Norton Nemesis V8 rebuild - Episode 11

In this video I will be fitting the pistons, connecting rods and mating the V8 block to the gearbox and clutch.
Note: All parts will be thoroughly cleaned before final assembly, so any debris , swarf dust of dirt seen under macro cinimatography in this video will be cleaned off before the final assembly..
The Norton Nemeses is a pre production prototype that was made in the late 90's with claims of a 200+mph top speed from its 1500cc fuel injected V8 engine.
As far as I'm aware, this is the only bike that has survived but if any of you know of other bikes please leave a comment. This bike is owned by the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham UK has been on display as a non running exhibit for many years.
I have already worked on the bike last year getting the engine to run after a few rudimentary checks, new oil and batteries for series 12 of Henry Cole's "The Motorbike Show" where Henry rode it for a few miles up to around 50 mph, but it wasn't running very well and was leaking a lot of oil and coolant.
Episodes of "The Motorbike show" can be seen on itvx player on line and some shorter edits are available on Henrys KZbin channel.
Over the coming months I will be stripping the bike to sort out a few issues with the V8 engine and hopefully make it run and ride how it was intended 25 years ago.

[@matthewrooke386]

Gently ticking clock ✔️, V8 engine being rebuilt ✔️, Allen Millyard ✔️. = best time of the week.

[@tonnaboy1]

gently ticking clock???? more like chinese water torture 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@c103110a]

@@tonnaboy1 Don't forget: feeding the birds, baking with Tracy and the hedgehogs...

[@jimp730]

Forget the Euros; seeing this Norton finally run will be a win for the motorcycling community worldwide. Well done Mr Millyard - this is just perfect!

[@jamsstar2010]

We win shed engineering 😂

[@andrewmoylan6295]

Just how wicked this bike could have been if the engineers had the same work ethics, and foresight to build it how Allen is...everything just perfect and functional.

[@mrwolsy3696]

His V12 Kawasaki was legend in 1994, many copy him, but Allen is the real deal.

[@markschattefor6997]

Sadly I can't get around euros, I have to pay with them every day.

[@colindowd3892]

I like the way Allen works, no fuss, no rush, a beautiful way of working.

[@Jestersson]

Good engineers work like this. Patience is key.

[@cryptic_badger795]

Allen's build of the V8 will be done the way it should have been done in the first place......can't wait to see it running again!!

[@motoscotti]

@@gpw203this ain’t his first rodeo, the guy is a human torque wrench 🤣

[@Metal-Possum]

English motors wouldn't be stereotypically English if they were all built like Allen's.

[@daviddeakin2006]

@@gpw203 I think he may have edited out something out I noticed a shudder when I replayed it

[@TassieLorenzo]

@vonryansexpress The Suzuki GSXR750 parts found everywhere in the Melling MCD engine (including the entire gearbox cartridge?) may slightly undermine the originality argument! By all means it's still an impressive 1500cc V8 though.

[@danielduke5059]

😂​@@motoscottiyeah I agree I only see one that was not already a pinch away from the torque setting already! Pretty sure it will be alright 👍

[@gedofgont1006]

I love how Allen treats his wife's cooking with the same reverence as his beloved motorcycles. Apart from anything else, these videos are little lessons in how to live well.

[@martinshepherd6756]

Three things to love on these videos - I am sure Allen could make a fortune from sponsorship or endorsement - but no - just sharing his knowledge, 2: the tools all have that look of years of careful use, 3 Traceys cooking - her slippers appear in the video - no glammed up influencers here! Just love it.

[@richardmoorhouse8030]

I’ve waited all day for this….. got home, had my dinner, made my lunch for tomorrow and then made myself a coffee and sat down to watch. I was not disappointed! Unfortunately the best 20 minutes of the week are over all too soon. Roll on the next episode….. I can’t wait!!!!

[@stephenrice4554]

Another marvellous demonstration of cake baking . The Nemesis is coming along nicely too .

[@blafoobar9997]

For a brief second I thought he was spraying the cake with brake cleaner 😂

[@pauljenkins2501]

But it's a brave man that compares even an uncooked cake to "like pouring a slab of concrete"!

[@GaryFÓBrien]

Yay. Cakes are baked not cooked! 😂

[@johndavies2396]

This cooking programme keeps being interrupted by some bloke building a motorbike what's the world coming to 😊

[@kingyamaha9637]

This man is a national treasure in the motorcycle space. Rebuilding the v8 the proper way, can’t wait to see what Allen will do about that horrid rear header.

[@MartynCharsley]

It was hideous. I do hope he ditched it for a Millyard.

