Fun thing to do before balancing your tire. Balance your rim. Then you can mark the heavy point so you'll have to use less weight when balancing by aligning the dot on the tire.
Although I think manufacturers mount tires with the dot at the heaviest point on the rim (not necessarily the valve location) so you might be defeating some built-in balancing already there if you counterbalance and never noticed where the original dot was located in reference to the rim. (Hard to guarantee when you aren't the original owner anyway so back to your system cant hurt...)
You're right. A problem is tubes vs tubeless, and all the different methods for plugging a puncture. There's also the way you assess the puncture and whether it is safe to ride on or not.
Slightly obscure, not sure of your intended meaning. Outside of N America, some of these phrases are gobbledegook ! Like what the hell does "sucks at..." mean?
@@thetessellater9163 "sucks at" -> "is terrible at" or "can't do" The comment means that in 2017 (the year of this video), Ryan appears to be bad at mechanical tasks, but in a later video (posted in 2019), Ryan succeeds in rebuilding a KLR 650 from just a pile of parts.
@@thetessellater9163 Outside of North America any person who speaks english at a basic level will know what "Sucks at something" means.. like seriously.
Best way to line up the rear wheel is front of the rear axle it self to the frame where the adjusting blocks are ,if u go by front wheel u could be in for trouble ..who say ur front wheel is aligned.. rear axle not gonna lie if it's the same distance on both side of the wheel than it's correct,,Remember u want a 1in to 1in1/4 free play in ur chain
After much deliberation and recognizing that #2 is still incredible, I think FortNine has become my favourite motorcycle channel. That's intended as a very large compliment. Thanks for your work.
I've never had fingerprints damage a spark plug, and I've installed thousands of them. I'd also recommend a dab of dielectric grease (silicone grease) in the spark plug boot before installation. Keeps moisture out, prevents corrosion, and keeps the plug from sticking and possibly tearing when you remove it later. Oh, and you need to wear eye protection when you're breaking chains. Don't risk your eyes, man.
It's wriiten in every manual of every spark plug maker to not grease the thread. And if you stick to the maximum torque, you will get sealing and ease of removal
@@CaptainDangeax PS: Obviously, you want clean and oil/grease-free spark plug threads (male, and female), or you can't get and accurate torque reading at installation. As far as silicone grease, ONLY apply to the metal connection at the very top of the plug. The silicone boot that goes over the plug DOES NOT need grease to keep moisture out, and in fact will make the silicone rubber boot tend to pull off the plug all by itself. (if you lube up the boot, the pressure and conical shape will tend to 'squeeze' the boot right off the plug. (….kind of like lubing up your tool, before you put on a condom :-o) ASK ME HOW I KNOW- the spark plug boot man, NOT the condom! :-) .. If the boot is sticky to remove, then buy or make a spark plug boot puller. Just sayin'.... good to keep yer' boots on while yer' ridin'....
@@blairtaylor9552 C'est bien ce qu'on disait, on graisse à l'extérieur, pas à l'intérieur sinon cela ne glisse pas au bon endroit. Duct tape for things that move and shouldn't and wd40 for things that don't move and should
Another great video. You could also use a feeler gauge to gap the plugs. You will need them to check your valve clearance as well (on shimmed bike typically every 50k km).
As a new rider with no mechanical maintenance experience, this video is worth everything to me. You are a legend for making this, cannot thank you enough!
I did my first Spark plug maintenance recently, I cleaned my old one and gapped it (it was 1am and I wanted to ride. Sue me.) I wanted to learn the job, I remembered this video and thought my coin style gapper was a piece of junk so I got my calipers out, planning to mark the spot I needed... but it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Every measurement was dead on. It was like 1.50 and I got it last time i bought oil as something to throw in my tool kit. I was very surprised, but then I realized we don't live in the 70s anymore and most of the people perpetuating these kinds of biases are old timers who tried something once 35-40 years ago and decided it was trash. Modern manufacturing is pretty good. Even cheap chinese stuff is pretty decent now. My nephew has a 50cc Grom clone scooter/cycle and it has has zero issues and he rides it to death, has never done any kind of maintenance and it's been dropped and crashes a dozen times. I'm happy with my cheap tool, and I'm really glad I didn't pay 15 bucks for one that's less useful. Even if mine was slightly off, I was just gonna measure the ring and find the spot where it was the size I needed; 0.9mm, and just mark that spot with a sharpie. Simple. You don't need the markings to be perfect, you just need something the correct size to check. Granted, I have a nice pair of digital calipers, but you can get calipers at Walmart or harbor freight for 5-10 bucks and they are incredibly useful tools you'll use for a million other things. My point is, don't write something off because it's cheap, or assume you can't get the job done with basic tools! Just give it a go! This year already I've done my first oil change, airbox repair, I derestricted and adjusted the variator on my scooter, I did a brake job on my sisters bike, I did a spark plug job on mine, and I look forward to doing much more! I don't have experience or a lot of tools, but I make due with my cheap tools and TH-cam tutorials. Thanks Ryan! Thanks for giving me the confidence and inspiration to go for it! P.S. I'm looking at a 1972 Honda SL125 to pick up as a project bike. It runs pretty good, and I want something I can learn to upgrade and repair on my own. One day I hope to own a BMW GS310. My dream bike. Baby ADV! I'm a little guy with modest dreams of adventure and the 310 is more than enough for me. Thanks again for that, because I never considered ADV bikes until some lanky Westeros Roaylty looking dude on a beautiful Beemer got me super interested in ADV bikes. So thank you again.
danteelite this is how we all become accomplished, its a learning curve. I'm an older guy and learned all i know from just giving it a go/reading from manuals or from watching someone.Now we have TH-cam its a godsend.
