4 Mechanical Jobs Every Motorcyclist Should Learn

RyanF9 sucks at mechanics. Even still, he eventually mastered these essential tasks that every motorcyclist should learn. Have you?


8:27 – How to Check Wheel Alignment

Support us by shopping motorcycle gear with this link:

Or anything with this Amazon link:


Connect with us:

[kyleconger]

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.

[REDSIX]

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.

[alexswitzer]

Man I just found this channel and I’m realizing I need to watch ever video this guy has ever made

[Nerb]

Puncture repair is the other main road side task all motorcyclists should know.... we've ALL had one (or are going to) ;)

[thewanderingrey]

As a noob motorcyclist I thank you for these tips!

[strangefacekid]

1. Tyre change and balance.
2. Valve and plug adjustments.
3. Chain tensioning.
4. Puncture repair.
5. Fluid changes.

Bye Bye mechanic bills...

[EssensOrAccidens]

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.

[TommyAngelo]

2017: RyanF9 sucks at mechanics.
2019: RyanF9 assembles a KLR from scratch.

[bintoe]

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).

[immikeurnot]

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.

[josuetrujillo]

Fork oil changing should be on the list, it’s daunting and time consuming, yet fairly easy once you learn how.

[-N-R-]

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!

[DanteYewToob]

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 YouTube 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.

[ThaKenMan]

So glad that Ryan is back and making videos again. Can't wait to see how the shop and studio evolve as time passes.

[HalfdeadRider]

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.

[frankhernandez]

I have been riding for 30 years and I find these videos interesting and informative. I just subscribed, please keep them coming.

[Sparkynutz]

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?

[firacingast]

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!

[markettt]

nobody makes better videos than fortnine

[luisera]

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.