Can I Fix This Unfixable Chopper ?

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  • Опубликовано: 20 июл 2023
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Комментарии • 1,5 тыс.

  • @sharplessguy
    @sharplessguy Год назад +110

    I am/was the go to guy when no one else could fix stuff. But I finally retired after suffering a stroke... In my 45+ years of fixing "stuff" I discovered that there were days that no matter what I did or tried that nothing was going to work and that if I stopped fighting it for a day and came back fresh I could almost always figure it out the next day with much less frustration. I rarely get pissed off because I know that whatever it is that I am working on has no feelings or agenda.... it's never personal and getting angry isn't going to make things easier. My point is that one of the best tools in your toolbox is the one in your head that tells you when to take a break and come back later fresh. It works every time

    • @CanadianDerwood
      @CanadianDerwood Год назад +6

      ^^^^^ pure wisdom! Beautifully said my friend!
      Not only as a mechanic myself, I do this a lot at work. Also, it's a great life lesson, too..
      Thank you for sharing such a treasure..

    • @22sojourner
      @22sojourner 11 месяцев назад +5

      As a young millwright, we hit a snag. The old guy said, "Let's take a break, & don't think about the problem; let's talk about other stuff.
      Refreshed, & back on the job, & it was like it fell together; I was amazed.

    • @leximatic
      @leximatic 5 месяцев назад +2

      I heard it several times, when i was young. "If your are stuck, go away, leave it there, do something different, come back later." Of course i ran into many things, like everyone. I still wonder why it works, but it helps every time.

    • @andrewporrelli8268
      @andrewporrelli8268 3 месяца назад

      Never a truer word spoken! I tip my hat to you, sir!! I am same as you.
      Methodic Fault finding is the key.

    • @Swampyssidehustlehobbyshop
      @Swampyssidehustlehobbyshop 3 месяца назад

      Generator engines with magnetos batteries were optional lol.

  • @roadkingrider6532
    @roadkingrider6532 Год назад +324

    Man, much respect for even taking on a project like that!

    • @speedtriprr537
      @speedtriprr537 Год назад +7

      Agree, I wouldn’t want to be seen with a bike like that in my shop

    • @Ddude87
      @Ddude87 Год назад +3

      That's a project in itself

    • @bobmumphy3548
      @bobmumphy3548 11 месяцев назад +1

      No wonder they went under

    • @gullreefclub
      @gullreefclub 11 месяцев назад +3

      Why this is not a hard job other than it takes a bit of brain power. Unfortunately in my 40 years of being a mechanic working on everything from heavy equipment, road tractors, dump trucks, light trucks, cars, and motorcycles (admittedly only Harley Davison’s, vintage English bikes) have found the majority of mechanics don’t take the time and or don’t have the skills to properly diagnose/troubleshoot all but the simplest of problems.
      Side note the “thin wires” Graig was referring to are mil-spec wires and use ultra thin strands (but more of them) and high temp insulation, the advantage to this type of wire is it can carry more current and amps in a smaller overall package which of course comes with a higher cost per foot but if you are building a custom bike with very sanitary routing (hidden) wiring etc this type of wiring is worth it’s wait in gold.
      Side notes when repairing a vehicle that has had someone trying to jumpstart start it with 24 volts and burnt wiring and control module it is almost a sure bet that the coil has been damaged this sort of damage can be avoided if proper fusing/use of relays is incorporated into the design of the wiring harness for the vehicle/motorcycle

    • @IndigenousSteed
      @IndigenousSteed 11 месяцев назад +1

      Haha thunderheart!!
      The shop Rebuilding my bike is a Big dog authorized repair center. Creativecycles Umatilla FL

  • @Dodger2879
    @Dodger2879 Год назад +176

    I'm a retired electrical engineer, but lived for problems like this on ships and other marine vessels! For a sideline, I fixed motorcycles. You are so right, you cannot possibly hand a customer an invoice for your time, or learning. So....I found that it pays not to look at all the pretty colors. Just take one circuit at a time and "think" as if you were "speaking" to a newbie, teaching him how to do it. This prevents your residual confidence and old habits coming into play. NEVER discount a male/female pin *inside* a plug or
    socket being pushed back! (Murphy loves throwing that trick into the ring!).
    My greatest "find" was a dead fruit fly inside a plastic encased relay, back in 2002. One dab of Isopropyl Alcohol and one Q-Tip later, and a $6M Dutch luxury Sports Fisherman could use its bow thruster once more.
    Cost: 4 hours labor plus 1 Q-Tip 😉.
    Every success. It appears to be a 6 cup problem.

    • @wannaseethevid
      @wannaseethevid Год назад +5

      top story man!

