My son laughed when i checked the spokes with my wrench....listening for highdings or low duns. Edit After a few trips to the track...dad wasnt that stupid.
Even a guy like myself who can split the cases can get some useful information from this video excellent review and info on checking a bike before purchasing!! You guys are awesome!
Good basics many folks need to watch & learn!! Im old school an learned over 35yrs. Plus im in a good position thanks to the always good Lord to buy my machines brand new. Listen & watch this video 2×.
David Klimmek. Plus im in a good position thanks to the always good Lord to buy my machines brand new. This is not much help if looking for a vintage bike.....no one cares how much money you have....... have a nice day.
@@EnemyDwarf-TTV you totally missed my pt wise guy! Meant im not rehabilitating machines. Neither am I much for vintage as he has great stuff but other than Honda Service CR500 dirtbikes im not interested ! I can donate to museum tho. Why don't you do also . Anything helps!
Tremendous knowledge and passion Sr. Your love for two wheels is infectious .....Really enjoying all of your content . Thanks for all the time and effort put into it by You,Jr, and the Kaplan Team. Awesome!!
Live! Bozo. 1960's. I remember hearing about a kid who missed a toss for the "Bucket Bonanza" game, and the kid said on live TV, "shit". Bozo said to him, "That is a Bozo No no." The kid replies, "Cram it Clowny". I did not see it myself, but I remember a few kids talking about it. Back then, that was "out of control" man. or so I thought at the age of 7.
Spot on Kenny. I was lucky to be around my dad as a kid , he was mechanicly minded , which was my foundation. I completed a apprenticeship, which opened doors in other fields. I use these skills today to achieve the best results out of my bikes . It would be great if you was established in Melbourne, Australia.
I’m watching you pretty much every day thanks for being a REAL DUDE. I’m 51 years old now. My Father and I were splitting cases 37 years ago. Hope I don’t have to do that anymore. If so I’ll be doing it Solo miss ya Dad.
Just bought a bike of the back of a bike trailer,bike is a mint one owner bike, as such i bought it on the spot,but as I didn't take the time to test ride it,it turns out it needs a crank rebuild! Never rush a bike purchase,even if it looks great,if you don't ride it,as ken said,it could cost you. Buying a old bike is a minefield,many bikes are polished up for a sale,the engines can be on its last legs and still start and run,most have loud exhausts,that can hide a rod knock,so worth bringing an old rag to place over end of exhaust as its running to try and hear things like a bad rod bearing, but its the bits you can't see that are most important. Great video ken, and god bless America🗽
A wealth of knowledge in this man ...Much respect ! When originality , perfection and precision means something to someone ( the Kap) the costs shouldn’t mean anything but reality $$$ sets in quickly , so before you buy a turd and it becomes a nightmare ....listen and learn and save yourself a few bucks or at least know what you’re getting yourself into .The fact that nowadays to find anything 40+ yr old 2 stroke in decent shape all original and not molested or altered is about as probable as shitting a gold bar, but the desperation of finding something , anything out there shouldn’t override your wallet or the limits of reality . Buyer beware . Thanks Kap !
WOW! A lifetime of knowledge put into a video less then 30 minutes is priceless. The amount of advice you packed into this video can save anyone hundreds if not thousands of dollars when purchasing bikes is a Godsend. Thank you Kenny.
My Dad had a bike mechanic friend that run a shop out of his garage during the 70's & 80's, and he always said if you're checking out a dirt bike, take a hold of the handle bars and shake the hell out of the bike. If it has loose steering stem bearings, wheel bearings, swing arm bushings, etc., you'll be able to feel it. And as you said, obviously ride it if it's in running condition. Great video Ken! 👍
Great information for unaware buyers. This is a good example, I wanted to just freshen up the top end on my 85 xl600r and that turned into splitting the case and replacing the left crankcase cause the threads that bolt the cylinder to the case were severly corroded and gone. Couldn't even helicoil it. Ended up doing an complete top and bottom rebuild but now I know what I have. Thankyou for all your videos and keeping these vintage bikes alive. 👍
Thanks brother. I'm in vancover hongkoover actually Canada no Cr 500s to be found. When I can afford one in a year or 2 I will order from you guys. You have the best bikes and no dealer here has the bikes you have. Awesome that you love these machines and make it your passion. Thank you for the vids as well. I'm hopefull I should be able to buy one of your fine bikes within 2 years
I have owned several bikes as a kid and young man years ago. You show us exactly what to look for and estimate the costs of repairs or rebuilds. Thank you you really are help alot of motorcycle.lovers to know what's really up with a bike. We gotta get down get in there and look mad move parts around to see the real conditions of a bike. Because a nice looking pretty bike can be full of worn out or broken parts that we don't know about untill we get right in there and INSPECTION. Have a great 4 the of July. Enjoy time off. You work too hard. It's your passion so it's all good. But time off is ok
Thankyou for the very informative video you have shown me things I have taken for granted on my own bike and I will use these new skills to effect. Always love tuning in to you guys and can't wait for another video like this on tuning specific to a rider, I am 5ft 7 myself. I don't mind putting time in on fixing a bike but as you said all the small things add up.. I can tell you now I have bought a total dog of a 94 suzuki RM.. rear rim welded and loose spokes plus front forks cracked at the axle mount, you name it, it's toast but the motor is good and strong that I know. I'll never make money on it, I want to ride it but i'll know next time to spend more time looking 👍
I just refreshed my 1998 yz 250 that i frame up restoed 7 years ago and it needed 2500$ worth of work. needless to say the bike is ridden fairly hard by my 15 year old. but these parts wear fast and anything can happen. shes all back to new again and a shout out to Goodhuges powder coating. powder held up ammazingly well. Great tips cap. This is a big hobby of mine
Ive got magazine article tech tips like this cut out and put in a folder from mid 90s I keep in safe place with important papers. I still can't resist a roach, happens every time to this day, I get too exited and blow my wad throwing caution, and mental checklist to the wind. Obtaining basket cases on wheels will make you a better mechanic, if that's what your into, and not so much the riding.
