Kawasaki S1 550 four cylinder assembly - Episode 9

[@robertjohnson7728]

When precision is the norm. There's only one thing wrong with watching these videos and that is I would like to see more of them.

[@johnlouis5200]

mee too it took a wile for the frame to be painted he is a true expert

[@savage22bolt32]

Two things wrong: I feel more like a back yard hack, than a real mechanic!

[@gregc6661]

Couldn’t agree more, Allen’s videos are so enjoyable that they seem very short. I could watch the Master at work for hours on end!

[@andrewrees288]

No matter how many times I watch Allan’s videos I am totally engrossed by the gent that he is and the genius of all things metal he has become , so calming to watch but so methodical , no rushing no battering things with hammers , just unfathomable skill and patience 👏👏👏💪

[@leeandjancruise]

Just binge watched all of these videos, as a toolroom engineer (retired) and classic Japanese motorcycle restorer I understood and appreciated what you were doing, well done Allen.

[@funnyfudgeman16]

Allan is like the grandad I never had Showing me how things work and how things can be made with such precision and the satisfaction at the end of a project It’s just perfect. For all your videos and projects Allan we all thank you!

[@gdfggggg]

Grandad? Maybe father or big brother sounds better 😋

[@Dave5843-d9m]

Kids often ignore dad but will listen to grandad. Another reason we need contact with the whole family.

[@scooterwoodley195]

Custom motor cycles, cupcakes and hedgehogs. What more could one ask for!

[@N1gel]

a Robin.. wish granted. Hapy me.

[@Jer0867]

A century from now (and much further on, for certain), engineering historians will document and celebrate the quiet genius who hand-built some of the world's most original and amazing motorcycles, from a garden shed and a small garage, in the heart of England. They will marvel at how he did all this, using nothing more than a few old, basic tools, and a Swiss Army knife...yet still managed to produce a quality of craftsmanship that exceeded that of some of the biggest engineering corporations of the time, with multi-billion dollar budgets. He will be revered and held in the same regard as the likes of Brunel and Stephenson are today, albeit for works of a smaller scale, but nonetheless just as impressive in terms of his vision and tenacity. We are the lucky ones, who get to witness this history, as it is being made. I wonder how many young people of today, watching his videos, will be inspired to learn these skills and, perhaps, create their own legacies? The world will never have enough Allen Millyards; we are lucky to have the original, and to watch him at work!

[@stephenrice4554]

Amen

[@numbersix8336]

What an eye for detail! I’ll be re-facing and stamping my bolts in future.

[@digitalmike330]

Every time Allen said "and it fits perfect" I'm like well yeah, it's "Millyard Made", I wouldn't expect anything less.

[@TROdesigns]

If it ever doesn't fit perfect, I'd be shocked haha

[@lasskinn474]

Just for once it'd be noice if he put something on and said it fits like crap

[@tombesnard5421]

@@lasskinn474 🤣

[@steveman1982]

​@@lasskinn474 and then... April fools!

[@lasskinn474]

@@steveman1982 i was kinda hoping more that it would devolve into a rage, filing it to fit and the file breaking, going for cupcakes to notice they're burnt and so on. April 1st would be a great day for it tho

[@RUNE-66]

I am so happy every time a new upload comes along. Apart from the excellent engineering the vibe is absolutely fantastic. The attention to detail, the mouthwatering baking, the beautiful garden and the wildlife. Thanks mate, this is good for the soul. Cheers 🍻🥰

[@alexbrown1995]

Hear hear!

[@marcuspotts7221]

I'll second that :)

[@BaffledApe]

‘Good for the soul’ absolutely, craftsmanship, engineering, attention to detail and the bikes I grew up with in the 70’s, rode and loved. Very therapeutic to watch in these strange and worrying times 👍

[@candymintz]

The engineering that went in to making the cup cakes is truly amazing :)

[@MrDurham55]

And they taste perfect.

[@h.rutten2187]

Let them eat cake, cup cakes.

[@HariMahadevanKoovappady]

Love how Allen never adds what has now become the customary request-to- like-and-subscribe message with his videos. A true craftsman who's sharing his skills for the entertainment and education of others. Kudos.

[@cryptic_badger795]

You're regularly spoiled by one of the best cake makers in the UK! 👍😊

[@jackking5567]

Shed engineering at its best. I always enjoy these videos.

[@chrischappell9824]

That hedgehog made sure the other one “fits perfect “ into the feeding station! Amazing work Allan, your attention to detail is always overwhelming. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@mikeellicott6977]

Awesome Work Allen, Kawasaki Japan must be seeing this, and saying "if only we done that!"

