$250 Manco Thunderbird Mini Bike Revival | The BEST Bang for Buck Mini Bike Project!

Рет қаралды 206,346

3 жыл бұрын

We bought a Manco Thunderbird mini bike for $250 in non-running but complete condition. In today’s episode we get the old mini bike running, rebuild the carburetor, make a few tweaks to the bike, and take it out for a rip on the brand new 2021 Isaac Grand Prix! These small old school style mini bikes with full suspension and 3-5 horsepower are so much fun- they’re easy to ride, decently powerful (but not scary), and they’re easy to store and transport. I don’t think you can have this much fun for $250 anywhere else!
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Пікірлер: 784

@CarsandCameras 3 жыл бұрын

Have a great week everyone! We need to plan an enduro mini bike race for under 5hp bikes. Could be a ton of fun after corona is over.

@AidenMi 3 жыл бұрын

cool i’m the first to reply!!!’

@michaelroberts3947 3 жыл бұрын

I have a gocart that yall could have

@jerryguajardo1193 3 жыл бұрын

Full face helmets! No mask required.

@mikesbarn1858 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds great.

@wafflegaming6054 3 жыл бұрын

The Cars and Cameras Motorsports

@terribleed15 3 жыл бұрын

Dang this one really brings me back! My dad went to the go kart and mini store “to get a new clutch” for our go kart and told me only my sister could go. I was super upset because I loved going to that store even if it was just to look around. Well my dad came back home and had bought me that exact mini bike! Best day ever! 🤘👊

@leoscustombuilds9717 3 жыл бұрын

Dude.. that's an awesome story. I can still remember the feeling when I got mine

@18wheeler77 3 жыл бұрын

6:26 good job Ike!!! 😂

@devinfowler6767 3 жыл бұрын

Being a good old boy from Georgia that grew up riding some mean yard carts, I love y'alls videos. I got to build them with my grandfather and wrench on them with him. y'alls stuff brings back a lot of good memories, he passed away a few years ago from brain cancer. That was a very hard time in my life. But that's enough of the sentimental stuff.. You guys should build the mini bike from Dumb and Dumber.

@bustinyanutz4195 3 жыл бұрын

Then re-create the scene where they are riding in the freezing cold and he pisses and they are stuck together

@rage_gaming7213 3 жыл бұрын

Devin Fowler that is cool sorry about your grandpa 🥺🥺He is in a better place now though

@Dirtdevil1 3 жыл бұрын

I'm from Georgia and we say "dut'nit" just like Ike 😃

@dacarvoid45 3 жыл бұрын

Can you send me a link from Dumb and Dumber... I wanna see what you're talking about. Also I'm from Ohio.

@dacarvoid45 3 жыл бұрын

@@bustinyanutz4195 uh oh.

@Lord_Verminaard 3 жыл бұрын

"Man, I guess I should have used the funnel" : Basically what everyone has said every time they have used a gas can without a funnel.

@bustinyanutz4195 3 жыл бұрын

Not me I have a speed nozzle, race gas cans

@andrewjohnson442 3 жыл бұрын

Haha every time I forget and say oh well it'll be fine but then I'm covered from knee down in gas

@FJ80Coop 3 жыл бұрын

I do believe that the bonehead gas pouring attempt is worthy of wearing the helmet all day award. Js.

@louisvaill2449 3 жыл бұрын

The new track is the hillbilly version of the the old track at Johns parents house 😁

@peter2213 3 жыл бұрын

That’s why it’s better, everything is more crazy and more fun down south

@ODST993 3 жыл бұрын

They can upgrade it too

@joshuabell6476 3 жыл бұрын

Yes quite

@thomasmoore694 3 жыл бұрын

I have a manco mini bike and I think its the same one. I put 5 hp engine on it, torque converter, and I upgraded the brakes. I love that thing, so much fun!

@billwilliamson9842 3 жыл бұрын

In my fleet I have 3 of these manco t birds, great little bikes but if you drop a 212 on it, make sure to box the engine mount. They'll flex, throw chains and crack the frame.

@frankgeimer5952 3 жыл бұрын

I can't tell you how many times I have been shocked by a magneto. LOL

@slowstang88 3 жыл бұрын

I was pulling plug wires on my 95 Ranger to diagnose a misfire, coil packs pack a hell of a punch too😵

@corysonsoucie6114 3 жыл бұрын

I had that exact mini bike when I was little and raced my dog up and down the driveway thousands of times.

