Millyard RC374 Honda six replica - Episode 1 - How its made

In this video (Episode 1) I will be explaining how i modified a pair of Yamaha FZR250RR crankcases, barrels and heads from four cylinder to six cylinder increasing the displacement to 374cc and naming it the RC374. I also talk about how I converted the standard wet clutch to a dry clutch. My aim was to make a 1967 Honda RC174 (298cc) replica that looks and sounds like the real thing. I made the whole bike in 2018.

[@Baribrotzer]

One point we all need to remember: Allen is not only a one-in-a-million craftsman - he's a trained engineer as well. And while he might seem to do a lot of muddling through, his attempts tend to be right the first or second time because they aren't guesses. He understands materials and processes, and thoroughly knows what he's doing.

[@devonbikefilms]

As an engineer myself, I am always humbled by the skill and ability on show, and so impressed by the finished bikes. The Leonardo DaVinci of the Motorcycling world.

[@thra5herxb12s]

Yes I can machine components to a tolerance of + or - 2 microns, but a straight cut with a hacksaw is still beyond me, even after 40 plus years of practice 😂

[@davidjowett8195]

@@thra5herxb12s Add to that a straight cut on a complex shape. There must be a law against that somewhere!

[@gscranage4594]

@@thra5herxb12s Make sure your blade is tight.

[@davidelliott5843]

Tight new blade in a new frame. I still drift left. I know it’s my technique but have never worked out what I’m going wrong.

[@beaterbikechannel2538]

"Nobody makes six cylinder race bikes anymore, guess I'll make one then" awesome!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

i need to do the same🐱🐱🐱

[@m.b.82]

Make one? Hes made one out of prerty much every bike by now

[@dhimasshit4322]

hahaha in indonesia honda cb 100 custom to 6 cylinder broo and in indonesia you will say wtf its crazy builder many builder with many specialis builder and when you see mad builder you search at youtube PSYCHOENGHINE AND IN INSTAGRAM @psychoenggine

[@oceanhome2023]

OMG 300 cc that is small’ ! 6 cylinders that is 50 cc per cylinder ! That is amazing !!

[@andrewnicholson6330]

The word Genius is often overused, however in Allan's case the word Genius is not strong enough.......

[@paddy2661]

Spot on I've been trying to think of , or make a new word to describe Allan's brilliance , I'll leave that for Allan I'm sure he'll cut a few words up and create one.

[@DiscoFang]

I have a word for both of you that describes him - Allen with an e.

[@paddy2661]

@@DiscoFang oops missed that one my bad bike crash and brain injury didn't help that , i was great at English/ spelling but memory doesn't help

[@gusbloke5934]

Quite simply, one of the best engineers I've ever seen. The skill you have Allen is truly incredible.

[@davidanderson4500]

mmmmmn but without cash and his machines/equiptment to do it ..... i say he would be like many of us who could probably manufacture /fabricate machines he has .

[@gregtaylor6146]

@@davidanderson4500 - Ermmmmmm......... NOPE

[@davidanderson4500]

@@gregtaylor6146 just means your not one of the many ha

[@gregtaylor6146]

@@davidanderson4500 - On the contrary old bean, it just means I'm one of the huge majority who is - unlike you - not deluded.

[@stevenshipley5280]

@@gregtaylor6146 "

[@KevsSanders]

Allen the Alien - no one with this much skill can be from this planet.

[@Gambo916]

Maybe we should start calling him Alien Millyard??!!??!!

[@mickwilkinson87]

I loved the look of the cakes,bike wasn’t bad either,😂😂😂

[@mencken8]

“Well, I’ll just cut this end off here, and this other end off there, and then just weld those bits onto the end to make my own six cylinder.” I love this so much.

[@charlieinsingapore]

Allen is so humble and softly spoken, turned the sound right up so I didn't miss anything. Certainly didn't miss the end! :)

[@scottw550]

Yes, the scary ending startled me.

[@pauldryden3222]

The wizard at work. Love your videos Allen...they’re like therapy. Even the tick of your clock in the background promotes your precision 😊

[@Flying-Hat]

Yes...it was excellent. But does anyone know what 'Neonite' is? The weird stuff that he used to make a new cylinder liner.