    • @anonimous2451
      @anonimous2451 Год назад +4

      Would have LOVED to see that bill being handed to the owner, with a giant shieet eatin grin on your face......... "$12,000, WTF man you were here for 4 hours. " It not the time its the KNOWLEDGE you are paying for SIR. GIANT SMILE !!!😁😁😁😁

    • @Dodger2879
      @Dodger2879 Год назад +20

      @@anonimous2451
      The owner was a very wealthy man. He owned many aircraft also, including many WWII "warbirds" and his own G5.
      He paid me super quick ($400 + a $100 tip! No tax, as no parts used!), then asked if I ever got to take time off. I replied that I did not. So; I went back to the home port onboard the boat with the captain and one crew member, at his invitation and he flew off somewhere else.
      I stayed on the boat for 5 days (alone and very impressed, as it was a Dutch built Feadship) at his private boat dockage in Fort Lauderdale, drank Bombay and chased women at The Bimini Boatyard!....as a, "thanks for not ripping me off, as they usually try to". He even paid for my return flight home!
      The captain and his wife and I stayed in touch afterwards. I got a much needed break and he paid for me to return and consult on something else, about 2 years later.
      Pure respect both ways and an unexpected win-win, due to honesty.
      Damn! I could have got used to that!

    • @anonimous2451
      @anonimous2451 Год назад +4

      @@Dodger2879 Dayum dude, 400 bucks? Honesty pays for itself my man and MAD RESPECT for doing that.

    • @PawAshtraysMatter
      @PawAshtraysMatter Год назад +1

      I've been helping a friend and his girl gut and remodel interior of rv. It is insane how much random(to me lol) wiring is all over the damn thing. I couldn't fathom some ship w miles of cable

  • @LuisCipher
    @LuisCipher Год назад +10

    And thus, you have proven why other shops would not touch this motorcycle. I hope this guy is ready for a rebuild price tag. The greater the trials, the sweeter the victory. Until part two, happy wrenching. You got this.

  • @eclipsegod4g63
    @eclipsegod4g63 Год назад +351

    I’m showing this video to everyone!! I’m the electrical repair guy in my town and no one understands what it’s like dealing with this stuff and wonder why it cost what it does!! We are the surgeons of the mechanic world craig!!!

    • @AnonyMous-jf4lc
      @AnonyMous-jf4lc 11 месяцев назад +9

      It’s not hard. There’s a very significant learning curve moving from being able to figure it out over to efficiently diagnosing and repairing issues. I seek these things out to buy and fix.

    • @RoamingCosmos
      @RoamingCosmos 11 месяцев назад +10

      Electrical issues is easy when you just replacing everything,.. but it's a nightmare to troubleshoot and find some faulty wire or components.. I just replacing whole harnesses for something like, I won't even try to find the fried wire..

    • @bluebeard6189
      @bluebeard6189 10 месяцев назад +9

      As an engine mechanic I can say with all confidence electrical work is not hard. It is absolutely tedious and slow going. The main difference between someone that knows what they're doing and that doesn't is a massive amount of time.
      But as I've had people come in with top ends they have rebuilt completely forgetting to put in piston rings, I've seen what happens when someone tries to rush an electrical job and they don't know what they're doing. And I pity you guys. Because every knuckledraggin monkey thinks they can do electrical work, when they won't even take the time to learn how to read a wiring diagram.

    • @AnonyMous-jf4lc
      @AnonyMous-jf4lc 10 месяцев назад +3

      @@RoamingCosmos it's only a nightmare to you because you don't know what you are looking for and how to find it. Also, wires just don't fry, so you really need to identify what that would occur in the first place.

    • @AnonyMous-jf4lc
      @AnonyMous-jf4lc 10 месяцев назад +3

      @@bluebeard6189 100% correct. It's not hard but you need to spend the time to learn to be fast. Learning exactly how the systems work and understanding circuits at more than a basic level is what is required to be quick.

  • @ian7061
    @ian7061 Год назад +219

    You weren't stupid to take it on, you're smart enough to take it on. Can't wait for the sequel !
    You went from sliding downhill on a two stroke yamazuki to a rigid puzzle like that mate I take my hat off to you! Loving these vids😏

    • @loganmurphy2195
      @loganmurphy2195 Год назад +6

      Agreed!

    • @RT22-pb2pp
      @RT22-pb2pp Год назад +2

      stupid taking on a bike that has almost no real after market. Had buddies who were into choppers expensive ones, only person that makes money on them is builder in original sale, after that worth pennies on the dollar. No one wants someone elses dream bike unless they had same dream.