@trickfkitmakeitwork886 3 жыл бұрын

Y'all could make your own race with a $10 entrance fee. Then you could make the entrance fee the prize money and weld up some trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

@dacarvoid45 3 жыл бұрын

F****** amazing idea dude!!!! Fuck yeah!🤘🤙🏍😎

@IBICat 3 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the next mini mayhem could be at the vir kart track, I swear I remember hearing them talk about it in a video

@carterclark5171 3 жыл бұрын

Great idea you should be the new president!!!!

@trevorking8985 3 жыл бұрын

@@carterclark5171 Too smart idea President would be looking for the baby for the po hotoshoot.Trev New Zealand

@varjen018 3 жыл бұрын

I'll fly in from Sweden, easy!

@rileyfenley522 3 жыл бұрын

I remember pulling the governor on my old go-kart. I had a fishing line tied to it that you could pull. It would give a nice little boost we use to call it the turbo back then.

@alexanderkuble3376 3 жыл бұрын

I love this channel I’ve been watching for many years and u guys brighten up my day every time thx

@CarsandCameras 3 жыл бұрын

That means a lot! Thanks!

@isaacitllbefine7231 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@StansWorld 3 жыл бұрын

back in the 60s most minis were 3 or 3.5hp a 5 was a rare thing

@donellmuniz590 3 жыл бұрын

Kids were dumber then 🤣

@bustinyanutz4195 3 жыл бұрын

@@donellmuniz590 noway kids use to actually go outside and learn hands-on shit now they are glued to electronic devices 24/7 and never out in nature

@ghomerhust 3 жыл бұрын

the 5s were always on actual Karts instead of bikes. my house was crazy tho, we had 8s on the karts and 5s on the bikes!

@RustyCigrit 3 жыл бұрын

I believe the man I thunderbirds are 90s tho because I had a near mint one looked new and I’m only 27

@a-a-rondavis9438 3 жыл бұрын

@@bustinyanutz4195 what generation do you think raised those kids to be on phones all the time?

@bobsbarnworkshop 3 жыл бұрын

Brings back great memories! I had a 5hp Alexander Reynolds chopper mini bike with similar suspension. Top speed was 45mph... it had a pretty small rear sprocket and I bypassed the governor of course! It did have a mechanical rear disc brake which pretty much did nothing! Hey, I had big feet!

@michaelterry5046 3 жыл бұрын

This brought back memories, just like the one I had as a kid, mine was bad about breaking the chain and throttle cable....we always bought multiple master links.

@mikesbarn1858 3 жыл бұрын

Quick tip. I keep my old metal premix cans for filling karts and bikes. 1 quart. Works easier.

@17fresh 3 жыл бұрын

Had one just like this probably right around '92. Can only imagine how miles I put on that thing running around the yard.

@mattwilkerson7277 3 жыл бұрын

I bought the same bike for my kid. I have just as much fun as he does.

@henryescat1104 3 жыл бұрын

I've just gotta get one of those! Looks perfect.

@leoscustombuilds9717 3 жыл бұрын

It's an awesome bike. You won't regret it

@kfxmatt05 3 жыл бұрын

I used to have one of these when I was a kid. Good times

@zkhydro4985 3 жыл бұрын

7:06 famous last words "Are you ready Duu... KABOOM"

@bushape2591 3 жыл бұрын

You guys are living the dream, His legs gives him a two stroke advantage. Thanks for videos just built a doodle bug with 212 lots of fun, taco is next up. Keep em coming.

@crossthreadaeroindustries8554 3 жыл бұрын

My buddy and I rigged up his childhood minibike when we were like Seniors in HS. Did not have a spring so we used a rubber band on the throttle. OF COURSE is broke on a course like you have there, but there were deep ruts from heavy equipment using the access road we were on. I. Went. Flying. Time stood still. I looked like Charlie Brown missing the football on his kick. Immediate hilarity, couldn't breath because I was laughing so hard. Tore the side of my jeans up, but otherwise I was ok. No broken arm or collar bone. You guys bring that day back for me.

@alloutriding9423 3 жыл бұрын

That is awesome!!! I bought a original manco Thunderbird for $50 from a garage sale and put a 212cc predator in it and I can't keep the front tire on the ground!!! Love the vids!!!