@@derekbond3512 Absolutely! I feel like it's easier than ever to get into anything you want to do and I'm happy my sisters kids live in a world so open to opportunities. Motorcycle stuff specifically, there is tons of information and places to share and learn and modern manufacturing and retail means you can get a good set of beginner tools for super cheap. Nowadays you can buy a bike for cheap on craigslist or whatever, buy 100 bucks worth of tools including a bike stand at harbor freight and learn almost everything you need to know on TH-cam to get your skill to a safe and reliable level to take your license exams. Through channels like MotoJitsu, MC Rider and Fort9 you can pretty much learn anything and everything about riding. That's pretty amazing.
Good initiative to do your own work bud. And also, its good you feel good about using what you can and not buying what you dont need. I personaly have 90% Snap-On tools that I use both at home (home toolbox tour on youtube) and professionally, but I didnt start out with it, I worked my way to it over time. Keep diving deeper into becoming a tech if its what you love, and build that high quality tool collection as you go. You’ll also find you appreciate the quality more when its compared to what you were using before.
@@VETTE_Drummer151 Very nice comment. I have learned to use tools by using what my friends and family had, gotten good at using what I was giving which often was old, repaired or just worn out. It gives you a great understanding of the fundamentals of mechanics because they do get the job done although sometimes you have to work for it. I want to add that getting mechanically familiar with your bike certainly is something that makes you feel safer on it, since you'll better understand its workings!
@@DanteYewToob MC rider channel that has alone helped me avoid a few close calls and predict a little about what's going to happen next. It's really cool to use it everyday.
Feeler gauges are perfectly fine for measuring spark plugs and obviously valve clearances, but are too delicate to adjust the electrodes if needed... and that's where the Motion Pro tool comes into play. As it's relatively thick, billet aluminium construction can mould the electrode/electrodes to the perfect tolerances. Plus, you get a bottle opener 😊
When Eddie Arcadian (Chris Murney) is on the phone finding out he got turned down by Laura Charles (Vanity) in The Last Dragon... That's what I thought anyway.
I just wanted to leave a comment and saying thanks for linking the time's to each of the relevant jobs...I also see this in most of your videos. It's really appreciated.
Excellent video as always! As some others have said, fixing a flat is pretty important also but another overlooked issue is setting up proper sag on your bike. It's easy to do and can make a world of difference in your ride safety!
I balanced my enduro tires many years back. I came up with the idea of making a handful of assorted sized slotted brass bullet shaped weights with 2 stainless set screws in each. I slid size I needed over the spoke and tightened the set screws. Balanced tire well and could definitely tell the difference. Has anyone else heard of doing this before me?
1: my mechanic balances my tyres 2: when in doubt, I change my spark plugs. They're not expensive 3: I don't have a chain 4: huh! I actually learned something! Thank you, again!
I don’t tend to comment on videos and of those I follow, but I must say…always informative, to the point, explained in a way I’d image those books for dummies would be narrated. Always knowledgeable, yet easy to watch with my ADHD. Splendid job!
I install balance beads in truck tires. They come with a special valve core to prevent sticking and leaking. Use it. Never put them in my bike tires though. I do the simple axle trick you showed.
Joseph Hannah: Yep . Gave up TV for TH-cam. The entertainment choices are almost endless and you can learn, find info better and faster. Many people have done what you and I have done
Just discovered your channel... Man, what a breath of fresh air from all these videos about mirror breaking and road warriors who get triggered by someone who didn't even know they existed. Thank you.
Thanks for the tips. I'm going to get my first motorcycle soon, and it's actually the wrenching I'm most looking forward to. Personal opinion, getting the most out of a hobby or lifestyle that is motorized means seeing growth in mechanical abilities as a feature rather than a bug. Possibly I'm being sophist about it, but the draw of riding a motorcycle is a sense of connection with a machine. Just as you cannot fully bond with a dog if you don't enjoy caring for it, having a full connection with a motorcycle means knowing every vibration and sound in a way only you can teach yourself. Cost savings are an added benefit, but there's a reason professionals can make money doing these things at the price they can charge- they are labors of love, rather than the pure excitement the bike was probably purchased for.
I have owned a set of high grade filler gages since 1978 and are still the best tool to gap. It is a stack of metric and imperial , 30 in all and are constantly borrowed by my friends whom have bought the more recent cheaper versions. Drive shafts have relived me from the tedium of chains. Also eliminates alignment concerns.