[@lukesims6636]

Can’t wait for the next one Allen ! 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@tristanbergh8655]

loved the video! thanks for showing how simple it can be to create brilliant engineering.

[@RJ-nh9hw]

To watch an artist-craftsman work as he explains his efforts (that's the educator in him) is pure joy. I thank you for sharing as I am sure thousands of other individuals do!

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

There's a number of such folks... Ron Covell pops to mind, as well as This Old Tony.

[@nealpedigo2842]

Between you and Paul Brodie, my rainy Saturday moto fix has been met.

[@MrTopadman]

Honestly , your work will be museum pieces people into bikes will pay homage to in 100 years time onwards. The uniqueness,care and attention to detail is something else!1

[@-Ru-]

This channel provides the most wholesome content ever.

[@AllenMillyard]

thank you

[@scottlewis733]

This man is better than any anti depressant they could ever make. You can't be sad listening to him and watching his artistry

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

Other than your calm voice and demeanor there's nothing more relaxing than putting together the project one piece at a time. In my case just painting a few pieces keeps me motivated but I'll never be at the level of wizardly you are. Say hi to the misses and the hedgehogs from us.

[@Boppa1260]

Thanks Allen, enjoyed the video, and Tracey,s hedgehog cupcakes looked fantastic. 👏🏻🇬🇧

[@jezzamarkham5285]

I love watching your videos because you do all the work in a precise and professional manner. I used to do all my own work on my two bikes (and cars when i was younger). I had a 1982 Honda CM 250 TB Custom (MC05) 27bhp with kick and electric start which i built from a box full of bits and frame etc from ebay. Being disabled it took me a year to rebuild it and get it through the MOT. My other bike was a 2001 CB 500 S with less than 10,000 miles on the clock that i got for £600 on ebay, the only thing i did to that was put a pair of stainless primary pipes with collector box on it. Sadly they had to go when my disability got too bad to ride them safely. I miss riding both of them so much. 😥 Looking forward to your next video.

[@Banditmanuk]

A Saturday treat seeing an Allen Millyard vid notification. Love how you move out into the garden for the assembly. Perfect.

[@jeffdavies688]

I could watch these videos all day long...

[@markleadbeatter6196]

This guy really takes shed engineering to the highest level doesn’t he? Such a humble unassuming chap with so much talent and it is great to see him uploading these videos. Keep ‘em coming Allen!

[@johnwelburn9966]

Allen's videos are amazing said it before and will say it again,it amazes me how trim he is with all those tempting cup cakes

[@savage22bolt32]

Wish they were available here in US!

[@markhensley9378]

I've been waiting for a new video on this build for a while now. It's always good to watch you work as I'm always learning from you. Thanks so much for your time today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[@paul2457]

Ya right, let’s take the frame out in the grass and install the ball bearings🫣what amazing luck not dropping one! Great work Allen! Can’t wait for the next one.

[@fabiohaddad2531]

We were missing your videos, or better, lessons! Cool videos as always, 550 will look terrific. Cupcakes are back also, this time they are terrific looking.

[@Sweet-tech-Ug]

If there is a KZbin channel that I stumbled upon and really taught me a lot of things is your channel Mr. Allen. You taught precision and love for whatever I should in life. Thanks for your endeavors to help teach the globe. Sometimes I wish you could make your updates quite regularly.

[@AllenMillyard]

Sorry for the irregular uploads I’m really busy with TV filming at the moment, hopefully ep10 very soon

[@sailortownlad3735]

Give this great guy some support.I bought one of his "Fits perfect" Tee shirts. When it arrived I tried it on and you won't believe it...it fits perfect.

[@lukesims6636]

Awesome thanks Allen brilliant to see in detail this whole build 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Jodyrides]