@calebevans479 3 жыл бұрын

I just got one today that came with a brand new predator 212 still in the box. I’m excited

@trevorking8985 3 жыл бұрын

In case anyone is wondering the average hearing from the auto clutch & 35 chain is about 6:1 or at least 60 teeth on the driven sprocket.give or take. Trev New Zealand.

@TheGreekRob 3 жыл бұрын

I have an older version of this minibike, I believe it's a 1969 Bird Engineering Thunderbird. Very similar but it has spoke wheels and no rear suspension at all. It's going to be a rough ride but I'm excited to get her finished and ride her.

@dicktrickle4197 3 жыл бұрын

Nobody talking about the tan coffin at the beginning leaning up against the wall?

@Everett-xe3eg 3 жыл бұрын

Ike's got everything including the kitchen sink

@quintonbrill5709 3 жыл бұрын

Doesn't ike have a hearse

@isaacitllbefine7231 3 жыл бұрын

@@quintonbrill5709 yep

@rickfazzini22 3 жыл бұрын

You guys got everything, including the kitchen sink! Good video fellas its always fun to watch ya all.

@aaronmiller7031 3 жыл бұрын

I love scrub brakes, so simple and don't require any fiddling! But yes, they do disappear when its wet out. When its dry out, you can almost stand on them and it'll lock that rear wheel up!

@leelane9929 3 жыл бұрын

I grew up on mini bikes and motorcycles in the 60s and 70s, but I bought my son a Manco Thunderbird in the late 80s. Great bikes.

@hrsey71 3 жыл бұрын

my first "dirt bike" was a 3.5hp Tecumseh mini bike. brings back memories!

@c.mikelongo6628 3 жыл бұрын

Loved Ike checking the spark plug!😂

@Ronin8451 3 жыл бұрын

The original was by Bird Enterprises and had 1/4" diameter spoked wheels and was called the Thunderbird. Their emblem was an Eagle with the motto " Bird-Masters of Motion" .

@ronniepate4315 3 жыл бұрын

You can have a lot of fun on those . I had one and could ride it all day with no break downs . Good cheap fun !

@bustinyanutz4195 3 жыл бұрын

My fav minibike and go cart channel with ratherbewelding and redbeard's garage

@SuperGlacierGirl 3 жыл бұрын

I've got an original Bird Thunderbird, rescued from a scrap pile. Now sports a Hemi 212, shaved head, billet rod and flywheel, upgraded cam, rockers/pushrods, big bore carb, header, and so on. Added a chain brake, but still has the scrub one too. It is one fast and scary ride.

@notsure8041 3 жыл бұрын

Ike looks like Yukon Cornelius with the beard.

@wjthehomebuilder 3 жыл бұрын

I wanted one of those so bad in the early 90's. It retailed for $599 at the local hardware store. I ended up making something similar one out of black gas pipe using this one for spec. Used wheel barrel wheels and even had that 12" drive sprocket.

@jeremyhawkins5191 3 жыл бұрын

When I was a kid I would go to work with my dad and clean spark plugs all day, fun times man fun times. Anywho when I would complete the cleaning process I would have to test the plugs. To do so you add spark with the plug in a chamber and as you are watching the spark across the electrode you elevate the compression in the chamber. The compression is what actually makes a plug fail. Just some old skool food for thought, don't ask how old 🤣. Keep up the great videos guys!

@nybergsgarage 3 жыл бұрын

I do that regularly for my dad at his aircraft maintenance business. Exact same peocess! Clean, test, test with compression, then check the gap.

@MustangBranden 3 жыл бұрын

I had that exact same mini as a kid. Chains were the bane of my existence. Even worse when it came off and got caught between the sprocket n the wheel. We ended up extending the front end and putting apes on it to “chop” it.

@tkskagen 3 жыл бұрын

Still needs a Mikuni Carburetor Upgrade!

@bygodfreeman 3 жыл бұрын

Every atc, minibike, or gokart needs a mikuni!

@danf4616 3 жыл бұрын

Wait..what??? I watched until the end and John did not crash or break it? Well, except for the chain! 😂

@joshbannon8989 3 жыл бұрын

Really miss you guys outing down times on mini bikes and go carts.

@cobyburrow9339 3 жыл бұрын

These are wheelie kings. I stretched mine 3.5" to keep it down. I also added a piece of rubber belting to the brake scrubber and it helps a bunch.

@robspear03 3 жыл бұрын

The stock 72 tooth sprocket didnt help.