This is probably the oldest F9 video I've seen (also mildest production value), and it seems Ryan always managed to make brilliant, useful videos. Cheers
In the UK we use feeler gauges to check spark plug gap they usually come in a fan-shape, pinned together at one end, they are highly flexible and precision-engineered
Adjusting the chain tension and changing oil are probably the most common jobs for motorcyclists, idk when I've ever had to take my wheel off and balance it
Im so glad i found this channel. While this video is helpful, the channel itself is also very entertaining and I got my first bike, an 84 Goldwing 1200, in late 2023. Now the wife has her first bike, a 92 Nighthawk 750 and we're both DiY so this video is more helpful jow than ever with her old tires and questionable (but well lubed) chain
We sell the cutest little feeler gauge for $4.29 at the auto parts store where I work. It's tiny and made specifically for gaping spark plugs. We also sell wire types for even less. Infact best feeler gauge in stock is $12.99. It has 32 blades and will set nearly anything.
You have just earned yourself a subscriber... and I will do my part to introduce your channel 2 others who are also trying to learn so I can give you even more subscribers because your educational empowerment vids like these are valuable so you earned it
Once I'm "good and drunk", my spark plugs are fresh to install and I am fresh to crash my perfectly running moto. You cracked me up with your bottle opening.
word of warning - the hollow main bolt on that motion pro chain tool is incredibly weak - tends to snap before even the pins. The cheapo one from harbor freight holds up better.
I have experienced this exact result. Was sorely disappointed from Motion Pro, much happier with Harbor Freight for a Fraction of the cost. I used an old chain for arts and crafts and broke every link off of a motorcycle chain, broke 4 links from motion pro, then every single other link off of Harbor Freight cheapo. It of course was toasted by the end of the chain as well. but 4 links vs. Dozens.. You decide.
Absolutely necessary skills! I'm glad my mechanic knows all of them! haha I refuse to wrench! First ever attempt at an oil change, stripped the sump plug! Turned out it was full cast block and I couldn't buy a new sump. Had to have it re-tapped, nearly wrote my bike off by having shovel hands, never again!
30 years of riding motorcycles... never broke a chain. Proper maintenance I guess. I would be more worried about a tire going flat long before actually breaking a properly maintained chain.
I only got 11 years under my belt, but I also never broke a chain... and I keep catching myself forgetting to lube them up in time, so they tend to get an "emergency spray" just before a tour...
Bought a cheap Volar chain... won't do that again. Properly lubed and cleaned, lasted 2500-ish miles. Snapped at 100mph on interstate. Luckily it chose the passenger peg to wrap around and not mine. No chain guard. I later realized the chain was intended for 600cc bikes, not 1000... Though it was a 530. Lesson learned. Only good quality chains now. Which means DID for the most part.
Ishan Joshi 034 one cylinder engines, most often two-strokes take a lot of punch when driving it. If you don’t change parts after driving a specific amount of time the engine can break.
@@zax331 usually check compression. If it's bad check valve lash and try the compression again. If it's bad still your engine is worn out and you need to rebuild it. Also drinking oil and smoking can be an indicator.
I keep watching all these videos even though some of the things don't even apply to my motorcycle, such as replacing a master link on a motorcycle. My bike is shaft drive, but it's still good to know since 90% of motorcycles use chains, and my next motorcycle will most definitely be a chain.
I'd have thought that changing engine oil and filter would have rated highly on the list of mechanical jobs every motorcyclist should learn. Another important job, checking and adjusting drive chain tension.
Just started riding and I have binged all your videos! Wish you did some more women's videos for gear, the ones on the other channel kinda suck compared to you.
Most of us noticed you were probably female but did not believe this luck of a woman rider can be true... wish you an inc of asphalt left under your front end tire at all times .
I wonder, is it uncommon for women to ride their own even now? I never really thought about it, because I have more road sisters than brothers, my wife and my ex both rude, as did my mother, and my stepmother. It never really struck me as a boys club.
Once caught a screw in my relatively fresh rear tire. Plugged the hole with a kit, but the hole was on the 'sidewall' of the profile grooves. Still leaky. Got a new one, caught another screw 3 weeks later. Guess that's why I was lucky in the following months. Gladly, I did it all by myself (or with my pops) and saved a LOT of money.
Actually they definitely are.. If you talk to anyone that knows WTF they are talking about, those are Calipers, not Micrometers. Micrometers measure to finer decimal point then Calipers. Calipers are great for quick measurements, but Micrometers take more careful measurement. If you need Micrometers and use a Caliper. You're probably going to get fired at a job.
A great method for a much neglected adjustment on people's motorcycles-wheel alignment! Just because there are those little marks on the swing arm doesn't mean they're placed correctly, a very small differential in the marks can make a big difference at the wheel alignment.
The moment that music came on I thought an ad had popped up in the background. I don’t remember what for, but there’s an ad that uses that piece at 1:10 that plays all the gorram time.
Many of us old guys learned this stuff in our teens (Yeah, I can just remember then, Lol.) Except how to stop my BSA from leaking oil. We never quite got that...
I still use the spark plug gapping tool my dad gave me when I took auto shop in high school (1973-ish). One of those with different wire gauge loops. I put a digital caliper on it a few years back and it is spot on.