I can relate to that having fell in love and brought some bikes over the years the realy should have been alot cheaper?! Not all that glitters is gold and knowledge is king to separate fact over emotion ! Buy safe Ride safe AND LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL 👍
If your new to motorcycle's or even old in the tooth like me, this type of knowledge in invaluable, a total run over components before contemplating any purchase can and will save you from buying a lemon. Great video.
Wow, the Cagiva behind you, what a rare beast! The mid-eighties Cagivas, before they went white/blue, were the most beautiful-looking bikes. I knew a person with a WMX 125, fun to ride, but utter junk. Please prove me wrong, Ken -- love your videos -- would love to see a Cagiva WMX 500 enduro....
Thanks, Ken! I still consider myself somewhat of a newbie when it comes to buying bikes and this helps out a whole lot! I am going to make a checklist with the info you put out here. I learned a very valuable lesson like you were talking about with the KX500 you bought sight unseen...I bought an 88 YZ250 like that and it was "restored." Like you said, the guy just put lipstick on a pig! Thanks again!!!
Amazing information. I’m currently nut and bolting an rm125 2000. Can honestly say I’ve spent about £2500 on parts so far. The lectron billitron carb was £650. I can’t seem to find seat foam for it though. One place in England has sold out 😢would love to come to the states and buy lots of parts to bring back here. Keep up the good work.
I really need to pay attention to those things - I get too caught up in what I'm doing, and forget to check the fine points. Worst example of that - I bought a bike for my sister - the shift lever was welded on. At least that bike only cost $350. I got lucky with my latest purchase - an 86 YZ490 for $2000 Canadian - rebuilt motor, the only thing on it that is junk is the plastic side plates, everything else is good.
Great advice and pretty much what I did today when I looked and rode a Honda XR 630 R 1999 model the other thing to look at is brake rotors this one had a mild warp and looked worn on the inside so that will need replacement and many years ago was a problem on my Suzuki GSXR 1100 K and my motto is never buy in haste as you’ll repent at your leisure!! Keep up the great work and happy 4/7/2021
This reminds me. I just bought a 2013 used Jeep Wrangler, and I learned something about test driving a used car to buy. I drove it easy and bought it. In a week, it became obvious that the cats are too restrictive with this design, (runs great when it is cold), and heat is wrecking havoc on the electronics, (they had some head cracking problems too, closest one to the cat I bet). So if you ever test drive a used, or even new car today,----beat the hell out of it. If it is sold "as is" from a dealer, beat it even harder. If I buy it, it will probably be the only time I drive it hard. :)
your so very right about the jb weld and engine cases getting holes from chains popping off. Happened to me before. I bought a super nice 96 cr250 and was built up super nice so i didnt give it too serious of a look over other than riding it and checking normal stuff but turned out he jb wleded and sanded it and painted it same color as the case so it was barely barely noticeable unless you gave it a good look. i didnt find out until a year later i crashed on a hill climb an a rock broke some of it off. i was pissed.
Really great video , broke things down like a fraction Proffesor Kap killing it all day everyday. I saw the video in the sand dunes where you first found that peak bike. Shame the guy wasnt honest with you. Seems like a freshly polished turd but I'm sure when you all get done with it it will be the real deal.
