Awesome day a the shop with some cool guys trying to help me out without getting me stuck for weeks in Portugal, but after leaving the shop THIS happens…😫
you don't have to worry about the chain tentioner . always makes noise when the engine is hot when they are worn out. is the spring that is lame and loses its capacity at high engine temperature. or take oil 20W50 is better we its hot engine ,and thicker when she's hot
Neil. While I agree with you there are just times the dealer doesn't have knowledge and service manuals for such an old bike. It has has many time at the Honda dealer I worked at were no one there worked on that model and the books have been thrown out. Not to mention the lack of part ability. My dealer not was not allowed to sell and install after market parts. If we couldn't get the Honda part we couldn't fix/work on it. Being over 20 years old parts are hard to find.
Dealers exist to sell bikes and do the service intervals to the point that the bike is still under warranty. Beyond that you need a real mechanic. So stay clear of dealerships when you have an older bike.
I saw it happen with a Toyota truck, here in South America, I don't remember the country. They simply ignored the couple and didn't even consider it a help, even though they were in transit and in difficulty far from home.
I agree Neil, furthermore Honda is know also for its infinite service parts availabilities. When you find official dealers like this is really annoying. Happened a similar stuff with my VTR SP1. I would write to Honda customer service, their bikes are amazing and service must be at same level. About manuals and so on is not an issue, Honda digitalized everything, a dealer has access to repair manuals of bikes like NR or RC30 now with interactive capabilities. They were lazy.
Dude, you've went on some shop, which is located or lost in the middle of Alentejo, probably the most unpopulated region of Portugal, of course there are logistics problem for parts in this kind of region. But you are less than 2 hours from Lisbon or Faro, Both great population centers, go there, certainly you can find all kind of parts on honda dealers or even at smaller shops too, on both cities, where they can fix the bike at the same day, for sure. I'm Portuguese and i'm following your journey. Don´t end up your journey sooner for that reason, for just 2 hours of travel. keep it going
Alright, yeah I didn’t really want to go back, I mean, my schedule is loose but I have to also be going back home at some point and work again 😅 anyways, my friends at the shop told me I’m gonna be fine until Berlin 💪🏼 we’ll find out 😬 it’s a loooong way home
@@MarcTravels I would also vote to try Lisbon or Faro, they are much closer than Berlin...its just 2h extra, so better be safe than sorry and break down along the way to Berlin :P or just give a call to some Honda repair shops
@@agnidominik4693 You are right there. I mean, in his shoes, I'd go to one of the main population centers and have the lot done there by a professional than pay ridiculous German prices. I've done this on a number of occasions myself.
At 6.27 you can see the tensioner. It's the cylindrical object to the left of the chain. The spring probably needs to be replaced. It's a $5 part. It's an easy job. I'm suprised those guys didnt take it out to look at it. just order one yourself and have it delivered to Lisbon. Take it to a shop and have them fit it. Tour around while you wait. If it hasn't jumped a tooth yet it probably won't. Just stay easy on the throttle and chances are you'll be fine. No reason to drive half way across the continent for an easy fix.
@@fmtnic good advice. I drive Honda bikes for 30 years. Cam chain tensioner probably the issue and easy and cheap to replace. 2 small bolts. But be carefull, follow the instructions. It is spring activated. Good luck!
As it turned out, you’ll have a fender of fame. Very nice, it reminds me of the scars from fencing duels, or battles. It gives a certain patina. I like how you take bad situations lightly and solve them without much drama and pomp. There is a little grinding with the teeth, but this is normal. A true adventurer! Bravo!!!!!
hey Marc its Troy, I am so happy you found a mechanic to help inspect things for you, and I feel you your pains with the Engine Knock, was ecxactly what i went through with my XR650... Noise would be there at the worst of times and then go away at random times too. I really hope it make the next stretch of the journey back so you can get it fixed up right!!! Fingers Crossed its just the chain and not a full head like my650! good luck and keep up the good work!
Great following your adventures. Among the many bikes I've owned (practically all Hondas) the NX650 was the first one I'd get back if I could. What a great little machine. Just a shame they didn't come to NZ in any numbers as they're tailor made for our conditions here. It's great to hear the sound of yours, it brings back many happy memories. Good luck with your travels.
Wow !!! I am just amazed that with all the stress and worry you have had (at the moment) from the Honda, you can still find time to video it all - let alone record it, you clearly have to stage camera locations and repeat things and then - at some time edit it all. This really impresses me - I'd have been in a bar talking to my 6th bottle of beer.... A real credit to you - 10/10 from me.
Thanks Chris, appreciate the kind words🤗 it’s still hard for me to do this especially with people around, but it becomes more and more natural. It’s the easiest when I’m by myself on the motorcycle 😏 Motivates me a lot that so many people like the videos. Thanks for watching, cheers Marc 🤙🏼🍻
Absolutely right Dave, just to not know sucks. I felt better after that day even tho the problem was solved, they told me I can make it and that helps 🤗 cheers 🤙🏼
Hey Marc 👋 lovely videos ! I own an NX 650 had a same problem few years ago, I rode it like that for 1.5 year ... Don't be afraid of cam chain rattle noise, you can easly make it to Berlin . I guess it is a spring on cam chain tensioner that has worn out and lost it's elasticity from all those years of heating and cooling plus your cam chain is also a bit worn . Chain guides will probably also worn . Don't push it to hard feel the engine and you'll be fine . Check oil frequently 😁 Good luck !
now thats a first for me. first time seeing your videos, i was enjoying seeing if someone could fix the Honda. suddently i see a school friend of mine, not see him for years. He is the young mechanic. He is from Torres Novas and living in Evora?? good to see him. Not everyday, thanks for the vids, i will be a new subscribed . ;)
Hi Mark. Great to see your subscriber number shooting up! I think you can be pretty confident that your bike will get you back to Berlin safely. There is clearly nothing wrong with the engine itself, just the chain/tensioner which even when on their last legs are fairly indestructible. On a lighter note, do you name your bikes? I've always, always given my bikes names and often talk to them. I apologize to them if I get them too wet or muddy and I thank them for keeping me safe. I also swear at them when they break! My current bikes are a 2000 red BMW F650GS (Rosie) and a 2019 green Kawa Versys 650 (Kermit)! Stay safe, mate!