[@glennwiebe5128]

​@@MartynCharsleyHopefully a 4 into 1.

[@MartynCharsley]

@@glennwiebe5128 It can be 4 into anything, so long as that grotesque "fabrication" isn't involved. 🤣

[@artisan4797]

Personally, I think I had better welds when I was in junior high metal shop than what I saw on that header.

[@bignosecrisuk5860]

It’s the same. Can’t wait to see a new header, and new baking of course

[@richardross-b1x]

Watching Allen at work is a therapy! It's also an education. Thanks for taking the trouble to share your skills in such a delightful way. What a partnership!

[@Mia-hr2]

This is just perfect.

[@Hopalong..75]

You balance your life so well, between work, wildlife, and baked goods. Harmonious.

[@Nickcirrus]

Sitting in bed full of flu watching Allen's attention to detail and the soothing tick of the clock. Excellent as always

[@ktmturbo5836]

If you need more to watch, check out inheritance machining cutting edge engineering

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Get well soon

[@richieb7692]

Hope you're feeling better soon mate

[@davidstewart4570]

​@@ktmturbo5836Yes, indeed. I'm an enthusiastic fan of Cutting Edge Engineering. The similarities are unmistakable: extraordinary skills and problem-solving; exquisite attention to detail and pride in the job; widlife. What Karen lacks in the baking of flapjacks she makes up for with her beautiful videography.

[@ktmturbo5836]

@@davidstewart4570 have you seen the inheritance machining videos? He also is in the same class

[@paulthompson8613]

The exhaust manifold that could be a whole series on it's own 🦔🦔🧁🧁

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Great build Sir. Don't think I have ever seen pistons that short before. Looking forward to seeing/hearing that engine run.

[@mr2spyderchronicles287]

Watching these videos just with voiceover and the clock on the background its like therapy.

[@sweetcorn1968]

The ticking clock in the background is so relaxing.

[@mikenco]

The ticking clock and Alan's dulcet tones, the stress of the day just washes away and time slows down... *and breathe*..

[@wattyler6075]

There's something soothing & hypnotic listening to Allen describing what he's doing & watching him.

[@George_Borman]

3:04 - this is a blackbird (Lat. Turdus merula) - it sings very beautifully! 11:08 - wagtail (Lat. Motacilla) What good guests you have! 😊

[@owensbama1923]

Best videos on youtube when it comes to this type. Thanks, Allen. Love your work. As an Aircraft Mechanic i appreciate your attention to detail.

[@chriscooper3384]

Same for me - I can’t stand seeing things being done half-assed. Once an aircraft guy always an aircraft guy. :-)

[@Hopeless_and_Forlorn]

@@chriscooper3384 Same here. First turned wrenches on airplanes 1961, also the year I bought my first motorcycle. A&P license 1965, began with R-1830 and R-2800 engines. Watching Allen as he demonstrates mastery of the craft is one of the best parts of retirement. Along with riding, of course.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

​@@chriscooper3384that's four of us!

[@andyday4535]

I worked as a wireman back in the 60s, building Tank gun control systems and radar/heat seeking nosecones for missiles, to the very strict A.I.D. ispection standards. There's one way to do a job, the proper way!

[@ianr7023]

This is pure therapy. Nothing more, nothing less. Roll on the next episode. 😊

[@boag46]

The legend returns. He makes it look easy. Masters always do.

[@mattsta1964]

I love the sound of the clock in the background

[@PaulG.x]

The only reason I watch this channel is that it is the only automotive engineering channel that does not have crap cliche heavy metal guitar background music. This and CuttingEdgeEngineering. I say that as a lifelong Black Sabbath fan

[@leonobrega1418]

I bought tons of snap on tools and this guy is a true engineer with bog standard tools. Just goes to show

[@mikef.1000]

I know this mightn't seem like a big deal to many, but I LOVE IT when an engine rebuilder DOESN'T slather everything in loads of synthetic assembly lube. Here we see Allen using engine oil for the most part, and judicious application of the assembly lube. Not much more is needed, people. And into the bargain, you don't end up with all that excessive synthetic lube contaminating the engine oil and compromising the running-in process. Of course, this is just my 2-bob's worth... don't want to start an engine oil argument! They never end well 😀

[@Hiram8866]

This video has everything. A fantastic engine assembly, a relaxing ticking clock, and some of Tracy's lovely recipes.

[@tonycamplin8607]

Perfection as usual, you're getting there. I hope that those used compression rings were marked top so that they went back the right way round. Really pleased to see Tracy's red spoon back in action, a really vital piece of kitchen equipment!