I don't ever have to worry about being screwed over, brother, because I only want to do business with Kaplan Cycles! Irregardless, thanks for the useful lesson, since it teaches people how to check their own bike, after it's a few years old. Turd Bikes become money pits. ML&R
God Bless you....I liked when you demo the XL250 and said it's the cure to depression, get your ass off the couch do some push ups and go for a ride...
Super helpful.. thank you! not too many take the time to go over all them details. Nice to know... especially going for one of these older expensive vintage bikes.
LOL. JB Weld held up on my 76 CR-250M for 15 yrs of hard riding after a thrown chain. I tried to have it welded and the magnesium was not cooperating. The guy said just use JB Weld. I had never heard of it before. So I cleaned it up real well and pieced it all together. I could not believe it lasted all those years until I sold it.The guy did say make sure its real clean of oil and grease
If it tastes like chicken keep on lickin, if it tastes like trout get the fuck out! If shes hot and has a good head on her shoulder, let's you hangout with your buds, doesn't get jealous and goes to strip clubs with you and is a good cook then take her to a lab to get studied because she's a unicorn and we need more of those.
these bikes are soo hard to find I don't think you really can get ripped off if you want a original you'll be paying alot. I'm lucky to have a cr 250 2 stroke
everyone had their brand they like and people will pay whatever if they want it .like you ill never sell my honda odyssey, honda 250 r trike or my other trikes .enjoy that bike .
22:40 Oh,....They KNOW,....they know,....they all know. Thats why they are selling them... There might be one guy out there that does not know,...but that means he does not know even more. GREAT video chocked full of essential tips and hard earned findings, as many have or will learn. Thanks Kaplan America,....hope you all had a great 4th
Wow now i be able to buy a 500 on my own. thanks for sharing your knowlegde. You are a legend. greetings from Germany :) Someday i will visit u, for sure !
Also another good thing to keep in mind with older liquid cooled bikes the older green antifreeze was very caustic to the magnesium covers so before you ever purchase an older '80s water cooled bike take the water pump cover off and inspect
Great video, but the way you learn each thing he’s saying is by personal experience- eg, you’ll learn to check dates on tires only after you crash and break your femur from an old tire splitting on you at 80mph - and not once but it takes maybe three such accidents.. Then you learn how to read the date codes on a tire. Same for each little item on the checklist. Gotta break at least one bone to learn anything- at least it does for me😊
Tip for crank seals: make a carefully drilled hole in the crank seal (careful not to hit the bearings) and run a screw into it. Grab the screw with a slide hammer and pop goes the seal. You can make a slide hammer with a piece of 3/8" all-thread (should thread into a pair of vice grips), a pair of vice grips, a heavy socket and some washers with a nut.
This video started after watching a2002. CR 125 from your guys. And I continued watching just cause . Well frankly im from the east coast , ( north western jersey, excellent riding area, pending your willing to drop a gear and twist that throttle when you see the ok red and blue lights start flashing) And being from the east coast and ya send a good east coast vibe my way and remind me of many friends and family I have scattered from Njersey Boston and the My green mountain boys in the northeast kingdom of Vt. Where ya learn to ride to skidoo before learning to even drive, ya gotta get to school one way or another with that much snow. Anyhow I thoroughly enjoy every video. And believe me I drive that eastern corridor whenever I’m back east visiting the family. I might jya might see me pass throug one day, or potentially buy one of the more classic 90’s 2 strokes, maybe not a cr500 as I’m not sure my 510 166 build would be ideal. But ya never know.Then again I wouldn’t of expected my 12 year old girl cousin take me for a ride on a 1200 arctic cat either whippin me around the fields goin wicked fast like 79-80kog like it’s nothings Keep ‘em comin.. and keep giving those bikes a new life, which couldn’t come At a better time.
Getting ripped off comes down to two factors not asking enough questions and not looking over the bike hard enough if the person's in her hurry or doesn't want you checking out little things on the bike don't buy it
I think the seller needs to beware. Here in northern NY people sell "clap master 250's" for 5-8k. "I know what I got no low baller or tire kickers, fkn mint👌" meanwhile every bearing and bushing is blown out, plastic cracked seat ripped and you can roll it over with a finger!!
Good job SR! quality video putting out a lot of good info. Hey if u need video of a stuck throttle tube i can fire up the whiskey rocket for ya. Have a good week fellas
Mad video thanks ken, hey if you ever get your hands on a blown up cagiva mito stick a CR 500 engine in one , instant 500cc GP bike maybe in some “John kocinski “ livery . Hectic
I had no idea Joe dirt and wolverine had the same father! Lmao just playin. Thanks for a good vid. I'm new to bikes and looking to learn later this summer. Great tips!
