Norton Nemesis V8 Rebuild - Episode 4

In this video I continue with the engine strip and split the crankcases to remove the gearbox, clutch, crankshaft and pistons.
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.

[@geneharrogate6911]

The Norton seems a combo of 70% engineering genius, 30% work experience kid.

[@stevenlane9272]

Id say it's the other way around 🤣

[@Jkush463]

yeah that motor is a total pile of compromises bad ideas and poorly done machining.

[@jumpfortyfour9965]

not a lot of people in the world could sort that load of junk out , thank god its you Allen .

[@gdfggggg]

He’ll make it run like a sewing machine.

[@raj-u6t1m]

Who is paying for this? Mr. Millyard is going to be busy for a very long time correcting this mess.

[@Anditover]

Maybe calling it a piece of junk is a bit harsh, but it was definitely a work-in-progress, it barely qualified as a prototype. I have to say, Allen is a walking talking R&D department, you get the impression that if Norton had only let him have some input with the original project then it might of actually made it into production. The way the front brakes are designed is a text book example of how to make something no better than existing technology, but infinitely more complicated and absolutely impossible to service without a degree in engineering and a doctorate in patience.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

good description

[@michaeltaylor8835]

​@user-sd5wg1vg4eThe Norton Museum and ITV because it's going to be on The Motorbike Show

[@deancoley7987]

Like others have said, Allen never criticises anyone, he just puts everything right, the humble approach is refreshing, the workmanship is of an excellent standard

[@thebracketfactory]

yes... I'd be cursing the bodgers who had been messing with this engine, but he stays remarkable calm. That welded gear selector shaft ffs!

[@G58]

@@thebracketfactoryAnd the orientation of those crankcase bolts! Surely they should have been the other way around. They’re virtually inaccessible in those tight pockets.

[@privateer0561]

It is interesting to see and hear Millyard's analysis of the engineering this engine presents. It is obvious from some of the Japanese parts and damaged pieces that the engine was created quickly and was a work in progress - a work that Millyard will continue/repair as necessary. Allen Millyard is a gem of an engineer/mechanic; the engine could not be in better hands. Brits can be very proud of him with his expertise and backyard shed for a shop. Tick, tock, tick, tock...

[@taylorpurdy2875]

The ability to overcome every problem with an effective solution never gets boring Well done 👏

[@gdfggggg]

It’s quite amazing, really.

[@colindowd3892]

Thank you, Allen. It was in danger of becoming a boring Saturday evening.

[@karencarroll1324]

Some of the engineering looks top notch,other parts look like they came from a scrap bin.Also on this episode as with the last ones,every allen head looks damaged by previous use of poor tools. Thanks Mr millyard😊

[@eliotmansfield]

Agreed - feels like a school project that started well and was rushed for the deadline

[@graemecatty9921]

Exactly what I thought. Great minds think alike 🤣🤣

[@glennwiebe5128]

That's what doesn't make sense. Some aspects are so well done and others almost junk. I do hope Allen can salvage this beast so that it can perform as designed.

[@davidelliott5843]

Ii looks like a first pass prototype. A second version would (or should) have fixed the issues caused by 2D thinking. I’m a bit concerned about the crank. The web “scallops” opposite the balance weights look too deep. They leave very little metal between the bearing ends. Peugeot did that with their V6 that’s noted for broken cranks especially in LandRovers.

[@hullygully1135]

What a guy is Allen, it beats me how he can remember how to put all those parts together again, roll on the next episode, cant wait.

[@markrainford1219]

Lucky he's making a video of the disassembly eh?

[@timhicks2154]

I love the ticking clock in the background. The Metronome of disassembly!

[@mickg7299]

Almost hypnotic 😵‍💫

[@timmymallett1]

If you notice, its only present when the voiceover is added, not in the workshop.