    • @robertmason8341
      @robertmason8341 11 месяцев назад +2

      I do this work everyday (motorcycle shop) so I feel ya. As a side note, I work on Harley’s almost everyday and have never heard a Harley motor (or Harley clone motor) crank over so fast. Even with no plugs in it they don’t quite sound like that one did. What starter is on that bike? I’d seriously like to know as I build some dragrace Harley motors with big cubes and often stock starters aren’t up for it. Does the bike possibly have a 16 volt racing battery or something making it spin so fast? Sometimes on out big bore hayabusa drag bikes we set them up with an extra battery wired in series only to the starter and feed it 24 volts to make it spin super fast and start it otherwise they can break the starter clutch or idler gear/boss in the crankcase. Before someone comments that’s it’s impossible that it would fry all the electronics on the bike, re-read where i said it only feeds 24 volts to the starter motor. I can explain how exactly you accomplish this if anyone is interested.
      But anyway, that thing spun really fast for a Harley. Almost sounded like the cam timing was off and it wasn’t compressing right. Usually Harley (big twins at least, don’t have much experience with the smaller ones) you can actually hear every stroke of the engine during starting as it noticeablely slows on compression stroke right before it lights off!

    • @georgepatuaka391
      @georgepatuaka391 4 месяца назад

      Exactly

  • @kimkeam2094
    @kimkeam2094 Год назад +17

    Kudos for getting someone’s pride and joy, taking on a difficult task and prepared to keep going until it is repaired. Before the spark failed, I wondered if the timing was wrong. Misfiring as it was, I’d be interested if that was a contributing factor.

    • @1219husky
      @1219husky Год назад +5

      i agree its got all the hallmarks of timing off i had my first harley a 67 sporty and redid the top end and had tried every thing including having friends push me down the street did lots of snorting and popping.a friend came by and looked under my mag and seen i was 180 off he set it on tdc and reset my mag and it fired right up ! happy mf after all that!

    • @cartdoc
      @cartdoc Год назад

      @@1219husky it's happens more times than guys think.. because they are too proud to tell their buddy, the timing was off!

  • @RobRebel72
    @RobRebel72 Год назад +8

    This is why I like watching you work, Craig. You take on a job and you keep at it until you've gotten the result you are after. Reminds me of some of the computer projects I've taken on throughout the years. Keep up the great work!

  • @TheRattyBiker
    @TheRattyBiker Год назад +38

    😍😍 Both Craig and Sean posted! 🤤 Time to grab a beer and sit and chill! Both guys having seperate channels and posting together is just a pure double bubble bonus for me on a Friday afternoon!!!

    • @Lexx1976
      @Lexx1976 Год назад +1

      GOVERNMENT WARNING:
      (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcohol beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
      (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.

    • @jake6618
      @jake6618 Год назад +4

      @@Lexx1976what a buzz kill

    • @TheRattyBiker
      @TheRattyBiker Год назад +5

      @@Lexx1976 I'm English, but to put it in Scottish dialect... "Getti fack ya knob goblin friiiik"

    • @TheRattyBiker
      @TheRattyBiker Год назад +2

      @@jake6618 👍

    • @sail4free1
      @sail4free1 Год назад +2

      @@Lexx1976 -- Let me guess . . . single?

  • @pootmahgoots8482
    @pootmahgoots8482 Год назад +50

    Not at all a stupid move to take this on. Anyone can change a tire and do an oil change on a bike. It takes a real mechanic to take on a project like this and you sir, are the realest mechanic out there. Can't wait to hear this bad boy pop off.

    • @bigcconservativeguy2534
      @bigcconservativeguy2534 Год назад +5

      It has little to do with how skilled you are. It's all about knowing where to start to trace down the issues and how many man hours it will take to get to the source of the problem. Any competenet mechanic will know where to start and then its just a matter of how long it takes to meticulously eliminate all of the possibilities in order until you get the the actual problem and then the BIG ISSUE is whether or not the customer is willing to pay those man hours. Customers have no clue how long it takes to trace these things and seldom do they do anything but freak out at the bill when the bike is fixed and running. No matter how you try to explain it to them they still think you are ripping them off! I will always give them a "worst case scenario" and if they are not ok with the prospect of paying that then I politely show them the door. After all, you are running a business not a charity right!

    • @dingerjunkie
      @dingerjunkie Год назад +1

      Yeah...and when the bike owner sees the final bill, refuses to pay, hands you a title and leaves you with a bike less than your labor...how does that end? Very stupid move to take this on unless you got a huge service deposit or some other ironclad guarantee of payment beyond worth of the bike.

  • @stephenperez5138
    @stephenperez5138 Год назад +5

    Your sense of perseverance is inspiring. Then you have the problem-solving skills to get it done. Keep it up!