In other words, EXPECT TO HAVE to FIX many things when buying a Vintage Bike. I collect Vintage bikes and some were ridden hard, some not. Some bikes I have collected are so rare, I do not care of the condition.... I just wanted the bike. Dirt bikes are all abused, unless they were never ridden. Good info though if you are about to race, this video is useful for your overall checking points. Keep in mind, let's be real , no seller is going to let you take the stator off or waterpump cover off to check the area before you buy a bike, Most people would say flat out... "You outta here" .....NEXT .....so expect many different repairs in buying classic bikes.......or just buy a new one !
We do ALL of the things I mentioned here and more that I forgot to mention on EVERY bike I put my name on for resale. Many times we have to rely on sellers integrity because I can't inspect every one. VERY RARELY DOES A BIKE EXCEED MY EXPECTATIONS OR SELLERS DESCRIPTION. and many times they do not disclose major flaws. Like the blown transmission on the $10,000.00 peak cr500
You need to watch more of this man's videos. His hands are literally in all aspects of the process, buying, building, selling motorcycles. AND everything else in between. I'm still dumbfounded where he finds enough hours in the day to accomplish what he does. Hopefully Jr is paying close attention, learning everything his dad knows for future generations to enjoy. These guys are a dying breed,someone freeze this guys chromosomes for future cloning!!!😄😄😄
When you race these bikes you will know these things. Year and years of taking them apart, making them better, and reassembly. You are probably looking at the current CR500 Kings of Service here = no one rebuilds more. Probably Kings of most 2-strokes.
Super tech advice ,cause used bikes & Atvs can look ok but be huge expensive yard art 🖼 if sellers not true ,i use to yard tinker on bikes and learned the hard way just luckilly i parted them out for even or profit ,
Thanks for the great informational video great explanation of everything on the bike you definitely know your shit. Keep up the great videos and the great content like always. You guys are amazing!
My son laughed when i checked the spokes with my wrench....listening for highdings or low duns.
Edit
After a few trips to the track...dad wasnt that stupid.
Even a guy like myself who can split the cases can get some useful information from this video excellent review and info on checking a bike before purchasing!! You guys are awesome!
Everyone on 2 wheels needs to see this video
Good basics many folks need to watch & learn!! Im old school an learned over 35yrs. Plus im in a good position thanks to the always good Lord to buy my machines brand new. Listen & watch this video 2×.
David Klimmek.
Plus im in a good position thanks to the always good Lord to buy my machines brand new.
This is not much help if looking for a vintage bike.....no one cares how much money you have....... have a nice day.
@@EnemyDwarf-TTV you totally missed my pt wise guy! Meant im not rehabilitating machines. Neither am I much for vintage as he has great stuff but other than Honda Service CR500 dirtbikes im not interested ! I can donate to museum tho. Why don't you do also . Anything helps!
@@Davido50 again I point out......no one care how much money you have wise guy =)
@@Davido50 That guy's a dick,David. Just ignore him! There's a hater in every bunch. I get your point. Happy 4th of July!🇺🇸
Drew
Thank you Kaplan America
I know how to split cases and am still watching....nothing bad with a refresher on the basics
But the biggest thing is do u know how to put em back the way they come
@@jaydentaslida152 yeah, but if you need something as reference a few pictures with a phone or even the factory service manual come in handy.
Tremendous knowledge and passion Sr. Your love for two wheels is infectious .....Really enjoying all of your content . Thanks for all the time and effort put into it by You,Jr, and the Kaplan Team. Awesome!!
Everyone should listen to this knowledgeable man, simply put he is the man 👍😁
I appreciate that!
Man, haven't heard someone say "bozos," in a while now
😂
Live! Bozo. 1960's. I remember hearing about a kid who missed a toss for the "Bucket Bonanza" game, and the kid said on live TV, "shit". Bozo said to him, "That is a Bozo No no." The kid replies, "Cram it Clowny". I did not see it myself, but I remember a few kids talking about it. Back then, that was "out of control" man. or so I thought at the age of 7.
good title. dude, i could tell first video i ever watched of yers that you were a straight shooter. piece
Thank you for taking your time to make this important video. Good job to the cameraman👌 showed us clear and focused details.
Good information brother. God bless you
Spot on Kenny. I was lucky to be around my dad as a kid , he was mechanicly minded , which was my foundation. I completed a apprenticeship, which opened doors in other fields. I use these skills today to achieve the best results out of my bikes . It would be great if you was established in Melbourne, Australia.
I’m watching you pretty much every day thanks for being a REAL DUDE.
I’m 51 years old now.
My Father and I were splitting cases 37 years ago. Hope I don’t have to do that anymore.
If so I’ll be doing it Solo miss ya Dad.