[@timhicks2154]

@@timmymallett1 - aha! I see now.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

​ It's in the workshop and on all the time, in real time

[@AlSnoopsReid]

At one point I genuinely nodded off for a split second and dropped the biscuit I was enjoying. Naturally our dog pounced on it like lightning, lol.

[@ianr7023]

I have never wanted to watch "the next episode" so much. Alan draws you in with his methodical way of working and his soft dulcet toned voice. Looking forward to episode 5.

[@cpuuk]

Says a lot about GSXR transmission that the Norton thought it good enough to drop in as a complete assembly. Nice job Allen, this is so exciting to watch 🙂

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

I belive that John Britten used the same gearbox for his V2 racers.

[@enoz.j3506]

When Allen took of the GSXR750 altenator last time, i was thinking, what else did they use, i recognized the gsxr 750 gearbox as ive worked on them before,amazing they can withstand a V8 1500 290HP !!, but im thinking ,if this bike was on a track or on full chat,it wouldnt perform well, or be reliable,the gsxr clutch for one would probably slip,even with stronger springs, or just emplode, i'm guessing its just been lightly used for reserch only.

[@ATomRileyA]

@@enoz.j3506 I seem to remember Al Melling had something to do with the design of the GSX-R 750 but cannot now find that info so might have been why he liked using it so much.

[@stephenwilliams926]

​@@enoz.j3506Well half a V8 after last week's strip down 😮

[@1anwrang13r]

I wonder how much else of the engine is derived from the GSX-R750. After all 2 x 750cc does equal 1500cc so maybe the pistons and conrods?

[@panosgamithis8868]

Ahhh... The good old days when apprentices actually had the skills to make their own tools , love the sprocket puller... These days all the young ones can do is scan a box and install the part on the motor... You Sir will go down in History as the man that could do it all...!!!

[@ct1762]

so true. they start to have panic attacks when slowly realizing there is no place to hook up a laptop!

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

Yep, new part fitters

[@Indigenous51]

Technology and economics has caused it to go in that direction. Easier and faster to replace parts than repair them at the owners expense.

[@clivewiddall3430]

This will now be the Millyard Nemesis, Refined to perfection!

[@richardt.4224]

The motorcycle and engineering community are so lucky to have a gentleman like Alan who is prepared to put his time, effort and knowledge into bring back to life a piece of British motorcycle history. By the way Alan, I thought I saw more cracks in the SAND CAST aluminium casting around some screw holes. When you mentioned the wet liner bores, it brought a smile to my face, as it brought back a memory of the times I worked on one of my many Reliant vans and cars I had. My parents tried so hard to get me off riding bikes as a teen, they bought me a Reliant Mk11 Van thinking I’d give up bikes lol, I’m now 70 and still riding; Sorry Mum & Dad. In fact, I’ve gone full circle, I’m back on a bike I started off on, a 1970 Triumph T100R. Keep up the great work Alan and THANX.

[@howardosborne8647]

Did you sell the Reliant to a dodgy bloke called Del,by any chance? 😂

[@1vantheterr1ble47]

There’s just something very British about this whole thing, the quiet, unassuming man in his shed at the bottom of the garden methodically stripping down this amazing engine - and that clock ticking . . . .

[@timothylong1857]

It’s the little finishing touches that put Alan above everybody else,like cleaning up the top yoke bolts fantastic workmanship 👍

[@Deepb1u]

As a service engineer for 30 years I find Alan's methodical approach very satisfying. No matter what machine you are working on, big or small, use the same method. Remove, inspect, verify, reinstall/replace, test.

[@-IE_it_yourself]

ahhh yes the RIVRRT method

[@rdaystrom4540]

This engine needs you and your skills. Very enjoyable video with lots of information

[@arkhsm]

And in ALLEN'S case....refine slightly as well !!

[@thra5herxb12s]

So true. The very method I was taught at college in the late 70s.

