This was my father's bike. If you want the background on it, just contact me or tell me how to contact you. Great to see it running again! I hope you enjoy it

I've flipped 6 motorcycles out of the 7 I've owned. This is how I bought my first car at 29. I'm autistic, and have found I rather enjoy working on motorcycles. It's kind of a love/hate thing. I bought a 1981 Yamaha XS850 Special for $200. Put a $40 battery in it to make it run, sold it for $1,200. Another was a 1981 Honda CM400A for $50, only thing wrong with it was the previous owner broke a piece of a carburetor and it fell into the cylinder. Using an endoscope, I looked in there and saw it on top of the piston. After unsuccessfully trying to remove it with a magnet (and remembering aluminum is not magnetic), I put a drinking straw in the end of a shop vac hose, put my hand around that to make a seal, and sucked out that piece with the straw. That bike ran with no problems. Sold it for $1,200 as well. My current project is a '77 BMW R100S that I got for free (it even came with the original toolkit, all the tools are stamped with "Made in West Germany"). Currently dealing with a wiring issue, a bad ground I haven't been able to trace. I think it would be a great subject for one of your videos lol.

Too many years ago, I learned that by the time you find and buy the bike, chase down the needed parts and then do the work, you end up making about 5 cents an hour profit. You have to love what you are doing

This is great. Other KZfaqrs never mention things like time spent on fixing it up and other costs like transporting wheels to the shop etc.

I had a 1989 FJ1200 for 12 years. Fabulous bike that took me all over the UK & Europe.

Wheelier dealers Craig Edition, I hope this could become a series would be nice to see the math of profit more often :3

Kudos to Dan, he doesn't get enough credit for his creative input & editing skills. And thumbs up 👍 to the Fuel Tank shimmy & music!

One thing that wasn't included in the cost breakdown was the cost of fuel to drive a truck 3 hours away to pick it up, when you include that profit margins get even smaller. Its definitely something to consider when looking to flip something, sometimes a closer project thats a bit more expensive is worth it.

Hi Craig and Dan, I was thinking when you said $600.00 Profit, that I would just keep it. It would be hard to find another one in that nice of condition. My problem is, I would want to keep all the Bikes.

Great video! Dan nailed the editing and Craig gave great info. This should be a must-watch before listing a bike. If everyone followed your advice, things would be much better. I don't blame you for keeping her, Craig. That thing strikes me as right up your alley. She seems strong and full of life. Well done, Beardos!

Love watching you Dan! As a lifetime fellow enthusiast, a few years ago I spent an entire year doing some motorcycle flips. While I might not have won the lottery, I did make some extra spending money, and at the same time, I enjoyed my hobby and love of taking a forgotten item that has been sitting, and bringing it back to life. I giggle right along with you every time you get that first fire up.

Awesome explanation of the flip/recondition process. The honesty here is beautiful and thank you. The interwebs make it seem like it's so easy and effortless. You and Dan just explained it perfectly. Well done. Go Craig and Dan, keep moving forward!

I got a 1985 rebel that had been sitting for 20 years your videos brought it back to life Love your videos I've learned so much you never give up 🔥🔥 ive worked on all my motorcycles by hand thanks to you.

Look forward to these videos every week - thanks Craig! FJ is such a cool old bike.

it's a lovely bike, and good for many, many more miles but the age and style of the bike means they don't fetch great prices now at least here in the UK, where style and modernity are a bit more important. They do have a certain following though from the people who realise just how good they really are. Great video Craig, lovely to see the FJ fettled back into service.

The good thing with Evaporust is that it's re-usable. So, if you had enough to FILL the tank completely, (so you don't have to keep sloshing a little bit around in the tank), it can then be re-used, and you would be able to keep it to use on other tanks, or anything with rust that needs submerging.

Literally what i asked for last video, a flip/restoration lol. And twice as long video, love it Greg.

Allen heads are an upgrade on the float bowl in my opinion.

I'm lookin' to try and flip some bikes here in Japan. I'm a Canadian with plenty of experience working on the machines, but your whiteboard balancing act helped me with how to think about the 'biz'. I thank you kindly Craig, for that perspective. You're more than a fine wrench.

Was freshening a 86 FJ1200 for a friend of mine. Decided not to charge him and in fact, just buy it. Fell in love with it while working on it. Great bikes and great video.