[@charlieinsingapore]

@@Flying-Hat It's Meehanite, a very good quality cast iron. Stable, homogenous, and beautiful to machine.

[@DanHomeAtLast]

It's just perfect!!

[@michaelhayward7572]

What i cannot fathom is how good his hacksaw skills are! Anybody who has sawn up large chunks of metal, let alone aluminium, even with a brand name coarse tpi blade, knows its not that straight fwd to keep it all accurate and aimed straight.

[@gorgon9786]

Exactly my thoughts as well,.. Could you please give us the numbers of your preferred tools here, sir Millyard

[@thecideralquaeda]

Who on earth would give this man a thumbs down?! Presumably Yamaha for chopping up their engines to build a Honda Replica! You, sir, are a LEGEND! Keep it up!

[@bmp72]

Greta probably found this video 👎

[@waterboy8999]

19 Australians

[@laurencew5220]

@@waterboy8999 fairgo mate

[@chrismiddleton7873]

John Britten gave it a thumbs up from heaven

[@TheRealBhuado]

its insane how this bloke has such a soft voice and explains the basics of his work to us. i just want to meet him in person and drink some coffee and just chit chat for ages

[@tuxedolark]

Exactly my thought!

[@riderzinc]

I was inside Alexandra Palace when his RC374 was started and rode up and down, One of the best sounds i've ever heard in my life

[@grahamanderson3155]

This man is my hero, the skill of this genius is unbelievable I'd give my left ear to have his knowledge and skill

[@madcarew.3256]

Glad you didn't say left hand!!

[@grahamanderson3155]

@@madcarew.3256 🤣🤣

[@Spodokamono]

Allen would probably cut it square with a hacksaw and weld it back on for you. 🤭

[@loddude5706]

@@Spodokamono - with two extra fingers.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

it would take far more than that petty sacrifice

[@lescrooge]

You Sir are a mechanical genius.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Concur. Incredible. However, there is a certain YT UK channel that takes umbrage with the word "genius". That channel has never shown a fraction of Allen's competence, talent, vision, ingenuity, or downright skills. Let alone humility, manners, nor grace.

[@MrDejast]

I would add uninhibited imagination to that.

[@lescrooge]

@@MrDejast and years of skill and knowledge

[@randylucas2458]

For the first time in my life I actually found somebody I'd like to spend a week with watching work

[@briannicholls187]

As an engineer I am in absolute awe of your unique skills. How you do it is unbelievable to watch

[@yourmothersfavourite9396]

The fact that you took pictures of everything even all your old builds there’s photos of the build process! Amazing.

[@stevenshipley5280]

Just watched and it was perfect.

[@malcelwell7209]

This man is from another planet I just can’t stop watching he’s videos. Just an amazing man I think if he worked for NASA’s There would be people living on Mars by now . In one word Amazing 🙏

[@Module79L]

I wonder how the Honda purists must've felt when they saw you build a replica of an iconic Honda bike with an iconic Honda engine, using two Yamaha engines. :D

[@fidelcatsro6948]

they left the chat saying it was blasphemy to honda

[@joncraw29]

Mr. Millyard, What an absolute privilege to follow along and observe your creative genius. I am utterly in awe of your creativity and talent; you are doing with simple hand tools what the normal person would require massive machines and tooling...IF they ever had the creativity to even imagine what could be done, as you have. Thank you so much for sharing all of these treasures! I look forward to your videos above all others. Very best regards, Jon Crawford

[@upsidedowndog1256]

No bodger are you Allen. Extreme craftsman. You are fantastic!

[@Mister_G]

CAD/CAM, laser guided plasma cutter multiaxis CNC....? Nah. Just a sharp hacksaw and a good eye. Bloody love it! Allen, I salute you.

[@milxl]

"and it's just perfect" as always with Allen Millyard

[@smiley4288]

Truely amazing how your mind works but then you actually put in to work.... outstanding!!! 🤘😎🤘

[@seane4020]

its always a pleasure to watch your videos

[@varalobaone4339]

Allen, you are a genius, watched all your RC374 videos at once, as someone who is a trained engineer, and completed an apprenticeship in a precision engineering company, I can really appreciate what you have done. I only heard of you after watching an episode of secrets of the transport museum, I am in admiration!