hi marc from perth scotland. the cam chain tensioner is a common failure on these. it uses a sprag clutch (one way rotation only) it must be slipping back. there's one on ebay in COIMBRA IN, portugal, used for 50 euros. or they're about 90 euros from germany new. your cam chain doesn't look too worn. (ie it's sitting nicely on the sprocket, and the dot on top of the tensioner isn't too far to the left) it's just the cam cover that needs to come off again. (they could have fitted one so easy) it's that thing to the left of the chain. i wouldn't ride it too far as there will be alloy swarf being generated, and i know the XL250's can rub all the way through the cylinder barrel. look for an old school mechanic (like myself 😃) even around the car garages. good luck. mark.
Just carry on your journey Marc , and keep searching for another Honda dealer , although that noise sounds bad I think it's unlikely the engine will fail , as the noise is intermittent ATM , good luck mate , all bikers are watching you , your doing great 👍
Hello Marc i have one dominator in 1989 and in a back trip from spain i have the same failure , when engine cold sound good when temperature go high and after some km the loud comes as a tic toc ....at the end was the valves seat when engine hot dilatate and they are free to moves and knock on the valve i change all four seat valves with outside diameter a bit higher respect original after milled the seat and milled the angle of the valves , all comes new , these is my opinion i hope you are more lucky respect me , good trip
That’s excellent Marc! Top shop, top guys. Easily outclassed the big dogs. Hopefully adventurous but smooth sailing for you in the future. Keep on rollin man!
Hi Marc, I’m learning a lot about my own Dommie through your experience and the great responses below!! How I wish I had that same knowledge sometimes……! Great learning for your future travels 👌👍
Another great episode Marc! Really wished the problem would've been solved but nvm, at least the engine got a freshening up! If i remember correctly the frequent coming up of this issue started when you started the ACT and before that it didnt happen frequently right? So probably maybe not a good idea to join the ACT back, but you know better so im sure youll take the right decision, anyway good luck for what next, and have to say the people at that garage were damn cool and nice and genuine! It was amazing to see their efforts!
I hope that you've back to Berlin without any problems. However I am still disappointed that in one of your last episodes the Honda dealer told you that everything is ok. I have an allergy for the places where they don't want to help and they try to convince anyone that everything is okay even if it's not. Thumb up as always :)
oh NO the cursed clanking noise! Those guys still did an incredible job though. Hoping for the best for you, can't wait to see more regardless of your decision!
I once had a similar sound come & go on my 81? XL500. It ended up being part of the bottom of the cylinder sleeve cracked and fell off into the engine. the noise was it rattling around. It did it mostly off road because I think the motion of the engine bounced the chunk of metal off the bottom high enough to get pulled up and rattle around more. Found it after pulling the motor out, removing head/sleeve, chunk gone at bottom. It ran normal. Needed to shake the motor until the chunk came out. cleaned the cases with kerosene, re-sleeved, reassembled, ran great for many miles until the bike was sold. Just sharing my experience.. May or may not be similar to your issue. Hoping for the best.. What a hassle. Especially when I swear by this simple yet rugged motor design.. The 2 downsides to that motor for me are only 5 speeds, and they run hot in summer. The heat coming off the thing can be brutal on the legs. Other than that, love the way they run. A little suckie on fuel also.
I'm new to your channel, and I don't know what other people told you about your engine problem, but I've heard many times that camchaintensioners are a weak point of older Honda's. I myself had a VTR1000F and for those bikes it's a common problem. That it rattles doesn't say it breaks, but ofcourse it's better to replace it when possible. I would travel on and see how it goes.... so good luck!
Remember had mentioned about the tensioner, the xr/xl600/650 have always had this issue, I recommend installing a manual tensioner and work in hand with the auto one, if i were you would have to fix that issue before you return to Berlin or you'll nuke the piston and the valves. Watching from Kenya
we feel you bro. it's not a good feeling to have that unusual sound in the motor that just appear suddenly. brings uneasiness and too much worry that something might break. hope you get the fix asap along your way. ride safe!
In my opinion it can be automatic decompressor problem..sometimes it makes this sound and its common problem in this engines. Its not dangerous for engine, but making nervous and neds to be fixed. In my opinion you will safely back home. Good luck!!
You should be fine . people often run their bikes like that for along time .. as long as you don't rev it hard you won't make the chain skip .. good luck
Having owned an NX650 ....and a number of XR's, I'm a little skeptical about the cam chain tensioner because the noise in so intermittent. Problem I had was the valve seat came out of the cylinder head. It would go back in and be quiet, then come out again and make a noise. This is fairly common on those air cooled Honda's due to the confidence and expansion difference between aluminium head and hard valve seats..... if it is this, you must resolve the problem because it will eventually fail catastrophically. All the best!
....and when it is making that noise, put the sharp end of a screw driver to engine and other end to your ear like a stethoscope, try isolate where the nose is coming from.
Marc, at 6:25 you can see the cam tensioner sitting behind the chain, that little hole on top should not be behind vertical,it shows you that the chain and tensioner are worn, I would continue to berlin if I were you, you have fresh oil and valve check done so keep on going without overloading your engine and you will be fine!
I am beginning to love your bike adventure. Really wish I will be able to have your courage and experience my lifetime wish. Meantime will just continue to enjoy your experiences and let’s hope….one day….☺️❤
Hello Marc! just keep going... and relax! in 2017 I went from Portugal to Mongolia on a solo motorcycle adventure! with My XT600E from 1995! and when i was passing Germany the engine started to making noise like yours... I asked some motorcycle repair shops and no one could help me find the problem quickly , so.. I kept riding to Mongolia.. I stayed a few days and returned to Portugal. I've done over 30,000 kilometers and still counting. Just have fun! I live in Alentejo.. more precisely " Vila Nova de Santo André, near Sines, a fabulous city! with a beautiful coastline! if you have time, please visit! :P If you need any help with anything in portugal, I'm happy to help! just contact me with no worrys! Enjoy the ride!
