so that cam position is preserved ? If not the timing goes off. At least that's the case for the Triumphs. Thanks
Hero, I like the way you fix and mod bikes. I have a zx10r and enjoy it to the max! It's like your 600, now you have a 954, which I think is more awesome than the 600. When I commute, I use my ML350. I can't see the need for an RC51 or a VFR, or even the 600, being a minimalist myself. Do you have a car? My car is a TPC turbo Cayman, you can see them at grudgewing2732 on Tumblr.
I decided to try a video without music. Sorry a lot of the after stuff wasn't filmed after my tripod broke I just tried to power through it lol.
Better without, much better, keep it like that
Don’t need music for already good content.
I would not have watched the whole video had it had music; thanks!
The cct is a pretty notorious problem on Hondas. The xr's have pretty bad ones I hear and my dad's cbr 1000 f has had the same problem. I think that was the problem tbh, especially if the sound stopped after replacing it
Better that way
I don’t think she’s a lemon. Just an almost 20 year old bike showing wear. That thing is super clean and a real beaut IMO👍
Agree!
Great video! Good on you for taking the time to help everyone who loves a 954 :).
Hey a couple of quick tips (apology if they have been mentioned) to help anyone watching:
- Download or purchase the 954 workshop service manual.
- Use a tool tray and small containers (e.g. spray paint caps) for your tools and screws. Avoid the floor.
- Use PLENTY of rags/cloth to wrap parts or cover them when resting against the bike.
- When lifting the fuel tank up, rather than 'prop' the tank with a can or anything else, you are better off tying a strap from the fuel tank front bolt holes (with a hook) back to the sub-frame near where the starter relay/fuse box is.
- No need for a sump plug magnet > the oil filter collects ALL debris (even what would be attracted to the magnet) before it reaches any bore or bearing. The magnet DOES NOT pick up main bearing or big-end bearing material (which is generally what people want to check when intending to buy one) since the top material layer of these parts are not ferromagnetic (thus will not get attracted by the magnet). What you generally see on a sump magnet is normal wear from the transmission (gears, primary drive, any other steel etc) that as mentioned, the oil filter does. Just informing ppl to save their $$$. **If you REALLY want to have a magnetic plug anyway, you can magnetize your standard sump plug with an existing magnet using the 'single touch' method (Google it, easier than me trying to explain!).
- DO NOT use pneumatic/electric power tools for removing or installing bolts. They can damage a thread, resulting in an expensive repair. Use t-bars for cover bolts. They do not need much force.
- On camshaft cover gaskets or engine clutch/stator covers, you can use 'HT Dirko' red sealant or 'Black 3 bond'.
- Lubricate throttle/clutch/exhaust/air box flapper INNER cables with white lithium grease.
- Lubricate side stand/foot peg pivots with Molybdenum Disulphide grease.
- Lubricate clutch/brake pivot points and cables ends with mult-purpose grease.
- Use fuel hose or a rubber hose to remove the spark plugs after they are loosened with the ratchet.
- Remove the 'PAIR' valve system and flap in airbox. You can leave all the cabling. Leave the exhaust valve (H-TEV) ALONE.
- BEFORE putting fuel tank back on, connect vacuum gauges so you can synchronize the throttle body.
- The 'noise' or 'knock' is NOT 'piston slap' > the pistons in this engine have literally NO skirt to cause this degree of noise. Usually (going by the video) this is acceptable for a 954 engine, could be simple wear & tear. Check your next oil change for metallic/shiny particles in drain tin - if there are none, no worry. If there are considerable particles, might need further inspection.
- NEVER start the bike like you did after the oil change > instead, while looking at your oil pressure light on the display (red one), press the 'start' button and allow engine to crank BUT do not let it run. When it is about to run, IMMEDIATELY hit the KILL SWITCH. Repeat this process until the red oil pressure light goes out (it takes about 3 crank cycles), then you can allow engine to run.
There is so much that can be mentioned when it comes to service/maintenance.
