Kawasaki Z1 Super Six - Test ride 2

In this video I take a look at he low speed carb problem that was causing hesitation and bad running at transitional throttle positions near idle, I also weigh the bike on my bathroom scales then go for a 30 mile test ride. There is a bit of wind noise at times but i'm hopefully improving my audio pick up soon. This is a the first Z1 six iv'e made and i'm really pleased how its running so far, but i expect a few more issues to resolve in the coming weeks as the miles increase, it is after all a one off prototype.

[@tomcordes1768]

Allen Millyard is a genius.

[@oliverjocher2999]

A genius and a master will always make something seemingly impossible look simple, you're like Izak Perlman playing the violin....hats off to you Allen....the words "can't" doesn't exist in your world

[@guzzijack9714]

He also has a three headed dog. Can't wait for THAT video.🙄

[@bielbills]

The Wizard!

[@BuzzardR32]

Sure is

[@PartialS]

The best kind of genius too, like a magician who remains as awe-inspiring even after revealing how their tricks were done.

[@paulvince8215]

Hadn’t appreciated Alan’s genius until wandering around the open day at the National Motorcycle Museum last year with a well informed friend and watching the start ups. What he achieves from a modest home workshop and just the most positive can do attitude is mind blowing, best bike building skills I have ever seen and to build a top level downhill MTB with a unique drive system, incredible, well done sir and keep it up!

[@hoost3056]

He's truly gifted. I guess this is what happens when you encounter true genius.

[@Thecollector901]

I subbed bc of dh bike

[@Banditmanuk]

I watched him start his bikes at the National Motorcycle museum, was amazing. Did post a vid on my channel of the start ups if anyone is interested.

[@neiltaylor5588]

You're chuffed wer'e all chuffed Allen.

[@raymondo162]

true dat

[@zenden6564]

yeah well chuffed 🙄😊

[@rattusnorvegicus4380]

Aye, I`m always as chuffed as a chuffin` chuff whenever I see there`s a new vid from Allen. Always gives me the urge to go into my shed and knock something up :)

[@MartinMcMartin]

Man it must be satisfying, riding the only bike of it's kind in the world, and having built it yourself 👌

[@tylerbennetts8079]

He's built 2.

[@PocketConcepts_]

Really appreciate the increased production quality, this must of taken alot of time to shoot and edit, but the end result is worth it.

[@AllenMillyard]

About a day and a half in total

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Allen Millyard We’ll thank you for the work. Highly appreciated. Cheers from Denmark.

[@oliverjocher2999]

@@AllenMillyard I'd well believe it, but then you dont believe in doing things in half measures 👍🏼

[@garyprince2867]

@@AllenMillyard Day and a half - well it is a Z1 and a half!

[@tennnis498]

@@garyprince2867 Hi, so the Z1 is 900cc 4 cyl and he added 450cc for 1350 6 cyl? I am so impressed by the way this guy builds motorcycles.

[@lrcb40]

Is there a better sounding bike? Noooooo! Thanks, Allen!

[@raymondo162]

have you heard am's 180cc twin cylinder clunker engine...…….. ?? brAAAAH

[@Slickomicko]

Agreed, what an amazing sounding 6.

[@kopynd1]

yes matchless 500 racer

[@Tom-xn2gu]

Can't say that I understand every step Allen takes on his bikes but his videos are mesmerizing anyhow. My subconscious is storing away all that golden info for the opportune time to use, which in all likelihood, is never.

[@cooper68ns]

That shot looking back at the engine was fantastic. Cheers

[@ramishrambarran3998]

Mr Millyard is a true engineer/motorcyclist. As one who could be credited for "making" an engine, he displays the true understanding of how it works. Notice at the end of the video when the bike was parked, he revved the engine, "blipping" the throttle ? See the guys in the other videos, revving the daylights out of their engines !! It always unnerves me ! Respect. Trinidad & Tobago.

[@Spirit-jm6ll]

ramish rambarran I never understood the purpose of giving the bike a quick rev and then shutting it down. I was told that doing so caused the gasoline to wash oil off the cylinder walls. Guess it depends on at what point you actually turn the bike off relative to the final rev and if they are pumper-style carbs?