[@mightress]

"Bet you used cnc machines and have a very well equiped workshop" "Well yeah i do have a hacksaw and a manual lathe"

[@robsawalker]

This video is a sublime mix of charm, whimsy, British eccentricity and utter genius. Never change Allen!

[@terrytopliss9506]

Great to watch Allen,you amaze me with your engineering skills and this from a retired engineer.👍👍👍

[@waynecullen5739]

I'm staggered that he cut it so straight with a hacksaw...the man is a machine

[@garystratton4125]

Being very interested in engines my whole life , I never tire of Allen's videos. I wish I had even a tiny portion of Allen's engineering ability. Amazes me with every project he does.

[@DaveP950]

Amazing handicraft, Allen! You're a true inspiration!!

[@unklian9221]

Nothing to add......Just a thankyou......Really enjoyed watching your artistry.

[@SurlyMike]

Contrast this with what is trending today on this format. Allen you make me smile, I can't believe what you do with a hacksaw.

[@leepugh8186]

Manufacturer's spend loads on the development of engines and you do these in a shed. Cutting a crankcase with a hacksaw by hand. You sir a true legend. I saw the rc374 at bike show. I wish I had a tenth of your knowledge. Keep building these incredible bike's

[@gary7684]

I'm fond of a fresh cupcake myself, nice work on the engine to.

[@mikeyp1977]

What a way to start Sunday. Just perfect 😊

[@andrewjones2973]

If only England had more people like Allen - we would be great again !!!! Fantastic, thank you Allen.

[@richieb7692]

Every time I see one of Allen's videos, I'm in total awe of his skills. He truly is phenomenally gifted, and is such a humble and quiet bloke. You wouldn't think twice passion him in the street, that this guy can casually cut apart two engines with a hacksaw, and make one monster of an engine out of the bits.

[@HZolio77]

Your skills never stops to amaze me! And yes, those “Greta calls” too... 🤣

[@williamarmstrong7199]

What gobsmacking skills! I am in awe! I wish I had 1/1000'th of your skills. Even my best repair feels like an amateur bodge compared to this example of perfect engineering.

[@mohammedalshaikhli3891]

So a restoration channels get millions of views and subscribers but this one which you literally creating things from scratches doesn't get billions?! This is way underrated. Thanks for sharing your work mate..

[@thegregdavieschannel]

I really liked the idea of cutting off a piece of the casting to use as filler wire. My college instructor told us a story about how he was machining magnesium on a capstan lathe. Without really thinking about it he threw is lit cigarette but into the swarf and shortly afterwards it caught fire. Apparently no one told the fire brigade that it was magnesium fire so they tried to extinguish it with water which didn't go to well. When they got to inspect the remains, there was no lathe left, even the bolts securing it to the ground were burnt out of the concrete.

[@thegregdavieschannel]

@M Bacon it was difficult to tell whether he was being serious or not. He could often joke more seriously than any bollocking he could give.

[@dilwyn1]

WOW!! Another amazing and interesting video ... and 15 sec of "Exhaust Heaven" at the end!! Can't wait for the next one Allen☺

[@bluehoo0]

Fascinating watching this, and all done in your shed👍

[@BlackWhirlies]

Allen, you crack me up! 'So I'm gonna cut just there and cut just there and weld those two bits onto the other set of crankcases', and you make it sound like your just going to make a cup of tea or something.

[@waynester71]

I replaced the old crusty/weeping radiator on my RRX Fireblade with a refurbed one today.. i thought I was doing ok lol.. Allen’s engineering skills are incredible.. fascinating to watch!

[@gabrielecossettini2923]

Allen, we need to see you Involved in a new build. Just to follow you in everyday step😁. Your job is impressive!

[@AllenMillyard]

Yes when I start a new project I will film the whole thing

[@gabrielecossettini2923]

@@AllenMillyard thanks Allen!

[@akumabito2008]

@@AllenMillyard Fingers crossed for a crossplane v8....