Just bought a bike of the back of a bike trailer,bike is a mint one owner bike, as such i bought it on the spot,but as I didn't take the time to test ride it,it turns out it needs a crank rebuild!
Never rush a bike purchase,even if it looks great,if you don't ride it,as ken said,it could cost you.
Buying a old bike is a minefield,many bikes are polished up for a sale,the engines can be on its last legs and still start and run,most have loud exhausts,that can hide a rod knock,so worth bringing an old rag to place over end of exhaust as its running to try and hear things like a bad rod bearing, but its the bits you can't see that are most important.
Great video ken, and god bless America🗽
A wealth of knowledge in this man ...Much respect ! When originality , perfection and precision means something to someone ( the Kap) the costs shouldn’t mean anything but reality $$$ sets in quickly , so before you buy a turd and it becomes a nightmare ....listen and learn and save yourself a few bucks or at least know what you’re getting yourself into .The fact that nowadays to find anything 40+ yr old 2 stroke in decent shape all original and not molested or altered is about as probable as shitting a gold bar, but the desperation of finding something , anything out there shouldn’t override your wallet or the limits of reality . Buyer beware . Thanks Kap !
WOW! A lifetime of knowledge put into a video less then 30 minutes is priceless. The amount of advice you packed into this video can save anyone hundreds if not thousands of dollars when purchasing bikes is a Godsend. Thank you Kenny.
My Dad had a bike mechanic friend that run a shop out of his garage during the 70's & 80's, and he always said if you're checking out a dirt bike, take a hold of the handle bars and shake the hell out of the bike. If it has loose steering stem bearings, wheel bearings, swing arm bushings, etc., you'll be able to feel it. And as you said, obviously ride it if it's in running condition. Great video Ken! 👍
Awesome complete guide for anyone buying second hand.
I had my chain snap and smack my engine case on my 87 cr250. At the time I was a broke teenager so I did the JB weld thing too.
Great information for unaware buyers. This is a good example, I wanted to just freshen up the top end on my 85 xl600r and that turned into splitting the case and replacing the left crankcase cause the threads that bolt the cylinder to the case were severly corroded and gone. Couldn't even helicoil it. Ended up doing an complete top and bottom rebuild but now I know what I have. Thankyou for all your videos and keeping these vintage bikes alive. 👍
Yeah super informative video loving your videos only been subscribed for like 3 months all the way from Australia 🇦🇺
Dude knows his shit
Bigtime! He eats,sleeps and breathes it! Thank god for this man!👍🇺🇸
Thanks brother. I'm in vancover hongkoover actually Canada no Cr 500s to be found. When I can afford one in a year or 2 I will order from you guys. You have the best bikes and no dealer here has the bikes you have. Awesome that you love these machines and make it your passion. Thank you for the vids as well. I'm hopefull I should be able to buy one of your fine bikes within 2 years
I have owned several bikes as a kid and young man years ago. You show us exactly what to look for and estimate the costs of repairs or rebuilds. Thank you you really are help alot of motorcycle.lovers to know what's really up with a bike. We gotta get down get in there and look mad move parts around to see the real conditions of a bike. Because a nice looking pretty bike can be full of worn out or broken parts that we don't know about untill we get right in there and INSPECTION. Have a great 4 the of July. Enjoy time off. You work too hard. It's your passion so it's all good. But time off is ok
This channel is as good as morning coffee, makes my brain kick into high gear and GO!!
If I buy a water-cooled bike, I plan on putting water pump seals in it.
Thankyou for the very informative video you have shown me things I have taken for granted on my own bike and I will use these new skills to effect.
Always love tuning in to you guys and can't wait for another video like this on tuning specific to a rider,
I am 5ft 7 myself.
I don't mind putting time in on fixing a bike but as you said all the small things add up..
I can tell you now I have bought a total dog of a 94 suzuki RM.. rear rim welded and loose spokes plus front forks cracked at the axle mount, you name it, it's toast but the motor is good and strong that I know.
I'll never make money on it, I want to ride it but i'll know next time to spend more time looking 👍
School is in session pay attention people! Thank you for valuable information Prof Kap!!!💪💪😎😎
Always!
This is so good. Great knowledge. If Kaplans was my local shop.....I would be in there all the time. Honorable guy.
I just refreshed my 1998 yz 250 that i frame up restoed 7 years ago and it needed 2500$ worth of work. needless to say the bike is ridden fairly hard by my 15 year old. but these parts wear fast and anything can happen. shes all back to new again and a shout out to Goodhuges powder coating. powder held up ammazingly well. Great tips cap. This is a big hobby of mine
Ive got magazine article tech tips like this cut out and put in a folder from mid 90s I keep in safe place with important papers. I still can't resist a roach, happens every time to this day, I get too exited and blow my wad throwing caution, and mental checklist to the wind.