  • @CanadianDerwood
    @CanadianDerwood Год назад +18

    Craig, your work ethic and explanation of a mechanic is spot on! As a fellow mechanic, who shares the same drive for good diagnostics and root cause problem solving.
    You bring and show the nobility of this and all trades alike! Bless you and your wonderful, compassionate, and patient family, for without their love and support, you couldn't make such great, honest, and wonderful content.
    Also, your unsung heros behind the camera also deserve praise for their hard work and great contributions to this awesome team..
    Thank you... 😊 🙏

  • @mayapple08
    @mayapple08 Год назад +14

    Big props for doing it the right way and explaining to everyone what separates a mechanic from a parts changer…. Diagnostics.

  • @briw4647
    @briw4647 Год назад +39

    My brother is a engineer, im a trained joiner, one thing we both know through experience is anything can be fixed, one way or another. Either repair or replace. Just depends how much you want to pay

  • @PatDevlin407
    @PatDevlin407 Год назад +1

    I love seeing the reality of the repair process. I don’t know how many times I start to work on something and the problem mushrooms before it gets better. I will be looking for the next installment of this repair. Great work boys!

  • @eirejk7707
    @eirejk7707 Год назад +2

    Love your fantastic attitude. The world needs more people like you.

  • @jeremiahsmith700
    @jeremiahsmith700 Год назад +33

    I'm trying to work through some electrical issues on my brother's bike right now, so I commend you. Electrical is my least favorite issue, so watching the best motorcycle mechanic I can think of get frustrated by it, too, makes me feel better. Good luck, and excited for part 2!

    • @The_Bearded_Mechanic
      @The_Bearded_Mechanic  Год назад +14

      You can do it!

    • @faryldaryl3975
      @faryldaryl3975 Год назад +6

      Nobody likes electrical probs, except maybe that glutton for punishment Dodger2879 up there. Now that I'm retired and don't need a vehicle for work, I'm thinking I need to get something like a Model T with zero electrical controls. Maybe get some acetylene headlights.

  • @alveus8205
    @alveus8205 Год назад +8

    You’re a legend for taking this on. That wire harness stressed me out so much.

  • @keagstand5099
    @keagstand5099 Год назад +1

    The points you made about small shops and doing jobs like that are so true, I work for Off Camber Powersports and hate when we take in this kind of stuff when I have machines I could whip out quick.

  • @markphilips9107
    @markphilips9107 Год назад +1

    This is why you will always have a job, you don’t quit. Can’t wait til you bring this bike back to life! Really appreciate how hard you job is!

  • @oddojaggins
    @oddojaggins Год назад +3

    I really appreciate how more focused on the repair process your videos are now, I've wrenched on cars for years but motorcycles are still kinda mysterious to me. I'm gonna find an old bike to save like your last video

  • @FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur
    @FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur Год назад +6

    Thank you. It was so satisfying to see what was behind all the 'doors' on this beautiful looking bike.

  • @lewismocaby3646
    @lewismocaby3646 Год назад +3

    Had to work on a Big Dog just a few weeks ago for a buddy of mine. He came across a smokin deal on a bike that had been at a dealership for a year and a half taking up space. Seems they couldn’t get the bike to start or even crank and weren’t able to sell the bike. Buddy brought it home and called me, we had it running in 15 minutes after I got there. It did take a while to get it roadworthy. The printed circuits behind the switches on the handlebars were corroded beyond belief. Eliminated all that garbage by rewiring the bike front to back using heavier gauge wire,actual relays and a hidden switch under the oil tank.
    You can check the coil you have on the bike before buying another one. Twelve bolts to the positive side with a piece of wire to the negative side that you can touch to a good ground. I have a feeling that you might need to check continuity on the signal wire between the camshaft sensor under what used to be the points cover and your coil. You may also have the same trouble I ran into of the contacts on the rocker switches being corroded or the printed circuits behind those switches. Good luck with your new nightmare.

  • @leebryant5443
    @leebryant5443 Год назад

    Love watching you work on bikes Craig . We need more videos like this one please. Learned a lot . Thank you for the video .

  • @out_rising2078
    @out_rising2078 Год назад +12

    Loving the channel guys! Also enjoying the banter between Craig and Dan. Keep em coming! :D

  • @michaelmitchell5909
    @michaelmitchell5909 Год назад +7

    That's a sick bike man, I love it. Can't wait to hear it run!

  • @crebbsjd
    @crebbsjd Год назад +4

    Definitely, did all the right things. Just have to keep checking, replacing, and going through everything. I am guessing the 24-volt heavy equipment fiasco fried other things. Coil forsure. Hopefully, it's not to much more, but it definitely burned and destroyed more than usual. You can do it, Craig!!! I'm looking forward to this big dog up and running.