[@AllenMillyard]

Yes T mark up on all rings

[@tonycamplin8607]

@@AllenMillyard Thanks for replying, I thought that they must be marked.

[@bofblog]

Superb build and modifications...a great engineer at work and a pleasure to watch

[@davidtiddy6881]

Is it me, but Alans commentary reminds me of watching open university late night on BBC2 in the 70s and 80s Perhaps that's why i find it so comforting!

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

Yes, but no beard or elbow patches... 😂

[@nploates]

The ticking clock is such a relaxing background sound and so appropriate. Much better than an added music track that some KZbinrs feel they have to add that can be both distracting and annoying!

[@mevcarter6664]

Absolutely fascinating watching the master taking on this complex project but it must be said that without the excellent camera work it would not be so enjoyable 👍

[@mryorkshire3623]

I always imagine the Vision On ( The Gallery ) theme tune from the 70's playing in the background.

[@ashleyhoward8926]

It's called "Left bank two" by the noveltones. Great stuff !

[@mryorkshire3623]

@@ashleyhoward8926 Yes, iv'e actually downloaded it.

[@Ivorbiggin]

You’re right, it would work so well …….Allen how about it ?

[@minnesotatomcat]

You can tell this engine wasn’t designed for this rather adapted, so many weird little work arounds and things that could have been designed much better. Can’t wait to hear it run after Allen has finally put it together properly! Excited to see your exhaust manifold 👍

[@simono.sniper3214]

Fabulous, Allen...Can't wait to see what you've done with the exhausts...

[@howieat1574]

a new video from allen is always welcome

[@greengonzonz]

Yes lads.... I find myself enthralled, unable to look away. We love this content for the obvious reasons but the one thing that has us all fully hooked is Allen. He could offer up a vid on gardening and we'd all be there for it ❤

[@Bahonz]

Television or Millyvision - No contest! Thank you again sir!

[@Wil_Liam1]

After many years of working as a welder and machinist doing r&d with engineers I do understand why the Norton team did the things they did to build this bike... However it doesn't mean that I would ever endorse that type of work as I'm of the mindset of why do a job twice and double the costs when one can just as easily take the extra time and energy to build it right the first time.. HOWEVER,had Norton done that, then Allan would never have done this series, and we wouldn't be watching a master do what he does when he fixes others failures... 👍

[@cliverussell5344]

Allen it is always a joy to watch you work, really look forward to the next episode. many Thanks

[@markcherriman6136]

Love the clock ticking away in the background .

[@chrissmith2114]

I hate ticking clocks, they are ticking away you life..... and it is audible time elapsing.

[@markcherriman6136]

@@chrissmith2114 Samaritans are open .

[@chrissmith2114]

@@markcherriman6136 Wireless digital clocks are silent and exactly on time - all the time. Ticking clocks feature in Hitchcock movies a lot..

[@thewatcher5271]

It's Always A Great Day When I Get On The Net & See That Allen Millyard U/L A New Video! Thank You.

[@jossmaxwell00]

A pleasure to watch every single time. So relaxing listening to Allen as he describes each step.

[@owenjones506]

Always relaxing watching you work and very educational , thanks Alan.

[@andymair7992]

Great to watch a MASTER TECHNICIAN/ENGINEER at work! I'm loving this! 😃😃😃

[@simongardner3120]

You make it look so easy ,quiet peaceful and very relaxing a great bit of downtime .Thankyou Allen .

[@philip_fletcher]

Allen - at 9:26 it appears you missed a big end bolt in your torque down sequence!

[@pauloconnor7951]

That clock would drive me nuts !!! . It has a big end nock Alan !.

[@AmbroseB1900]

Those slipper pistons are gorgeous and a new take on 'oil painting'! Great video, can't wait to hear it run. Thanks for sharing this amazing rebuild.

[@LOKI-vk5hx]

Well thats my monday complete. As ever amazing work. We need a cooking with Tracey video. It would be just perfect

[@giuseppegalione1388]

Il sistema di chiusura motore..con la brugola che avvita dall'alto verso il basso...non ha Senso! Va bene una o due...ma non tutte! Complimenti Boss..sei il migliore!👍🙋

[@marscruz]

Allen's precise and methodical rebuild is captivating and his camera work and editing are spot on as well. This is what Mastery looks like when practiced by someone who is adept in all things in his purview.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

I've just come in from my workshop where I'm building a BSA engine, to watch the inscrutable Mr Millyard building a Norton engine. As evenings go, thats just....... You know the rest!