I sure do enjoy your videos my friend, I am watching them all. That wasn't a micrometer, just trying to help. Please keep up the great work. Johnny Boy
I have balance beads in my bike tires, kinda sceptical at first but they work wonderfully, no wobble what so ever and from the science behind them that ad the tires start to wear the beads will shift to keep the tires balance so no going back to get the tires re- balanced
I like this guy. He knows his shit, isn't annoying, and his jokes are funny. Rare on youtube to find a triple threat. Keep up the good work.
Look how this has aged! Amazing!
How so? @@WealthlyMind
Yeah. But seems to promote products like a good commercial..
Fun thing to do before balancing your tire. Balance your rim. Then you can mark the heavy point so you'll have to use less weight when balancing by aligning the dot on the tire.
Although I think manufacturers mount tires with the dot at the heaviest point on the rim (not necessarily the valve location) so you might be defeating some built-in balancing already there if you counterbalance and never noticed where the original dot was located in reference to the rim. (Hard to guarantee when you aren't the original owner anyway so back to your system cant hurt...)
Man I just found this channel and I’m realizing I need to watch ever video this guy has ever made
Puncture repair is the other main road side task all motorcyclists should know.... we've ALL had one (or are going to) ;)
i got a staple in my rear tire on the way to work
walked my bike to a friends that was on the way, and walked the rest of the way.
You're right. A problem is tubes vs tubeless, and all the different methods for plugging a puncture. There's also the way you assess the puncture and whether it is safe to ride on or not.
CRIKEY !!!
Should've been first on the list
Nerb1 no puncture yet, tho the kit is always on the bike! Bet it's coming next season tho..
2017: RyanF9 sucks at mechanics.
2019: RyanF9 assembles a KLR from scratch.
Slightly obscure, not sure of your intended meaning. Outside of N America, some of these phrases are gobbledegook ! Like what the hell does "sucks at..." mean?
@@thetessellater9163 "sucks at" -> "is terrible at" or "can't do"
The comment means that in 2017 (the year of this video), Ryan appears to be bad at mechanical tasks, but in a later video (posted in 2019), Ryan succeeds in rebuilding a KLR 650 from just a pile of parts.
@@thetessellater9163 Outside of North America any person who speaks english at a basic level will know what "Sucks at something" means.. like seriously.
@@NateHatred750 I'm german and i know damn well what that means lmao. English is not the hardest thing to learn by any means.
That is what we call character development.
As a noob motorcyclist I thank you for these tips!
Best way to line up the rear wheel is front of the rear axle it self to the frame where the adjusting blocks are ,if u go by front wheel u could be in for trouble ..who say ur front wheel is aligned.. rear axle not gonna lie if it's the same distance on both side of the wheel than it's correct,,Remember u want a 1in to 1in1/4 free play in ur chain
I love to see other experienced riders trying to help and educate new riders instead of just picking on them and putting them down.
You are welcome ride safe and be free bro
I can agree
I'm also a noob!
After much deliberation and recognizing that #2 is still incredible, I think FortNine has become my favourite motorcycle channel. That's intended as a very large compliment. Thanks for your work.
I've never had fingerprints damage a spark plug, and I've installed thousands of them.
I'd also recommend a dab of dielectric grease (silicone grease) in the spark plug boot before installation. Keeps moisture out, prevents corrosion, and keeps the plug from sticking and possibly tearing when you remove it later.
Oh, and you need to wear eye protection when you're breaking chains. Don't risk your eyes, man.
It's wriiten in every manual of every spark plug maker to not grease the thread. And if you stick to the maximum torque, you will get sealing and ease of removal
@@CaptainDangeax who said anything about greasing the threads?
@@blairtaylor9552 Immikeurnot at the top of the thread
@@CaptainDangeax PS: Obviously, you want clean and oil/grease-free spark plug threads (male, and female), or you can't get and accurate torque reading at installation. As far as silicone grease, ONLY apply to the metal connection at the very top of the plug. The silicone boot that goes over the plug DOES NOT need grease to keep moisture out, and in fact will make the silicone rubber boot tend to pull off the plug all by itself. (if you lube up the boot, the pressure and conical shape will tend to 'squeeze' the boot right off the plug. (….kind of like lubing up your tool, before you put on a condom :-o) ASK ME HOW I KNOW- the spark plug boot man, NOT the condom! :-) .. If the boot is sticky to remove, then buy or make a spark plug boot puller. Just sayin'.... good to keep yer' boots on while yer' ridin'....
@@blairtaylor9552 C'est bien ce qu'on disait, on graisse à l'extérieur, pas à l'intérieur sinon cela ne glisse pas au bon endroit. Duct tape for things that move and shouldn't and wd40 for things that don't move and should
Another great video. You could also use a feeler gauge to gap the plugs. You will need them to check your valve clearance as well (on shimmed bike typically every 50k km).
As a new rider with no mechanical maintenance experience, this video is worth everything to me. You are a legend for making this, cannot thank you enough!
Fork oil changing should be on the list, it’s daunting and time consuming, yet fairly easy once you learn how.
how is it time consuming? it takes 20 minutes max
@@regimiro4888 I change out all the internals except springs
So glad that Ryan is back and making videos again. Can't wait to see how the shop and studio evolve as time passes.