Hopefully these few tips regarding your video help :)
Enjoy all!
I’ll just say as a owner of a 954. Treat her good, and ride her often. Don’t let em sit or they will have more issues than just maintaining them and riding em
that's how my uncle's bike develop so many problem it had to go full rebuilt, cus it's been sitting for years lmao
It’s better if they’re ridden but if you keep them indoors in room temperature it’s not as much of a problem. Letting them sit in a cold garage or hot sun is horrible.
I just bought a 954 off my friend that sat for the better part of 5 years. The bike is in overall great shape but I would watch out for dried out rubber pieces. My chain guide and my rear cush drive dampers fell apart in my hands. Put about 1k miles on it so far with no other issues
they have weak weak breaking power when used as intended and front forks like tooth picks.
I’ve put 10k miles on my 954 since last June! I ride her as often as possible
Finally we saw 1/10 of his face, congrats man i hope you enjoy it
that was his knee
haha thanks!
@@szymon7423 You were not paying attention 😉
I've owned a few 929 / 954 over the years and love them but they are a nightmare to work on! A few times I've thought that it probably would have been easier to actually remove the engine then struggle around the frame! ❤️🇬🇧
I'm going to go take a look at a 2001 929rr here in a couple of hours😁
Removed cover and didn’t do valve clearance or adjustment?! That was a prime time
its not that hard to get to that point again
Ya, that blew me away. Could have had a lot less sleepless nights knowing the valves are good to go.
If you think this is a lemon you've been blessed I've seen some right dogs owned a few too this is just an old bike that needs a bit of TLC.
These bikes are getting valuable thanks to you and that ship in Egypt
I've had to do chain tensioners on all the Hondas I've owned (1995-2000)Then I went to a manual one, where you just have an external knob to turn to adjust. Because that is a job you really don't want to do twice.
Idk if I'd call it a lemon it seems to me like it just has average wear from someone either not riding it enough or just not mechanically knowledgeable so they just road it and did there basic oil changes. Things like stripped bolts, leaking gaskets, dirty oil, bad clutch disks ECT are just normal wear and tare from time. You have to remember this is a pretty old bike it's seen a lot over its years and this kind of stuff just happens it sounds to me like you just spent more than you wanted too on the bike but she's a beut and not a sad lemon. 💪
(Btw your spark plugs is showing the bike is running to lean) ps ps Also when you do the cam chain tensioner on the 954 next time around drop the engine in the front onto a jack so the CCT isn't as tight to the frame. 👍
When you drain the oil, if you are looking for shavings run it trough a filter, like coffee filter or a white rag something along those lines, you can also use a magnet to help. Sometimes loosing the engine and tilting it a bit can help a lot giving access, don't know if that's the case here or not, enjoy your 954 and thank for the video
Or cut open the oil filter, there are even "can openers" for them :D
A cheap neodymium magnet to pull thru the oil as it drains would do the trick.
Congrats on the repair. I know it’s a daunting task, but the feeling of accomplishment is well worth it. Now you can enjoy this beautiful bike without fears or regret.
I will stay tuned in your CBR954rr videos so please do some update on this bike. I really love this bike.
I love your approach and patience. Having also done this on several different bikes (over 20 years). Today, I just don’t have the time. So I only buy new and utilise warranty for any potential issues. For me this is a trip down memory lane. Keep up the great work you do as it’s great for others to understand how complex it all is. 👍😎🇦🇺
Maaan I am so impressed by your knowledge and your ability to fix it by yourself. Are you a mechanic or just relying on the workshop manual ? Since I've been following you for a pretty long time and since you upload not frequently. Wouldn't it be an amazing idea to start a series(for newbies) teaching us how to ? Love your work man (From Morocco)!
I appreciate you thanks!!! I'm not a mechanic just a guy with some basic tools and enough knowledge to get myself into trouble haha. I'll try doing more tutorials in the future, I know I still have a lot to learn.