Thanks Andre, that’s super reassuring 🤗 thanks for the tips and if I‘m back in Portugal I’ll let you. I‘m leaving Portugal in today’s episode…see you later mate 🤗🤙🏼
Marc go for the ACT on your way up its really beautiful and most importantly you dont know when you will be back. You are here, enjoy it?! It's a Japanese bike it will not break just dont rev it too much and you will make it. And if it breaks well you will buy a new bike. Its a good problem to have. New bikes for long trip like you do have their advantage.
Just seen this; the Honda Dominator issues that I've seen are usually cam-chain tensioner issues. They get intermittently sticky. You can either change them (recommended) or hope that the nice new oil and friction reducer gets into the oil and unsticks it.
Hola Marc from Barcelona. Same bike than you '91.suggestion: probably you can buy the tensioner and send It to hotel ir post Office at 3 or 4 Days travel. You pick Up go to a workshop and repair It.....👍👍👍👍👍👍👍good luck🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪
Hi Marc, what a disappointment! I’m afraid that, if I were you, I couldn’t go back to the trail. I need that feeling of confidence in my head that all is well. So I think the journey back to Berlin in now you’re next step. Anyway, chin up and keep us informed please. Best of luck 🤞
Really, this problem has to be solved. I recommend that you take the opportunity and replace all the gaskets, bearings, seals and take care of all the small internal details as this will save you future problems for sure, my friend. Thank you, Google Translator! Good luck, my friend!
Hi Marc. If you want to try, you can drive to Beja and go to Motorxpro. It's great people and they will help you for sure. Not all Honda dealers are like that here in Portugal, I'm sorry... If you need, I can put you in touch with some friends that will help you keep busy while you're bike gets fixed! (But so can Paulo from Motorxpro!) Parts for motorcycles in Portugal don't take that long to arrive, even if Honda doesn't have stock it will take a day, not 4 or more, I have 2 Honda's, I know! :)
Hi, I had the same problem with the sound of the engine and knocking on my Honda nx 650. The head and saddle of the centille were cracked. I replaced the engine head with valves and now the sound of the engine is great. I hope my advice will help you. Happy journey Michal
You have a dropped/loose valve seat if you didn’t find out already. Same thing happened to my NX650. Requires top end rebuild or at bare minimum a new valve and valve seat on the burnt valve.
Marc i think it is worth finding the shortest way to Berlin. perhaps by ferries from Portugal. The driving distance is around 2500 km and it is a respectable driving distance that could, cause significant damage to the engine at a very high financial cost. You may want to consider this option Marc.
Hallo Marc, ich würde an deiner Stelle direkt nach Berlin fahren, und nicht mehr .....mehrere Tage dort verbringen! Lasse die Reparation zu Hause durchführen, dort kannst du nach Hause fahren von der Werkstatt....und auf dein Motorrad warten, dass ist eine viel bessere Situation für dich!!!! Hoffe das beste für dich.😊👍 VG Michael
Puh, tonight you would have needed Maree. The only good thing about your problems is that they increase the interest in your travel. Will he make it back to Berlin or stay in Portugal for the rest of his life drinking Vino Verde longing for Maree.
Ho what a shame marc just have faith in the bike mate you will be surprised how long it will run just nurse it marc you will be okay till the next one stay safe 👍 mick England. 👍
Hahaha 🤣 surely not, man it doesn’t get picked up well from the mic but it sounds horrible in real life and sooo loud, you think the engine falls apart any minute 😅
Head for home, get the tensioner (and chain) replaced as you are on borrowed time. Ask to see the old tensioner (guide & tensioner) plus chain when the job is done in Berlin. Change the oil & filter after, as the tensioner\ guide will deposit bits as it falls apart.
I had a Honda CX500, back in the 80's.cam chain tensioner was always breaking & causing the cam chain to go slack, distroying the engine. Luckily, I had a mate that had a motorcycle breakers yard. He sold me engines out of smashed up cx's. I could change the engines in 2 hrs. This included putting a new cam chain tensioner & guides. 🇬🇧😁
Hallo Marc, das temporäre Tickern könnte letztendlich auch von einem Riss im Zylinderkopf zwischen Zündkerzenbohrung und Ventilsitzring kommen. Bei heißem Motor sitzt der Ventilsitzring nicht mehr fest und kann rausrutschen, das Ventilspiel wird dann zu groß und der Motor tickert. Wenn der Ventilsitzring wieder zurückrutscht passt das Ventilspiel wieder. Also mal den Zylinderkopf runter nehmen und nach einem Riss suchen. Ist leider ein bekanntes Fehlerbild bei diesem Motor. Wenn das so sein sollte benötigst du einen neuen oder gebrauchten Kopf oder ein Motorenbauer überholt den Kopf. Gruß Franz
Ah, adventure... Perhaps try to book ahead with a garayat the next big city where they'll probably have easier access to parts? But I'm sure you've solved the problem already in the next video 😉
Hi Marc.. have you ever been in greece? if you ever plan on traveling around greece have in mind that if you need a part that is not available and needs to be ordered you might have to wait for several weeks... hope to see you some day on the road.. ride safe..
This unfamiliar sound could really be a let-down. But if you cannot fix it until Berlin, keep going and show us the sight. And if you keep in mind that something untoward may happen until you reach Berlin, it won't happen. Morphy's Law in reverse is as good as it is in original direction. And show us the sights you as have been showing us. Good Luck!