[@samfallow18]

Ohhh, the noise. THE NOISE!!!

[@leifvejby8023]

That isn't noise, that is sound! ^_^

[@raymondo162]

s'fin music to my ears, gents...……….

[@gregc6661]

There is quite simply nothing like it

[@davidsimpson105dB]

Back in the day Ive had 3 Zedders , 2 Z1Bs and a Z900 Drag Specialities Lowrider. All just great. BUT, I would just love to have that Super 6 in my garage! Im 63 now but the passion for motorcycles never leaves you. Still riding...once its in the blood its there forever. Millyard,youre a bloody genius and inspiration. Thank you.

[@davidsimpson105dB]

Sold my last Z1B..totally original..for £1200 back in the late 80s. That REALLY HURTS now!! Well, Im on bike no.37 since that great day in 1976 when when I passed my test on my Honda CD175 !! Mr.Millyard,youre an inspiration to all ,especially and most importantly,to the up and coming new generation of 2wheel enthusiasts. I take my helmet off to you !!!

[@touristguy87]

Trust me, you're wrong. It definitely left me. It goes even farther away every time I hear some fat old guy ride by in a Harley...going noisily to yet another random gas station to use yet another toilet. Bikes are the epitome of enjoying the steak knife a lot more than the steak.

[@papachis9535]

Really nice to see someone riding a superbike sensibly and responsibly according to road type and conditions.

[@harrywhite1002]

I love this, I'm a 19 year old rider myself, and you're definitely one of my role models to work on my bikes myself :)

[@AllenMillyard]

Brilliant,

[@raymondo162]

top tip: carbs are made of very soft metal, and it's easy to strip threads out, so don't be a gorilla...……… you're welcome

[@andysuter5635]

@@raymondo162 Second top tip, get yourself some decent JIS screwdrivers. The little M5 machine screws are not Phillips - using a philips will cause a cam-out and strip. I always replace the machine screws with stainless allen bolts from screwfix.

[@alanbare8319]

What a sweet sounding engine! You'll have many miles of smiles with that bike. Ride on!

[@petrovski1948]

They need to invent a better word than genius because Alan far exceeds the boundaries of such a description. I’m watching his videos in absolute awe. He derserves a knighthood.... seriously.

[@totaltom0001]

Even a video about a simple plunger fix for a couple of carbs, Allen still shows he is an engineering marvel... that homemade socket with a flat head screwdriver inside is genius!

[@bsimpson6204]

During the close-ups showing the front of the engine running, that engine sounds bloody marvellous

[@michaelwalker1145]

The best part about this bike, it looks like it was factory made. Unless you know your bikes you would never guess it was made in a shed.

[@markfitzsimons9540]

Allen I don't have a bike or even a license, my and my gf love watching your videos and consider you a national, keep making content and I promise I'll always watch.

[@northernrider780]

Sublime Allen, you are a very very rare breed of both genius and artist, wonderful to look at, listen to and watch.

[@alasdair4161]

I loved the sound of my Z1, but this goes down as the best sounding bike I've ever heard... or ever will. Thanks Allen for taking that initial risk and giving us all a bit of the reward. Cheers.

[@Rahul-tc1nx]

Do you still have the machine??

[@JETJOOBOY]

@@Rahul-tc1nx The video is only 2 days old.. calm down

[@alasdair4161]

@@Rahul-tc1nx Regrettably no, after owning it for over 20 years I finally had to sell it against my will. Amazingly, the guy who purchased it (from an ad) had also bought my previous bike 20 years before, a Rickman Z650..he had not bought any bikes since that, and only used it for racing. He went looking for a bigger bike to move up into another category, and along came mine.. again... To add another layer to the irony, his best friend and racing partner was the dealer and ex Australian racing legend who sold me both bikes originally..

[@Meme_supplier]

Well I guess it goes down to own personal preference, but I love the cbx sound more. Dont get me wrong this sounds awesome too

[@alexferguson9283]

Allen, you are a genius! Back in the 70’s I had an S1C and remember when the Z1 first came out. Everybody wanted one. I can remember first hearing one start up; what a sound! I can only imagine what yours sounds like in the flesh.... When it’s run in, and you do another vid. can you take it out and give it the beans, please?