[@jimclements3190]

God that would be,,,,,,,wait for it,,,,,,perfect👍

[@Lou-f]

@@AllenMillyard found any inspiration for the next build?

[@IchibanMoto]

so incredibly badass awesome 5/5

[@AllenMillyard]

Thanks Ichiban Moto

[@bradcrossman5068]

Especially the use of the Swiss Army knife scissors. ;)

[@AllenMillyard]

They are just perfect for every occasion 😎

[@IchibanMoto]

@@AllenMillyard i keep one in my tool roll

[@dvddale111]

I hope Allen got his Ichiban stickers?

[@v8berenguer372]

Machining a magnisium wheel in the lathe is also good fun. Wen the shavings ignite, it makes a great fireworks show....😂😂 Big salute from Portugal.

[@stephencole4498]

Everything about this bike is just superb from how it was built, to how it looks and especially that noise!

[@thefirstbushman]

Mate that outro I almost jumped out of my chair! Please keep up the amazing content you're by far the best channel doing motorcycle content rtn

[@densanders4571]

Amazing!! love to see you take on a 500cc V8, saw the originals at the Moto Guzzi museum - very emotional as I attended the 1957 TT aged 4 but still remember the shreik of that engine.

[@johndeere1951a]

I can't help but think how you would've got along with Nobby Clark looking over your shoulder as you made the crank, cams etc. Great utilizing your former day job skills to now create specials to your heart's content. New fan from New Hampshire 🇺🇲👍✌️🏁

[@deformemvita]

Watching you build bikes is incredibly soothing.

[@laurieharper1526]

Would love to hear Allen on Desert island Discs. "So, Allen, what's your first record?" "I don't have one, actually. I'll just build a boat out of whatever I find on the beach and go home".

[@ChumbahNutz]

Allen Millyard (MBE - Motorcycle Brilliance Engineer). Another gem featuring Greta, a cupcake, one Swiss Army knife, a cheeky cameo to the Pan Euro, and some engineering wizardry. Happy Sunday everyone. You're welcome.

[@flagman9000]

Just watched Allen with Henry and Sam do up a 70’s chopper on the motorbike show. They then all ride on their choppers to a meet. Fantastically entertaining. The goings on in this video completely lost me but truly remarkable and entertaining.

[@rekleif]

Some are good at what they do, others are masters and true artists, jaw dropping and if curing cancer was Allen Millyard's passion, we probably would have solved it already, and probably with a green plant he found in his backyard.... God bless and much love from Norway.

[@strokenumber3]

Magical work, in conjunction with magical video editing......You did the right thing re the cup cake, and the Greta reference was sneaky: What's wrong with that girl, how could you not like a two-stroke?

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Haven't watched this episode yet but I just know it's going to be a belter. Here we go. 'And it's perfect'

[@johnpartridge7623]

Just cut here & here & weld no problems, only for us mere mortals. Beautiful job Alan. 👍

[@wizard1800]

In a world of high tech machines you use a simple hack saw to cut with. Amazing man with amazing skills!

[@ffonseca0]

WOW, absolutly speachless! What an amazing job, I'm blown away with the engineering and art craft behind this project. AWESOME CONGRATS!

[@jakespede7540]

Perfect, just perfect!

[@richardcurtis2469]

I always belived that we .us British had the best engineers in the world . And Alan is leading the charge. A inspiration to the young. Well done

[@CLCIII]

Your matter of fact description of pure genius just causes me to be mesmerized as I shake my head in wonderment. Brilliant!

[@topphemlig1191]

Absolutely brilliant! You're an inspiration!

[@mattparker5639]

Been waiting for you to cover this bike and " I'm well pleased " bloody awesome job. Sound right up listening then bam at the end

[@killemtoenjoythesilence]

Guy Martin and Allen Millyard together... Now that's a shot of motorcycle royalty right there.

[@peterpreen752]

how does one define .... Intelligent .... Expert .... Master ..... Worlds Best .... EASY , his name is Allen Millyard !!! hats off to you mate , wonderful job

[@gerardmontgomery280]

There are over the top build videos full of false tension and fake deadlines. Then there's Allen, calm, no fuss and softly spoken. I know who's builds I'd trust more.