![[Gegagedigedagedago] NEW Help Gegagedigedagedago Nugget escape from Nikocado Avocado Challenge](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hJWnwRC2Fz8/mqdefault.jpg)
Awesome day a the shop with some cool guys trying to help me out without getting me stuck for weeks in Portugal, but after leaving the shop THIS happens…😫
Excellent my friend greetings happy life Live 👈💯💯💯
I love HONDA 🥰🥰
@@gustavoarielalassia cheers 🤙🏼
you don't have to worry about the chain tentioner . always makes noise when the engine is hot when they are worn out. is the spring that is lame and loses its capacity at high engine temperature. or take oil 20W50 is better we its hot engine ,and thicker when she's hot
try to contact wim de cramer . he will help you for sure . is a belgian mechanic who now has an enduro school in portugal .
@@laroexmod1106 alright thanks
It’s saying something when you get more help from a non Honda garage than a main dealer. Great lads.
Awesome dudes💪🏼 thanks for watching Neil 🤙🏼
Neil. While I agree with you there are just times the dealer doesn't have knowledge and service manuals for such an old bike. It has has many time at the Honda dealer I worked at were no one there worked on that model and the books have been thrown out. Not to mention the lack of part ability. My dealer not was not allowed to sell and install after market parts. If we couldn't get the Honda part we couldn't fix/work on it. Being over 20 years old parts are hard to find.
Dealers exist to sell bikes and do the service intervals to the point that the bike is still under warranty. Beyond that you need a real mechanic. So stay clear of dealerships when you have an older bike.
I saw it happen with a Toyota truck, here in South America, I don't remember the country. They simply ignored the couple and didn't even consider it a help, even though they were in transit and in difficulty far from home.
I agree Neil, furthermore Honda is know also for its infinite service parts availabilities. When you find official dealers like this is really annoying. Happened a similar stuff with my VTR SP1. I would write to Honda customer service, their bikes are amazing and service must be at same level.
About manuals and so on is not an issue, Honda digitalized everything, a dealer has access to repair manuals of bikes like NR or RC30 now with interactive capabilities. They were lazy.
Dude, you've went on some shop, which is located or lost in the middle of Alentejo, probably the most unpopulated region of Portugal, of course there are logistics problem for parts in this kind of region. But you are less than 2 hours from Lisbon or Faro, Both great population centers, go there, certainly you can find all kind of parts on honda dealers or even at smaller shops too, on both cities, where they can fix the bike at the same day, for sure. I'm Portuguese and i'm following your journey. Don´t end up your journey sooner for that reason, for just 2 hours of travel. keep it going
Alright, yeah I didn’t really want to go back, I mean, my schedule is loose but I have to also be going back home at some point and work again 😅 anyways, my friends at the shop told me I’m gonna be fine until Berlin 💪🏼 we’ll find out 😬 it’s a loooong way home
@@MarcTravels I would also vote to try Lisbon or Faro, they are much closer than Berlin...its just 2h extra, so better be safe than sorry and break down along the way to Berlin :P or just give a call to some Honda repair shops
@@agnidominik4693 You are right there. I mean, in his shoes, I'd go to one of the main population centers and have the lot done there by a professional than pay ridiculous German prices. I've done this on a number of occasions myself.
At 6.27 you can see the tensioner. It's the cylindrical object to the left of the chain. The spring probably needs to be replaced. It's a $5 part. It's an easy job. I'm suprised those guys didnt take it out to look at it. just order one yourself and have it delivered to Lisbon. Take it to a shop and have them fit it. Tour around while you wait. If it hasn't jumped a tooth yet it probably won't. Just stay easy on the throttle and chances are you'll be fine. No reason to drive half way across the continent for an easy fix.
@@fmtnic good advice. I drive Honda bikes for 30 years. Cam chain tensioner probably the issue and easy and cheap to replace. 2 small bolts. But be carefull, follow the instructions. It is spring activated. Good luck!
This s why I love the human race, ppl like them in Portugal are so kind and very descent to deal on matters. Love their spirit.
Yes they were awesome 🤗🤙🏼
"What's this? Why can I not go here? I'll just do it.." 😆 Love your style!
Thanks for watching mate 🤗🤙🏼
As it turned out, you’ll have a fender of fame. Very nice, it reminds me of the scars from fencing duels, or battles. It gives a certain patina. I like how you take bad situations lightly and solve them without much drama and pomp. There is a little grinding with the teeth, but this is normal. A true adventurer!
Bravo!!!!!
Thanks for watching mate 🤙🏼
Thanks for keeping us company 😊
Thanks for watching 🤙🏼
hey Marc its Troy, I am so happy you found a mechanic to help inspect things for you, and I feel you your pains with the Engine Knock, was ecxactly what i went through with my XR650... Noise would be there at the worst of times and then go away at random times too. I really hope it make the next stretch of the journey back so you can get it fixed up right!!! Fingers Crossed its just the chain and not a full head like my650! good luck and keep up the good work!
Thanks man, fingers crossed 🤞🏼🤗
smashing lads. Love how bikers help each other out, I enjoy being a part of that too
Yes that was a great day 🙌🏼
I have another Honda Dominator. I like so much your video. Thank you for all emotions and experiences.
Glad you enjoy it!
Great following your adventures. Among the many bikes I've owned (practically all Hondas) the NX650 was the first one I'd get back if I could. What a great little machine. Just a shame they didn't come to NZ in any numbers as they're tailor made for our conditions here. It's great to hear the sound of yours, it brings back many happy memories. Good luck with your travels.
Thanks for watching mate, let’s see, maybe this one will make it to New Zealand one day 😉🙌🏻 cheers 🤙🏼
Hey Marc, so frustrating… hope you get it sorted out soon.. greetings from Scotland 🏴
It’s gonna be fine for sure 💪🏼 thanks mate 🤙🏼
Wow !!! I am just amazed that with all the stress and worry you have had (at the moment) from the Honda, you can still find time to video it all - let alone record it, you clearly have to stage camera locations and repeat things and then - at some time edit it all.