The editing is so much better in this video, nice work! Really liked those 30 minutes of the video

Nice job! I’m surprised the fork seals were still good. Flipped bikes when I was younger. Sometimes I made money and sometimes not. Stop flipping when potential buyers became not so great. With the price of new bikes maybe I would get back into. Used bike are crazy expensive on market place and Craigslist. Great video

I’ve been working on a few projects here and there in my tiny 16x24’ shop. Just got a lift table and has made my life so much easier! I love your content it’s always a great watch! Cheers

Back in the late 80s I was perfectly happy with my 750 Sabre then my friend let me ride his 89 FJ1200. I was instantly addicted to the torque. There was no going back.

Satisfying, and very well edited. Speaking as a former camera- guy, currently recovering from a stroke, I am impressed.😊

Get the full decal kit. That always increases the value

I love watching this channel, I'm a new rider and watching you work gives me the confidence to work on my own stuff. This video in particular has me ready to take apart and clean the 4 carb setup on my bike that has really intimidated me until now 💪

I can't thank you enough for making your videos. It reminds me of working on bikes with my dad and get that feeling when it finally fires. I'm in Colorado and it's hard to find bikes to work on. Keep up the good work.

I have had many Fj's. My current is a '95 1200 in cocktail blue. They are fantastically capable bikes. Bulletproof engines, Comfort in spades, easy to get to and work on ..and that torque 😍 They really are one of the best bikes Yamaha ever made. The heritage of these engines from the xs1100 right up to the latest XJR's prove their worth. A real belter of a all rounder mile muncher. You are right to keep her.

This was a fun episode. That ol' FJ is humming along nicely now! I have considered trying to flip a bike but I am still a newbie mechanic and it seems a bit beyond my skill level right now. Maybe in a year or two. I like these type of videos and I hope you do a few more like it next year.

I really appreciate the part where you explained what to include counting when buying a project. Cause Me and my friend are buying & selling and I'll add up some things to the list to save us some hustle. Thank you! I'm watching your videos almost daily! I'm happy you finally got your own channel xD

I learned that concept of "You make your money when you buy it" when I was fooling with horses. It was always good to go look at a horse where the owner didn't use good techniques in saddling or other handling of their horse. When the horse acted up the price came way down. Re-training those horses was pretty easy as they generally wanted to please their person. Watching this video makes me miss my FJR-1300. When I moved to the desert I knew I couldn't keep a faired sport touring bike at my place ten miles up a rough dirt road.

I have flipped 60 of the 62 bikes I have owned. 8 of them were new. When selling them, I made money on maybe 4 of them. But my goal was always to buy used creampuffs and after playing with them, sell them for most of what I paid. What a wonderful hobby this has been after 52 years of fun.😊

I usually lose money or end up even when buying and selling anything, but I always produce something worth keeping forever. That way if I end up keeping it its worth keeping and needs nothing for the future to be complete. It may seem odd but thats the way I operate. I dont sell anything I wouldnt buy, and I am honest. But I also dont sell stuff for a living......I have a job lol

Best video I’ve seen in long time hope a lot of viewers pay attention. You’re a great guy appreciate how honest you are. Not a common trait anymore. Thanks

Hi Guys, I really loved this video because of your honest and very professional approach. Listing ALL your costs and time, taking loads of pics to show the good AND not so good. A great tutorial on how to flip vehicles for profit.

I had the 1100 version , great bike with tons of torque along with a good top speed . Very well balanced and stable

So cool!!! Craig and Dan make another banger! It is really inspiring and makes me want a shop of my own.

This is starting to become my favorite channel. Content quality constantly stepping up. Great work.

Awesome video! My dad, who died 3 years ago, and I spent lots of time doing exactly this work on a 1984 FJ 1100. It brought back so many good memories. I wish We would have had this video to watch! I’d love to see a video on a Honda Interceptor (I have a 1984 1000).

Great video! I flip a lot of bikes and atvs. One thing you forgot was the cost of gas to drive to pick it up. LOve the videos, they are informative. You have some great tips strewn throughout!

Love that you kept it Craig. I’m 53 and just about to do my full test here in the uk 🇬🇧 and this is the sorta bike I’m going for, hopefully when I pass. I’m an ex paint and panel tech and wanting to do a relatively easy ish project and watching your videos has inspired me to go for it. Loving the channel, keep up the great work 🤘😎🤘

By far the best video yet! I loved this content/subject of flipping bikes, you should consider doing more of these. The whole video content,editing,music was perfect.

