One-Up Moto Garage

One-Up Moto Garage Inspiring the DIY’er in all of us
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Specializing in custom motorcycle improvement and design internationally.

11/25/2025

100% true story 😅

11/20/2025

Additional tips! 🛠️
-do this test on an incline. It makes the results more noticeable and keeps the speed down.
-you’ll notice the results the instant you let off of WOT (Wide Open Throttle), it’s a “subtle” thing so you have to pay close attention.
-you have to barely let off the throttle, if you cut back to like 1/2 throttle it won’t work. Ease off as little as you can at first, then try a little more, always looking for a smooth transition.
-wait until you’re in the second half of the RPM range to do the test. This is usually where the engine is at its most efficient and will make the results clearer.

11/17/2025

Regulator Rectifier Q&A!

Q: What is the biggest killer of charging systems?
A: failing connectors between the stator and R/R create contact resistance which puts excessive load on the system. Also insufficient airflow over the R/R body.

Q: Are Series and mosfet R/R’s good for lithium ion type batteries?
A: Yes! Especially the SH***BB version with its lower (14.3v) target DCV.

Q: Can modern R/R’s work on single phase charging systems too?
A: Yep, just wire the two stator wires to two of the 3 R/R inputs and leave the 3rd blanked. It can be a backup if one of the other phases fail.

Q: Are the series and mosfet R/R’s safe to use with old stators?
A: Yep, both types will be better for an old stator than the SCR shunt style that it would have come with originally.

Q: Can the Series and mosfet R/R’s be used with permanent magnetic alternators?
A: Yep, works great!

Shindengen makes the OEM R/R’s on many bikes. These are what you can buy used for cheap on eBay to upgrade your older type. Watch out for counterfeits! Especially if you buy new, it’s a problem.

For replacement stators, avoid the cheapo ones. Some good brand options to consider: RMstator, Rick’s Moto Electric, and Carmo.

11/13/2025

This is the cheapest way I’ve found to get the exact brand, chain pitch, type and sprocket gearing that I want for any bike. JTsprockets (not sponsored or affiliated) website even has a lot of common chain conversions you can reference. On this KZ I went from the stock 630 to a 530 because the tensile strength of a 630 in the 80’s is comparable to a 530 now, great way to save some rotational mass and weight! What’s your favorite brand? Ever had a bad experience?

10/29/2025

Loose grips can range from annoying to dangerous. I don’t like using glue because they’re pretty well permanent so swapping bars or grips in the future means cutting the old ones off and then you have old glue to clean up. This old trick gives them a renewed life, or will save a new pair that’s on the loose side. If you do this with used grips make sure to clean the insides of them as often old glue will make them slip.

10/26/2025

This leak is so common I replace these with every rebuild. I got this crossover kit for about $20, or you can make your own from brass barbed fittings if you have a lathe. Splitting a carb rack can be intimidating but hopefully this vid shows that it’s really not so bad!..

10/22/2025

More signs of too lean/rich:
Too lean - idle will sound weak, may spit and sputter or misfire. Spark plug porcelain will look white like new.
Too rich - idle will blubber and stumble, black smoke out of the exhaust is way too rich. Spark plug porcelain will be black.

At idle the engine wants a ratio of around 12-13 parts air to 1 part fuel. So when in doubt you can use that to ration which way it needs to go depending on the symptoms.

10/18/2025

How to turn a 10 minute job into a 30min search and rescue mission 😅

10/11/2025

It’s important to check this on all older bikes because I’ll often find the resistor has failed entirely. Sometimes it will burn up completely or degrade to an open load (short). This can happen and still produce spark, but it will be inconsistent and cause, at the very least, a bad misfire. Points ignitions (as shown in this vid) can actually run with no resistance to make a fatter spark, so you can run a bigger plug gap for better combustion. Do this by removing the resistor AND using a non resisted plug. (Electronic ignitions do want that 5k ohm to protect the components from electrical feedback.) You can also opt to just buy non resisted plug boots, but where’s the fun in that 😎

I highly recommend reading the article by “The Motorcycle Project” titled: “Resistor Plugs, Wires, and Related Issues” to learn more 👍

03/05/2025

Here's everything you need to know about synchronizing carburetors and how to make it painless and dare I say...enjoyable?

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