This really impresses me - I'd have been in a bar talking to my 6th bottle of beer....
A real credit to you - 10/10 from me.
Thanks Chris, appreciate the kind words🤗 it’s still hard for me to do this especially with people around, but it becomes more and more natural. It’s the easiest when I’m by myself on the motorcycle 😏 Motivates me a lot that so many people like the videos. Thanks for watching, cheers Marc 🤙🏼🍻
The uncertainty is the gut wrenching worry. But just enjoy the ride heading home and get her fixed up. Ride On👍
Absolutely right Dave, just to not know sucks. I felt better after that day even tho the problem was solved, they told me I can make it and that helps 🤗 cheers 🤙🏼
Hey Marc 👋 lovely videos !
I own an NX 650 had a same problem few years ago, I rode it like that for 1.5 year ...
Don't be afraid of cam chain rattle noise, you can easly make it to Berlin .
I guess it is a spring on cam chain tensioner that has worn out and lost it's elasticity from all those years of heating and cooling plus your cam chain is also a bit worn . Chain guides will probably also worn .
Don't push it to hard feel the engine and you'll be fine .
Check oil frequently 😁
Good luck !
Alright mate, will do 🤗 thanks 🤙🏼
I am here learning from the comments. What a lot of information! Thanks
Yeah same here , so cool 👍🏼
Only starting watching from episode 18, but these are awesome. It makes me want to ride anywhere & everywhere on my bikes.. Subscribed man 👌🏼
Awesome 🤩 glad I can inspire you with the videos 🙌🏼 cheers mate
Really enjoying your content brother 💖💖
music, edit, your accent everything right on the point man!!!!💜💛
Love from Bangladesh BD.
Thanks man🤗
Superb episode Mark. Cracking guys you found to work on the bike in Porta, shame on Honda garage, they should have helped you… keeping going!
Thanks Gary, will do 🤗🤙🏼
Hi Marc, nice videos! Subbed immediately and a big CIAO from Italy!
Thanks so much! Welcome to the channel my friend 🤙🏼
Try to stay on the tarmac Marc. And the best of luck to you!!!! We’re wishing you well and riding along with you.Australia is watching 💪👍
Thank you David 🤗
Great guys on That shop !!! They made everything they can to Help you.
Yeah💪🏼 great day and super nice people 🤗
Well at least you got the valves checked, it's always good to do !
Yes 🤗
now thats a first for me. first time seeing your videos, i was enjoying seeing if someone could fix the Honda.
suddently i see a school friend of mine, not see him for years.
He is the young mechanic.
He is from Torres Novas and living in Evora??
good to see him.
Not everyday, thanks for the vids, i will be a new subscribed . ;)
Wow what a cool coincidence 🤗 you should stop by and say hallo👋🏼 thank you for watching and welcome to the channle mate 🤙🏼
Hi Mark. Great to see your subscriber number shooting up! I think you can be pretty confident that your bike will get you back to Berlin safely. There is clearly nothing wrong with the engine itself, just the chain/tensioner which even when on their last legs are fairly indestructible. On a lighter note, do you name your bikes? I've always, always given my bikes names and often talk to them. I apologize to them if I get them too wet or muddy and I thank them for keeping me safe. I also swear at them when they break! My current bikes are a 2000 red BMW F650GS (Rosie) and a 2019 green Kawa Versys 650 (Kermit)! Stay safe, mate!
Yeah I just call her Honda but I do talk to her a lot as well😬 thanks for watching mate 🤙🏼
Exactly my opinion, the Chain is sometimes flapping around.
hi marc from perth scotland. the cam chain tensioner is a common failure on these. it uses a sprag clutch (one way rotation only) it must be slipping back. there's one on ebay in COIMBRA IN, portugal, used for 50 euros. or they're about 90 euros from germany new. your cam chain doesn't look too worn. (ie it's sitting nicely on the sprocket, and the dot on top of the tensioner isn't too far to the left) it's just the cam cover that needs to come off again. (they could have fitted one so easy) it's that thing to the left of the chain. i wouldn't ride it too far as there will be alloy swarf being generated, and i know the XL250's can rub all the way through the cylinder barrel. look for an old school mechanic (like myself 😃) even around the car garages. good luck. mark.
Okay thanks Mark, appreciate it🤗🤙🏼
Just carry on your journey Marc , and keep searching for another Honda dealer , although that noise sounds bad I think it's unlikely the engine will fail , as the noise is intermittent ATM , good luck mate , all bikers are watching you , your doing great 👍
Thanks David 🤙🏼
Hello Marc i have one dominator in 1989 and in a back trip from spain i have the same failure , when engine cold sound good when temperature go high and after some km the loud comes as a tic toc ....at the end was the valves seat when engine hot dilatate and they are free to moves and knock on the valve i change all four seat valves with outside diameter a bit higher respect original after milled the seat and milled the angle of the valves , all comes new , these is my opinion i hope you are more lucky respect me , good trip
Alright thanks so much for letting me know. Have a great day, cheers Marc 🤙🏼
That’s excellent Marc! Top shop, top guys. Easily outclassed the big dogs. Hopefully adventurous but smooth sailing for you in the future. Keep on rollin man!
Thanks man will do💪🏼 new video coming today 🤙🏼
Cheer up fella the bike will still get you where you need to go ,it will be fixed in the end i,m sure😁
Alright, thanks Scott 🤗
What will be next? This one was just a partial solution. I am already ready for the next one. Keep up man.
We’ll find out soon😬 cheers, Mate🤙🏼
@@MarcTravels Sure. 😀
Elvas was the first Portuguese town I rode into on my first Portuguese trip in 1983 aboard my XT500. Just ignore that rattle until Berlin, Marc.
Okay will have to try, it’s super loud tho 😅 thanks for watching mate 🤙🏼
What a cool video and the people in garage were Awesome
Yes, great guys 🤗🤙🏼
Hi Marc, I’m learning a lot about my own Dommie through your experience and the great responses below!! How I wish I had that same knowledge sometimes……! Great learning for your future travels 👌👍
Yes learning so much always on the trips and from the comments 🤗🤙🏼
Hi Marc, please drive safe man, best for you and the honda!!!