Really enjoyed watching your shows !... it's great seeing old bikes given a second chance Merry Christmas from Andy in County Durham UK.

That bike will be worth 3k when ur done Yes, yes, shown the video of all the work you did to it. It makes people feel better knowing they can just get on and ride

Very cool bike, I don't blame you for keeping it after all the work. Love what you guys are doing, keep it going! Thumbs up from me every video

Hell yea. GLad you have you're own channel. Learning so much from you and love your witty self. Keep it up. Merry Christmas

This is a great bike and a great channel you got there! Original content like yours has become rare in KZfaq so thank you 🙏 Really enjoy the “is it gonna run” series!!!

What I really loved about this video is that you guys really start to find your rythm, I mean it was great from the start, but it keeps getting better, especially with how nicely everything Craig is doing is filmed. Great job Dan!

Should've named it "how to go broke flipping motorcycles"

Sound of that Kerker on fire-up was worth the watch! Keep up the great work guys!

greetings, Great video one thing that I do take the tank off before trying to run it I have a plastic outboard boat tank with the hand bulge pump. I learned a long time ago that once one does that kind of work, the wheel barrel will always be empty in the end. The trick to enjoying working on a bike is to get someone else to pay you to fix their motorcycle. Thank you for creating this video, very informative.

Good job dude.. No bibles verses either.

OMG the whole time you were talking about listing it, I was yelling in my head, "Why aren't you keeping it?? It's a sweet bike!!" :D

Great Video Craig & Dan. I'm so happy your keeping this bike, I feel in love with & it's such a time capsule. I also love the break down on flipping bike you did a killer job 👏 KEEPUP THE GREAT VLOGS❤🏍🏍

I've been watching your videos for a few months now and am amazed at each one. I'm going thru a older Yamaha Kodiak with throttling up response issues, even after getting a new carburetor. The original one kept leaking at the over flow, but the needle and seat and float are working properly. I just listed my Harley Street Bob and am already getting lower offers. I'm only selling because I have a left shoulder tear and feel that anything on 2 wheels will not work for me any longer.

My new favorite channel, I've been watching all the videos since the day before yesterday. A normal guy doing decent work, funny and educational. This is how KZfaq is supposed to be. Thank you.

Hello Craig, I got to know you through your collaborations with Bikes & Beards. I found your interventions relevant and I am happy to discover that I can now follow you here too. Your videos help me wait for the next season since here in Canada we have to wait until April-May to ride a motorcycle.

One of the best parts of Friday is watching the new Bearded Mechanic video. Great as always - love that bike.

Very good video, you guys never fail to bring quality content. Very informative and always something new and interesting. Keep up the great work!

Hi Craig, I’m from New Zealand, I really enjoyed meeting you the other week in the restaurant with my son in law. Thanks for taking the time. When dealing with fuel tanks that have had water in, for whatever reason, I used to rinse them out, then put methylated spirits in, swish that around as that mixes with the remaining water. Then empty that out and flush with gas, which mixes with the spirits. Love the channel 👍

That's absolutely beautiful! I've bought, fixed and ridden lots of old bikes, and still own most of them.

I’ve enjoyed your KZfaq presence ever since I began watching you with Shawn many years ago on B&B. I was pretty stoked to see after Shawn moved you launched your own channel! I’ll be here brother! Let’s see where you take us!

Craig, you're a good dude. I have dreams of hobby-flipping in the future. Thanks for the video!

This is a great bike and a great channel you got there! Original content like yours has become rare in KZfaq so thank you. I also really enjoy the “is it gonna run” series!!!regards

graig i love your solo vids i enjoyed watching you and sean for a long while but as you moved to do your own thing i followed you and been really enjoying it

Very comprehensive video! Excellent work Craig!

Dang, I ran out of time to finish this video. Craig, you are knocking it outta the park. Thank you and God Bless.

I was literally yelling my lungs off "why you want to sell it, keep it" and in the end he kept it. Great

Love the fact that you kept that bike. I know you know you'll be happy with this decision... Thanks for another great video. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment...

Well done!! Really enjoyed this project. Keep up the great work!