[@leedavidson7314]

That motor couldn’t have gone to a better person millyard is the man

[@robbrown6495]

Another interesting video from Allen. They just don't come quickly enough, as far as I'm concerned. 2 things to say! As a kid we used to have a Grandmother clock at home and the constant "tick, tick, tick, tick" in the background was part of my upbringing. Maybe hearing that in this video adds to the comfort of watching it. The other thing - what a pleasure to see that Allen has "mechanic's thumbs". Those thumbs have seen a world of hammering, been battered over the years, and his nails have enough oil and grease under them to lubricate a wheel bearing. No staged videos and posed photos here. You can be confident that what you are seeing is Allen doing the work, as he does it.

[@gazzafloss]

Allen you're the epitome of "keep calm, work accurately and steady". Thank you Allen for taking us along on this project.

[@philipjosephbarker7737]

Another interesting and methodical engine disassembly by Alan. He does such a great job without criticizing the build quality. Unlike a lot of criticisms from some the commentators, he personally understands that this is a prototype that was still in its early stages and would require lots of simple quick changes to try and get things working properly, hence why some of them look cheap and nasty. Why spend hours of laborious intricate shop time if the test modification isn't going to function properly. You try something different until you work out exactly what works correctly. When all issues are sorted and operating as intended, then you can make the modifications and fully refine the changes before going into full production.

[@romandybala]

Trying to reinvent the wheel. How long have Americans been buliding V8s? What is there to discover? This is just a last ditch effort of a dying industry that was in its heyday in the 1930s and couldnt stand the thought of anyone else having the gall to build a better bike. Edward Turner told the English bike manufacturers in the early 60s that the Japs were coming and they just grunted and said,"Who?"

[@teneretraveller8980]

Hypnotic to watch. You make it look so simple. The mark of a master. Great watch, thank you for sharing.

[@madddaddy65]

Great fun watching the breakdown. What would be REALLY nice would be having a visit or interviews with some of the engineers from norton explaining difficulties and reasons for build. Thanks

[@romandybala]

Ha ha ha . That would be hilarious. Imagine the engineers standing in front of Millyard and explaining that catastrophe.

[@steveDC51]

Love the sound of that clock.

[@stevesutton1991]

Something very satisfying watching Alan work slowly, methodically and with the clock ticking in the background

[@nigelbeaumont1109]

I can’t believe the shoddy workmanship that went into building this Motor…. Thank God Alan now has it and will make it Purrrrrr!

[@howardosborne8647]

It is indeed quite shocking how poor the engineering practice is on some of the assemblies seen here.

[@nigelbeaumont1109]

@@howardosborne8647 “Practice” is the Key word

[@barricadeish]

Brilliant no BS or crappy music just what you want to hear decent explanation and fault finding without criticism 😊😊😊😊😊

[@Scodiddly]

“Just persevere, and you’ll get there in the end”. Words to live by. Had a project recently where I kept reminding myself of that. And yes, I did finish it successfully.

[@marktroiani5401]

The clock ticking is soothing

[@benronayne]

Yes! I'm rebuilding an outboard in my garage and just stopped to have a cup of tea and bang, new video from Millyard!

[@ericsbuell]

Cup of tea and a bang, I salute you sir. Any spillage ?

[@benronayne]

@@ericsbuell Nah, it was just perfect 👌

[@ericsbuell]

@@benronayne 😂Ta.

[@johnnyknap]

Another fantastic video from the genius that is Mr A Millyard. Thankyou. It seems hedgehogs have unfeasibly long legs too.

[@themancalledx1342]

Getting fond of regularly scheduled programs.

[@timbo9200]

After a stressful day, this is so relaxing to watch.

[@deanstevenson6527]

I'm just here for the Grandfather Clock, the native smarts and phlegmatic patience in Allen's disassembly skills, and to see the level of good, bad or indifferent comments on this project. Well done.

[@louisgara8754]

Another busy episode so just a few seconds for a hedgehog report but not enough time for Mrs. Millyard’s baking this time. Thanks, Alan. I’m enjoying this series of videos.

