Fuel, compression, and spark is what grandpa Rudy said you needed to get an engine running. He was a neighbor who was always working on small engines in his garage when I was a kid in the 80's. He had sooo many lawn mowers (he fixed them his son ran a salvage yard) I miss Rudy, he taught me a lot. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be able to do half of the things I can do today.
That machine is a ROKON, I was a dealer for them in the '60's. Wheels were made to carry fuel or water, but will upset it if you try to ford creeks with them empty. Engine is Bendix and they were made in NH. As far as I know a guy bought the rights and still makes them.
@@aaronbowe9997 No this was the first one produced like this. We had 2 Demo's one was 2 wheel drive (red), the other chassis was the same but was rear wheel drive only. Sold about 5 if I remember right.
@@richardprice5978 No. this was always a civilian recreational off road bike. 1958 it was the trail maker. shortly thereafter it changed ownership and became the 'trail breaker'. Has had several owners and manufacturing locations all in either Vermont or NH. I think around 1992 it started putting 4 stroke engines on and has ever since. Kohler 7 HP is now the standard engine. Had a mid 70's vintage Trail Breaker. They would go almost anywhere. I found it easier (and safer) to ride than my Honda big red 3 wheeler.
This is amazing. I've been watching the gold nugget from recovery to bikes and beards! This has to be one of the greatest stumbles on UA-cam I've ever made.
@@jackphillips5524 I for one have been glad for the journey. I've been recovering from a really bad accident and haven't been out of a bed much in the last year and a half. They have provided me hours of genuine laughs and wholesome entertainment.
I really enjoy how all these different channels have gotten together to complete a project. I personally feel like all of you should have a TV special for everything related to Ed.
Ed is huge asset! As he was searching for golden nuggets, now HE is the golden nugget for youtube channels. Look Fab Ratts channel, Laytons channel and now this how the viewers number increase. See how many channels put some golden nugget suzuki pics in some of the videos in order to gain some more views. Not bad at all
I work for a park system in MN. My employer owns 3 Rokons that we use for maintenance work on mountain bike trails that we operate. All of our Rokons are 2006 or newer... yet not much has changed. They are work-horses and will go & tow anywhere! Rider comfort...? not much to be found. I still love 'em and wish I had one of my own!
Awesome work guys! I love the collaboration between all the UA-camrs coming together for Ed's golden wheels collection :-) MORR, Fab Rats, Beards, Mischief, Robbie and I'm sure some others! It's a great series and we are all loving the work everyone is able to do!
Rokon is a local legend around here. I grew up in Keene, NH where that one was made. These days they're made in Rochester, NH, which is about 30 miles from where I now live, as the crow flies. I look forward to seeing this one restored!
Sean I really enjoy the new direction the channel has taken in general and the recent collaborations that you have filmed. This resto for Ed is going to be amazing to watch and when it’s being towed by the nugget it’s going to be very special indeed.
Gold Flake would be an excellent name for Ed's bike and is in line with the Matts off-road colour scheme. Like many of the off road and other specialist I have come across have all extended from my watching Matts channel. Nice to come across you guys and very much looking forward to following you guys. Thanks for update on Ed's bike, with the refurbishment of the Golden Nugget and what you guys are gonna do with Ed's bike. He is gonna be a very excited man once you have all completed your task. Thanks for sharing from England UK.
Hi guys new sub here, I've been following MORR , and love their videos , and as soon as Matt said where Ed's bike was going , I started following your channel. And was so happy to see this bike run. I think Ed told a story where he had 5 or 6 people on that thing , and another story where he wrecked it. If you haven't seen it go back in Matt's channel and watch the 3 videos where they went and what they went thru to get the Golden Nugget back for Ed. Oh yeah very surprised and happy to see someone who is a Christian and not afraid to speak up !
Im a dipshit i think ! LOL I have been watching Matt and the guys maybe 1 year or so. I know the MORRVAIR but never even put the MORR part of it together for some reason,,,haha i read your comment about MORR and knew it was Matts Off Road Recovery but why or how did i not even put the 2 together? HAHA im not blonde either, im bald headed...
@@dwaynet2184 I have watched all the Morrvair build videos but i guess the MORR part of the name just never clicked as meaning Matts Off Road Recovery for some goofy reason!! LOL
Been waiting for this since I saw mischief maker drop it off. I can’t believe how all my favourite motor you tubers seem to be working together on this fantastic project(s)
First time in the channel today, I'm a big MORR fan and enjoying seeing all their partnerships. As soon as I see it's a Godly channel, easy subscription decision! Can't wait to see the finished product.
The first time I saw a Rokon Trail-breaker was in the early 60s. A corner gas station had one and would demonstrate its capability on a temporary obstacle course set up on the property. It was an impressive showing. The later models don't look as good as the older ones.
Yep the stories ED told about that bike was wild , try coming down a Mountain with a case of Dynamite strep to the front of the bike , and then riding someone on the back and flipping it end over end Man of man I would love to just set down and hear him tell stories , Matt told one when Ed was born he was premature and to stay warm his mother put him in the oven to keep him warm .