Obtaining basket cases on wheels will make you a better mechanic, if that's what your into, and not so much the riding.
I can relate to that having fell in love and brought some bikes over the years the realy should have been alot cheaper?!
Not all that glitters is gold and knowledge is king to separate fact over emotion !
Buy safe
Ride safe
AND LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL 👍
If your new to motorcycle's or even old in the tooth like me, this type of knowledge in invaluable, a total run over components before contemplating any purchase can and will save you from buying a lemon. Great video.
Thank you!
Wow, the Cagiva behind you, what a rare beast! The mid-eighties Cagivas, before they went white/blue, were the most beautiful-looking bikes. I knew a person with a WMX 125, fun to ride, but utter junk. Please prove me wrong, Ken -- love your videos -- would love to see a Cagiva WMX 500 enduro....
You aren't wrong about the cagiva 125$ everyone I ever saw just wasn't competitive.
1986 wmx500 nothing compared to my cr500 owned both wasn't to impressed with the cagiva.
Their works riders seemed to get decent bikes that held together for some reason...
Great information that you are sharing for those not in the know..
Thank you Mr Kaplan, priceless tutorial🏆
This is pure golden information THANK YOU 🙏🤘🏻♥️
Thanks, Ken! I still consider myself somewhat of a newbie when it comes to buying bikes and this helps out a whole lot! I am going to make a checklist with the info you put out here. I learned a very valuable lesson like you were talking about with the KX500 you bought sight unseen...I bought an 88 YZ250 like that and it was "restored." Like you said, the guy just put lipstick on a pig! Thanks again!!!
Happy Fourth of July weekend to Everyone 🇺🇸 please be very safe 🙏
Bless you
Keep positive
Stay safe
From the UK 👍
@@markmarkie1950 thank you my friend. Be safe over there. Much love 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
That’s awesome, good stuff 👍 thank you 🙏
Amazing information. I’m currently nut and bolting an rm125 2000. Can honestly say I’ve spent about £2500 on parts so far. The lectron billitron carb was £650. I can’t seem to find seat foam for it though. One place in England has sold out 😢would love to come to the states and buy lots of parts to bring back here. Keep up the good work.
Brilliant video Ken don't think iv ever seen one with as much advice about what to look out for. Keep up the good work!!
What my Uncle said good work!!
I really need to pay attention to those things - I get too caught up in what I'm doing, and forget to check the fine points. Worst example of that - I bought a bike for my sister - the shift lever was welded on. At least that bike only cost $350. I got lucky with my latest purchase - an 86 YZ490 for $2000 Canadian - rebuilt motor, the only thing on it that is junk is the plastic side plates, everything else is good.
Great advice and pretty much what I did today when I looked and rode a Honda XR 630 R 1999 model the other thing to look at is brake rotors this one had a mild warp and looked worn on the inside so that will need replacement and many years ago was a problem on my Suzuki GSXR 1100 K and my motto is never buy in haste as you’ll repent at your leisure!!
Keep up the great work and happy 4/7/2021
Was just shoping for a 1990 cr 500,,,,
I am not equiped to deal with all that could go wrong,
great video and warning,
Thank,
This reminds me. I just bought a 2013 used Jeep Wrangler, and I learned something about test driving a used car to buy. I drove it easy and bought it. In a week, it became obvious that the cats are too restrictive with this design, (runs great when it is cold), and heat is wrecking havoc on the electronics, (they had some head cracking problems too, closest one to the cat I bet). So if you ever test drive a used, or even new car today,----beat the hell out of it. If it is sold "as is" from a dealer, beat it even harder. If I buy it, it will probably be the only time I drive it hard. :)
Beat restoration shop in the USA baby
your so very right about the jb weld and engine cases getting holes from chains popping off. Happened to me before. I bought a super nice 96 cr250 and was built up super nice so i didnt give it too serious of a look over other than riding it and checking normal stuff but turned out he jb wleded and sanded it and painted it same color as the case so it was barely barely noticeable unless you gave it a good look. i didnt find out until a year later i crashed on a hill climb an a rock broke some of it off. i was pissed.
Really great video , broke things down like a fraction Proffesor Kap killing it all day everyday. I saw the video in the sand dunes where you first found that peak bike. Shame the guy wasnt honest with you. Seems like a freshly polished turd but I'm sure when you all get done with it it will be the real deal.
I don't ever have to worry about being screwed over, brother, because I only want to do business with Kaplan Cycles! Irregardless, thanks for the useful lesson, since it teaches people how to check their own bike, after it's a few years old. Turd Bikes become money pits. ML&R
God Bless you....I liked when you demo the XL250 and said it's the cure to depression, get your ass off the couch do some push ups and go for a ride...