Thanks my friend 🤙🏼
You could tell these guys are real mechanics be a lot better going there then that dealership where they are normally just parts fitters
Yes they really do love working on bikes and engines 🤗🤙🏼
this guy is hero, good soul find
Yes very nice guys 🤙🏼
Another great episode Marc! Really wished the problem would've been solved but nvm, at least the engine got a freshening up! If i remember correctly the frequent coming up of this issue started when you started the ACT and before that it didnt happen frequently right? So probably maybe not a good idea to join the ACT back, but you know better so im sure youll take the right decision, anyway good luck for what next, and have to say the people at that garage were damn cool and nice and genuine! It was amazing to see their efforts!
Yes absolutely, I had a blast and learned a lot again. Yes next episode I’ll decide what to do. Thanks for watching mate 🤙🏼
I hope that you've back to Berlin without any problems. However I am still disappointed that in one of your last episodes the Honda dealer told you that everything is ok. I have an allergy for the places where they don't want to help and they try to convince anyone that everything is okay even if it's not.
Thumb up as always :)
Thanks mate 🤗🤙🏼
This happens a lot man. Have to agree. Have also a motorcycle content. Can check. :)
oh NO the cursed clanking noise! Those guys still did an incredible job though. Hoping for the best for you, can't wait to see more regardless of your decision!
Yes they were awesome dudes!! Gonna be alright for sure💪🏼 thanks for watching 🤙🏼
Sounds a lot better. and there it goes.
Let’s do this 🤙🏼
That's a bummer. I was thinking it was the thrust bushing🤔 but I guess we will see in Berlin. take care and be safe.😁👍
Let’s see, we’ll get it sorted for sure. Cheers mate 🤙🏼
Great mens... Not just Mecanics. Human beings helping each other ! Please, meet some other of that Human being.. :)
Yeah they were awesome 🤩 cheers 🤙🏼
I once had a similar sound come & go on my 81? XL500. It ended up being part of the bottom of the cylinder sleeve cracked and fell off into the engine. the noise was it rattling around. It did it mostly off road because I think the motion of the engine bounced the chunk of metal off the bottom high enough to get pulled up and rattle around more. Found it after pulling the motor out, removing head/sleeve, chunk gone at bottom. It ran normal. Needed to shake the motor until the chunk came out. cleaned the cases with kerosene, re-sleeved, reassembled, ran great for many miles until the bike was sold. Just sharing my experience.. May or may not be similar to your issue. Hoping for the best.. What a hassle. Especially when I swear by this simple yet rugged motor design.. The 2 downsides to that motor for me are only 5 speeds, and they run hot in summer. The heat coming off the thing can be brutal on the legs. Other than that, love the way they run. A little suckie on fuel also.
Yeah absolutely, but cool engines 👍🏼 thanks for tuning in mate 🤙🏼
I'm new to your channel, and I don't know what other people told you about your engine problem, but I've heard many times that camchaintensioners are a weak point of older Honda's. I myself had a VTR1000F and for those bikes it's a common problem. That it rattles doesn't say it breaks, but ofcourse it's better to replace it when possible. I would travel on and see how it goes.... so good luck!
Alright thanks for the advice Larry, appreciate it🤗 welcome to the channel mate 🤙🏼
Ganz locker Marc, eine verschlissene Kette kannst daheim tauschen. Sei schonmal froh dass es nicht die Ventilsitze waren. :) Gute Reise! 🙂
Okay 😮💨 dank dir…so oder so müssen wir ja irgendwann wie Richtung Heimat 😬 danke fürs einschalten 🤙🏼
Keep going Marc, take the good with the bad
Thanks man, will do 🤗
Remember had mentioned about the tensioner, the xr/xl600/650 have always had this issue, I recommend installing a manual tensioner and work in hand with the auto one, if i were you would have to fix that issue before you return to Berlin or you'll nuke the piston and the valves. Watching from Kenya
Alright thanks mate 🤙🏼
we feel you bro. it's not a good feeling to have that unusual sound in the motor that just appear suddenly. brings uneasiness and too much worry that something might break. hope you get the fix asap along your way. ride safe!
It will be alright for sure. Thanks mate 🤙🏼
Ride Safe man your new subscriber here from Philippines
Awesome adventure.
Will do 🤗
I bet next "season" will start with the rebuild of the Honda ❤️✌️
haha will see :) thanks for watching mate🤙🏼
You've just got yourself another subscriber. Hope you get the tensioner fixed soon. How many kilometers on the bike now?
Awesome man 🤗 84.000km at this point! Cheers mate 🤙🏼
Saludos desde Argentina! Y gracias x los subtitulos en español!
Thank you for watching mate 🤙🏼
This cracking is a nice cliffhanger to keep watching your travel adventures ;)
Haha 😂 I could have lived without it tho, but I’m glad it makes you come back 😬 gonna be alright 🤙🏼
@@MarcTravels Stay positive! you know, you meet nice people on a honda ;)
@@aGentleUser so true 🤗
Very good oil 10w50. After wathing your movies i bought Honda Dominator.
Servus. Bei mir war es ein Ventilstz. Der hatte sie je nach Temperatur aus seinem angestammten Platz entfernt.
Viel Erfolg und gute Fahrt
Okay, danke 🤙🏼
I hope the honda engine goes to berlin. Don't worry, Mark, you'll do a lot of miles with the Honda 👍👍 Greetings grom Poland ✌️✌️
Yes that’s for sure! Will get her back in shape 💪🏼
Here are the the true hero’s and Honda should be made aware of them for trying to help.
Yeah they were awesome guys 🤗👍🏼
In my opinion it can be automatic decompressor problem..sometimes it makes this sound and its common problem in this engines. Its not dangerous for engine, but making nervous and neds to be fixed. In my opinion you will safely back home. Good luck!!