I remember installing an electronic gear-indicator for my 2000 CBR 929 (which is basically the same exact thing) and yes,NOT AT ALL being a primo "wiring" guy,it took me FOREVER on figuring out WHERE to hook stuff into,but surprisingly,it wasn't all that difficult! The MOST difficult thing,was having to reroute all the wiring stuff around everything to keep the wiring hidden. Great video HeroRR!!! :-)
The wierd noise rattling occasionally is your cam chain tensioner..replace it if its electric (non adjustable) or adjust it if its mechanical (non electric and adjustable)
Probably true after all its Honda and do have history with cam chain tensioners
I think not tensior its clutch basket springs .ones behind not clutch plate ones. I have sc 33 .athough my tensior seemed to not to be locking i got new one.but havent got engine back in frame . been 2 years opps .
After getting my own 954rr a few months ago I was very worried about all the engine noise and did a lot of research as well. Mine doesn't make the tapping sound yours does, however mine does make a sort of clunking I notice at idle. I tracked it down to the exhaust valves where the servo cables change the valve position at 3k/7k RPM. My servo motor works just fine but for some reason I get a rattle noise from the HTEV area down there. I've read about the pistol slap as well and try not to worry about as my bike performs flawlessly. I think the valves on these bikes are noisy as well, my 929rr engine is very quiet compared to the 954rr.
There is more power and compression per generated by the engine, and a slightly more aggressive cam profile, within the evolution of 954's head from the 929's design, so it's natural it'll be noisier than the earlier 929 father and original 900's grandfather motors.
Why would even buy a old ass bike ? That’s like putting a 50 yr old on the sports field during a soccer game expecting him to keep up with 25 yr olds lmao
@@TheInfantry98 why are people still buying old Harley's or classic cars, bikes, sports/team kits etc...? Or how long is the piece of rope you weren't thinking of?
@@TheInfantry98 why marry your crush when there are celebrities available for you?
So How come Honda Didn't Fix These Problems Back in the Day... Or are like Age and Mileage plays Role...
Very well done. A rattle that goes away once the bike is warm can be a cracked exhaust. Look for smoke down the line when cold / feel for a blow.
Many thanks for posting all your 954 videos. They have been a big help in working on my 2002 954
After watching you work on this bike makes one appreciate how nice your vfr is. Also some things easier to work on vfr. but you hung in there.
I had a 929, loved it, great trip to the Nordschleife. Clutch rod broke whilst I was in France, had to ride whole 400 miles back with no clutch, lots of running to get up to speed and bonking it into first. A year later, on the track it kept refusing to go into 3rd, or dropping out of third mid-corner, which was not cool! I sold it to get an CBR1000RR6, with the cassette gearbox, so that if that started playing up it would be an easier fix. I track-dayed that for nine years, never let me down. Was literally the perfect bike for the track. I didn't use it for much else, I think because it's begging to get leant over and I had some dodgy moments from enjoying some knee down fast corner stuff, you just can't cruise about on it. Sold it 2022, just bought a CB600 as I do miss biking though!
This video is the definition of a Motorcycle ASMR video lol
Mate, It’s a pleasure to watch you work on these builds or such, You do a great job. Cheers from down under.👍
Been watching for years. Finally saw a glimpse of your face. 🤣
Step 1: Drain and remove gas tank.
Step 2-37: Everything complicated.
RR: I'll just go ahead and skip step 1 to make everything harder.
You dont have to drain it. Rubber bung plugs work great..but yeah i agree, pulling the tank on a job like that will make the job a lot easier.
Imagine the cost of handing that over to a mechanic. You must feel good about the money saved, even though it was a horrible time of it. I've been there, and that's what I tell myself to get through it and make it seem better.
Raced a 929 or 954 on the freeway last week with my 2003 Aprilia RSV MILLE, he was quick af but I was right there with him 👌🏾 made me wanna get one lmao, these older bikes are gems I swear 🥲🔥
I have an 01 CBR 929RR that is damn near bullet proof. She has 110,000 miles and will still do over 150 m.p.h.!