Super helpful.. thank you! not too many take the time to go over all them details. Nice to know... especially going for one of these older expensive vintage bikes.
Glad it was helpful!
LOL. JB Weld held up on my 76 CR-250M for 15 yrs of hard riding after a thrown chain. I tried to have it welded and the magnesium was not cooperating. The guy said just use JB Weld. I had never heard of it before. So I cleaned it up real well and pieced it all together. I could not believe it lasted all those years until I sold it.The guy did say make sure its real clean of oil and grease
Ken you could do the same type of video for guys that are looking for a new lady friend. Things to look out for as they get older 😂😂😂🇬🇧🇺🇲
If it tastes like chicken keep on lickin, if it tastes like trout get the fuck out! If shes hot and has a good head on her shoulder, let's you hangout with your buds, doesn't get jealous and goes to strip clubs with you and is a good cook then take her to a lab to get studied because she's a unicorn and we need more of those.
😂😂😂😂
these bikes are soo hard to find I don't think you really can get ripped off if you want a original you'll be paying alot.
I'm lucky to have a cr 250 2 stroke
Ur lucky keep it forever..or call me lol
@@Davido50 HAHAHAHA....or me😄
Not comparing Suzuki to Honda but I second this to the fullest I’ll never sell my rm250 my kids will be able to ride her hopefully 🙏🏽
everyone had their brand they like and people will pay whatever if they want it .like you ill never sell my honda odyssey, honda 250 r trike or my other trikes .enjoy that bike .
Amazing check list.. And you Mentioned JoJo Keller!.. I use to watch him 81-86 at Waterbrough Scrabbles in Maine!
I thought I saw a 72 Honda SL350 on a lift back there. I love them CL, XL and Sl 350's. Always enjoy your videos.
22:40 Oh,....They KNOW,....they know,....they all know. Thats why they are selling them...
There might be one guy out there that does not know,...but that means he does not know even more.
GREAT video chocked full of essential tips and hard earned findings, as many have or will learn.
Thanks Kaplan America,....hope you all had a great 4th
perfect in dept vid, planning on picking up a dirt bike and start learning how to ride. this is very helpful
Best video I have ever seen. Thank you Kaplan!!!!!!!!!!!
Thankyou , love this channel and u guys !
Happy 4th Ken& family! God Bless
Wow now i be able to buy a 500 on my own. thanks for sharing your knowlegde. You are a legend. greetings from Germany :) Someday i will visit u, for sure !
Wow that was so informative. Love your channel. You guys are killing it. Keep it up
Happy 4th brother keep up the great work.🇺🇸🎇🎆
Love this channel I'm 47 I had a malaguti 50 at 9.then had a 84 honda cr80 at 12.then honda cr125 91 Honda's rule...
Also another good thing to keep in mind with older liquid cooled bikes the older green antifreeze was very caustic to the magnesium covers so before you ever purchase an older '80s water cooled bike take the water pump cover off and inspect
Great video, but the way you learn each thing he’s saying is by personal experience- eg, you’ll learn to check dates on tires only after you crash and break your femur from an old tire splitting on you at 80mph - and not once but it takes maybe three such accidents.. Then you learn how to read the date codes on a tire. Same for each little item on the checklist. Gotta break at least one bone to learn anything- at least it does for me😊
Great info but I could not take my eyes off of the Elsinore!
Tip for crank seals: make a carefully drilled hole in the crank seal (careful not to hit the bearings) and run a screw into it. Grab the screw with a slide hammer and pop goes the seal.
You can make a slide hammer with a piece of 3/8" all-thread (should thread into a pair of vice grips), a pair of vice grips, a heavy socket and some washers with a nut.
This is a good helpful video
By far the best bike buying video anywhere that I've seen.
Very very good video we all tend to look passed all this stuff in excitement
In other words buy all your bikes from Kaplan Cycles 👌.
This video started after watching a2002. CR 125 from your guys. And I continued watching just cause . Well frankly im from the east coast , ( north western jersey, excellent riding area, pending your willing to drop a gear and twist that throttle when you see the ok red and blue lights start flashing)
And being from the east coast and ya send a good east coast vibe my way and remind me of many friends and family I have scattered from Njersey Boston and the My green mountain boys in the northeast kingdom of Vt. Where ya learn to ride to skidoo before learning to even drive, ya gotta get to school one way or another with that much snow. Anyhow I thoroughly enjoy every video. And believe me I drive that eastern corridor whenever I’m back east visiting the family. I might jya might see me pass throug one day, or potentially buy one of the more classic 90’s 2 strokes, maybe not a cr500 as I’m not sure my 510 166 build would be ideal. But ya never know.Then again I wouldn’t of expected my 12 year old girl cousin take me for a ride on a 1200 arctic cat either whippin me around the fields goin wicked fast like 79-80kog like it’s nothings
Keep ‘em comin.. and keep giving those bikes a new life, which couldn’t come
At a better time.