@trevorking8985 3 жыл бұрын

@@robspear03 Gear it down to 60 tooth or ,6;1 ratio. Trev New Zealand

@gabrielgalaxygh 2 жыл бұрын

Bro I busted my ass trying to floor it on one of these with a 212 haha

@gradybrowning3976 3 жыл бұрын

Come on guys almost at 1 Million subs, can’t wait till you hit it!👍

@RustyCigrit 3 жыл бұрын

I had one of these when I was younger my uncle gave it to me I swapped the little 3.5 out for a 6.0 hp Honda power washer motor and it would fly lol with that huge sprocket on it I would cruise cross county’s lol I think I commented on your video awhile back saying the man I thunderbirds are the best mini bikes on earth

@leoscustombuilds9717 3 жыл бұрын

Manco Thunderbird was my first minibike and is still my favorite minibike. I recently watched my son ride the same minibike I rode at his age. That was special. I am happy to still have it.

@hornetdefence1228 3 жыл бұрын

great to see this Chanel growing, always love the new content, keep up the great work guys!

@MrBradyfrazier 3 жыл бұрын

Man you guys have everything! Even the kitchen sink! Love your videos! Keep em coming!

@lucassarchet6712 3 жыл бұрын

Had one and loves everything except the seat suspension and the brake. Easy enough to fix and it was an off-road beast.

@zman4150 3 жыл бұрын

I bought one just like yours back in October, but it didn't have the original engine or handlebars. I couldnt get the centrifugal clutch to tote me around, so I swapped it for a 212 with a CVT - she pulls wheelies now with a top speed of 32MPH (so far). If you guys can "upgrade" the brakes from the scrub brake to something a little more safer, that would be great! Maybe from parts at GPS?

@rameyskitchen4990 3 жыл бұрын

You guys are amazing thanks to you I made my first small engines purchase I got a little pit bike

@RC.3RD864 3 жыл бұрын

That was great guys lot of fun

@davidbrands7952 Жыл бұрын

That was a great test! Thanks!!!

@PyroModder85 3 жыл бұрын

I want to see you turn that coffin into a cart!!!

@justinyates1154 3 жыл бұрын

That's an awesome lil mini bike

@65Pontiac389 3 жыл бұрын

I love the old Minny bike

@OldMateHowie 3 жыл бұрын

You should put extra weight on the bikes/carts when John is on them to even up the weight difference!

@JohnHill-jm7tm 3 жыл бұрын

John and Ike another awesome video. This Old Man enjoying early in the morning. 🚚😎💗💗

@troy-from-cjrc 3 жыл бұрын

AHHHHH!!!! Never guts old....... I spit beer out my nose guys, good times.

@bigfish74f 3 жыл бұрын

I thought i was watching dead mans shoes when i saw isac with the beard and camo coat

@stanlucas665 3 жыл бұрын

Sweet ride guys

@fredericrike5974 3 жыл бұрын

Great start for the new year! Awesome find, Ike!

@austinstoker9163 3 жыл бұрын

Hey guys I've been a subscriber since the og cheap minibike builds several years ago. Yall inspired me to build my minibike which happens to be a manco thunderbird so I'm very excited that yall finally have one!

@isaacitllbefine7231 3 жыл бұрын

Cool. I love that bike

@austinstoker9163 3 жыл бұрын

@@isaacitllbefine7231 I do too it was my first minibike back when I was a kiddo and I still have it to this day! Just wayy sketchier now lol

@fillg 3 жыл бұрын

11:34 Getting blasted by a spark plug is better than a cup of coffee for waking you up. 🤣

@PRLRailfan 3 жыл бұрын

This is the best channel and I mean it! 😆😃

@donellmuniz590 3 жыл бұрын

My other favorite is Vice Grip Garage. Derek is a riot.

@isaacitllbefine7231 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@NACHO.F.BUILDS 3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome 👌. I just picked up a thunderbird in good condition for only 50 bucks,love your channel also i switched my brake to a disk brake.

@OldFartGrows 3 жыл бұрын

⚡⚡ "That NEVER gets old"

@SgtSCRUPulous 3 жыл бұрын

Man I love these things! I have 2 of them. My kids have one with a stage 1 79cc and mine has a stage 1 212cc with a 54 tooth sprocket to keep it from launching into orbit every time I take off! It does snap chains quite a bit though. My biggest piece of advice......clutch band brake.

@ODST993 3 жыл бұрын

The house is looking really good.