  • @SMKreitzer1968
    @SMKreitzer1968 Год назад

    Thanks Craig, look forward to the next episode!

  • @bangs2ndshotgarage865
    @bangs2ndshotgarage865 Год назад +15

    Welcome to my world Craig. 80% of the stuff I work on is like your chopper. Takes way longer and more involved than initially thought. Don’t matter if it’s a bike, car or quad. The other 20% are really good cherished days as they don’t happen often.

  • @haugstule
    @haugstule Год назад +23

    Check the valve timing. stick a zip-tie into the spark plug hole and just make sure it inhales and exhales when it's supposed to in relation to the pistons.
    check the ignition timing, this is what it sounds like with a shared flywheel key.
    you can do it! Just DO It! (Shia Labeouf )

    • @nhbountyhunter
      @nhbountyhunter Год назад +7

      What he said! My 1st thought when I saw it backfire. Timing!

    • @dodger413
      @dodger413 Год назад +1

      @@nhbountyhunter
      first thing i thought of was timing too, especially when it did tried to fire and backfired. it's an S&S motor. those people are VERY helpful to S&S motor owners. Pop that evo timing cover off. two screws. see what's in there !

    • @markbeauchamp2053
      @markbeauchamp2053 Год назад +1

      I'm another mechanic who believes it sounds mostly like a mechanical timing issue.

    • @josephschaekel5293
      @josephschaekel5293 Год назад

      It's all electrical, I dont believe the carb cleaning affected it much . With that one wire melt I'm surprised any of the light bulbs still worked every thing wiring, and charging probably good a good voltage spike . Along with the ignition coils.

  • @grahamhardy1358
    @grahamhardy1358 Год назад +1

    Craig, you are a brave man. Replacing a loom is crazy work.

  • @thibni_
    @thibni_ Год назад

    I've learned so much about the mechanics of bikes watching you since SRK/Bikes and Beards.
    So so thankful you decided to keep on going and make videos! ❤️
    You are a relentless being who doesn't give up and it teaches me how to not give up either❤

  • @CAL806
    @CAL806 Год назад +12

    Hello Craig , nice to see you finally have your own channel🤪 been watching you and Shaun for a good while , keep up the good work loving the videos 🧔🏽‍♂️🤙🏼

  • @diydarkmatter
    @diydarkmatter Год назад +7

    its a beautiful bike . i know you will get it fixed . and choppers never go out of style . there just a style all there own no matter what kind of bike it is . always a great look at me ride for sure .

  • @Shea970
    @Shea970 3 месяца назад

    I have an 06 iron horse. I had the same issues. Wiring under the seat was a mess and no one wanted to tough it. Mechanics like this are worth every penny.

  • @deanmoberg445
    @deanmoberg445 Год назад

    I appreciate your tenacity! You go Craig! Get er' Done!

  • @deweycahill5582
    @deweycahill5582 Год назад +8

    I really enjoy watching these videos with Craig, as a beginner working on my bikes I love how he explains as much as he can about how and what he’s doing and watching his videos makes me feel a lot less stressed about working on my bikes😂😂 still slightly terrified I’m gonna ruin the whole bike every time I open one up tho lol

    • @MrJavedb
      @MrJavedb Год назад

      Who else do you watch to learn? What are some of the most "wow that helped teach me something" videos or resources? Best of luck to you

  • @donflores5227
    @donflores5227 Год назад +3

    as a retired foreign car mechanic I feel your pain. I took on too many jobs that I shouldn't have and didn't get paid near what I should have on them. I had to smile when you said they let the smoke out. This is a term we used. I feel sure you stayed with it until you got it running. That's the mechanic in you

    • @MrBobbo18
      @MrBobbo18 11 месяцев назад +1

      at school a guy asked how do you put it back in. The teacher just turned and laughed

  • @joebennett845
    @joebennett845 Год назад

    Keep after it, love seeing the trouble shooting process unfold. Seems like all the pitfalls I run into on my own projects.

  • @chriszasada9756
    @chriszasada9756 Год назад +3

    You are the everyday wrench , love your posts and learn something every time .

  • @l1qu1dm3t4lIV
    @l1qu1dm3t4lIV Год назад +4

    You'll get it, Craig
    Waiting on parts really can put a kink in things

  • @allenmichaud1605
    @allenmichaud1605 Год назад

    I enjoyed seeing that blue yamaha in the back. I had an 81 dt 175. The red one. Not my first bike but first good one. First engine build. Fresh bore and wiseco and adjoining hardware. Total sleeper.