[@keithsbitsandpieces]

Absolutely incredible Allen , cant wait for the next one The magic of Millyard 😍

[@elmerfudd1086]

I hope one day to meet this man , and shake his hand. I have so much respect for his abilities. 🇨🇦👍

[@jimclements3190]

Me too😃

[@zweispurmopped]

I'll never get over how nonchalantly you cut up engines with hand tools and weld them into new ones. Magnificent! …and the modifications I just experienced to my hearing apparatus are interesting as well: Winding up the audio level so I could really understand you very quiet and softly spoken comments, then getting confronted with the bark of that Honda at the end end probably blew a direct open connection from one ear to the other through my skull… (Don't worry about my brain, it never was the best, I'll do fine without it!)

[@ady1397]

Yes Allen, that's exactly how I would do it😉

[@syncrosimon]

Thank you Allen🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@monticlassictv]

Allen is one of the world’s most ingenious engineers no need for computers,slide-rules or any other devices to record measurements and he doesn’t even do any drawings on paper the man is from another planet and could easily design a washing machine that could be ridden on the road and would be bloody quick into the bargain. And his demeanour on how he tells the story is like it was a story at bedtime is just mind blowing for sure the world needs more people like Allen god bless you and keep up the fantastic work Allen.

[@panosgamithis8868]

For Mr. Millyard , it's just a simple "JIGSAW PUZZLE" , for us mere mortals , it's an engineering nightmare... Well done sir...!!!👌😉👍

[@stephenr6427]

Pure genius thank you Allen

[@simonlunt353]

I always look forward too seeing videos what a clever person you are and please keep nipping into your house for your ladies cupcakes this makes me laugh 😆 can’t wait to see more thank you keep up the good work

[@mathewsmith1275]

blimey you and guy martin. i bet that was some conversation. both top blokes

[@jamespardy6921]

Thankyou Alan for another 15 minutes of a pleasurable video

[@tlf.]

Finally, been waiting for this since the tease

[@glynprice3815]

Amazing as ever.

[@craigdavidson5538]

I’ve learnt so much, trouble is I’m not sure what to do next, wish I was as clever as Allen, a genius!

[@katoosh1]

Alan you are a genius, your thinking out the box takes your craft to new levels. I live in Mobile Alabama originally from South Africa and now I am going to be driving to the Barber museum to see some of your creations.

[@AllenMillyard]

I hope to visit soon to see them again

[@zorktxandnand3774]

Warning on cupcakes: Side effects may include but are not limited to: The urge to modefy motorbikes and wield a hacksow like a mad man.

[@waterboy8999]

I tried some the other day, its not working yet.......

[@davidharris5736]

All the while I thought it was Allens fault. No more cakes for me or no engine will be safe!

[@boostaholic7116]

Liked before Ive even watched! 👍

[@deankdx]

people who thumbs down it, should click it twice to be sure.

[@andrewonmyway8184]

Think your Tracy deserves a medal! Bloody marvellous. Keep em coming.

[@nigelmitchell351]

To cut and shut all those head and cam components and all align is incredible, real toolroom work.!!!

[@Berealwith]

As they say "Super, Smashing, Great", Allen showing us his magical skills again. We'll done welding the magnesium.

[@steamfan7147]

A man after my own heart, not seeing things for they are, but what they could be! 😎 Oh and the Greta bit is a riot! 🤣🤣

[@Cromwell648]

An engineering masterclass, a tour-de-force of ingenuity, all done in a shed. I'm beyond amazed at your skills Allen. Absolutely fantastic to watch. Will very much look forward to the forthcoming episodes.

[@stevemurray982]

Just a question, who are the berks who dislike the video? Allen's engineering skills are, to paraphrase the man himself, well perfect. He makes hacksawing look as easy as the easiest thing you could ever imagine.

[@brianparkinson1594]

Mind boggling!

[@dekil19]

Thank You!

[@user-jh3up1kz6w]

Nothing is impossible! Mr. Allen is the best technician!

[@mohammedzaman8977]

And heres me sitting with all the parts but no confedice to rebuild my own 3 cylinder car engine ! Hats off to you allen you make it look easy