Great video Craig and Dan. Great editing, funny and very informative. Bike sounds amazing..I miss mine! Glad you kept it.

Just started watching your channel and it looks like its really gonna help me on a project I've had sitting in my garage for close to a decade; restoring my 1 owner 1972 DX500 with only 3,477 miles. The only thing not original is the motor oil but I've been hitting dead ends but I think your channel is going to have the info I nee.

Very informative video Craig. I'm gonna keep it to watch again. Thank you kindly.

What a treat seeing you twice today this morning with Sean on his channel with the electric pit bikes

Just bought my first bike today :). I was watching you since day one but I finally got my own bike to enjoy along with the video content

Glad you kept it! Beautiful classic to hold onto.👍

Another great video. I've been involved in vintage motorcycle restoration for years, but I don't flip bikes. I've had tons of people ask for my advice on flipping bikes and the first thing I tell them is "you make your money when you buy it".........then I have to explain. If a bike has been sitting for more than a couple years, it will NEED tires (maybe inner tubes), battery, oil change, tuneup, taxes, title transfer and a few other items. Easily 500 bucks if you do it all yourself. And you still don't know if it runs, maybe the tank is rusted or the carbs are completely corroded or worse. If you have to pay someone else to do the work, it's almost always a loser. I'm glad that you made this video, when I'm asked about flipping bikes, I'll just refer him to your explanation, thanks.

So glad you are keeping the bike. The sound of that Kerker exhaust had me sold. Ride safe and happy hunting for your next great project bike.

By far one of the best sales tutorial videos I've seen. That bike turned out so beautiful.

That looks and sounds great. Love watching you take old and broken to something usable and a joy to ride.

Keep up the great content Craig. I love just hanging out and tinkering with you!

A great guide on the reality of flipping bikes, but deciding to keep it was a great decision. Wishing you and yours a great Christmas and New Year!

I literally put your vids on as background relaxation at this point haha! I love the way you think and you crack me up. That on top of the fact that you're a good mechanic spells relaxation for me LoL... 😝 Keep up the good work my brother. I would definitely share shop space with you anytime! 🤘👊

Hi my name is Scott, I'm new to the channel and already a huge fan! First, I appreciate your attitude and personality and the fact that you don't use ANY bad language and you don't have to drink alcohol to be on KZfaq!!! But,the 70s and 80s inline 4s are my favorite bikes ever and seeing how you bring them back to life is the best!! I also love the kz400 and pretty much any other bike😊! Keep up the good work!

Watching a video from a big auction yard recently and couldnt believe how many bikes were there totalled that looked almost perfect.

I like when he does everything not just getting it running!! Cleaning it etc

Really enjoy the channel. Old YT vibes, of people showing you their lives. Not huge production companies throwing out luke warm content

Fun video, I'm glad that you decided to keep it. Also, I'm looking forward to part two of the Yamaha IT175.

Love watching your videos man, found you through bikes and beards

Good decision 👌 A nice bike 👏👏👏 A good tutorial for the fixer upper and just a great watch, thank you !

Nice, I'm glad She stays with You. Good work, enjoy the bike 🍻

The comment on workshop with multiple benches and no clear space to place stuff resonates😆👍🏽 Glad you've kept the bike🌟

Amazing work, you make it look easy Craig. Funny and great editing too.😊

Great job Dan on the edit. Classic Craig. Gentlemen keep up the fantastic content.

Out of the old big 4-stroke bikes I owned in the 80s including a GPX750, GPZ1100, GPZ1000RX, FZ750, XS850, FZR1000, CBR1000, GSXR750H, GT750 and GSX750F, I found the Yamaha FJ1100 in it's red and white colors was my favorite big bike. If I could go back in time (and body) it would be at the top of my list for what I would want to ride again. All the other bikes were great in their own right, but for me the FJs typified the whole meaning of 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts'.

Best video so far. Thank you for your honest assessment and practical advice.

Great vid Craig, we used to add a cup of Lead Shot to the tank when using an anti rust solution. If you shake it around from time to time, it makes a Huge difference in the amount of rust removed. Lead shot is not that easy to find, but worth it.

Great video, great bike. Those FJs are sweet old Yamahas. Glad you kept it!

Craig, I really enjoy your videos, they are very informative and entertaining, keep up with the great content.