[@campbellpaul]

Glad that you shared this... It makes a guy feel quite privileged to be a part of your fine-tune work!

[@markwatkins6882]

Greetings from South Carolina,USA !!! What a sweet machine,sounds like a classic V12 Ferrari !!! Your skills are pure genius !!!

[@tonyb2600]

What a fantastic looking and sounding bike .... 😎

[@paulnelsonisnotabot]

You know, the lockdown doesn't seem so bad after watching this! Thank you for another soothing window into your life :)

[@paulhall170]

Who can't be chuffed watching this maestro at work???

[@AllenMillyard]

Just 7 people 🙈

[@TeeBee997]

I am both discouraged and happy at the same time. Discouraged because I realize I’ll probably never become an engineer with skill even close to Allan’s, but happy because he is who he is and that he shares his work

[@SGTDuckButter]

Love that sound, lovely bike. Thank you for making video’s

[@loydsa]

Allen, I am permanently in awe of your skills and what you can achieve with simple tools, but I am glad to see that you are human and occasionally leave pieces out on initial rebuilding :-) I will remember that when I am cursing myself for having parts left over when I rebuild something :-)

[@Nordmore68]

To watch an Allen Milliard-video is therapy. It is! It's perfect, as Allen says in the film. 🥰

[@johnhendy7123]

Better than watching normal TV programmes also really well explained...Brilliantly Done

[@JustChiminin]

Not only are his bikes brilliant, great camera work and editing on the video.

[@reloading_and_gun_channel]

You're a Genius, can't stop watching your videos, they are just the best

[@charlieinsingapore]

One little half-hearted kick and she bursts into life and purrs like a kitten. So beautiful.

[@slowpokebr549]

It's impressive that anyone could fit together that motor at all. It's mind boggling how seamlessly it performs. I've had factory built bikes with worse teething problems.

[@AdeReeves]

Just an awesome machine ...you must be so proud of it 👍

[@AllenMillyard]

I am 🙂

[@bikesmith]

Great work! I can't get enough of your videos!

[@scottd8555]

That is a beautiful machine anyone that is fortunate enough to own one of your creations are very incredibly lucky and envied by alot of people.

[@bryandickerson5365]

Such a gorgeous bike already, but the added cylinders just put it over the top with the added mechanical eye candy! I SO wish the motorcycle companies would release new versions of what we used to call UJMs. Not “modernized” versions, but new versions with an actual sensitivity to the original aesthetic. Most modern “retro” designs look more like pretentious caricatures of the originals. Back in the day we began to take these Universal Japanese Motorcycles for granted, but seeing one now days reminds us how great looking they were with their comfortable ride position and all the beautiful mechanical bits out in the open for our viewing pleasure. Of course, Z1s were never just ANY UJM and Allen’s mods are SO respectful and “perfect” ;^)

[@klonketryne]

What a beautiful motorcycle, i`m speechless!

[@philipjooste5688]

Great Looking machine, and love that 6 - cyl sound! Very well done!

[@JakobusVdL]

You seem like such a quiet understated shed dwelling bloke, but beyond that we see the mad engineering and fabrication skills, and you are obviously some sort of nutter to want to build and ride a Z1 - 6 cylinder! Very impressive videos Allan. Thanks for sharing your skills and madness - from New Zealand Good grief, I didn't know the half of it, Just had a look at the Viper V10 8 litre bike, and the 5 litre V-twin! As well as the brilliant SS100 and 180 mini twins. An engineering savant, and brave as a brave thing!

[@rdaystrom4540]

The bike looks almost like a new one. Another amazing motorcycle from the best bike builder on the planet.

[@jimbilton1956]

Fabulous. An astounding achievement. Great camera work too - I love that front of engine view whilst underway.

[@raymondo162]

that's a very good word for it, jim : achievement...………. yup that's an achievement alright

[@Banditmanuk]

That was a really great vid Allen. Can see lots of effort has gone into filming from different angles and places. The bike just looks so right, almost like Kawasaki manufactured it.