All of those problems are problems I'd love to have just for the privilege of owning a 954...
I've had my 92 VFR for 20 years.
It still kicks ass. The only inline four that I would buy is a 1976 cb400/4 or an early 70's cb750.
My 954 makes the same noises yours does. I replaced my CCT as well. I found that after doing the valve clearances (because they were waaaaay out) that it made more noise than before so I think it's mostly the valvetrain. My mechanic stethoscope doesn't pick up much noise near the crank but a lot by the valve cover. You should check if yours does the same.
I don't have the precision stethoscope such as yours but I used a screwdriver with a solid end for hammering by putting it at my ears and the flat head towards the CCT, valve cover, block head and finally found the clicking noise to be coming from the HGEV, HTEV? it's the exhaust valve. Somehow warming it up for awhile and riding it would eliminate the noise. Amazingly the exhaust valve motor still works for mine.
Great work here. Considering how black the oil was.. the inside of the rocker cover and head looked very clean. It’s an older bike now, so have to expect these things. Great work, bike looks ace 👍🏽
Well done on the repairs Hero. That was a massive job.
See how you go, if your are not happy, get another one.
This video inspired me to get my own 954rr
I've done a lot of these things, and some others, on my 600rr and it can be finicky but rewarding. Good work 👍
Just got off mine, I had the head bearing replaced on top on the handle bar collar, new front tire some plugs and the thing fly’s!!! I probably will never sell mine
Dang. I rebuilt the engine on a 929 I bought about a year ago, and watching this is taking me back. lol
Fun trick, you can wrap around a ratchet strap around the front of the tank and behind the rear foot pegs to keep the tank up. Appreciate the hard work tho, good vid!
Thanks!
honestly easier to take the tank off rather than fighting it and ducking underneath it.
Yes sir that slap was always super noticeable on my 954 when I had it. Something you should look into as well is some case cover protection. I went down in gravel at 15mph and my stator cover blew apart and in the process the mating surface on the actual engine at the bottom of the cover completely snapped off.... I cry still even after getting a new bike. I miss the 954
Good to see this bike back again! Can’t wait to see the 954RR do some rips🔥
Really nice bike I don't think it's a lemon. They always had noisy transmissions. There was a recall on them for something transmission related. You did a great job checking it out. If you didn't find anything, just ride it. Cool video.
Those bikes are amazing, keep it going forever. Next to the triumphs Thruxton RSIO now, this was my all-time favorite. I wish I never sold mine.
Changed a cam chain tensioner on one of these last year, a nightmare. I done something very similar to what you did with the 8mm spanner.
Don't bother replacing the flapper in the air box, you don't need it. It is your bike though so, you do you man! I wish I still had mine... I miss it...
Good to see u back in action
Another tip, trust when i tell you, removing the tank will make youre life much easier on a valve cover removal. Sometimes, if its an easy job, ill put my bike on the stand so it sits upright and ill attach ratchet straps to the ceiling of the garage to pull the tank up so i dont have to disconnect the fuel lines. Working on these street bikes is a pain in the balls but its better than paying $100/hr mechanic 😆
Sounds like a lifter possibly, but I would do a manual tensioner for sure.
I miss my 954 bladed it was my second bike after my gixxer 600 back in 05.... heavy but man she is nice also considered a liter back in its her heyday..
Nice bike.
I think it’s gorgeous. You’ll get it sorted and it will be glorious.
I love my 954. Has rebuilt title and needs a little love, runs a bit rich but i think it has a tune on it
Camchain tensioners are a known problem with Honda. Had the same issue with my ‘94 CBR 600 back in the day.
lol that stripped screw right at the beginning lol I know the pain.
Giving my '97 CB500 a once over and one of the three screws that hold the air filter cover in place is just spinning in situ- need to think outside the box to get that one out.... hmm...