[@RichardASK]

Of all the things he found on this engine, he showed clearly why the engine would have overheated and the damage caused. Finding that tiny crack in the casting, near the video's end, tells all of why he is so bloody good at what he does. 4 brilliant videos so far on this V8 so far. Well done Allen.

[@ct1762]

did it overheat? thats why its coming apart? aside from some shadowing from the piston skirts sitting still since limp bizkit was popular the bores looked excellent! no obvious sign of overheating

[@russellbuonasera4786]

Watching Mr. Millyard work is such a treat. He’s an inspiration to many lesser men.

[@gdfggggg]

I love this sort of stuff. Would be good to watch Alan sorting out other people’s problematic bikes.

[@eliotmansfield]

i suspect he would rather not. Being an IT nerd, I never mention what I do - because someone always has a computer that they expect you to spend a week fixing for 4 cans of cheap lager.

[@gdfggggg]

@@eliotmansfield true, but I think Alan transcends that. This bike is quite an important bike. I’m not talking bill smith from down the pub.

[@romandybala]

@@eliotmansfield Cheap lager is a rarity nowadays with so much fruit and herb flavoured IPA swill. Heard recently that boutique beers are getting too expensive and they are closing down. Good, I say. I insist on the cheapest old school beer here in Melbourne Australia if thats going to be the payment method.

[@captaintoyota3171]

Amazing engineering, shoddy assembly. Then again a prototype, muesem found EXACTLY the right guy to fix it all up

[@suzu9404]

The sign of a big project, lots of baking tins full of parts lol

[@dadachoski5946]

From the rushed creation by Norton to the Hands of a Master Engineer, this will finally be a motorbike worth having after Alan has worked his magic and made it what it should have been all along, only better. Genius.

[@romandybala]

You DO know that Allen could build a far superior bike in his shed with just a hacksaw and a drill?

[@davebell3684]

I'm particularly enjoying this series because of the quirky design of some parts of the engine. The impeccable attention to detail and depth of knowledge along with Alan's ability to achieve impressive, real world functioning, precision results are the meat and potatoes of this fella's channel for me.

[@rupertgethin-u5p]

I’m sure there are many engineers who could take this engine apart. However finding what is needing to be sorted and the rebuilding to AM standard,compared to the original, is another issue. Consider the time frame. How many seem to take a few years. A remarkable, indeed unique and delightful man. His wife matches him , quietly there making the environment he needs outside the “shed”. As an ex velo man, the V twin,unreal, looks factory. If only etc. wonderful stuff.

[@eoinkenny3188]

Rebuilding to a better than as manufactured standard, I believe you mean. There are a bunch of places where you can see Allen is already coming up with improvements.

[@Schnorbitz]

Glad the clock is back!

[@richglenn3729]

Amazing patience, never a cross word. You’re the best.

[@peterbee88]

Good to see the Ichiban sticker Alan 👍 The mark of a man connected in the highest of engineering circles 👌

[@MarkFox]

Right on Allen! I hope I live long enough to see this project to completion.

[@buggerlugz6753]

Remember, you're not watching project Binky with Allen!

[@leslieaustin151]

@@buggerlugz6753he he, exactly what I was going to say!

[@ericsbuell]

I concur🤣🤣

[@kriseckhardt5148]

Have a wild gig with my Rockabilly band King Memphis this evening. Only way to equalize and wind down before the gig is your relaxing methodical mechanical videos! Cheers!

[@gavd6726]

This series is fascinating.

[@rogerwatkinson6633]

with the excellent closeups, it's hard to realise just how small everything is! Beautiful work and a top video as usual :)

[@amazeddude1780]

It is like an archeological dig. Layer by layer you learn more about the engine's history.

[@Kergrist]

Complex engine with how many screws! If I was Allen I would be really excited at each stage of the dismantle. This man is the Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni of motorcycling! Respect.

[@RedJam65]

That is Alan excited!