i had 2 of the 1972/73 S2 350cc tripples..the 72 model crankshaft had 4 main bearings..this allowed the crank to flex on the primary gear side causing the crank to pinch the connecting rod burning the thrust washers and discoloring the connecting rod when wringing the machines neck, which was a daily thing for me.. then a new model came out the next year with 6 main bearing crank, and a disc brake.. I put white owl on wheels, KONI shocks, clubman bars, Tomaselli grips, and Dunlop K81s on mine.. A friend of mine was so enamored with it, that he traded me his 1973 Kawasaki 903Z1 for my S2.. of course I had to kick in an extra $800.. I had my first as two, the one with the four main bearing crank and the drum break in the front to a road race track that a friend of mine and I rented for the day, for $15. Nelson ledges Ohio race track. The maintenance man hid the key to the gate, so we could have the place to ourselves for the day. I don’t know if he was allowed to do that..That was at the very beginning of my road racing days. That is to handled very well, no tax slappers, and the engine I believe according to the tach revved past 11,000.. I ended up crashing the bike in about an 80 mile an hour curve a grande type corner. I had to follow the scratch marks on the asphalt, through the grass, into the very high weeds to find the bike.. surprisingly, it survived the crash. Because I was to find out later after I had switched to RDs, that competed against the Kawasaki triples, that those triples did not survive crashes very well. The crankshaft got damaged, or the oil pumps got damaged and the engine cases. On the other hand, you could toss an RD down the track daily and it did not hurt the engine, which I did a few times.. having ridden both the Kawasaki and the Yamaha on the racetrack, I think that the Kawasaki handle just as well as the RD.. they just could not survive the crashes.. meanwhile, I went on to win six road racing championships, and become national champion two times on an RD 250 with a drum brake…i did install a disc brake once, bur handeling, acceleration,and rotation was worse compared to the drum brake.. a disc is a flywheel that takes more energy than the drum to accelerate. a disc is a gyro that resists flicking / rotating the bike in switchbacks quickly.. a disc is more unsprung weight, much more, so handling over bumpy ripples on corner exits caused by the cars overwhelms the suspension after hitting the 1st ripple while leaned over on the gas on exit.. The drum break was not as good obviously for slowing, but it made up for it in handling, acceleration, and suspension compliance, and quick left right left rotation.. it was not just the disk itself that harmed handling, it was also the hardware for bolting the caliper, the hoses, the brake pads themselves, been added to the unsprung weight.. my RD 250 was actually dead even with an RD 350 on acceleration up to about 60 miles an hour.. but I could handle the bad bumps in corners, and get through the switchbacks quicker on my better handling 250. So I usually one in the race is that the class was 0 to 410 cc..I was off and protested because they claim there’s no way a stock 250 could beat a 350 or 400.. The truth is, practically all racers never blame their machine when they don’t win. It’s not the bike that is slow, it’s you. Leave your machine in stock and just learn how to ride, how to break very late, how to set up the corner for the highest exit speed, how to set up the corner to get to the next corner.. once I learned that the factory knows more than I do, and stopped fooling around with tuning and gimmick accessories and modifications, that’s when my machine became reliable and trust worthy, so I could ride without worrying about it seizing.. One of the worst handling machines I ever saw in those days on the race track was the Kawasaki 500 triples.. they were horrible wigglers, and they could not survive crashes. Not only that, early days when I started racing in 1973, The races were bump start. Those 500 triples did not want to start that way many times.. I would be sitting on the line waiting for the flag man to drop the flag, I would be pumping the front and up and down while holding the front brake on, key on, petcock on reserve, machine in first gear. When he would drop the flag I would release the front brake while pushing down on the front end, and my machine always lit up instantly.. many of the smaller riders, would not get their machine started, and we would come around after the first lap, they would be off to the side, they never got their bike to start. I always thought that was unfair. They later changed that to Live engine starts.. that had an opposite effect, that always made the first corner very interesting on those 40 bike grids.. motorcycle road racing was so popular here in the United States in the 70s, that there were several weekends that over 120 350s alone were entered. practice was the most dangerous time.not everyone is going for it all out,then you have 1000cc and GP machines as well as rookies all on the track at once… when both ambulances were gone, things stopped until at least one returned..i had one of those rides myself after a 140ish mph TZ250 6th gear seizure.. woke up in the hospital 2 days later in plaster..1st time in 6 racetrack get offs that i was seriously hurt and knocked out..( broken wrist ) my last race too.. but my motorcycle addition only got worse..i am 70 and i currently own a kaw Z400 & a yam royal star venture.. my 107th & 108th motorcycles -- so far.. i have videos using both of my current machines on youtube about various accessories & maintenance chores.. i think the best if the street 2 stroke 350 twins was the bridgestone 350GTR.. it had chrome cylinder bores, dry clutch, 6 speed,, it would start in any gear by pulling the clutch in and kicking it, it would start without a battery, it had a 6 gallon gas tank.. The longshoreman document strike in the late 60s bankrupt Bridgetown because they had the ships loaded with that years stock of thousands of motorcycles for the United States, and the longshoreman would not download the ships for months. A pity..