Five years after you have left your comment here, what do you think about Ryan and his shop now? :)
@@aramotoroadtrip526 damn can’t believe it’s been 5 years lol. I did a double take when I got this notification.
I have been riding for 30 years and I find these videos interesting and informative. I just subscribed, please keep them coming.
Yeah. When my chain broke 150km away from home, boy I wish I had that skill... and tools. This videos never gets old. Thanks for this video.
I did my first Spark plug maintenance recently, I cleaned my old one and gapped it (it was 1am and I wanted to ride. Sue me.) I wanted to learn the job, I remembered this video and thought my coin style gapper was a piece of junk so I got my calipers out, planning to mark the spot I needed... but it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Every measurement was dead on. It was like 1.50 and I got it last time i bought oil as something to throw in my tool kit.
I was very surprised, but then I realized we don't live in the 70s anymore and most of the people perpetuating these kinds of biases are old timers who tried something once 35-40 years ago and decided it was trash. Modern manufacturing is pretty good. Even cheap chinese stuff is pretty decent now. My nephew has a 50cc Grom clone scooter/cycle and it has has zero issues and he rides it to death, has never done any kind of maintenance and it's been dropped and crashes a dozen times.
I'm happy with my cheap tool, and I'm really glad I didn't pay 15 bucks for one that's less useful.
Even if mine was slightly off, I was just gonna measure the ring and find the spot where it was the size I needed; 0.9mm, and just mark that spot with a sharpie. Simple. You don't need the markings to be perfect, you just need something the correct size to check. Granted, I have a nice pair of digital calipers, but you can get calipers at Walmart or harbor freight for 5-10 bucks and they are incredibly useful tools you'll use for a million other things.
My point is, don't write something off because it's cheap, or assume you can't get the job done with basic tools! Just give it a go!
This year already I've done my first oil change, airbox repair, I derestricted and adjusted the variator on my scooter, I did a brake job on my sisters bike, I did a spark plug job on mine, and I look forward to doing much more! I don't have experience or a lot of tools, but I make due with my cheap tools and TH-cam tutorials.
Thanks Ryan! Thanks for giving me the confidence and inspiration to go for it!
P.S. I'm looking at a 1972 Honda SL125 to pick up as a project bike. It runs pretty good, and I want something I can learn to upgrade and repair on my own. One day I hope to own a BMW GS310. My dream bike. Baby ADV! I'm a little guy with modest dreams of adventure and the 310 is more than enough for me.
Thanks again for that, because I never considered ADV bikes until some lanky Westeros Roaylty looking dude on a beautiful Beemer got me super interested in ADV bikes. So thank you again.
danteelite this is how we all become accomplished, its a learning curve. I'm an older guy and learned all i know from just giving it a go/reading from manuals or from watching someone.Now we have TH-cam its a godsend.
@@derekbond3512 Absolutely! I feel like it's easier than ever to get into anything you want to do and I'm happy my sisters kids live in a world so open to opportunities.
Motorcycle stuff specifically, there is tons of information and places to share and learn and modern manufacturing and retail means you can get a good set of beginner tools for super cheap.
Nowadays you can buy a bike for cheap on craigslist or whatever, buy 100 bucks worth of tools including a bike stand at harbor freight and learn almost everything you need to know on TH-cam to get your skill to a safe and reliable level to take your license exams. Through channels like MotoJitsu, MC Rider and Fort9 you can pretty much learn anything and everything about riding.
That's pretty amazing.
Good initiative to do your own work bud. And also, its good you feel good about using what you can and not buying what you dont need. I personaly have 90% Snap-On tools that I use both at home (home toolbox tour on youtube) and professionally, but I didnt start out with it, I worked my way to it over time. Keep diving deeper into becoming a tech if its what you love, and build that high quality tool collection as you go. You’ll also find you appreciate the quality more when its compared to what you were using before.
@@VETTE_Drummer151 Very nice comment. I have learned to use tools by using what my friends and family had, gotten good at using what I was giving which often was old, repaired or just worn out. It gives you a great understanding of the fundamentals of mechanics because they do get the job done although sometimes you have to work for it. I want to add that getting mechanically familiar with your bike certainly is something that makes you feel safer on it, since you'll better understand its workings!
@@DanteYewToob MC rider channel that has alone helped me avoid a few close calls and predict a little about what's going to happen next. It's really cool to use it everyday.
1. Tyre change and balance.
2. Valve and plug adjustments.
3. Chain tensioning.
4. Puncture repair.
5. Fluid changes.
Bye Bye mechanic bills...
HEY OTTO GREAT SONG * YEAH I WROTE IT MYSELF tire*
@@williamleblanc3551 Another American that thinks the whole world is America. It isn't!
@@bigt4241 True, it's just that the most important parts are.
@@rob2650 You are a vapid moron if you truly believe that.
@@williamleblanc3551 Tyre is the correct spelling.. fuckwit😅
What's wrong with having a set of feeler gauges? those other things are not needed and feeler gauges can be used for valve clearances too.
Came here to say that. I do miss my Metrology classes...
I don't think he said not to have it, rather they aren't the best and you get what you pay for.