[@patrick2455]

I'm 67 years old and French ( sorry for my english...). I own a Z1 B 1975, blue, and it has been perfectly renovated, as if it is new. I just imagine if in 1975 if we could have bought this bike with 6 cylinders !!! For me it's the most beautiful bike in the world...Bravo Allen.

[@touristguy87]

I still can't imagine why anyone would want to buy an air-cooled 6-cylinder bike made from part-bucket parts except it's 1975 and you want to brag about having a 6-cylinder air-cooled bike. I can't imagine why the Italians and Germans absolutely stole the sportbike market from Japan. Any other British motorcycle mechanic would rather ride this thing into a brick wall than work on it. Sorry, v-twin engines not cool enough for you? Not even 1200cc of Ducati goodness? What next, a rebuilt 1975 Toyota Corolla SE with an inline-6 engine and a vinyl interior?

[@mshort7087]

The mind of a gentleman genius and the patience of a saint. Amazing work, Sir. Cheers from Texas

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

That new beast of your sounds lovely doesn't it Allen - A1 job again by the looks of it!

[@johnedwards277]

That really is the best looking bike I've seen in years it is amazing

[@iancharlton678]

Back again for another rewatch 🙂 I’ve owned or ridden most types…… favouring V’s or triples over fours….. always loving the exotic 6’s I can honestly say that compared to the likes of Benelli, Honda and Kawasaki…… your imagining of the “across the frame” six, is by far the most coherent, balanced and pleasing to the eye. Even to a trained eye with no motorcycling knowledge, it would be assumed to be factory. It is glorious 🎉🇬🇧 In my fantasy garage, it would sit alongside the water cooled 500/4 you built, my current FatBob, the Daytona (Dr John), Rickman CR1000 and GT750 kettle - three that I let go 🥺 and my Trabant. Don’t stop, you give us hope…… 🥳

[@joemumma5058]

This bike is the Jaguar of ALL motorcycles, sound and all

[@gezokane3482]

Fantastic as always. I cant believe I am going to try and tell YOU something! Ive restored many z1 carbs and most of the time the floats are fine. However, the overflow tube in the float bowl is common to get a super fine split in it. Fill it with fuel on the bench and see. Its more common than people think. Let us know what the issue is. Brilliant as always.

[@AllenMillyard]

Thanks for that, I’ll have a look and will post my findings

[@craigbrown2183]

Yeah I'm chuffed too after watching this! Beautiful sounding bike. I know what you used for the outside carb intakes, perfect good use of waste pipe fittings. 👍 Well-weathered leather Hot metal and oil The scented country air Sunlight on chrome The blur of the landscape Every nerve aware....

[@bigfish74f]

And in about 2 hours im off to do the same cant beat being out on 2 wheels

[@raymondo162]

your poetry definitely has something of the Shakespeare about it...…… malcolm shakespeare

[@richardmorton1310]

Never underestimate the ingenuity of a man. You make it look so simple and yet near impossible for most.

[@billythepigeon7345]

Beautiful day, beautiful roads, beautiful engine noises. That engine doesn't seem to need to work too hard. Great work once again. It's sorcery I tell ya, sorcery!!

[@llamamanism]

Comforting to know that we all can leave parts out, the skill is in finding the fault. Engine sounds....lusty

[@petewood2350]

Beautiful.

[@nicktasker4287]

Thanx for showing that even the most diligent people have tiny issues in life 😊

[@terrencegreenaway8499]

That throaty little back-snarl that can be heard when Allen rolls off to shift, as around 5:15! It should be used for everything from taming rogue elephants to selling toothpaste. What a brilliant man, and a brilliant chance to see what he does! These videos are the antidote to all the dross on KZbin.

[@marioplushiecentral3441]

i would sleep next to that machine for the rest of my days!!

[@animalian01]

that is a great looking and sounding bike, what I love if you didn't know you had made it, it looks stock. I love the video because it puts to bed the claim that your bikes are unrideable by one particular troll I have had with discussions with

[@AllenMillyard]

Only 85 miles so far but it will get a lot of riding so it won’t stay a low milage bike for long

[@fat_biker]

The big Dodge V8 bike is a perfect example - I’ve seen a few one off custom builds around weird & wonderful overpowered car or plane engines but they normally aren’t bikes you’d want to ride further than from the trailer to the show podium, you’d certainly not want to climb on them & thrash them at close to 200 miles an hour... there’s video on KZbin of Alan doing exactly that!