[@bryandickerson5365]

Finally, I get my Millyard fix! Fun watching Tracy too. Notice, the only thing she measures is the weight of the flour. What a pro!

[@HowardLeVert]

I was getting withdrawal symptoms from this fine project, then along comes a video! That has made my day, thank you.

[@1957kwick]

Allen so nice to see you again.Glad to know your doing well. And back doing what I look forward to seeing what you do best.🍺🍺🇺🇸 cheers!

[@dazaro3]

The master Allen at work again, great video, bike will be another work of art, best channel on KZbin.

[@schnecks2180]

I guess most people don't realize how much effort you go through, to show us this many cuts per mounted bolt. Chapeau!

[@williamparker8318]

I like, "I pinch on quick and go back out to the garage". Geez, like a little kid. Nice build. Cheers.

[@mikeandrews8690]

Oi! Allen!! Where's Episode 10 and the rest. Can't wait. I look every week for the next part. They're all brilliant and I learn so much. Many thanks for all you've put up here!

[@bryandickerson5365]

Sure miss the “old days” of looking forward to the latest video from Allen. There’s gonna be a LOT of cheering when the next one does drop!

[@AllenMillyard]

I’m editing it right now 🎥🙂

[@bryandickerson5365]

@@AllenMillyard Happy day! Oh, and just so ya know, I really do have a life outside of waiting for your next vid..really I do ;^)

[@mikelane9110]

Relaxing watching a master at work. Good day Allen.

[@mohawkdriver4155]

How do you stay so slim with all of Tracy's delicious home cooked goodies? Additional question: Do you ever make a mistake? I'm so used to seeing absolute perfection, I can't imagine anything less.

[@doctordapp]

Keep up the good work! Always nice to see you busy, took a while!

[@teterouge1472]

Build your own bearings with Allen....... Bloody marvelous..... I doth my cap Sir.. All the best to you and yours from North Nottinghamshire UK

[@robertvanzant2653]

Bizarrely enough I watched the cupcake section as interested as I was the engine been mounted! Without noticing at the time !! Lol 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@alextripp1230]

Hi Allen, loved the grass work bench, nice n soft on the new frame paint. Cupcake looked fantastic too, looking forward to this bike build as always. Alex.

[@leebreeze]

This is sooooo relaxing to watch. Could watch it all day. Great!!

[@gingersnap7793]

It's always nice to see when people find somthing they love and stick with it....Then become legends.

[@demon39063]

Always appreciate the videos, and the careful descriptions of what and why you’re doing. So helpful! Thank you Mr Millyard

[@johnmccarthy5132]

Am I the only one that really enjoys the hedgehog updates? Seriously enjoy them!

[@ΧρηστοςΣπυρου-δ8β]

Mr Allen,I think you are one of the greatest engineers of the century...

[@paulhall170]

You're the metalwork teacher I WISH I'd have had in school, Allen! And only you would customise your bolt heads, it makes perfect sense when you think about it!

[@bryandickerson5365]

Hi Allen - I’ll always check in here from time to time just in case you choose to gift us another insight into your craftsmanship, but I understand if you’ve made a decision to move on. Thank you SO much for all the joy you’ve spread over the years through this channel! One request: Please let us know how to catch any other projects you may be involved in.

[@AllenMillyard]

Ive just been really busy with TV work, I will be making more videos soon and am currently editing the final S1 550 video. Thank you for asking

[@BubbaTGanew]

Don't know if you have already answered this Allen but is there a specific reason you work with Kawasaki four strokes rather than the Suzuki GS four strokes or was it just what was available to you? Cheers.

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

​@@AllenMillyard Allen Excellent work on the video hi 👋 from # YSW 🇨🇦 respect back to you for all of ypur hard work you are doing on all of your videos 📹 👍 👏

[@sergechelton4818]

you could watch allen all day,perfection.

[@johnmccarthy5132]

Feel slightly guilty that I enjoy these uploads so much when I consider how much effort they take to make!

[@Colin_Ames]

Great to have another video from the master. Made my evening.

[@robachamings1]

Thank you Allen. I love seeing your projects come together, and it's a relief to have a channel with no shouting.

[@growingknowledge]

Allen, I love the mixture of enthusiastic cooking/eating along with your shed creations which are always just perfect. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope to shake your hand at ABR Festival if I make it. All the best.

[@joseywales3789]

I still believe that Allen and Tracey should be rewarded with Honours........ Lord and Lady Millyard sounds wonderful! "It fits Perfect!"