  • @jordandavis84
    @jordandavis84 2 дня назад

    “Parts Replacer” is a great expression. We had guys like that at our shop and kept a box of shame called “The Land of Misfit Parts.” Any time they “threw” a part at an issue and it didn’t fix it, into the box it went.

  • @clinth179
    @clinth179 Год назад +5

    Love your videos, keep ‘em going!

  • @gerrymilidantri6457
    @gerrymilidantri6457 Год назад +4

    Sounds like before it killed the starter because it kicked back that it may have jumped timing or, because the coil was failing it was intermitent. Yor awesome love the channel !

  • @trenttomblin6090
    @trenttomblin6090 Год назад

    Might sound a little weird but I love challenges like this. It’s a great opportunity to learn and broaden my capabilities. Thanks for sharing!!!

  • @DukeICT
    @DukeICT Год назад

    Great video. I grew up in Wichita, Ks were Big Dog was from. So cool to see you working on this beast.

  • @theone2be33
    @theone2be33 Год назад +4

    I am literally so impressed with the wealth of knowledge that Craig possesses.

  • @timbrooks2651
    @timbrooks2651 Год назад +4

    love seeing the troubleshooting process. :)

  • @DanielWhite80
    @DanielWhite80 Год назад

    I consider this a win, even with the bike deciding not to budge, you did your best, and we all know you will end up coming back to it sooner or later!! Love the video, man. Keep it up!

  • @jeffg2495
    @jeffg2495 Год назад

    Great video , These are the type of jobs that make you a better mechanic , the only thing left is timing ignition and oil pressure switch .

  • @Mr_bigears
    @Mr_bigears Год назад +9

    The "custom" chopper from hell, gotta love your job to work on that bike.

    • @michaelmitchell5909
      @michaelmitchell5909 Год назад +2

      That bike was clean, someone else boogered up the wiring and fried the thing

  • @xToniFi
    @xToniFi Год назад +4

    I really want to see this bike start up now, I can't wait to see what happens next.

  • @caruser4
    @caruser4 Год назад

    Great video! I'm glad to see you got it pretty close. I know that feeling of discouragement, keep pushing! It'll all be worth it when you hear that thing fire

  • @TheHandsomeSweet
    @TheHandsomeSweet Год назад

    Good effort! Love you Craig!

  • @bradfordrakes
    @bradfordrakes Год назад +4

    Bo.... I deal with this kind of stuff all the time. I so wish I could show you the bike that's in here now, you wouldn't believe it. And yes.. I would also be dumb enough to take it on in the summer.

  • @scubanick123
    @scubanick123 Год назад +14

    Good job Craig! You've gotten that bike closer to running than whoever did the job before. Looking forward to seeing the part 2!

  • @sammysurm24
    @sammysurm24 Год назад +2

    Sold motorcycles for many years. It got to the point where if I saw a chopper pull into our lot I ran into the service area. I didn’t want to be the guy who told a customer your 50-80g chopper is now worth 10 and we don’t want it either. This video tells you all you need to know and why those bikes died an ugly death in the industry. Also that’s a Thunder heart ignition, my friend who runs a small motorcycle repair shop literally spent a couple years replacing those in Big Dogs. He has flashbacks and PTSD from dealing with those wiring disasters.

  • @curious9715
    @curious9715 Год назад +1

    Incredible patience and determination.
    👍👍👍

  • @Bigfordbutt69
    @Bigfordbutt69 Год назад +3

    Same thing happened to a co worker of mine working on a bigdog chopper. As he rolled it off the lift he bumped the run button, went to start it and acted like it had no spark. Went about checking everything until he realised haha. That might be your problem!

  • @andrewclark1966
    @andrewclark1966 Год назад +4

    Good quote "I don't think its' supposed to make different noises every time you try to run it."

  • @dockingtroll6801
    @dockingtroll6801 11 месяцев назад

    Amazing job and video.... I wish I knew half of what you know about bikes.... such a delight to watch... even the frustration.....

  • @adamroban7934
    @adamroban7934 Год назад

    Love the videos Craig, I feel your pain when the odds just feel like they're stacked against you but you have to persevere

  • @Fxdxdingo
    @Fxdxdingo Год назад +4

    Just went through this, had to re wire a whole new module, you cant get those thunderheart ones anymore!

  • @1down4upworkshop61
    @1down4upworkshop61 Год назад +5

    I hate those brass battery spacers ... I lose them all the time when trying to manipulate them with my fat sausage fingers LOL

  • @kiwideann5632
    @kiwideann5632 Год назад

    I have a 2008 big dog and I’ve done basically the same as what you have. So I’ve got mine up and running in pretty reliable now. All fairly common repairs that you’ve done to these bikes. Great that you got a hold of Curtis at wild steed works. I have the same EHC in my bike. That dude knows what he’s talking about when it comes to big dogs.