[@alanmyers5081]

V-10 Viper engine.

[@licmy2]

When I first saw the video, I thought Kawasaki built it. I knew they made a big six bike but it wasn't air cool. Such a great build .

[@FIREBLADEONE]

Allen re your last comment about being 'chuffed' . Masterful understatement there! So enjoyable and inspiring following this project, wonderful engineering and a superb video, thanks!

[@geoffreyjones2000]

I smiled so much... my face muscles are sore :)

[@NOOne-im5vg]

Sounds crisp. Can I ask, have you needed a brace the frame anywhere and how have you sorted out the 6 into 4 pipes ?

[@pukavita]

The awesome sound of a six cylinder that you no longer hear on our streets.

[@derekbond3512]

Besides the bike this video is absolutely brilliant, the camera positoning and angles ,location, just the way youv'e put it together is spot on, just what wev'e asked of you , thanks. By the way what a lovely part of the country you live.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Weighs bike on bathroom scales. Classic millyard

[@stuartbromley3513]

To be honest, I was expecting an elaborate pulley system with fish weighing scales, but hey ho

[@stevemorris3710]

Or 20 sets of kitchen scales grafted seamlessly together.

[@fanplant]

The ethanol is murder over here as well. Can't get anything less than E10 most of the time.

[@Plons0Nard]

Millers Oils in the UK sells an additive to counter the ethanol. I ride a vintage bike, and keep a few 10cc bottles in the bike bags, for those occasions where I have no choice but to fill her up with E10.

[@tylerbennetts8079]

You can remove ethanol quite easily, then add an octane booster.

[@theravedaddy]

@@tylerbennetts8079 i remove ethanol by just winding that twisty thing on the right handlebar, 1 good ride and its gone.

[@harwoods11]

Only really an issue if you bike is left standing for months and allows the ethanol to separate.

[@fanplant]

@@harwoods11 have you been up to your elbows in small engine carb parts because of the ethanol? Over here where I am many things like snowblowers, generators, and motorcycles sit dormant for a while. Going by Project Farm vids the additives don't stop it much either.

[@db3170]

Fantastic camera work and editing.Fuel tank shape and color scheme are the most beautiful Kawasaki ever next to an Eddie Lawson thank you for your very generous sharing of your talent and gifts

[@barrymorphett8610]

The best sound I've heard come out of a bike. Well done a work of art.

[@MRsickcat84]

Pardon me sir But did you just kick started a six cyl??

[@AllenMillyard]

Oh yes

[@moose64]

I find multi-cylinder engines easier to kick over than a single like a Honda XL650. My face has met my knee more than once. LOL

[@G58]

The objective on any engine is to turn the engine over just fast enough to generate a spark strong enough to get one cylinder to fire. The more cylinders an engine has, the more likelihood that one cylinder is in the perfect position to fire as the engine is turning over at peak revs on the starter, whether a motor, kick starter or back wheel as it’s being pushed and the clutch dropped in gear. That one cylinder then has the job of turning over the rest of the cylinders (pistons in them of course). This is the bit that’s potentially difficult. A single cylinder engine only has one chance to fire. It has to start itself. And of course all the resistance experienced by the compression stroke on one cylinder can cause kick-back, where the single cylinder fires, but pushes piston back down, causing the kick starter itself to kick back at the rider! The more cylinders, the less compression resistance is experienced during the starting process. This is just theory. I’ve never actually kick started a six cylinder engine. But I have kick and bump started many engines.

[@philipcooper8297]

It's because the cylinders are smaller on a ''multi-cylinder'' engine bike. You only have to start one of those cylinders for the engine to start. And that happens 4 times more often (4 cylinder engine) than on a single cylinder machine.

[@mistacoz]

Despite all the science based replies I still love the phrasing of the question.