Okay thanks Hans
You should be fine . people often run their bikes like that for along time .. as long as you don't rev it hard you won't make the chain skip .. good luck
Having owned an NX650 ....and a number of XR's, I'm a little skeptical about the cam chain tensioner because the noise in so intermittent.
Problem I had was the valve seat came out of the cylinder head. It would go back in and be quiet, then come out again and make a noise. This is fairly common on those air cooled Honda's due to the confidence and expansion difference between aluminium head and hard valve seats..... if it is this, you must resolve the problem because it will eventually fail catastrophically.
All the best!
Awesome bike though.
....and when it is making that noise, put the sharp end of a screw driver to engine and other end to your ear like a stethoscope, try isolate where the nose is coming from.
Alright thanks mate 👍🏼
Marc, at 6:25 you can see the cam tensioner sitting behind the chain, that little hole on top should not be behind vertical,it shows you that the chain and tensioner are worn, I would continue to berlin if I were you, you have fresh oil and valve check done so keep on going without overloading your engine and you will be fine!
Alright thanks for explaining Jorn! Yes I’m gonna do that, thanks mate 🤗🤙🏼
I am beginning to love your bike adventure. Really wish I will be able to have your courage and experience my lifetime wish. Meantime will just continue to enjoy your experiences and let’s hope….one day….☺️❤
Best of luck!
Hello Marc! just keep going... and relax! in 2017 I went from Portugal to Mongolia on a solo motorcycle adventure! with My XT600E from 1995! and when i was passing Germany the engine started to making noise like yours... I asked some motorcycle repair shops and no one could help me find the problem quickly , so.. I kept riding to Mongolia.. I stayed a few days and returned to Portugal. I've done over 30,000 kilometers and still counting. Just have fun! I live in Alentejo.. more precisely " Vila Nova de Santo André, near Sines, a fabulous city! with a beautiful coastline! if you have time, please visit! :P
If you need any help with anything in portugal, I'm happy to help! just contact me with no worrys! Enjoy the ride!
Thanks Andre, that’s super reassuring 🤗 thanks for the tips and if I‘m back in Portugal I’ll let you. I‘m leaving Portugal in today’s episode…see you later mate 🤗🤙🏼
4.50 thanks for the chainsaw info :)
Hehe 😜
Marc go for the ACT on your way up its really beautiful and most importantly you dont know when you will be back. You are here, enjoy it?!
It's a Japanese bike it will not break just dont rev it too much and you will make it. And if it breaks well you will buy a new bike. Its a good problem to have. New bikes for long trip like you do have their advantage.
Just seen this; the Honda Dominator issues that I've seen are usually cam-chain tensioner issues. They get intermittently sticky. You can either change them (recommended) or hope that the nice new oil and friction reducer gets into the oil and unsticks it.
I think that’s what happened in one of the following episodes. Thanks for tuning in mate 🤙🏼
The people of Portugal are amazing so are Honda.
Yes agreed 🤗🙌🏼 thanks for watching Peter 🤙🏼
Hola Marc from Barcelona. Same bike than you '91.suggestion: probably you can buy the tensioner and send It to hotel ir post Office at 3 or 4 Days travel. You pick Up go to a workshop and repair It.....👍👍👍👍👍👍👍good luck🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪
Good idea, thanks Carlos 🤙🏼
Hi Marc, what a disappointment! I’m afraid that, if I were you, I couldn’t go back to the trail. I need that feeling of confidence in my head that all is well. So I think the journey back to Berlin in now you’re next step. Anyway, chin up and keep us informed please. Best of luck 🤞
Yeah I have the same feeling about it. Thanks man 🤙🏼
ciao bene meno male hai trovato delle brave persone sul tuo cammino sono contenta sei anche tu un bravo ragazzo 🙂🙂
Thanks mate 🤙🏼
Nunca vi essa moto antes, nem sabia que era Honda. Abraços do Brasil 😃👍
It’s a great bike😍 thanks for watching mate 🤙🏼
Really, this problem has to be solved. I recommend that you take the opportunity and replace all the gaskets, bearings, seals and take care of all the small internal details as this will save you future problems for sure, my friend. Thank you, Google Translator! Good luck, my friend!
Thanks Mauro, good advice 🤙🏼
As always pay the money and fix the problem....once! Saves so much stress.
Okay, I’m happy to pay for a job👍🏼 the problem was just the parts wouldn’t have arrived anytime soon. Cheers 🤙🏼
Hello 🙋I'm sorry you couldn't solve the problem completely. 🙄 But I'm glad you can continue on your way home 😁🤝
Yes 🙌🏼 let’s see how far we get 😬😬😬 thanks for watching mate 🤙🏼
Hi Marc. If you want to try, you can drive to Beja and go to Motorxpro. It's great people and they will help you for sure.
Not all Honda dealers are like that here in Portugal, I'm sorry...
If you need, I can put you in touch with some friends that will help you keep busy while you're bike gets fixed! (But so can Paulo from Motorxpro!)
Parts for motorcycles in Portugal don't take that long to arrive, even if Honda doesn't have stock it will take a day, not 4 or more, I have 2 Honda's, I know! :)
Thanks for offering mate. I’m gonna try to get her home and get her a complete overhaul 🙌🏻 let’s see if we can make it 😉 cheers 🤙🏼
Hi, I had the same problem with the sound of the engine and knocking on my Honda nx 650. The head and saddle of the centille were cracked. I replaced the engine head with valves and now the sound of the engine is great. I hope my advice will help you. Happy journey Michal
Thanks Michal🤙🏼
You have a dropped/loose valve seat if you didn’t find out already. Same thing happened to my NX650. Requires top end rebuild or at bare minimum a new valve and valve seat on the burnt valve.
Okay thanks for letting me know mate 🤙🏼
Go to Berlin and get it fixed. Good for the state of mind and for your bike!