Yeah and feeler gauges are like 5 bucks 😂
Feeler gauges are perfectly fine for measuring spark plugs and obviously valve clearances, but are too delicate to adjust the electrodes if needed... and that's where the Motion Pro tool comes into play. As it's relatively thick, billet aluminium construction can mould the electrode/electrodes to the perfect tolerances. Plus, you get a bottle opener 😊
Fortnine, some of the most articulate but simple, and well made content on TH-cam. Well done.
nobody makes better videos than fortnine
M4RK3T NOBODY...
wait... I've heard that somewhere else...
M4RK3T who's this "nobody" and where do I watch his videos? :P
When Eddie Arcadian (Chris Murney) is on the phone finding out he got turned down by Laura Charles (Vanity) in The Last Dragon... That's what I thought anyway.
More like fortnite
MC Garage
F9 making quality videos as usual.
These are good tips for anybody into motorcycles. Even those who don't have their own bike yet. Good stuff Ryan!
Ryan does not suck at mechanics. Thank you for teaching.
Watched so many videos of F9's before getting my bike. Coming back and rewatching now that I own one. F9 is love. F9 is life.
I use a $35 Harbor Freight wheel balancer. Works perfect. Used it for about 8 tires so far. And even on my R1 at 150+mph it's nice and smooth.
I just wanted to leave a comment and saying thanks for linking the time's to each of the relevant jobs...I also see this in most of your videos. It's really appreciated.
Chain maintainance, correct tire pressure, and correct wheel alignment are absolutely essential.
Are you related to Quentin Tarantino?
He looks & sounds just as peculiar.
@@WilliamDumoreGlobz he is a weirdo
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
He is tarantino 😎
Because his jaw structure.
Excellent video as always!
As some others have said, fixing a flat is pretty important also but another overlooked issue is setting up proper sag on your bike. It's easy to do and can make a world of difference in your ride safety!
I balanced my enduro tires many years back. I came up with the idea of making a handful of assorted sized slotted brass bullet shaped weights with 2 stainless set screws in each. I slid size I needed over the spoke and tightened the set screws.
Balanced tire well and could definitely tell the difference.
Has anyone else heard of doing this before me?
1: my mechanic balances my tyres
2: when in doubt, I change my spark plugs. They're not expensive
3: I don't have a chain
4: huh! I actually learned something!
Thank you, again!
Still need to verify the gap is correct on a new spark plug.
@@shanefrank3281 I've never done that and never had any problems. But you're right, you can't trust anyone these days! I'll check next time
I don’t tend to comment on videos and of those I follow, but I must say…always informative, to the point, explained in a way I’d image those books for dummies would be narrated. Always knowledgeable, yet easy to watch with my ADHD. Splendid job!
I install balance beads in truck tires. They come with a special valve core to prevent sticking and leaking. Use it. Never put them in my bike tires though. I do the simple axle trick you showed.
I've been using the beads for the last 8 years with no valve or imbalance issues on my Triumph. Not to say other people won't have issues however
Thank you FortNine! This is more than just another good video as he gives step by step instructions for a handful repair & maintenance topics.
You understand a hundred times more than most of the motorcycle mechanics that I've worked with.
Absolutely the best MC content on TH-cam !
This guy should be on mainstream tv he’s got great presence really enjoy his blogs
It seems like youtube IS mainstream tv, these days. lol
Joseph Hannah: Yep . Gave up TV for TH-cam. The entertainment choices are almost endless and you can learn, find info better and faster. Many people have done what you and I have done
Just discovered your channel... Man, what a breath of fresh air from all these videos about mirror breaking and road warriors who get triggered by someone who didn't even know they existed.
Thank you.
Thanks for the tips. I'm going to get my first motorcycle soon, and it's actually the wrenching I'm most looking forward to. Personal opinion, getting the most out of a hobby or lifestyle that is motorized means seeing growth in mechanical abilities as a feature rather than a bug. Possibly I'm being sophist about it, but the draw of riding a motorcycle is a sense of connection with a machine. Just as you cannot fully bond with a dog if you don't enjoy caring for it, having a full connection with a motorcycle means knowing every vibration and sound in a way only you can teach yourself. Cost savings are an added benefit, but there's a reason professionals can make money doing these things at the price they can charge- they are labors of love, rather than the pure excitement the bike was probably purchased for.
i love this guy hes helping a lot of folks ut there with his info and hes real.
I've been watching these Fort Nine videos for like 3 hours this morning. Funny and informative! AND I DONT EVEN HAVE A STINKIN MOTORCYCLE!
I have owned a set of high grade filler gages since 1978 and are still the best tool to gap. It is a stack of metric and imperial , 30 in all and are constantly borrowed by my friends whom have bought the more recent cheaper versions. Drive shafts have relived me from the tedium of chains. Also eliminates alignment concerns.
I thought this would be another "how to change your oil!" vid .. but rather we got an informative vid. Thanks for the tips!
Judging by the number of riders who cannot even change their oil, we arguably don't have enough of those videos either.
Ryan, Finally you have a real adventure bike in the background. Nothing like a good old DR to take you deep in the sticks.