My grandma was a premature baby born in rural North Dakota in 1933.... She said the same thing. She said she was put in the oven, and a nurse from town (15 miles away) came on horseback in January to watch the oven's temp.
Thanks Y'all, im currently restoring a 67 Camero for a young man whos Grandfather bought it brand new, he is 87 years old. I can only hope i finish in time to suprize him... what all of y'all are doing has inspired me to work to 3:30am lately...
I very much enjoyed your segments of Ed's Nugget Collaboration. You both are great, Christians showing compassion and your random act of kindness toward ED, all our elder and a gentleman. God bless you and Craig.
It is great that everyone is able to have a chance to help Ed out with all of the work that everyone is doing and the best part is there doing it as a surprise for Ed just imagine how happy he will be when he gets to see his old equipment come back to life and be able to enjoy what you have all done to help have all this done I think all of you should be there when it is all given to him and to see how happy he will be it will all be worth it just to help have the opportunity to see him happy with all of the work all of everyone has put together ❤️
Motorcycles and ministry, wow! This is my first time watching your channel. I came on because you are working on Ed's bike, but I like the fact that you are a Christian. That means I can watch without having to hear all the crud of this world. I have now subscribed, God bless you and all that you do. - Tim
Rokons are AWESOME and as fun as all get-out! It is a weird sensation, coming from the motorcycle world where you're brain & body are so tuned to what the back wheels is doing out in the woods, to feel the front wheel pulling you up over a huge tree or something, especially when it's the only wheel with traction.
A friend of mine used to have one of those Rokon bikes. I don't know what he ever did with it though. It was fun to ride and went all kinds of places plus the rims could be filled with water, fuel or limestone powder to make it go even better. It was hard to pick up though as a teen when the wheels were filled with water.
My brother & I had a dealership for these around 1975. I won't say all the info I'm going to give you is correct (that was a long time ago) but,the yellow ones (early) had a 3 speed tranny,no clutch just let off the gas & shift. Chrysler engine.Later years were painted orange with a torque converter similar to what a snow machine would use. high flotation tires. 4 psi. You may find things just need a good cleaning because they were pretty much indestructable.We had photo of one in our office that was o.d. green with a white star on the tank.The army had bought some from Rokon to evaluate.
I get the nostalgia for the two stroke. My first ride was DT360 Yamaha. But I know how I’d rebuild that engine. I’d drop in a Honda 125 4-stroke motor. Quiet. Fuel efficient. Available parts. Stone reliable. BTW the $9500 offer on that lemon law BMW still stands.
When you have some internal combustion engine whether 2 or 4 stroke, one of the first things I learned and should do after setting around for that many years is, pull the plug and squirt a couple tables spoons of oil in the cylinder and pull that cord or hook up an impact to the flywheel and tun it over and coat those rings and cylinder wall. I have three brothers that are retired certified Mechanics, I'm the retired Building Contractor. Anyway, it was fun to hang with them and help rebuild motors. My brother just under me built race motors for years and has many trophies for builds and trouble shoot competitions.
I had one of those when I was like 12 years old and didn't realize how special it was until I was in my twenties they're kind of weird to ride they're not really fast but they will go up some insanely steep hills
@@BikesandBeards It's an experience for sure... like being in that perpetual "about to fall down, without actually falling down" feeling... if I remember right the front wheel spins like 1 or 2 rpm faster than the rear wheel, and the center of the rims can be used for water or fuel storage too
Thanks! The collaboration of channels for Ed is really cool and it has given me tons of new channels to watch. Smart marketing guys! Matt's is where I began this journey!
Pretty cool,my Grandpa has a Rokon that he used to ride. Guess I need to get it up and running again. The first time I had his running is when I learned that it has a Chrysler two stroke engine. Side note,when grandpa and I were on vacation last we went to Colorado to his buddies property to do some prospecting. While in Colorado I needed to buy some parts for my old trials bike. We found a place to get parts that was called Tote Goat which is the same name as the Rokon you’re working on. Pretty sure it was in Colorado Springs but they had probably every part available for the Rokon you’re working on.
I’ve not heard anyone use the name Tote Goat in years…..decades actually. My dad had a Tote Goat, but I don’t recall it being like a Rocon, with 2-wheel drive.
Now that you mention it,I’m thinking that the Rokon in the 2 wheel drive version was the Trail Breaker model in the 60’s and the Tote Goat was more of an oversized mini bike with an engine like a Briggs or a Wisconsin. Any chance you could describe the Tote Goat your Dad had?
What a helluva strange machine! I love it. I wouldn’t think it would ride too well, way too much weight on the front from the FWD. Totally unique as far as I’m concerned. Thank you for putting this up.
It’s amazing to see that you guys are getting in on the Ed recovery builds! Y’all are definitely missing the name “The Nuggy” for it being the smaller nugget 😂😂😂. God bless y’all and all you do!!