Getting ripped off comes down to two factors not asking enough questions and not looking over the bike hard enough if the person's in her hurry or doesn't want you checking out little things on the bike don't buy it
Keep up the great content!!! This information is gold!!! Happy 4th of July Guys!!!
Thank you! Will do!
This is why I called Jr. and got put on your CR500 list. I want a Kaplan approved 500 👍🏻 great video.
Good choice!
I think the seller needs to beware. Here in northern NY people sell "clap master 250's" for 5-8k. "I know what I got no low baller or tire kickers, fkn mint👌" meanwhile every bearing and bushing is blown out, plastic cracked seat ripped and you can roll it over with a finger!!
Listen to this man. No BS here!
Good job SR! quality video putting out a lot of good info. Hey if u need video of a stuck throttle tube i can fire up the whiskey rocket for ya. Have a good week fellas
Mad video thanks ken, hey if you ever get your hands on a blown up cagiva mito stick a CR 500 engine in one , instant 500cc GP bike maybe in some “John kocinski “ livery . Hectic
Oh boy!!! I googled it and just what I need a new obsession! Where can I get one??
Bought a cr500 01 last week didn't start it didn't ride it !! Was fresh as though!!
Problem with filling in the frame rails is these are a chromolly alloy and putting the heat of fillet welds would weaken the frame.
FYI Don used Klotz oil. It does what it's named after. It Klotz...
Happy 4th of July Captain to you and your family and staff. Thankyou
I had no idea Joe dirt and wolverine had the same father! Lmao just playin. Thanks for a good vid. I'm new to bikes and looking to learn later this summer. Great tips!
In other words, EXPECT TO HAVE to FIX many things when buying a Vintage Bike. I collect Vintage bikes and some were ridden hard, some not. Some bikes I have collected are so rare, I do not care of the condition.... I just wanted the bike. Dirt bikes are all abused, unless they were never ridden. Good info though if you are about to race, this video is useful for your overall checking points. Keep in mind, let's be real , no seller is going to let you take the stator off or waterpump cover off to check the area before you buy a bike, Most people would say flat out... "You outta here" .....NEXT .....so expect many different repairs in buying classic bikes.......or just buy a new one !
We do ALL of the things I mentioned here and more that I forgot to mention on EVERY bike I put my name on for resale. Many times we have to rely on sellers integrity because I can't inspect every one. VERY RARELY DOES A BIKE EXCEED MY EXPECTATIONS OR SELLERS DESCRIPTION. and many times they do not disclose major flaws. Like the blown transmission on the $10,000.00 peak cr500
I really dident think you knew this much about the mechanical side of bikes !!!!! 🏍
All shot from the hip, no script, zero edits. I live and breath this stuff.
You need to watch more of this man's videos. His hands are literally in all aspects of the process, buying, building, selling motorcycles. AND everything else in between. I'm still dumbfounded where he finds enough hours in the day to accomplish what he does. Hopefully Jr is paying close attention, learning everything his dad knows for future generations to enjoy. These guys are a dying breed,someone freeze this guys chromosomes for future cloning!!!😄😄😄
When you race these bikes you will know these things. Year and years of taking them apart, making them better, and reassembly. You are probably looking at the current CR500 Kings of Service here = no one rebuilds more. Probably Kings of most 2-strokes.
24x7 365 is the key. Sleep 2 hours wake up and continue
Man, nice job! Wish I’d seen all this 25 years ago.
Awesome I wish your shop was near me I’d ask for a job love the old bikes etc
Super tech advice ,cause used bikes & Atvs can look ok but be huge expensive yard art 🖼 if sellers not true ,i use to yard tinker on bikes and learned the hard way just luckilly i parted them out for even or profit ,
My 1st 500 was a super clean 97, looked like it just came out of the crate. Picked it up for 2k, 2 years later I found my 01 Service Honda for 3,250.
I sold my 86 for 300 in 88. It's worth a little more now lmao
I have a feeling SR dreams of frame rails LOL. Just joshing you Ken. Good stuff.
I definitely dream about motorcycles
Outstanding in his field..great
Thanks for the great informational video great explanation of everything on the bike you definitely know your shit. Keep up the great videos and the great content like always. You guys are amazing!
Great video very educational 👍👊🙏👌
I can’t wait to get my first bike.
Thanks Kenny…..honest as always
Man, great video.
Thanks for your time and knowledge.
Amazing video ken