[@mfitzgerald130]

Just fantastic , and you made me smile remembering the day many moons ago laying the cloth down on the newly painted frame walking the triumph 6T engine into position identically . 🙂👍

[@Jesse-B]

Vulcan-level logic in action, you make it look so easy Allen.

[@sailortownlad3735]

Mesmerising...keep her lit Alan,love it.

[@claywalker6013]

Allen - Your attention to detail on the minor things - stamping your initials and date on the bolt heads is amazing and make your motorcycles truly individual - Best wishes and take care. Clay - PS those hedgehog cakes looked scrumptious 😊😊

[@jubiletabustamanteserrano2446]

QUE BUEN TRABAJO AMIGO ,ESPECTACULAR

[@ekim000]

The bike Merlin never disappoints! Thanks so much for making these videos. It's so inspiring to see what comes out of your head via your shed.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Excellent tutorial on your latest efforts assembling this machine, Allen! Glad to see continued progress on the S1 550cc bike. Thank you for yet another great video, cheers to you & yours!

[@liamrobertson7265]

How come I usually mess everything up at least once or twice yet Allen gets it just perfect every effing time grrrr.

[@tamar5261]

Love your videos Allan. Your voice reminds me of lockdown as I binged watched your whole channel

[@axispowerdiesel]

We all rejoice with a new Millyard video notification!

[@ianstewartbrown5308]

Brilliant work as ever Allen!!

[@MrYomigaeri]

I am a fan of yours. I really respect your skills and ideas. I support you from Japan.

[@MegaDirtyberty]

It's always satisfying working on something that is clean and the satisfaction of knowing you built it.

[@darrellmeganfoxall8830]

Unbelievable how easy you make it look, thank you 👍👍👍

[@markrigg7038]

Looking really good mate, cant wait for the next vid 👍👍

[@Shady-Shane]

I've upped my Baking game since i started watching you.

[@Welderady]

This is better than regular telly and very educational for those of us who are interested in this sort of thing and as always the finished item will be nothing less than pristine ! It’s great to see and remember what lovely old bikes these were from that era - Well done Alan !

[@gazzafloss]

My problem would be, too much eating the cup cakes and not enough attention to the assembly details of the motorcycle. Love your work Allen, watching this made my day...

[@panosgamithis8868]

It's always a pleasure to watch another bike being born at Mr. Millyards place...

[@David_Owsnett]

Excellent work in the garden, the kitchen and the garage.

[@martinwhite7876]

It's the garden and the wild life what makes these videos! Not to mention Charlie weaver!

[@johnpartridge7623]

The Engine & Frame looks Factory Allen-good job fella 👍

[@geoffreyjones2000]

Tracey has mad skills, sir ... so do you

[@ShooglyShedMotors]

Holding the die wrench square using the tailstock - absolutely game changing! Thanks for that tip!

[@AllenMillyard]

it works just perfect

[@lescrook2750]

We're not worthy. You sir, are a flipping maestro of engineering. As well as a purloiner of baked goods of course.

[@Midex74driver]

Another clean assembly from the master himself. I can watch these videos all day.. but then I wouldn’t finish any of my own projects!! 😜😜😜. As always, Nicely done, Alan.

[@dougg1075]

Some wonderfully unique people in this world. A master of his craft

[@marcheighton6436]

Just magic Allen, the bike, the cupcakes, and wildlife truly captivating video and entertainment Thank you

[@SpringVinMoto]

Can't get enough! Keep 'm coming. Thanks Allen

[@bryanevans1487]

ONELOVE ALAM THE MERLIN OF MOTORCYCLES. ONE OF THE BEST ON YOU TUBE ..THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@peterdawson7775]

Yep , that engine fits just perfect ! Looks nice Allen! Those hedge hogs are such funny creatures 🤣.

[@graemetoobux8953]

Always worth it to stop off at your place Allen, perfection made to look easy.

[@drn6073]

Thank you Alan for sharing your video brilliant looking forward to seeing the next one👍

[@davidmotoman4956]

As always very informative workman ship. A pleasure to watch the Grand Master at work. Dave from Australia

[@bryandickerson5365]

Once again I’ve checked in periodically to see if Allen’s posted a new segment. Not that I don’t have a ton of challenges on my plate but precisely because these videos are therapeutic With temperatures rising in my region I realize Allen’s probably staying out of his shop during Britain’s unprecedented heat wave. Stay cool Allen!

[@richardhartley1705]

Great in-depth video on the bike build and how to bake cakes too who else offers this brilliant 👍👍

[@mosca3289]

Love the cooking interludes.