I am born and raised in NH and grew up on bikes, still ride and never saw a rokon in person and never knew they are big history in NH. I’m gonna buy one now. They are actually very cool and not expensive at all.
Think I was 8 or 10 years old when I seen one of these in Popular Mechanics and I have loved them since (47 years ?). I finally got one (1969 also) and when I restored it, I did a re-power with a 1970 Trail 90 motor. Best thing I did. High and low range with 4 gears each and it's actually fast enough now to out run it's own exhaust. Great what you guys and Fab Rats are doin for Ed. Since the LJ-20 is the Golden Nugget, I like your idea to call the Rokon Gold Flake.
The screwdriver has a slider on it so it can lock into the head of the screw and hold them Also the mix ratio relates to the type of mix not the engine. Most modern mixes are 50-1 but old vehicles were written up for actual oil mix so the were 16-1 or 20-1 As the lubrication quality and temperature stability of the synthetic mixes improved over the years the requirement got less and less. But everyone still adds a little extra.
@@Dave062YT it's used for narrow heavy haul off road. Those bikes have been known to carry a ton (literally, 2,000 lbs) through mountainous goat trails. Ed told a story where he hauled himself and six guys out plus gear.
@@brianblank9921 I've got an ATV for that but I say again I want one so not knocking them at all just never thought "I wish my bike had 2 wheel drive "
My uncle had a couple of those that he used for duck hunting in the marshes of south central Minnesota. He loved them. I never got to ride it as I was way too young.
Back in the 70’s, I had a friend who’s dad had a Rokon. It was the coolest thing on two wheels! We all had dirt bikes but all of us loved to get a chance to take the Rokon out for a test. These beasts can go almost anywhere.
This is cool. I always loved fat tire bikes. I am currently restoring a Super Bronc. Always wanted a SB after seeing ads in my dad's old Pop Sci and Pop Mech mags. Also loved the Honda Fatcat and Yamaha BW, too bad they did not last long and are pretty rare.
@@gungadingo That is true and I do like that bike, but they no longer make the BW200 which was a direct competitor to Honda's Fatcat (i.e. it used ATV tires, while the TW uses fatter than "normal" dual sport tires).
Awesome my man. My dad, his brother and friend bought 3 of these when they were 16 years old for about 800 a piece. I have 2 of them at the house and they are awesome. Not to many around but sure are fun.
OMG!!! I saw the thumbnail, and thought "my God, that looks alot like Ed's bike." Then, well, of course it is Ed's bike. Can't wait to see what you're going to do with it. (was wondering why this vid got recommended!!)
Are these really that rare? I see them frequently for sale. I picked up a 1969 a few years ago for 500 bucks (identical to the one in the video) Runs and rides. Use it for hunting every fall.
So exciting to see Ed’s bike running again! You guys are awesome! I love your channel, especially because you are a Christian and you’re very knowledgeable about bikes. God bless y’all!
@@BikesandBeards I don't know about a Sachs engine, I recall reading a Pop Mech or Sci article about it from back in the day (my dad had a huge collection dating back to the '30's, when I read the article, it was the mid-90's, the article was from the '70's) and it mentioned that Rokon used a Chrysler engine, which always stuck in my mind. I had no idea Chrysler made small engines until I recalled seeing ads in those same old mags for Chrysler boat engines. I assumed it was one of their small outboard engines, re-purposed, but it could have been a re-badged Sachs that they sold under their name.
@@edsyphan3425 I don't know if there is/was a relationship with Sachs, but the engine Rokon used back then was made by McCulloch - My brother had one.
Wow I got chills what an amazing Collaboration Matts off-road recovery with bikes & beards truly a special thing they’re doing for Mr. Ed! So many UA-camrs around the world are helping make Ed’s project come a reality!!!!
@@BikesandBeards since the Golden Nugget was pulled out of the woods, every video on it after has been truly amazing, it shows many wholesome UA-camrs that stuck their arm out and said I’m here even in the darkest of times in the world the light shines through! John C1 V1
Great verse today, Sean. Thanks for the videos. They invariably make me chuckle at some point on account of your antics. You and Craig are proof that the comedy duos of old live again. You just a cool name.
These are excellent off road machines. We have had 3 Rokons along with horses for elk hunting. Still have my Rokon. Instead of tractor tread tires I have knobby tires with studs. They will crawl over very large logs that might have fallen over trail. There are also Rokon groups that get together for the weekend. Rokons and dutch ovens go together very well. Another point, it is a good idea to place a rack on the front end by the handle bars. If you have a quarter of an elk on the back and going up a steep incline the front end has a tendency to lift up, especially if you hit a rock. If you place some weight on the front rack it will keep the front end from bouncing up.
Watched because I’ve wanted to fix that bike since I saw it on MORR. Loved the DC Talk reference and your devotional thought. I think I’ve found a new favorite channel!
My neighbor had one of these 2WD Motorcycles. His company inspected tree growth along remote power lines. They quickly went to helicopters . It wasn't as fun as dirt bikes or MX bikes were. Prospecting is perfect for this thing.
