Any Interest in VideoCD/DVD with HowTo Info!?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there folks,

A fellow "newbie" Xsive wrote to me and told me about an instructional "homemade" video/Cd that he got for his other bike, I won't mention what brand/type, but I know he is "beeming" about owning his XS

Anyway, it has some videos with short how to's on some basic maintainance tasks, and he was wondering if that was something that "we" might be able to come up with and provide!?

So....I'm asking a couple of questions! I can see where it might be helpful for newbies that aren't experienced wrenches to be able to see the "Actual" processes of the wrenching technique in video format.

Was wondering what are some of the repair/maintainance procedures that you/we think should be included in this project? Examples: from just changing Oil, middle, final gear oils; to
Valve Shim adjustment, etc!?

I do have a Video camera, the capability to import/edit video clips into my computer, and record/burn on CD or even DVD, ..........
NOT that I'm volunteering to do this Just wondering what you all think, both Experienced Wrenches and Novices alike?

[thumperjsa]

I personally think it would be a great idea. A couple of suggestions, for newbees too:
Video of where things are on the engine and frame
How toos of common question like valve adjustment, float adjustment, carb rebuild, advance wires replacement would be a good place to start.
A transmission rebuild could be very helpful.

Also to the video suggestion, keep out the long boring parts and only keep in the actual adjustments or changes.

[trukleon]

Video

Thumper I like your way of thinking

[btdtdan]

At this stage of the game it would be very helpful to the "OLDEST" XS'er on the site.
Just happen to be thinking this evening, that I started running dirt flat track "50 years ago". YAHOO ! So many bikes so little time.

[don07tncav]

I agree it's an excellent idea. Cover the basic problems and skip the long steps, a DVD would be the best since most PC's are trending that way. I already have an owners manual and the parts CD so I can take my laptop out to the barn. It would be nice to see what I'm about to do to my bike vs read it!

[chevy45412001]

good one

Very good thought. XSEPT, you might want the long boring version? It is intended for the newbie ,or in XSperienced wrench.Not everyones wrenching ability is the same. But whatever, i still like the idea.

[UncleSpot]

I've made "instructional" VHS videos for my business - how to check to see if your guitar amp is functioning correctly, how to set the BIAS on vacuum tube amps, cleaning the chassis for optimum operation, checking speakers for 'voice coil rubs', reconing speakers, etc

-but this was on VHS format - with the newer DVD recorders that are out (~$225 at CostCo) you could essentially 'transfer' the older video format to the newer one... except the video resolution would only be a fraction of what it COULD be with a digital recording device (camera)

I can do the basic preventive maintenance and repairs on my XS but to do a carb or transmission rebuild... well, I'd have to "experiment"/practice, until I was comfortable enough to "film it". But, that's one of my 'projects' this winter: I have 4 'extra' carbs that I plan on teaching myself how to rebuild them, set the float bowl, etc...

...*MAYBE* this would best be a collaboration with several XS11 members - where they could get together, work out the 'format' of the DVD/project, and then get something out there that would be useful/helpful...(??) I'm game. I just don't have a DVD/recorder/camera.

[trukleon]

video

Hey Top cat, sounds like Uncle is going to help ya out with some carb shots,,,,,,,,,,maybe

[UncleSpot]

...yeah, I'd be glad to be part of a project like this. I have a shop that has a "controled environment" where filming could be done at ANY hour. It *would* be nice to have a camera that had 'macro' capability, so you could ZOom in on the 'small details' that are soooo nice with digital recording/resolution. It is so much easier to learn something when you see it being done rather than just reading about the procedure in a 'shop manual'.

...I learned how to sync my carbs from watching Pat Kelly do his, and then we did mine - it was a GREAT way to learn.
He lives ~4 miles from my shop. Maybe I can offer my shop for him to rebuild his bike this winter in exchange for filming it (?)

I think I'll call him this afternoon...

[Pat Kelly]

Can I get the video on Beta-max? I don't think VHS is going to be very popular. What is DVD ?

[skids]

Pat, I hear you can get 8-track tapes really cheap now and you can transform all of that music over to Beta-max. The static on the screen can be a great visual affect! (kidding :-)

Originally posted by Pat Kelly
Can I get the video on Beta-max? I don't think VHS is going to be very popular. What is DVD ?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Uncle,

That's great, I've got an 81 Special, and a recently acquired set of older carbs. I've got an 8mm camcorder, but NOT a digital one! I realize that using an Analog video recorder reduces the resolution. I just found a review, and reported tested resolution, it's only 310 lines/pixels side by side resolution. So... even though I can import and capture at Full DVD 720x80 resolution, I would truly only be getting 310x480 resolution!

And regrettably I'm not into buying a digital camcorder for some time yet!! But this camcorder does record quite clearly, and I believe that it would be plenty sharp enough, especially being able to zoom in and get macro shots to show up the needed details of parts and markings and such!

Several people have seen the DVD of the Ga. Rally I attended last year, and I would think they would state that it was quite clear!!

Hey Pat, I'll put a special version on CDrom, since you apparently have at least a Computer to view it with!! Phew, I remember seeing the Betamax's in high school for our educational videos!

[Pat Kelly]

I'd have to remove the electric, retratable cup holder in front of the computer to put in a CD player. What does a CD player look like anyway?
I do have a working 8 Track player. Pioneer SuperTuner with an 8-track and the round FM dial (no AM). Sadly I'm down to Pink Floyd (DSOTM), the Commadores, and Rare Earth tapes. The John Denver tape has the guts removed, I used to hide 'stuff' in there (previous life ).

[dpotter58]

I would like to see the carb issues addresed. I can turn a wrench, change fluids, plugs, general mechanical ability type things but carbs scare me. I had a 1958 TR-3 when I was young and dumber and thought I could take care of the pair of strombergs on it (I still dont know where the mercury went). That was the begining of a long time of trying to get it right 'till i hauled it over to a "mechanic" and sawed of my right arm to pay him.

[gaffer77]

hi top cat??? i would love a vid/cd of all the oils,valve shim replacement,gearbox strip,carb rebuild and balance ,and cam chain replacement and fork seal replacement

i have a general idea but would like step by step just to back me up and it would be great to know the job is done right you know


also a full clutch strip and build

man i would pay you for this !!!!!!!!!!!!! say $80.00