  • @a-dubs220
    @a-dubs220 Год назад

    I feel your pain, I can't wait to hear it fire up. You got this!!!

  • @GerritKleynWinkel
    @GerritKleynWinkel Год назад +6

    Yes you can!

  • @ml3487
    @ml3487 Год назад +3

    Enjoy your silver play button dude!

  • @clintferguson8328
    @clintferguson8328 Год назад

    I love the paint job on the bike, great video keep up the great work sir.

  • @bryanharness1122
    @bryanharness1122 Год назад

    Good for u dude. Really enjoying your channel. Even more than the previous one

  • @automotiveaddiction428
    @automotiveaddiction428 Год назад +3

    I used a bunch of trailer wiring back in the day on my old shovel head...that was when I was young dumb and cheap.

  • @Refirrus
    @Refirrus Год назад +5

    I think that the timing might be off, so it misfired the starter into oblivion .

  • @brianbutler4351
    @brianbutler4351 9 месяцев назад

    Sir you have more patience than I could ever have. Love watching you stuff bro. Keep on pushing

  • @MoeLarrycurly1
    @MoeLarrycurly1 Год назад +1

    This is why I do my own work ...... And I'm in the same thought that you have a little shops who wanting to you know change tires and do things that are going to bring in the quickest money.... That's why I think everyone needs to be able to do their own work and at least the basics..

  • @oldguysoldbikes
    @oldguysoldbikes Год назад +8

    When I see an engine firing back through the intake as well as popping in the exhaust. I always start wondering about valves.

    • @obfuscated3090
      @obfuscated3090 Год назад

      Quite right! We put a compression tester on EVERY bike that came in the shop because what's unmeasured is unknown, and air-cooled top ends on old bikes are prone to issues. I bring a comp gauge when I check out used bikes before purchase.

    • @munter10
      @munter10 11 месяцев назад +1

      I noticed the speed of the cranking is really fast compared to any Harley I’ve ever heard turning over on the starter motor.
      It’s either bent valves ( mistimed and valves collided with pistons) or frozen rings, or, it’s bore washed with fuel and no oil sealing at the rings.
      My 2 cents…. I’ve been a mechanic for 40 years and I pick up on these symptoms pretty quick.

  • @rodgerreed4990
    @rodgerreed4990 Год назад +3

    I feel your pain on a daily basis. Hindsight is always 20/20. You need to start somewhere. Throwing parts at it is not the way to start it. Fixing the harness like you did is the way to go. You’ll get it. Take a break, maybe a cold snack and it’ll come to you.

  • @hotcakesman
    @hotcakesman Год назад +1

    Your channel and you Craig! Are gold!

  • @johnlopez9632
    @johnlopez9632 11 месяцев назад

    You're the man with the plan...to fix that beast. Don't quit.

  • @brianwinters4991
    @brianwinters4991 Год назад +4

    I remember the days when choppers were simple , made so you could fix them quickly . Remember the first half of the word custom is cuss .

  • @bigdubb_t9563
    @bigdubb_t9563 Год назад +3

    Really enjoyed this episode Craig, I hate dealing with electrical issues, at the moment my factory ECM for my HD is buggered which also has a piggy back Power commander 3 aswell. I'm a mechanical engineer by trade but really wish I did electrical engineering right now!!! lol

  • @AsmodeusT
    @AsmodeusT Год назад +14

    As a sparky i feel your pain, I also know why you took it on. There's no feeling like fixing something other engineers either cant fix or wont fix.
    Loving these videos, keep up the good work Craig!

    • @vincedibona4687
      @vincedibona4687 Год назад +1

      “Sparky”.
      🤦🏻‍♂️

    • @AsmodeusT
      @AsmodeusT Год назад

      @willydavid Thanks for helping him out with that one. I thought sparky was a universal term for electrician. Well, we are called Sparkys here in Blighty.

    • @grantodaniel7053
      @grantodaniel7053 Год назад +1

      ​@@AsmodeusTYeah, sparkies here in Australia too, mate. 👍🇦🇺

    • @toddgittins5692
      @toddgittins5692 Год назад

      ​@@grantodaniel7053NO. Bikies!

    • @rogerdodrill4733
      @rogerdodrill4733 10 месяцев назад

      @@grantodaniel7053 I think welders should be sparkies, they always make sparks. When electricians make sparks, it's usually bad

  • @louisfletcher3422
    @louisfletcher3422 Год назад

    just started watching your shows, amazing.