I remember that bike, Ed had an accident on it and ended up trapped under it. A broken leg and he was out in the middle of a desert, he ended up prying himself loose, having to crawl home. Can't remember how long it took him, around a day-ish. Ed's full of piss and vinegar and has balls of steel, it's why so many people respect him.
12:59 Dietz was a famous Brooklyn-based vehicle-light manufacturer during the first half of the 20th century; they also made revolving/flashing warning/signal lights for road-construction crews. :D
I’m sure you’ll do your best on Ed’s bike you know I’m just pulling your chain to see if I can get a reaction out of you God bless you keep up the good work thanks for getting back to me I will enjoy more of your contact down the road
When my 80 year old dad was 18 And working as a transmission tower painter he had a rokon bike with a trailer on the back full of paint, his climbing gear and etc. That bike will climb a wall straight up and down as long as it is attached so it don't fall off.
Fuel, compression, and spark is what grandpa Rudy said you needed to get an engine running. He was a neighbor who was always working on small engines in his garage when I was a kid in the 80's. He had sooo many lawn mowers (he fixed them his son ran a salvage yard) I miss Rudy, he taught me a lot. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be able to do half of the things I can do today.
That machine is a ROKON, I was a dealer for them in the '60's. Wheels were made to carry fuel or water, but will upset it if you try to ford creeks with them empty. Engine is Bendix and they were made in NH. As far as I know a guy bought the rights and still makes them.
Was the tote goat related to these?
@@aaronbowe9997 No this was the first one produced like this. We had 2 Demo's one was 2 wheel drive (red), the other chassis was the same but was rear wheel drive only. Sold about 5 if I remember right.
Still in business in Rochester , NH
🤔 was this made for the USA 🇺🇸 war efforts? aka USA army? per-1975
@@richardprice5978 No. this was always a civilian recreational off road bike. 1958 it was the trail maker. shortly thereafter it changed ownership and became the 'trail breaker'. Has had several owners and manufacturing locations all in either Vermont or NH. I think around 1992 it started putting 4 stroke engines on and has ever since. Kohler 7 HP is now the standard engine. Had a mid 70's vintage Trail Breaker. They would go almost anywhere. I found it easier (and safer) to ride than my Honda big red 3 wheeler.
This is amazing. I've been watching the gold nugget from recovery to bikes and beards! This has to be one of the greatest stumbles on UA-cam I've ever made.
Gold is in the Gas Tank!
It has been a total rabbit hole, Matt's off-road recovery, fab rats, Layton auto body, now bikes and beards......
@@jackphillips5524 and everyone knows each other. These are not small channels!
@@jackphillips5524 I for one have been glad for the journey. I've been recovering from a really bad accident and haven't been out of a bed much in the last year and a half. They have provided me hours of genuine laughs and wholesome entertainment.
@@jackphillips5524 They're a bunch of good people from what I can see.
I really enjoy how all these different channels have gotten together to complete a project. I personally feel like all of you should have a TV special for everything related to Ed.
Ed is huge asset! As he was searching for golden nuggets, now HE is the golden nugget for youtube channels. Look Fab Ratts channel, Laytons channel and now this how the viewers number increase. See how many channels put some golden nugget suzuki pics in some of the videos in order to gain some more views. Not bad at all
ED is a LEGEND! God bless you and all team members from Bikes and Beards, Matt's Off Road Recovery, Fab Rats, and Robby Layton.
I work for a park system in MN. My employer owns 3 Rokons that we use for maintenance work on mountain bike trails that we operate. All of our Rokons are 2006 or newer... yet not much has changed. They are work-horses and will go & tow anywhere! Rider comfort...? not much to be found. I still love 'em and wish I had one of my own!
Between the Rokon and the Golden Nugget, Ed is going to feel young again. Thanks for this mission of love.
Ed is a legend, I’ve been following the gold nugget series on Matts off-road recovery and now that he’s on bikes and beards even more legendary
Awesome work guys! I love the collaboration between all the UA-camrs coming together for Ed's golden wheels collection :-) MORR, Fab Rats, Beards, Mischief, Robbie and I'm sure some others! It's a great series and we are all loving the work everyone is able to do!
What Matt (Matt's off Road) is doing for Ed just shows what kind of guy Matt is. You guys are a great addition to Ed's surprise.
I think the insurance scam videos really show what kinda guy Matt really is
@@51-FS that whole thing is BS and was fabricated. Matts a great guy
@@BikesandBeards oh
@@51-FS Link ?
@@ethics3 just serch Matt's off road insurance fraud and pick one...
Can't wait for Ed to see the bike finished and fresh again. You guys are awesome. Thank you Sean and Craig
Rokon is a local legend around here. I grew up in Keene, NH where that one was made. These days they're made in Rochester, NH, which is about 30 miles from where I now live, as the crow flies. I look forward to seeing this one restored!