[@Bumbaclot213]

The ticking of the clock in the background makes the viewing so relaxing

[@neilurquhart8622]

Brilliant Allen, methodical and calm working. I didn’t see you making any notes for future reference. If it was me I’d be taking copious notes and photos as I couldn’t rely on my memory when re-assembling!

[@pauljenkins2501]

As a total non engineer, with zero mechanical aptitude, this overhaul boggles my mind. Thank you, Allen, for this fascinating series of videos, and for your work in rebuilding this bike.

[@TheGreatStKat]

Some impressive, original design, and hundreds of, relatively small, problems. Very keen to see this come together.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good evening Allen 😊 it’s absolutely amazing what you do in your shed 👍🏻 No cake 🧁 this video 🤔 What a motorcycle this is. I’m so looking forward to seeing the repairs as you rebuild it. Cheers Stevie

[@Nicknofish]

Absolutely hypnotising. I'm trying to imagine Allen really angry when a bolt rounds off! 🤔

[@andystokes8702]

I know what you mean - I've fitted a lot of my spanners with wings for when I launch them up the workshop.

[@gdfggggg]

He wouldn’t round it off 😂

[@andrewbalfour9373]

Genius.. Love the ticking clock..

[@stevelee5724]

Allan doing a lot of this stuff one handed ! Holding the camera 😊Cheers from New Zealand

[@jshelledy1]

Great. Thank you Mr Millyard.

[@minisla]

When all you can hear in the background is the clock ticking. Zero distractions.. Great videos really enjoyable...

[@richardarnold3812]

A great series Allen, I am much enjoying the "Millyard" treatment to this one off. Some of the Norton bits do seem a tad agricultural, I have no doubt it will be a lot tighter once you have worked your magic.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I am sure that this engine, when put together again, will be much better than ever intended from the beginning!

[@adriansmith1600]

I am in awe of Allen’s engineering skills. I’m a biker but I know next to nothing about how things work. This is mesmerising !

[@andrewhall836]

Watching and listening to you, hearing your calming voice and that gentle clock, it all makes 15 mins seem like 15 seconds have flown by! Having met you a few times at Calne Bike Meet, I can assure the World, you are as wonderful in real life as you appear to be in your videos. A true gentle-man in every sense of the word.

[@meandthemrs7403]

Nice old bench vise. Invaluable.

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Thanks Allen ,you're a mechanical artist and it's a joy to watch you .

[@allanjacobs977]

Intelligence, Detail Oriented, and Patient. Rare qualities nowadays. Thank you for sharing.

[@JohnWhite-tg9wf]

Thankyou Alan, a fair few things to fix and mod,strange one how the bores look worn and pistons look perfect, im looking forward to the next one now 👏👏

[@springford9511]

Yes. I was tempted to ask that, now I don't have to.

[@coopertrooper87]

@06:40 thats about the ONLY element of good design ive seen on this engine so far Allen! 😂 You are as ever a patient man and a pleasure to watch work! ❤

[@gonegliding2966]

The serenity of a quiet workshop, calm enough to allow the sound of a ticking clock to be heard. Lovely job Allen.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

If ever an engine needed Mr Millyard's ministrations, it is this one. Best wishes, Dean.

[@davejob630]

My favorite breakfast viewing. Thank you Mr Millyard.

[@philipwilkinson4747]

Great video as usual with the best sound track ever on you tube. The sound of the ticking clock, brilliant.

[@markswanson1891]

I look at the mass of parts and can only marvel at you being able to put it all back together, and make it better as well. 👍👍

[@MrSamsmithmard]

Great series of videos so far Allen thanks for t]sharing this project

[@pauldenniss5230]

Am I the only one who looks at that tub of parts and starts getting anxious?

[@ericwilson2585]

Wow Allen, it must be a real privilege to work on such an iconic motorcycle. I'm certainly enjoying the series you've got going here, thank you. And I just can't weight to hear that baby run....