[@Spodokamono]

Spacers missing inside the carb, shoddy work Allen, very shoddy. I think a bit more practice at this engineering malarkey and you could show some progress. 🤭🤭🤭🤭 Awesome as ever, and not afraid to show the fault on video. Arghhh that just makes him more god like genius. 👍👍👍👍

[@AllenMillyard]

We all make mistakes 🙈

[@marshallman1au]

@@AllenMillyard HAHAHAHAHA!!😂

[@3004andy]

Wonderfully smooth. It must be the best rush imaginable to ride a bike where you've crafted so much of it! Especially where that includes adding cylinders!!!!!

[@JDnBeastlet]

Absolutely beautiful in sight in sound. Allen, you have done an incredible job.

[@davidanderson4500]

AWSOME ALLAN fab bike, be great to see ya give it a runout on a motorway tho.?? and im keeping you to your word about making a vid on how you made the camshafts and camshaft cover for this fab bike. keep the vids coming ....awsome .

[@AllenMillyard]

I’m not going to far from home while evaluating the engine, due to current social distancing etc i wouldn’t want to put anyone or me at risk if I needed help if i Broke down

[@memybikeni9931]

@@AllenMillyard yeah like anything you build is gonna break down 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidanderson4500]

@@memybikeni9931 excactly he he

[@306champion]

If my monitor suddenly died and I only had audio I could swear I was hearing a race bred Jag or similar. I also love how you keep this bike looking as original as possible. Don't ever stop what you're doing Allen. Suggestion; One of my favorite bikes is the Triumph 900 triple. Your videos make me wonder what a Trumpy 1800 V6 would be like! Out of this world I recon.

[@kdz666]

So smooth and gentle sound - and the bike sounds great too!

[@paulduhig7131]

Finally something I understand sir, must stop keys rattling! What an outstanding machine, thanks for sharing.

[@daledudley62]

Seems to be an excellent mechanic, local bikers ought to use this man.

[@TheRealNVT]

The best video to accompany your morning cuppa.

[@peterfourie4980]

I really look forward to your video updates, makes lock down all the more fun. Inspiring me to crack on with my projects. Keep on keeping on Allan , they’re all great👍

[@robwebber1217]

The sound of that engine gets me every time. Love it!

[@georgestewart1325]

Normally can’t abide an onboard cam ride but this bike was made for such enjoyment. Lovely roar from this lion and the jingle of the keys 🔑made for more fun. Great channel.

[@antoniomassey8328]

Fantastic bit of work Alan .all the best Tony

[@paulypaulypauly8011]

Congratulations Allen. What a wonderful project, and stellar results. You should be very proud.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

That just sounds absolutely glorious. Big Zed bark but with the rounded note of a six. Amazing work.

[@sandeshs9767]

That exhaust note of SUPER SIX Awesome, Amazing. Love the work of Allen.

[@Rightthenbikes]

Sounds amazing. Thankyou for these videos I always enjoy them

[@timhargrave808]

Great bit of work, love the ingenuity you have

[@bigfish74f]

Pls dont ever stop doing what you do with these engines its also great that you have shared it with us

[@idselseno2306]

Oh my! It has kickstart! Amazing how compliant it is and instantly runs!

[@chrischappell9824]

Allen. Thank god. Last week was so long waiting for your next post. I don't want lock down to end! The bike looks lovely, it sounds fantastic and and the workmanship,is as always, second to none. A class act.

[@rushymoto]

Great. Love the view of the down pipes. I feel really proud of people who manage to create or make such nice things.

[@antonyhowell6189]

Your bike is a work of art, and the sound is outstanding

[@davo620ti]

That is the most beautiful sounding engine I have ever heard. A true pleasure to watch as usual.

[@HoodlumMedia]

The way the headers go through the frame so cleanly.... So satisfying.

[@RC60669]

Thanks Allen .. your putting a lotta smiles on a lotta faces! Really appreciate and admire your work. Warmest regards and best wishes to you and yours. Cheers Rob

[@mcgama88]

After watching this post, I have bold plans for my workshop projects. That by care and attention to detail, performance can be constructed. And that tuning tool. Thank you for the glimpse of problem solving and ride along.