  • @Wil_Liam1
    @Wil_Liam1 11 месяцев назад +1

    I love it when these type bikes with issues come in,I always take them in provided their owners can afford my bill.. I tell them straight up out front that the bill can easily run into the many thousands and possibly as high as 10k if I have to replace every electrical component on the bike,plus fully rewire the entire bike using all new,to quality, color coordinated wiring of correct diameter and gauge.. Those who own those "choppers" from 10-15 years back always have the money,or will find a way to get it, and want their attention machine back up and running..

  • @sparkyastwo
    @sparkyastwo Год назад +3

    HECK YEAH BUDDY!!! SuperCraig!

  • @user-fy7gt6ev5u
    @user-fy7gt6ev5u Год назад +4

    Yes u can

  • @slowbr600rr
    @slowbr600rr Год назад +4

    Craig are you gonna do anything with sports bikes?

  • @adrikhankant6170
    @adrikhankant6170 Год назад

    VAMOS! you can mate, waiting for the grand finale, keep it up!

  • @buellb0y
    @buellb0y 2 месяца назад +1

    My nephew has a big dog. Everything about it, with the exception of the “one off” (for the model) Baker transmission is a work of art,… and functional. The transmission issues are easily fixable, and after that, the bike has run flawlessly for over a decade.
    I think the general rule should be,… Big Dog had their electronics figured out, don’t dck with it unless you understand it!

  • @MrGixxer1300r
    @MrGixxer1300r Год назад +4

    Craig some idiot put 24 volts on that bike with just a harness, and engine controler you got off pretty easy at first. Get a extra ignition box when you get the coil because I wouldn't be suprised if both are bad after a bunch of 24 volt hits. Also I know your tired but don't get so worked up. You are probably the most thought out mechanic on any bike or car channel I watch (and I have a mad medical condition that has me off work at the present time so I watch a lot of crap) The crazy stuff you built for Sean, and doing it with what yoou had for tools and parts would have sent a lot of guys out the door. Just go home kiss the wife and kids and get somemuch needed rest I bet $1000.00 you will wake up with a conclusion for this repair. Another thing DO NOT feel bad handiing this guy a big bill for the repair stupidity cost money. and you stepped up when most people said no. I wished I could still be a mechanic after over 20 years of doing it. I miss it. I also miss going to my personal shop and working on stuff. Not only did I work on bikes as a hobby I used to drag race them as well hence the name. Craig you got this man and I can't wait to see part two where you are riding it.

  • @vincentshelpfulhints4085
    @vincentshelpfulhints4085 Год назад +3

    You did great trouble shooting, sometimes the projects needs new parts, It sucks when you have other hands in there first.. The owner should had pushed started the bike if that is possible,

    • @rogerdodrill4733
      @rogerdodrill4733 Год назад

      Push start a 100 cube Harley with raked out forks, I'd like to see that.might scratch lots of chrome & paint

  • @grahamroscoe1917
    @grahamroscoe1917 Год назад

    No retreat, no surrender, keep at it big guy, can't get enough of your vids, respect from the UK

  • @ChoppersChingon
    @ChoppersChingon Год назад

    OMG. Bro I have to give you a lot of credit for battling this chopper. I’ve been iba scenario just like this on a 2003 Gilroy Indian. It had a spaghetti of a wiring mess. Kudos to you buddy

  • @whollymindless
    @whollymindless Год назад +3

    If it was easy, everyone would do it.

  • @davessparetime83
    @davessparetime83 Год назад +4

    This is the difference from repair shops and service shops. It's funny that repair shops can turn away customers, but cake makers and waxing shops can't turn away customers.

  • @murdoc6501
    @murdoc6501 Год назад

    Yuppers, awesome stuff here. Thank you Craig, great content! Go Bearded Mechanic, keep moving forward!

  • @philipjohnson2608
    @philipjohnson2608 6 месяцев назад

    Your just awesome brother sorry about the big head ache. We always hope theres the light in every job but sometimes we get hit. Awesome workmanship brother

  • @kennycook359
    @kennycook359 11 месяцев назад

    My brother Craig if it can be fixed, you will fix it. Loved it because you showed what we go through and no retreat no surrender. Love from the ole hillbilly Kenny, peace!!!

  • @mkc471
    @mkc471 7 месяцев назад

    If even a guy like you can be stumped occasionally, this is only testament to how good you really are. If everything always fell into place, anyone could do it, even me who can't do anything without screwing something up.
    This has only given me more respect for you Craig, I know you'll get there & can't wait to see how.

  • @curm1778
    @curm1778 Год назад +1

    I love everything about this, even the failure to start. This is my life in a nutshell. Work, work, work away. Struggle with the problem until you think you have an answer, try the solution. Find another problem. Fix that. Something else goes on. Fix that. But, under no circumstances do you give up.