"And once I'm drunk...." I immediately subbed
Thanks for making these videos and teaching people what should know if they own a bike. Red seal motorcycle mechanic of 20 years
Are the thumbs downs from guys that work at shops? Every video I have watched has been informative and well done. Keep up the good work
Haters gunna hate. Bad childhood experience?
This is probably the oldest F9 video I've seen (also mildest production value), and it seems Ryan always managed to make brilliant, useful videos. Cheers
Can you make more videos. Like 15 more per day
Word.
In the UK we use feeler gauges to check spark plug gap they usually come in a fan-shape, pinned together at one end, they are highly flexible and precision-engineered
Can check the gap with them fine, cant adjust it with them though, I think that was the main point.
Adjusting the chain tension and changing oil are probably the most common jobs for motorcyclists, idk when I've ever had to take my wheel off and balance it
I do it, whenever I change tires. Which is atleast two times a year
Oh so wheel balancing is different from wheel alignment.. N O I C E! I learned so much to this.. thanks man
thank you, it is like be guided king Joffrey thru the magical world of motorcycles
Im so glad i found this channel. While this video is helpful, the channel itself is also very entertaining and I got my first bike, an 84 Goldwing 1200, in late 2023. Now the wife has her first bike, a 92 Nighthawk 750 and we're both DiY so this video is more helpful jow than ever with her old tires and questionable (but well lubed) chain
I've watched this video 4 times since it's been uploaded, but I can never remember what it was about.
“Once I’m goood and drunk, I’ll measure…” LOL. Informative, educational, and damn funny. Love this channel. 😄👍🏻
(turning on subtitles) yep, he said "booby child".
We sell the cutest little feeler gauge for $4.29 at the auto parts store where I work. It's tiny and made specifically for gaping spark plugs. We also sell wire types for even less. Infact best feeler gauge in stock is $12.99. It has 32 blades and will set nearly anything.
what is a 'booby child'?
i wana google it but i dont wana go to jail for googling that...
Not my favorite term
Jeremy Clarkson speak for small child
@@BadIdeas101 And he wants to squeeze one with a CLAMPING TOOL? o_O
Bastard!
check the meaning of booby. it means child who is clumsy and makes mistakes often. so he means think ur accident prone so you do it very carefully
Nice explanation without any bs or showboating - thank you.
Holy shit, I tightened my butt cheeks watching him ride on the road with ice / water at 6:36
2:36 "May result in death ... of the spark plug, not you."
[Spark plug fails at critical moment]
[Motorcycle becomes cement mixer's hood ornament]
"Once I'm geeewd and DRUNK"- spat my drink all over the screen dude- thanks!!
You have just earned yourself a subscriber... and I will do my part to introduce your channel 2 others who are also trying to learn so I can give you even more subscribers because your educational empowerment vids like these are valuable so you earned it
Aw man, you're supposed to upload earlier so I can watch this stuff at work ;)
My bad. lol. ~RF9
This is by far my favorite video from you. Keep the awesome coming!
Once I'm "good and drunk", my spark plugs are fresh to install and I am fresh to crash my perfectly running moto.
You cracked me up with your bottle opening.
Best moto guy on TH-cam. Thanks for the vids.
word of warning - the hollow main bolt on that motion pro chain tool is incredibly weak - tends to snap before even the pins. The cheapo one from harbor freight holds up better.
I have experienced this exact result. Was sorely disappointed from Motion Pro, much happier with Harbor Freight for a Fraction of the cost. I used an old chain for arts and crafts and broke every link off of a motorcycle chain, broke 4 links from motion pro, then every single other link off of Harbor Freight cheapo. It of course was toasted by the end of the chain as well. but 4 links vs. Dozens.. You decide.
I have the $12 chinese knock of Motion Pro's Bought the higher quality Motion Pro riveter piece. Haven't broken anything doing 3x 530 chains.
The Motion Pro is TOTALLY worth it you guys. I had to use one and carried extra masters as he suggested and it saved my butt - Kawasaki KX-450
What's up Ryan .....never commented on your vids before .....I like em .....always good ......churrrrr
You're a hero. Seriously. Keep it up, and keep smiling, baby face!
For actual useful things A rider should know. 1 clean air filter 2. Change oil
3. Change spark plug 4. Adjust slack in clutch
5. Bleed and refill hydraulic brake/clutch 6. Replace lights (turn signal, headlight, etc)
Absolutely necessary skills! I'm glad my mechanic knows all of them! haha I refuse to wrench! First ever attempt at an oil change, stripped the sump plug! Turned out it was full cast block and I couldn't buy a new sump. Had to have it re-tapped, nearly wrote my bike off by having shovel hands, never again!
2:57 I had to put down my wrench because almost spit my beer out laughing
Your videos are amazing. Love the new name change.
30 years of riding motorcycles... never broke a chain. Proper maintenance I guess. I would be more worried about a tire going flat long before actually breaking a properly maintained chain.
I only got 11 years under my belt, but I also never broke a chain... and I keep catching myself forgetting to lube them up in time, so they tend to get an "emergency spray" just before a tour...