[@surg71]

That sprocket puuler was the best thing thing ive seen in ages, the days of aprentices makeing these little knick nacks are gone i think.

[@davidhome4975]

Alan your very diplomatic about the less than adequate build quality in some areas, its like two people built this engine. An engineer and the apprentice still learning. Love to know how you remember where everything goes😊

[@delmarrathbone7092]

The engine sitting on top of the gearbox is similar to the Ferrari 308 & 328. Enjoying the series here, can’t wait to see and hear the finished product.

[@garysmith1178]

Great video Allen. Really enjoying it. Great to see your hedgehog wandering about too. The one in my garden has wandered off, I hope it's OK.

[@liver.flush.maestro]

Beautiful gear driven cam mechanism 🙂

[@drdoolittle5724]

I'm gutted, 15:44 minutes without a refreshment break!

[@charlietaylor6389]

Someone needs to get this man a bigger shop

[@SuccessShared]

This is like Gardener's World for Motorcyclists! You should have a 'Jobs for you for the weekend' on our bikes! Brilliant stuff and a therapeutic watch!

[@hunterrider349]

I believe it was al melling from Rochdale who designed the engine, can you imagine the effort that's gone into the design and engineering and machining and cost that's gone into this engine alone, it's no wonder that Nolton went bust

[@davidgreenland9136]

he also designed the gsxr motor

[@stewartellinson8846]

It was him, and he's got a book out whaich has a whole chapter about this and the Norton saga. Apparently, the original idea was to launch a March motorcycle (as in racing cars) but the investors had control of the Norton name so that's how they cam together. It's very much a concept bike, mainly to get more investment I'd guess

[@hunterrider349]

@@davidgreenland9136 didn't know that, cheers

[@mrkoopsy]

@@davidgreenland9136 the gsxr engine was designed by a brit?

[@maaseyracer]

Send the pistons out to have the skirts coated by Line2Line. Get the rod and crank bearings coated as well while you are at it. It is sad and fun at the same time to see that Norton continued to make quirky engines needing lots of additional engineering. Still probably more fun than most of the stuff on the road.

[@wiregrassga]

A real gentleman and master at what he does.

[@YKB6.9]

Thanks again for putting another great episode of a man tastic bike.... Cheers Al.

[@Tired_wirey_brandy_look.]

As somebody with absolutely no engineering knowledge, Im watch in awe! Also, it's kind of therapeutic, too? Thanks Alan, really enjoying the series!

[@lisaradcliffe7750]

Hi Allen as my husband is an avid watcher ...my ears prick when you go to the kitchen to see Tracey 😊 🍰🧁🥧😂 hope she is well...looking forward to more recipes ❤

[@chrischappell9824]

Here’s a bearing puller I made as an apprentice and it still works perfect……. It only knows perfect Allen!

[@Steeps1969]

Must say, I am disappointed with the lack of cake... :-) Great videos, Allen!

[@alanbond1269]

Allen Millyard you really have taken on a challenge. It was made to be on show not for the real world use. We are all following to see your magical hands at work

[@paul8161]

Its such a shame this bike and others from Norton never made it into production at the time ,.i would have loved to see them on the roads i bet they looked and sound amazing ❤.

[@jonpettet7085]

Allen if you read this, please keep your fascinating videos you make, i did ride a motorbike for over 30 year's, and still have my x7 i bought back in 85,sadly now i can't ride a bike now because of a degenerative back condition, used to do my own work on the bike's, but seeing your work is amazing and I'm still learning from you, looking forward to more of your engine rebuilds, have subscribed to your channel 😊. Keep up the excellent work. Cheers 🍻

[@stigbengtsson7026]

Always interesting to se what a skilled master do, and hear you speak about this machine. Best wh. from Sweden.

[@GrantStretch]

Such a privilege to see a master at work and I really hope he gets to enjoy the fruit of his work - a ride on such a unique machine would be fantastic.