Try contacting the company and explain what's happening and it's being done for a Korean war veteran to see if they would donate parts.
I live righnt near the Rochester branch.
@@johnradford0611 - Cool! It's good to know I'm not the only from NH here! 👍
Sean I really enjoy the new direction the channel has taken in general and the recent collaborations that you have filmed. This resto for Ed is going to be amazing to watch and when it’s being towed by the nugget it’s going to be very special indeed.
Ed is the luckiest man alive. I have been wrenching my whole life but suffered from a stroke in 2019 and feel my life is over it sucks
Gold Flake would be an excellent name for Ed's bike and is in line with the Matts off-road colour scheme. Like many of the off road and other specialist I have come across have all extended from my watching Matts channel. Nice to come across you guys and very much looking forward to following you guys. Thanks for update on Ed's bike, with the refurbishment of the Golden Nugget and what you guys are gonna do with Ed's bike. He is gonna be a very excited man once you have all completed your task. Thanks for sharing from England UK.
i thought so too
Matt is just an awesome guy, to do all this for Ed means he's more family than friend.
This could not happen to a more deserving guy. Ed, you are as tough as nails and man, you new, old toys will be known all over the world.
I rode one of those trail breakers back in the mid 70's, what a beast. Slow but steady. Very impressive
Hi guys new sub here, I've been following MORR , and love their videos , and as soon as Matt said where Ed's bike was going , I started following your channel. And was so happy to see this bike run. I think Ed told a story where he had 5 or 6 people on that thing , and another story where he wrecked it. If you haven't seen it go back in Matt's channel and watch the 3 videos where they went and what they went thru to get the Golden Nugget back for Ed. Oh yeah very surprised and happy to see someone who is a Christian and not afraid to speak up !
Im a dipshit i think ! LOL I have been watching Matt and the guys maybe 1 year or so. I know the MORRVAIR but never even put the MORR part of it together for some reason,,,haha i read your comment about MORR and knew it was Matts Off Road Recovery but why or how did i not even put the 2 together? HAHA im not blonde either, im bald headed...
@@warrenmichael918 hey the MORRVAIR got named because in the first video of the MORRVAIR Trevor SAID Morrvair don't care and that did it I think.
@@dwaynet2184 I have watched all the Morrvair build videos but i guess the MORR part of the name just never clicked as meaning Matts Off Road Recovery for some goofy reason!! LOL
Been waiting for this since I saw mischief maker drop it off. I can’t believe how all my favourite motor you tubers seem to be working together on this fantastic project(s)
First time in the channel today, I'm a big MORR fan and enjoying seeing all their partnerships. As soon as I see it's a Godly channel, easy subscription decision! Can't wait to see the finished product.
Ed is loved by many love the journey this is taking through all the UA-camrs
The first time I saw a Rokon Trail-breaker was in the early 60s. A corner gas station had one and would demonstrate its capability on a temporary obstacle course set up on the property. It was an impressive showing. The later models don't look as good as the older ones.
Yep the stories ED told about that bike was wild , try coming down a Mountain with a case of Dynamite strep to the front of the bike , and then riding someone on the back and flipping it end over end Man of man I would love to just set down and hear him tell stories , Matt told one when Ed was born he was premature and to stay warm his mother put him in the oven to keep him warm .
For sure give Ed a whiskey and ask him to tell us a few yarns of the good ol'days !
My grandma was a premature baby born in rural North Dakota in 1933.... She said the same thing. She said she was put in the oven, and a nurse from town (15 miles away) came on horseback in January to watch the oven's temp.
I could listen to Ed tell stories all day. Matt and his team are blessed to have Ed in their lives.
MORR needs to do a spin off chamnel: "Storytime with Ed"
@@JaneWagman Right on ! I'll be the first to sub
The smell of 2 stroke activates Adrenalin, no wonder bikers and boaters love it. Thanks for making Ed's dream come true.
I can’t wait
Came from Matt's Off Road Recovery and subscribed, mainly to watch you restore Ed's Motorcycle! Can't wait to see everything you do.
Thanks Y'all, im currently restoring a 67 Camero for a young man whos Grandfather bought it brand new, he is 87 years old. I can only hope i finish in time to suprize him... what all of y'all are doing has inspired me to work to 3:30am lately...
Matts offroad Recovery working with Bikes and Beards is great. Ed is such a character
Can’t wait too see Ed with a case of dynamite strapped too the back! Love how everyone is pitching in too make Ed smile!
I used to sell fasteners to Rokon!! Every nut and bolt came from my company. Great owner, nice production and history!
What company was that?
@@BikesandBeards Fastenal
@@sneaks01 I just went into Fastenal Bay Blvd and they don’t sell to the public without an account anymore. So I was turned away.
@@benzeeno8150 so sorry! Their loss! Tell them I used to sell in NH!!
I very much enjoyed your segments of Ed's Nugget Collaboration. You both are great, Christians showing compassion and your random act of kindness toward ED, all our elder and a gentleman.
God bless you and Craig.
