James May Builds A Mini Motorcycle! | Reassembler

In this episode, James May is faced with reassembling a 1970's Honda Z50A mini Trail Motorcycle from all its 303 component parts. This is an object James can't wait to reassemble but along the way he faces a very real and very hostile battle with some springs, ponders over correct workshop etiquette and contemplates the life long debate, what's the difference between a bolt and a screw?

James May is back in his workshop and ready to slowly reassemble history! He explores the intricacies and marvels of engineering as he pieces iconic objects back together from their hundreds of component parts.

[danielmacdonald]

As I've gotten older I've really come to appreciate james, as a kid to me he was always the slow technical guy which obviously doesn't appeal to kids, who would've thought he'd end up my favourite of the trio.

[Arcturuseyes]

I can tell James is in his happy place, assembling something cool at his own pace, and use the editor's skills to make a leisurely, almost therapeutic put-together of a tiny bike. Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance?

[tomgosy]

The whole James May and not believing in electricity saga always cracks me up

[SAMPLETEXT]

Clarkson and Hammond have always joked about how boring james can be its a running joke but ive always quite enjoyed how james explains things as he makes sure everyone can understand

[syndicateofamerica]

My father completely disassembled two 74 year model 80cc dirt bikes to build a basically brand new one for me in 1984. I still remember both bikes laying strategically on the garage floor in their rusted, broken worn out glory. On my birthday I was bestowed a brand new Yamaha, painted decals and everything!!! Literally after a year of toiling after work all night long it was as if it came from the factory!!!! I miss you Dad, but I will do the same for my boy in your honor👍.

[ivandenisovich]

It occurs to me, perhaps erroneously, that James's time in TG and GT have been a prelude. A means by which he can find his place, chatting away in an old shed, building interesting things and thinking interesting thoughts. Bravo Sir.

[ndwelch]

This is like watching James May in his natural habitat and I'm 100% here for it.

[ThethDimension.]

I like how Naked Science has turned in the James May channel, and no one is complaining.

[charliebailey]

As an American motorcyclist I really enjoyed your video on so many levels! Loved the humor, all wrapped in truth. Will be watching more of your work.

[carlobi]

Love how the magic of editing turned his installing the first suspension unit upside down into the correct orientation after a quick cut.

[CosmicAnime]

I also noticed that the front wheel fender was on backwards for half the video, then turned around from 26:26, it was turned around to the correct position.

[jamesmichael]

Great job, we had a red mini trail back in the mid 70s it would go all afternoon for 3 days on one tank of gas and it only cost 19cents to fill it up, imagine that. That little Honda was so much fun and I finally moved on to a trail 70 and it was even more fun because I could ride on the street and also go trail riding. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida 🌞

[hertzair]

ONLY James May could get away with a show like this…and I guarantee you, he was the one who took the time to sort out all the parts neatly before assembly.

[johnsims]

35:29 James, I have an Ironhead that was made in the 1970s. My love for the bike comes from two things; one, I do love the sound of the single pin crankshaft. It's a very distinctive exhaust sound. Secondly, I love the ludacris amount of torque that the engine produces. It's almost akin to a tractor.

[KillerFx]

I'm surprised how entertained I am by this man's commentary while assembling this. I could watch this all day.

[GregVirgoe]

OK this my take on the BOLT / SCREW debate. A BOLT is male threaded fixing (either partially or fully threaded) that has to be wound into a matching female thread, whether that be captive, internal thread or a loose threaded nut. A SCREW can also be partially or fully threaded, (typically a courser thread) but does not have a matching thread to screw into. The SCREW cuts it's own thread as you drive it into the material you're fixing to. :D Great Series James

[jamesnoonan]

James May is a national treasure, and we must protect him at all costs. He's like that amazing grandfather figure teaching you how to assemble your first bike. This is wholesome content at its finest. Good job, James, and remember, "flood the cowling sir."

[Arcturuseyes]

I want to learn more about engines, and I love James May, he's a gentle soul.

[Cheerful.Flourish]

Watching James May reassemble anything has a curious meditative quality 😊

[ProSimex]

Beautiful content, this is why we love James. Your struggle with the brake spring is relatable.