Bought a cheap Volar chain... won't do that again. Properly lubed and cleaned, lasted 2500-ish miles. Snapped at 100mph on interstate. Luckily it chose the passenger peg to wrap around and not mine. No chain guard. I later realized the chain was intended for 600cc bikes, not 1000... Though it was a 530. Lesson learned. Only good quality chains now. Which means DID for the most part.
If they are 'O' ring chains they are factory lubricated. Just a quick spray so the gogs are wet.
My bike has shaft drive :)
The wheel alignment tip was a life (and money) saver!
Every motorcyclist who rides an enduro, supermoto or motocross or anyone who rides a one cylinder bike shoul know how to rebuld the engine
But why?
Ishan Joshi 034 one cylinder engines, most often two-strokes take a lot of punch when driving it. If you don’t change parts after driving a specific amount of time the engine can break.
@@zax331 usually check compression. If it's bad check valve lash and try the compression again. If it's bad still your engine is worn out and you need to rebuild it. Also drinking oil and smoking can be an indicator.
Best channel on u tube !! Hands down ,you da man,.love your vids !!!
Sooner?!?! You’re like 15... 😂 what would sooner have been??? Great channel and info-thanks for making it for us!!!!
Gap a spark plug? Have never need to do that in 40+ years of riding. On the other hand, tire puncture at least twice a year. Like your videos!
Please do another xmas top 5
keep up the great work Ryan
I keep watching all these videos even though some of the things don't even apply to my motorcycle, such as replacing a master link on a motorcycle. My bike is shaft drive, but it's still good to know since 90% of motorcycles use chains, and my next motorcycle will most definitely be a chain.
COULD YOU PUT LINKS TO WEBSITE FOR TOOLS USED?
It’s avbl in description
You do the best explanations of just about anyone I've watched. Thanks!
"Because nooooo motorcyclist can get through a 30 second task without a booze break"
"Once I'm good and drunk.."
LOL
I'd have thought that changing engine oil and filter would have rated highly on the list of mechanical jobs every motorcyclist should learn. Another important job, checking and adjusting drive chain tension.
Just started riding and I have binged all your videos! Wish you did some more women's videos for gear, the ones on the other channel kinda suck compared to you.
Most of us noticed you were probably female but did not believe this luck of a woman rider can be true... wish you an inc of asphalt left under your front end tire at all times .
I wonder, is it uncommon for women to ride their own even now? I never really thought about it, because I have more road sisters than brothers, my wife and my ex both rude, as did my mother, and my stepmother. It never really struck me as a boys club.
Once caught a screw in my relatively fresh rear tire. Plugged the hole with a kit, but the hole was on the 'sidewall' of the profile grooves. Still leaky.
Got a new one, caught another screw 3 weeks later. Guess that's why I was lucky in the following months.
Gladly, I did it all by myself (or with my pops) and saved a LOT of money.
That’s a caliper not a micrometer...
It's a calliper not a micrometer came here to say that
It's a micrometer and a caliper, the two aren't mutually exclusive
Actually they definitely are.. If you talk to anyone that knows WTF they are talking about, those are Calipers, not Micrometers. Micrometers measure to finer decimal point then Calipers. Calipers are great for quick measurements, but Micrometers take more careful measurement. If you need Micrometers and use a Caliper. You're probably going to get fired at a job.
Try measuring something to 1µm accuracy with a caliper. Even a really good caliper has a tolerance of 30µm.
With a venier scale too.
A great method for a much neglected adjustment on people's motorcycles-wheel alignment! Just because there are those little marks on the swing arm doesn't mean they're placed correctly, a very small differential in the marks can make a big difference at the wheel alignment.
Once I'm good and drunk got me cracking
Your personality on here man is great dont change it funny and informative it sticks not that mono ton shit
5:27. All the confidence of a... what?
A booby child. ...You know... a booby child.
When he says 'Booby Child', I think he means a subscriber to his channel!
Don't ask man, them Canadians.
WTH? BC? Dictionary says stupid or a dunce. :)
HA!
The moment that music came on I thought an ad had popped up in the background. I don’t remember what for, but there’s an ad that uses that piece at 1:10 that plays all the gorram time.
Many of us old guys learned this stuff in our teens (Yeah, I can just remember then, Lol.) Except how to stop my BSA from leaking oil. We never quite got that...
I still use the spark plug gapping tool my dad gave me when I took auto shop in high school (1973-ish). One of those with different wire gauge loops. I put a digital caliper on it a few years back and it is spot on.
Jim Mc its so sad how the society supports this new generation on the wrong way
Do you know why the British haven't made a tv?
They can't figure out how to make 'em leak oil...
Why do Brits drink warm beer?
I sure do enjoy your videos my friend, I am watching them all.
That wasn't a micrometer, just trying to help.
Please keep up the great work.
Johnny Boy
The first step in checking your spark plug gap is to drink a Fort 9 beer
Ian Howick 49 beers!
I don't even own a bike, but I've been binging your videos all day. Good stuff!
3:30 Thats not a micrometer ;)
HA! Caliper. Going out to measure my cheapo gapper.
I have balance beads in my bike tires, kinda sceptical at first but they work wonderfully, no wobble what so ever and from the science behind them that ad the tires start to wear the beads will shift to keep the tires balance so no going back to get the tires re- balanced