Absolutely killing it with the content recently! Love all the vids on older bikes
It is great that everyone is able to have a chance to help Ed out with all of the work that everyone is doing and the best part is there doing it as a surprise for Ed just imagine how happy he will be when he gets to see his old equipment come back to life and be able to enjoy what you have all done to help have all this done I think all of you should be there when it is all given to him and to see how happy he will be it will all be worth it just to help have the opportunity to see him happy with all of the work all of everyone has put together ❤️
Would be funny if Ed didn't care lol
So cool! Can’t wait to see it done and see Ed’s face
Motorcycles and ministry, wow! This is my first time watching your channel. I came on because you are working on Ed's bike, but I like the fact that you are a Christian. That means I can watch without having to hear all the crud of this world. I have now subscribed, God bless you and all that you do. - Tim
i have been trying to contact you about having possibly won something.
Rokons are AWESOME and as fun as all get-out! It is a weird sensation, coming from the motorcycle world where you're brain & body are so tuned to what the back wheels is doing out in the woods, to feel the front wheel pulling you up over a huge tree or something, especially when it's the only wheel with traction.
I have a 1973 rokon 340
A friend of mine used to have one of those Rokon bikes. I don't know what he ever did with it though. It was fun to ride and went all kinds of places plus the rims could be filled with water, fuel or limestone powder to make it go even better. It was hard to pick up though as a teen when the wheels were filled with water.
Ed deserves it, such a cool old dude!
My brother & I had a dealership for these around 1975. I won't say all the info I'm going to give you is correct (that was a long time ago) but,the yellow ones (early) had a 3 speed tranny,no clutch just let off the gas & shift. Chrysler engine.Later years were painted orange with a torque converter similar to what a snow machine would use. high flotation tires. 4 psi. You may find things just need a good cleaning because they were pretty much indestructable.We had photo of one in our office that was o.d. green with a white star on the tank.The army had bought some from Rokon to evaluate.
I get the nostalgia for the two stroke. My first ride was DT360 Yamaha. But I know how I’d rebuild that engine. I’d drop in a Honda 125 4-stroke motor. Quiet. Fuel efficient. Available parts. Stone reliable. BTW the $9500 offer on that lemon law BMW still stands.
I followed Ed's Rokon to your channel! Thanks for being a part of this epic collaboration!
Thanks to stopping by
Love these crossover videos, and the love of the community to fix up Ed's Rocon!
When you have some internal combustion engine whether 2 or 4 stroke, one of the first things I learned and should do after setting around for that many years is, pull the plug and squirt a couple tables spoons of oil in the cylinder and pull that cord or hook up an impact to the flywheel and tun it over and coat those rings and cylinder wall. I have three brothers that are retired certified Mechanics, I'm the retired Building Contractor. Anyway, it was fun to hang with them and help rebuild motors. My brother just under me built race motors for years and has many trophies for builds and trouble shoot competitions.
I had one of those when I was like 12 years old and didn't realize how special it was until I was in my twenties they're kind of weird to ride they're not really fast but they will go up some insanely steep hills
i have yet to actually ride one
@@BikesandBeards It's an experience for sure... like being in that perpetual "about to fall down, without actually falling down" feeling... if I remember right the front wheel spins like 1 or 2 rpm faster than the rear wheel, and the center of the rims can be used for water or fuel storage too
Can confirm all the legends stated here, marvels they are
@@TheOneAndOnlyRandy I would not want to store water in there after storing fuel. That would taste nasty Sean. Great idea for a video series!!
@@Biokemist-o3k definitely only one or the other... Wouldn't call the water "potable" afterward anyway, even if I knew it was clean and new first
Thanks! The collaboration of channels for Ed is really cool and it has given me tons of new channels to watch. Smart marketing guys! Matt's is where I began this journey!
Pretty cool,my Grandpa has a Rokon that he used to ride. Guess I need to get it up and running again. The first time I had his running is when I learned that it has a Chrysler two stroke engine.
Side note,when grandpa and I were on vacation last we went to Colorado to his buddies property to do some prospecting. While in Colorado I needed to buy some parts for my old trials bike. We found a place to get parts that was called Tote Goat which is the same name as the Rokon you’re working on. Pretty sure it was in Colorado Springs but they had probably every part available for the Rokon you’re working on.
I’ve not heard anyone use the name Tote Goat in years…..decades actually. My dad had a Tote Goat, but I don’t recall it being like a Rocon, with 2-wheel drive.
Now that you mention it,I’m thinking that the Rokon in the 2 wheel drive version was the Trail Breaker model in the 60’s and the Tote Goat was more of an oversized mini bike with an engine like a Briggs or a Wisconsin. Any chance you could describe the Tote Goat your Dad had?
What a helluva strange machine! I love it. I wouldn’t think it would ride too well, way too much weight on the front from the FWD. Totally unique as far as I’m concerned. Thank you for putting this up.
Love the Rokon. Dave Canterbury has a few videos on it. Also the editing on this channel just keeps getting better and better!