[@1234567marks]

Great to see it coming back together, top tip re the bolts you could only get an eighth of a turn on with the Allen key, start them by hand for 2 or three turns, then get a 2 inch wire wheel in a battery drill and spin them down with that before doing the final tighten with the Allen key, 9 times out of 10 they’ll spin down 👍

[@MJMC56]

I was baffled as surely it's a sixth of a turn. I might have OCD :)

[@johngibson3837]

​@@MJMC56I agree but it might be an eighth, just cos Alan heads are six sided doesn't mean you get the full swing

[@MJMC56]

@@johngibson3837 yeah but if it only moves an eighth you wouldn't be able to get the Allen key in?

[@johngibson3837]

@@MJMC56 never heard of an offset mate

[@davidshields948]

Un missable viewing. What a series!

[@petercowan6936]

Can't wait to see you making the new exhaust manifold. It will certainly be more professional than the original. Great work as always Allen. 👍

[@wretchedexcess1654]

It's getting more and more exciting seeing this mill coming together! The attention to detail satisfies my own OCD and makes each video very relaxing. Thanks for sharing your craftsmanship with us all!

[@rjung_ch]

It's getting there more and more. Thanks Allen. 👍💪✌

[@petenikolic5244]

Much as i love Nortons that thing is an absolute abonomation .

[@chrisprobert6]

😅 I believe Norton are well known, for trying the wild and wacky!

[@sen5i]

abomination

[@swampyankee72]

We have to remind ourselves that this was a working prototype, nothing more. Had they proceeded, the research and development team would have addressed this bike's faults. Then, a pre-production model would be made for testing. See this bike for what it is-a rare glimpse of a prototype bike in mid-design. I wish they had continued with this design to full production.

[@chrisprobert6]

@@swampyankee72 to have a V8 with transverse crank, is pretty genius I reckon. Essential for two wheels.

[@whalesong999]

Some quirky engineering. Reminds me of the 1700cc Triumph, 4 cylinder engine that was in my SAAB 99 of 1971. It had head bolts that came in from an angle next to the cam box and standard arrangement for the lower set - the angled ones were screwed into the head as studs, driven by a slotted screwdriver, then nuts onto the studs to pull it together. The engine developed a head gasket leak at about 70k miles and i had no problem getting the studs out. At about 107k miles, the engine started from cold with a terrible knock/rap, I think a broken piston. When I went to remove the studs, they would not budge. Conference with the dealer indicated the head would have to be destroyed to service the problem - I sold the car to an enthused rebuilder. I was a professional motorcycle mechanic and most services I could handle but this was not for me. The case bolts coming in from the top on this Norton prototype reminds me of that and the single compression ring makes this engine far from ideal, IMHO.

[@gazzafloss]

Allen, thankyou for taking the time to produce and share these videos.

[@adriankelleher7222]

Great video Allen, thanks for making them all, I look forward to every new stage. The best part is the sound of the clock in the background!

[@catnip4885]

All done by hand and not a power tool in sight. An excellent series. Thanks for documenting the process.

[@popepaul4438]

Fantastic build as always Alan attention to detail you would have made a fantastic teacher explaining everything in clear and easy way to understand. Stay safe.

[@CocteauTwin49]

Perfect mindfulness. Mr Millyard you an inspiration to all us bodgers out in the world. Such a relaxing thing to watch.

[@COMA69BAND]

perfect....I've just sat down with a cuppa and a muffin....the clock ticking and Alan's voice is so comforting.... perfect.

[@10trimble]

Allen, under no circumstances should you let Tracy hear you refer to her mix as concrete! Thanks again for the enjoyable content.

[@francisrobertkeating]

Could all good people give a like for Allen's work. 1200 views and 220 likes. Think it helps a guy keep going.

[@peterturnbull9133]

Allen, I marvel at your engineering genius and enjoy watching your projects coming together. I find your video calming and therapeutic. Somehow they remind me of my old grandads traditional cobblers shoe shop where I went as a child to see him really repair shoes as a Pit village craftsman….definitely not Timpsons! The ticking clock in the background is genius!

[@iancarr8682]

A quality build. Come to expect no less from Allen!

[@philipcable437]

Thank you for the update Allen! Things are going back together really nicely. I hope Tracy's flapjacks tasted as good as they looked. Catch you on the next one.