Nothing gives you a boost of enthusiasm like falling at the first hurdle hahaha
Lemon most definitely not just a great looking bike with minor issues and it’s issues that are aged in time
Good bike choice.
Back in the day when I was wrenching I wouldn't worry about what length bolt went where. Upon reassembly I would insert the bolts and if they were all even I knew they were in the right place. Most of them are pretty easy to figure out.
I owned 3 of those bikes, greatest bike ever.
Check the valves!! It is 10 minutes job at this point.
Man... this bike is just pure class
Bikes are fun. Wait until the diode to the neutral light goes out, lotsa fun. The neutral switch goes into the engine crank and sit on the shift drum, the neutral slot for "frame ground." As the switch wears, it will shave a little off but the shift drum will also "flex" with the switch. Typically, hot oil will leak and get on the wires requiring a new connector (easy, cut it off and solder new one). So you can save that neutral switch, universal on other Hondas, still good if you polish it and remove the corrosion ($1 lime-rust gel). Tapping sounds are common, especially V8s. A tapping sound at startup is always VALVE related, in this case, piston slap. There are books on how to diagnose an engine by noise (Hughes). It will remove carbon around the valves if you add a gas additive. Bikes are even more fun now.
Do you think the tapping sound left unchecked would cause a problem? Or just wait for it to go away before riding and I’m good.
@@HeroRR Tapping sounds are common and do not pose any serious harm to an engine, however, they are annoying! They do not go away either. The only thing I can tell you is it is related to your valves, intermittent. The question is how badly do you want to fix that annoying sound before the engine warms up?
Keep it up man, I love these bikes and these videos. Thanks
Nice bike. I love this generation of Cbr.
Love that 954 I want it so bad! Have fun be safe!
Haha! Was going to say piston slap. Short skirts aren't only sexy, they're noisy in cars or whatever. Generally harmless.
Good job man!
Piston slap not being a big deal sounds insane to me, but im by no means an expert. On cars that could be pretty expensive where a machinist needs to bore out the cylinder and get slightly bigger pistons to compensate and all that. But hey, maybe the tolerances are just smaller on a bike, I dont know tbh
Dang piston slap strikes again! Nice video. Don’t worry about the haters and critics, it takes guts to make videos and put them out there!
Haha it does. Thanks!
I saw your other videos, and noted you have a CBR600 as well. Have you removed the head cover on that too? Is it comparitively easier? I am getting some tappet noise, not severe, but occasionally I get a sewing machine kind of noise from the head when riding.From what I have read, most people take the engine out to adjust the shims. Also, the speedometer stops after riding for about 5 minutes, then starts again. I attached a multimeter to the speedo terminals, and noted that there is a constant 5V being applied instead of the pulse when the speedo stops, which indicates that it is not the instrument cluster, but the magnetic pickup in the engine. Nothing is really easier to get to, but I was wondering if you have ever done this on the CBR600?
So not looking forward to the cct change on my 954... but ive had some interesting times with an htev delete and a power commander 3... but now I know what I'm looking at thanks for getting what you could filmed...lol
Anything to do with the top end on these bikes it’s quicker to drop the engine down, simply because there’s no room. Personally I would have tried to stop the leak, but as long as it wasn’t a major issue I’d just live with it 😆 until I had to get in there for some other reason. I have an 04 F4i, our bikes are very similar in design. I blew out a spark plug last summer, what a nightmare. Ended up swapping the engine because it was the easiest and most cost effective solution. $600 got me an engine with 14K miles, mine had 38K.
Dang that chain tensioner is in a tricky spot. I got lucky the one on my CB919 is thankfully out in the open lol. I noticed the piston slap on mine too and thought something was wrong too hahah
its not a lemon if you bought it off someone who just didn't take care of it.
At least they didn't molest the bike. Just that ugly exhaust can and no rear fender. I'm getting one next week and it's totally stock.
I was gonna do valve check and cct myself, but seeing this... no fucking way, i'm paying for it
lol that's a good idea... I would have rather paid someone $300 to change out my CCT than do it myself again.