I’m gonna have a good night sleep over it and decide the next morning what to do🤗 thanks for tuning in mate 🤙🏼
Sure Berlin is just an hour away 😂 keep trying and dont give up
Nice video Marc. Pitty you did not get your problem solved. Take care. Antonio
Thanks mate 🤗🤙🏼
Marc i think it is worth finding the shortest way to Berlin. perhaps by ferries from Portugal. The driving distance is around 2500 km and it is a respectable driving distance that could, cause significant damage to the engine at a very high financial cost. You may want to consider this option Marc.
Alright, it’s worth considering. Thanks mate 🤙🏼
Hi MARK! I would love to translate everything you need in Portuguese! Love the video! Keep the good work!!
All good, thanks for the offer Marco 🤗🤙🏼
Marc držím palce ✊
Awesome thanks man 🤗🤞🏼
Cam chain tensioner can be changed with the valve cover off, and the bolt thru camchain tensioner, its spring loaded
Alright, thanks sid🤙🏼
Very good👍 Un Saluto da Italia
Thanks for watching Paolo🤙🏼
Same engine in my xr 650l ,best bike ever
I hope your youtube channel gets big enough for you to get that Africa Twin one day
Hey Glenn, thanks man…definitely gonna get me that Africa twin one day 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 cheers🤙🏼
Hallo Marc, ich würde an deiner Stelle direkt nach Berlin fahren, und nicht mehr .....mehrere Tage dort verbringen! Lasse die Reparation zu Hause durchführen, dort kannst du nach Hause fahren von der Werkstatt....und auf dein Motorrad warten, dass ist eine viel bessere Situation für dich!!!! Hoffe das beste für dich.😊👍 VG Michael
Danke Michael, das klingt gut 👌🏼 Grüße 🤙🏼
Let’s hope everything goes well up to Berlin, positive thoughts!
Yes fingers crossed 🤞🏼 still 3000km from home…it will be fine 💪🏼 thanks for watching Ricardo 🤙🏼
Puh, tonight you would have needed Maree. The only good thing about your problems is that they increase the interest in your travel. Will he make it back to Berlin or stay in Portugal for the rest of his life drinking Vino Verde longing for Maree.
Hahaha I mean not worst place to be stranded. But yeah you’re right I would have to fly her in to wait it out with me 😅 cheers mate 🤙🏼
Ho what a shame marc just have faith in the bike mate you will be surprised how long it will run just nurse it marc you will be okay till the next one stay safe 👍 mick England. 👍
Alright, will have some faith 🤗 thanks Mick 🤙🏼
You're going to miss the tapping noise
when you get it fixed in Berlin.
Hahaha 🤣 surely not, man it doesn’t get picked up well from the mic but it sounds horrible in real life and sooo loud, you think the engine falls apart any minute 😅
@@MarcTravels as a non-mechanic, I'm sure it'll magically disappear by itself. Fingers crossed.
@@MarkJames61 haha let’s hope 🙌🏼
Head for home, get the tensioner (and chain) replaced as you are on borrowed time. Ask to see the old tensioner (guide & tensioner) plus chain when the job is done in Berlin. Change the oil & filter after, as the tensioner\ guide will deposit bits as it falls apart.
Okay sounds like a plan mate 🤙🏼
Good advice.
I had a Honda CX500, back in the 80's.cam chain tensioner was always breaking & causing the cam chain to go slack, distroying the engine. Luckily, I had a mate that had a motorcycle breakers yard. He sold me engines out of smashed up cx's. I could change the engines in 2 hrs. This included putting a new cam chain tensioner & guides. 🇬🇧😁
That sounds awesome Stephen, good to have a mate like this 💪🏼 thanks for tuning in 🤗
@@MarcTravels I'M THE GUY THAT DID THE RESEARCH FOR DONDA ON THE CAM CHAIN TENSIONER ON EARLY CX500'S IT WAS A PRODUCTION PROBLEM... GIVE ME A BREAK!
Hallo Marc,
das temporäre Tickern könnte letztendlich auch von einem Riss im Zylinderkopf zwischen Zündkerzenbohrung und Ventilsitzring kommen. Bei heißem Motor sitzt der Ventilsitzring nicht mehr fest und kann rausrutschen, das Ventilspiel wird dann zu groß und der Motor tickert. Wenn der Ventilsitzring wieder zurückrutscht passt das Ventilspiel wieder.
Also mal den Zylinderkopf runter nehmen und nach einem Riss suchen. Ist leider ein bekanntes Fehlerbild bei diesem Motor.
Wenn das so sein sollte benötigst du einen neuen oder gebrauchten Kopf oder ein Motorenbauer überholt den Kopf.
Gruß Franz
Okay Franz, dank dir für den tip 🤙🏼
Awesome as always...
Thanks mate 🤙🏼
Ah, adventure... Perhaps try to book ahead with a garayat the next big city where they'll probably have easier access to parts? But I'm sure you've solved the problem already in the next video 😉
Thanks man, I’m gonna try to book something in the next episode 🤙🏼 cheers
Hello Marc
The dominator.need new pieces .my regards friend , wait Four new Journey 👍
Yes, lets see if we can make it home 💪🏼 cheers mate 🤙🏼
Hi Marc.. have you ever been in greece? if you ever plan on traveling around greece have in mind that if you need a part that is not available and needs to be ordered you might have to wait for several weeks... hope to see you some day on the road.. ride safe..
Yeah have been to Naxos recently and rented a sketchy quad bike 😬 th-cam.com/video/xaQ81e1HUX8/w-d-xo.html thanks for tuning in mate 🤙🏼
This unfamiliar sound could really be a let-down. But if you cannot fix it until Berlin, keep going and show us the sight. And if you keep in mind that something untoward may happen until you reach Berlin, it won't happen. Morphy's Law in reverse is as good as it is in original direction. And show us the sights you as have been showing us. Good Luck!
Yes will do 🎥 thanks for tuning in mate 🤗