@jonathancaldwell322 3 жыл бұрын

I am loving the kaiser truck

@HugosGoKartsHd 3 жыл бұрын

That thing is sweet, I been looking for something like that for months, I look it couple but I feel like the right one is gonna call my name lol keep the good work guys. Love the channel.

@waitaminute-vw9hf Жыл бұрын

I have one of these Thunderbirds. I got it for my son back in the early 90s. Somewhere I may have the original paperwork too. Yesterday I got a wild hair and put in a carb kit and it runs great. All parts are original. I want to get in that race haha!

@reddog543211 3 жыл бұрын

Impressive find and build guys....I love this budget stuff !!!.....🤘

@monkeydude3987 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome, I always wanted one of those! That 3.5 Tecumseh sound takes me back -- I did have/ride many bikes/karts equipped with similar engines that sound just like that. Good luck with this one, I look forward to whatever you change or upgrade on it. Stay safe!

@danwb6957 3 жыл бұрын

Wow you Guys are so close to 1M subs. May that day come soon coz y'all deserve it so much. I cant wait to see what you 2 have in stored for 2021.

@mcsstudios101 3 жыл бұрын

"simple first".... Absolutely!

@400sbccamaro 3 жыл бұрын

Yay another mini bike

@willbarfield166 3 жыл бұрын

I can't wait for you guys to hit a million I haven't been here for long but I've been here since May. You guys have taught me everything I need to know.

@isaacitllbefine7231 3 жыл бұрын

👍

@allensterner4071 3 жыл бұрын

Love the bike guys

@Dumwun 3 жыл бұрын

Good Job!

@wadewright3556 3 жыл бұрын

I like the frame mounted gas tank.

@TheTrueVoiceOfReason 3 жыл бұрын

All you need is a thumb lever and cable hooked up to pull the governor open at high speed. Give it a Nitrous or Turbo Boost label.

@RearEngineShop 3 жыл бұрын

I want something like this! Looks like a lot of fun! 🤘

@sirlurksalot4454 3 жыл бұрын

messing with minibikes while the world around us goes insane and destroys everything...may as well

@zessss3097 3 жыл бұрын

YAY HE DIDNT HIT A TREE ..... sorry had to mention it. Great video Keep It Up!

@booperduper8816 3 жыл бұрын

Ikes beard game is on point!

@nicolasdyar4947 3 жыл бұрын

Love what y’all do thanks for such good content

@CarsandCameras 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@trevormiller1366 3 жыл бұрын

I know of two people that have died in separate incidents hitting tractor implements while riding around a yard on motorbikes, granted they weren't wearing helmets but still, being injured isn't fun for anyone. Hopefully the only risky stuff you attempt is driving old stuff down the road that has a chance of cutting out and making you push it home, rolling a kids cart on yourself or over drive tyres and a sunvisor. Stay safe!

@mitchellmacdonald1116 3 жыл бұрын

I picked one up a few months back. Threw a hydraulic disc brake kit from amazon as well as a (pls don't hate me) 48v 1800w electric system. So far, its been an amazingly fun build and she rips too. Lots of torque and a pretty solid top speed. Hope to see more of this bike in the future! I also purchased mine running for $200. It had a 4hp Robin-Subaru engine.

@johnnyturbo8460 3 жыл бұрын

WOULD love to see more car stuff ( CARS and cameras). I really enjoyed the auto cross video with the nova.. maybe a video on the nova and how you set it up for the next race

@gqp4800 3 жыл бұрын

New year, new track. Shovelhead mini bike!😗

@isaacdiesel9764 3 жыл бұрын

I have one of those things and it is the most fun and simple to fix

@FrozenToast396 3 жыл бұрын

Good Catch on that spark plug guys! I have been told that sometimes the atmosphere/compression created inside the cylinder can cause a weak plug to do exactly what yours did. Really good catch guys.

@DTMotorcyclesEssex 3 жыл бұрын

Love it guys !!!

@alexb4090 3 жыл бұрын

Wow that’s a nice bike wish I had one

@camryn9095 3 жыл бұрын

that"s a cool little bike

@j.w.3345 2 жыл бұрын

I just bought a Manco Thunderbird today! Could be pre-Manco, No name on the seat. Missing the gas tank and chain guard, otherwise, very clean. The guy said the engine was blown, but it has great compression. His wife said it wouldn't start. Can't wait to get her going tomorrow!