@@HeroRR quick question, you didn't have to take out the radiator or move it right?
there is a tank-stay rod clipped under the riders seat ! to hold up your hinged tank! also the cam chain adjusters get noisy
My cbr600f4i is the same struggle with the timing chain tensioner. I hate it. Working on just about anything on the bike is a pain in the butt. But damn do I love the bike at the same time lol
Not going to lie you make me think of a motorcycle Chrisfix I hope you get as big as him
Great video as uaual! It might be a very good idea to fix the valve clearances and do a throttle body sync at this point.
She’s a beaut! Good work dude
Hero
I have a 954 since new 2002
Your engine sounds normal .
Keep it stock maintain it well,ride it a few months then I'm sure it's an original fuel pump so go ahead and change it out for a stock oem honda pump no cheap sh*#t.
Trust me you can thank me later.
My bike was lagging just not like brand new
New fuel pump bam! Sucker is a rocket 🚀.
Enjoy 954 best most accurate steering bike I have ever ridden. Surgical.
I'm so glad you got things sorted out!👍
Thanks!!
I like when he said if I have to pull the valve cover again then I'm just leaving it hahaha
Great video I had a 954 new lovely bike ,if I was you if the oil was that disgusting I would change &flush the coolent as a well ,you don’t want her over heating .👍👍🏍🏍🎉
Hella fast with that oil plug removal my guy😆👌🏽👌🏽
Half the fun of owning them is fixing them man !
Agree 100% with steelcityspeedshop
5:21 Hey dude thats not from a mouse. Ive seen guys on forums talking about an "air box flapper valve" mod. I believe thats what you are looking at there.
Holy shit what a nightmare hahaha That cam chain tensioner bolt is comical... guess its what happens when you try to squeeze an almost liter size engine in a skinny frame. Good job on doing it !
thanks! lol good point I guess if you want to enjoy the benefits of a lightweight bike sometimes you gotta deal with the downsides (tight tolerances).
Thats my dream bike
Hope one day will have it
Greetings from Bulgaria
That’s why people pay $$$ for new bikes. It’s not a lemon, it’s had 20 years amateur maintenance. Bikes with a cheap micron exhaust are a bit of a giveaway. Flush brake fluid, do a valve clearance, new gasket, plugs and air filter and replace cam adjuster. 1/2 a day. Next will be fork oil replacement. Seized stripped bolts on a 20 year old bike is par for the course.
Spark plugs look a bit white. Either it's a bit lean or maybe check for coolant leaks
Great video - appreciate the effort.
Yo, new post!
Can we see the vtec bike again.
Just got one because of your VFR videos!
Hopefully! I still ride it a lot!
@@HeroRR Nice!
I hope it treats you well!
My reg/rec went out recently, apparently it's a common fault with the VFR800.
Still love it though.
Next time you remove the tappet cover, loosen the bottom part of the radiator n swing it forward. That should give you room to remove the cover that way
Where did you get the new drain plug from? That’s sick! I need for my f4i
YES been waiting for this video! Just had to say that, i'll watch it now.
Glad it all worked out!!
Hi, When you replaced the cam chain tensioner did you put pressure on the cam chain so that it is held in place so that cam position is preserved ?
If not the timing goes off. At least that's the case for the Triumphs. Thanks
I think you slightly mis worded what you wanted to say.. or intended to mean. Please redraft/edit your comment to be less backwards. Thank you 😊
Awesome job and such a beautiful bike.
Hero, I like the way you fix and mod bikes. I have a zx10r and enjoy it to the max! It's like your 600, now you have a 954, which I think is more awesome than the 600. When I commute, I use my ML350. I can't see the need for an RC51 or a VFR, or even the 600, being a minimalist myself. Do you have a car? My car is a TPC turbo Cayman, you can see them at grudgewing2732 on Tumblr.
Not a Honda fan, but that is a pretty sexy bike.
massive task no doubt