Love Ed, so what you guys are doing is fantastic. Glad that you got it running and rolling and, apparently, mitigating any mosquitoes around the shop.
I hope you saved that lumber from the crate. That was like $10k worth of wood in this current market
I dunno. Plywood’s back up to about $60/sheet around here.
Will need that wood to ship it back to morr
I notice he didn't bother undoing the ratchet strap though. Must be cheap where he's from
Who cuts a perfectly good tie down strap?
Sweet start, guys! Can't wait to see the finished job! 😃
I had the pleasure of working on a pair of these about 15 years ago now.
They're super unique and fun to ride, should do a sketchy 35mph.
I love seeing all these youtube channels working together to restore ed's bike and suzuki,
It’s amazing to see that you guys are getting in on the Ed recovery builds! Y’all are definitely missing the name “The Nuggy” for it being the smaller nugget 😂😂😂. God bless y’all and all you do!!
the nuggy 😁😁😁
I am born and raised in NH and grew up on bikes, still ride and never saw a rokon in person and never knew they are big history in NH. I’m gonna buy one now. They are actually very cool and not expensive at all.
I'm loving these barn find and build videos it's great content
“Take a whiff, make a memory” I love it haha
This looks like an interesting little bike
If it were possible this channel has got even better now you are restoring these old bikes. Thank you,
My grandfather used to drag stumps around with one of those beasts lol, wow; thanks for the memory! God 🙌 Bless
You bet
Think I was 8 or 10 years old when I seen one of these in Popular Mechanics and I have loved them since (47 years ?). I finally got one (1969 also) and when I restored it, I did a re-power with a 1970 Trail 90 motor. Best thing I did. High and low range with 4 gears each and it's actually fast enough now to out run it's own exhaust. Great what you guys and Fab Rats are doin for Ed. Since the LJ-20 is the Golden Nugget, I like your idea to call the Rokon Gold Flake.
Yep, the Rokons were pretty cool. Only rode one once, but real low center of gravity and very stable…
I love that you have included your Faith in your video. It clearly is part of who you are.
Well done I like that.
The screwdriver has a slider on it so it can lock into the head of the screw and hold them
Also the mix ratio relates to the type of mix not the engine. Most modern mixes are 50-1 but old vehicles were written up for actual oil mix so the were 16-1 or 20-1
As the lubrication quality and temperature stability of the synthetic mixes improved over the years the requirement got less and less.
But everyone still adds a little extra.
+1 on this. A good modern synthetic oil will smoke less too. Read the bottle and go from there.
i asked ed about it, its just a broken screw driver haha
@@BikesandBeards so it is. Pity, those split head sliding shaft screwdrivers are expensive.
I love how the editing has evolved on this channel, who evers editing, thumbs up’!!
2 wheel drive motorcycles .The solution to a problem that never existed .Genius !
No bike, quad or side-by-side can go where I want or need to go with my 1968 Rokon.
Apparently, they still manufacture them. Must be some that it's a solution for.
@@loctite222ms I want one very much but I've never thought "Rear wheel drive is not nof enough "lol
@@Dave062YT it's used for narrow heavy haul off road. Those bikes have been known to carry a ton (literally, 2,000 lbs) through mountainous goat trails.
Ed told a story where he hauled himself and six guys out plus gear.
@@brianblank9921 I've got an ATV for that but I say again I want one so not knocking them at all just never thought "I wish my bike had 2 wheel drive "
Ed is a unsung hero just for saying what the weather is like, and "We'll get'em out". Doe your best fellas!
My uncle had a couple of those that he used for duck hunting in the marshes of south central Minnesota. He loved them. I never got to ride it as I was way too young.
Back in the 70’s, I had a friend who’s dad had a Rokon. It was the coolest thing on two wheels! We all had dirt bikes but all of us loved to get a chance to take the Rokon out for a test. These beasts can go almost anywhere.
This is cool. I always loved fat tire bikes. I am currently restoring a Super Bronc. Always wanted a SB after seeing ads in my dad's old Pop Sci and Pop Mech mags. Also loved the Honda Fatcat and Yamaha BW, too bad they did not last long and are pretty rare.
Yamaha makes the TW200 to this day.
@@gungadingo That is true and I do like that bike, but they no longer make the BW200 which was a direct competitor to Honda's Fatcat (i.e. it used ATV tires, while the TW uses fatter than "normal" dual sport tires).
I'll be building a kawasaki fatcat on my channel
Rocon is still in business and still makes motor cycles!
Awesome my man. My dad, his brother and friend bought 3 of these when they were 16 years old for about 800 a piece. I have 2 of them at the house and they are awesome. Not to many around but sure are fun.
OMG!!! I saw the thumbnail, and thought "my God, that looks alot like Ed's bike."
Then, well, of course it is Ed's bike.
Can't wait to see what you're going to do with it.
(was wondering why this vid got recommended!!)
Are these really that rare? I see them frequently for sale.