[@ssrcbike]

How to relax at the end of the day watch Allen perform his magic on this engine ❤

[@minisla]

Again mesmerising watch 👍

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

Wow I really enjoyed watching this (just like the others) fantastic to see this V8 rebuild. Alan does everything so precise nothing left to chance brilliant work Alan👍

[@richardt.4224]

Another step in the right direction for the completion of this historic bike. Thank you again Allen for your time, experience and for sharing this rebuild with us.

[@alisonmoxon7519]

Great vid Allen.. pleasure to watch . Me and hubby love all yr work.. many tnx 🤘

[@apacherider7110]

Cannot believe watching someone apply gasket sealent so therapeutic. You can see the engine design is British with the used of caphead bolts.

[@peterflynn9123]

When Alan has a new video it's always a 'good day'😃

[@ivofer8349]

watching is so therapeutical , and the funniest part, Allan only ever gets excited when his wife Tracy is making so lovely eatables in the kitchen , just love it , pls post more

[@professor-viewsalot]

I didnt know Alan posted Tracy's eatables. Must tell my postman to get me some!

[@andovernorton-thesource]

We can’t wait to see all the future steps in this project.

[@ducatobeing]

It occurred to me watching this, that if Allen wasn't stopping to demonstrate the method of assembly, he would be motoring through this process at a rate that that none of us mortals could manage. It would still be methodical and thorough, but he would make progress. The calm, measured voice over was just what I needed to hear today.

[@AllenMillyard]

So true

[@doccops]

The cakes, the birds, the hedgehogs, make no sense with the engine stuff, but I love these little extras :) Oh, and the clock, and Charlie, so creative.

[@tonyhobart2036]

Nice to see the torque wrench doesn't always live in the bottom drawer of the tool box haha. Excellent work as always, thankyou.

[@johnmccarthy5132]

This is kind of the motorcycle person's version of Tibetan bowl sound therapy! I go back and watch these when I'm stressed. Love them all but, really enjoy the Honda RC374 build. Can recommend them!

[@BusstterNutt]

Thank you for all the hard work in making these excellent videos.

[@rolfmoren6682]

This is an amazing project. I can't wait to see this bike start up again, this time with some Millyard upgrades and improvements.

[@paul4124]

To say: that this is such a pleasure to watch, is the biggest understatement of the week.

[@robincooney1263]

Middle of the night, can't sleep. Allen's videos are just the best therapy. Thank you.

[@dbmail545]

For anyone who thinks Allen is a bit obsessive about checking for proper rotation at every stage, remember this is a one-off engine with biased con rods, pistons and who knows what else. Plenty of wrong ways to go together and only one right way.

[@johngibson3837]

It is normal to check the rotation on every main and rod bearing

[@zubeystinzen540]

Ah my weekly therapy in alans workshop 👍

[@victoryfirst2878]

Allen the master engine builder. Keep up the great work fella.

[@briandoyle6188]

He's like a swiss clock maker,gentle and attention to detail no rush poetry in motion watching Alan 👌....

[@Colin_Ames]

Watching these videos is very therapeutic.

[@Kevin-vv6oe]

Having dinner while watching another Alan Milyard video is always relaxing. Very nice job !

[@axispowerdiesel]

I could watch Allen build engines all day long

[@neilurquhart8622]

Some people may say “you’re sad”….but I agree with you totally. Quiet professionalism without the usual bloggers crap!

[@axispowerdiesel]

@@neilurquhart8622 Anyone who doesn't appreciate Allen's immense talent is not worth listening to

[@keithfarrell3370]

Quiet professionalism. A joy and a real treat to watch. A real zen 20 minutes.

[@PAULWICKS-xy6kt]

years ago I was quite perplexed hearing about ‘Zen, and the art of motorcycle maintenance.’ and yet here it is in all it’s glory.!

[@harrysheaffer2590]

I love your ticking clock! Makes me feel like I'm sitting in my dining room. I have my clock just ticking away there and it comforts me often. Thanks for the integrity of your work and for sharing your kitchen.😊

[@Supernaut2000]

We are watching history happen, a rebirth of the dream V8 Nemesis of Norton. Long live the Nemesis!

[@brianwells5258]

Watching and following along with great interest. Had a huge smile in my face after seeing that I am not the only one who fits the pistons "from the top" or applies assembly lube with an artists paintbrush...(and permatex Ultraslick at that..😊) Superb series Allen...,I thoroughly enjoy everything you do..! Well done. God bless BG.

[@iainhannay4530]

Amazing part of my life. Time to stop everything to sit, listen and learn. Thanks Allen.

[@rdaystrom4540]

That is a good video. Watched it at about 4:30 am. Fitting every piston and rings nicely. I could feel your pain with all those allen head 1/8 turn bolts.