I picked up a 1969 a few years ago for 500 bucks (identical to the one in the video) Runs and rides. Use it for hunting every fall.
So exciting to see Ed’s bike running again! You guys are awesome! I love your channel, especially because you are a Christian and you’re very knowledgeable about bikes. God bless y’all!
They originally made a pure dirt bike with normal tire. Not fast but would climb a wall.
Also, first dirt bike with disc brakes.
Also, it uses a Sachs engine
good info
@@BikesandBeards I don't know about a Sachs engine, I recall reading a Pop Mech or Sci article about it from back in the day (my dad had a huge collection dating back to the '30's, when I read the article, it was the mid-90's, the article was from the '70's) and it mentioned that Rokon used a Chrysler engine, which always stuck in my mind. I had no idea Chrysler made small engines until I recalled seeing ads in those same old mags for Chrysler boat engines. I assumed it was one of their small outboard engines, re-purposed, but it could have been a re-badged Sachs that they sold under their name.
@@paulprobusjr.7597 I was told they originally had West Bend engines, then they were bought out by Chrysler.
@@edsyphan3425 I don't know if there is/was a relationship with Sachs, but the engine Rokon used back then was made by McCulloch - My brother had one.
Wow I got chills what an amazing Collaboration Matts off-road recovery with bikes & beards truly a special thing they’re doing for Mr. Ed! So many UA-camrs around the world are helping make Ed’s project come a reality!!!!
We are very excited
@@BikesandBeards since the Golden Nugget was pulled out of the woods, every video on it after has been truly amazing, it shows many wholesome UA-camrs that stuck their arm out and said I’m here even in the darkest of times in the world the light shines through! John C1 V1
Ed’s a great man take care of that bike for him 🤬🤬
dont worry we will
@@BikesandBeards ok he’s the star of Matt’s channel gonna look great being pulled behind the golden nugget
@@richardhartley1426 Not just Matts!
Great verse today, Sean. Thanks for the videos. They invariably make me chuckle at some point on account of your antics. You and Craig are proof that the comedy duos of old live again. You just a cool name.
These edits! Whoever you guys got behind the video editing, he/she rocks!
Yet another super hero. Matt’s Off-road rocks!
Came for the Sean, stayed for the Craig, inspired by the verses. great channel.
These are excellent off road machines. We have had 3 Rokons along with horses for elk hunting. Still have my Rokon. Instead of tractor tread tires I have knobby tires with studs. They will crawl over very large logs that might have fallen over trail. There are also Rokon groups that get together for the weekend. Rokons and dutch ovens go together very well. Another point, it is a good idea to place a rack on the front end by the handle bars. If you have a quarter of an elk on the back and going up a steep incline the front end has a tendency to lift up, especially if you hit a rock. If you place some weight on the front rack it will keep the front end from bouncing up.
Studded tires work great on downed greasy timber not so much on rocks.
Watched because I’ve wanted to fix that bike since I saw it on MORR. Loved the DC Talk reference and your devotional thought. I think I’ve found a new favorite channel!
DC Talk was the jam in the 90's. Love y'alls videos!
Jay Leno and Ed 😂😂 got me gigglin
Love love love that you share your faith! First time to watch a video on your channel and a great first impression!
Hail Satan 🤘
Good job guys!! Great to here the old bike fire up! IT'S ALIVE!!!! 😁
Oh yeah!
My neighbor had one of these 2WD Motorcycles. His company inspected tree growth along remote power lines. They quickly went to helicopters . It wasn't as fun as dirt bikes or MX bikes were.
Prospecting is perfect for this thing.
I here because of Matt's off-Road Recovery, and I am happy I made the journey - great stuff!
Love that y'all stepped up for Ed can't wait to see the Golden Nugget pulling the Rokon
nice, love seeing so many people make this stuff look brand new for ed
So cool that two channels I have watched for awhile are coming together!
I remember that bike, Ed had an accident on it and ended up trapped under it. A broken leg and he was out in the middle of a desert, he ended up prying himself loose, having to crawl home. Can't remember how long it took him, around a day-ish. Ed's full of piss and vinegar and has balls of steel, it's why so many people respect him.
12:59 Dietz was a famous Brooklyn-based vehicle-light manufacturer during the first half of the 20th century; they also made revolving/flashing warning/signal lights for road-construction crews. :D
That's cool Can't wait to see the progress on Ed's Rokon
My sister and her husband have a Rokon. I rode it around their property 20 years ago. It was very interesting to ride. Such a wide stance.
I’m sure you’ll do your best on Ed’s bike you know I’m just pulling your chain to see if I can get a reaction out of you God bless you keep up the good work thanks for getting back to me I will enjoy more of your contact down the road
When my 80 year old dad was 18 And working as a transmission tower painter he had a rokon bike with a trailer on the back full of paint, his climbing gear and etc. That bike will climb a wall straight up and down as long as it is attached so it don't fall off.
Y E S ! ! You got it running. Ed is gonna love it.
Love how many channels I’ve discovered from Matt’s off road recovery and ed