Millyard Kawasaki Z1 1600 V8 motorcycle - How its made

[@paulbellingham3948]

I’ve been fixing motorcycles for 40 years, been engineering since I left school, couldn’t hold a spanner to this guy, insane amount of talent,incredible

[@skippmclovan1135]

Yes Sir, he is what i think would be considered to be a 'super-genius' to set him apart from ALL other creators of masterpieces the world has seen in 6,000 years. ANYTHING this man would set his mind upon to do, would be ground-breaking, innovational, matchless, AND, beautiful to behold what's more. It sounds like high praise, however is there anyone who could do better, let alone even match this genre of human genius? He pictures something, and he goes ahead and creates it. And they work, perfectly! It might be suggested that he 'sees' a water-powered engine, and goes ahead and produces it . . hmm :)

[@robertotto5811]

And he makes it look easy.

[@paulthompson8613]

How do you even machine a 3mm washer to 1mm

[@stewandumps]

I recon he'd know how the pyramids where built.

[@vincemarshall8550]

yes but if he told us they would epstein him...@@stewandumps

[@nicomeier8098]

"I made a Kawasaki 1600cc V8". Starts to explain: "I used my HACKSAW to....." . Always cracks me up. Unbelievable what you achieve in your "shed" Mr. Millyard. What an unbelievable sophisticated piece of art you have created!

[@chadiusthundercock9370]

Ever heard of Men in Sheds? you should look it up and see what men can do in a shed.

[@81brassglass79]

@Jack Warner "so the space station needed me to bring my hack saw because they had to fit different bits together and they didn't know how."

[@ja60123]

"Then you get some sandpaper and put it on a board..."

[@iivaridark6850]

@@chadiusthundercock9370 Yo forgot the kitchen!

[@mikeymike3240]

Same lol 😂

[@andrewpiercy8078]

Only thing worth watching on Christmas Day .. This man is an engineering artist..

[@officialmysteriousrider6327]

Definitely

[@iainbrown4945]

Absolutely!

[@madgardener5820]

The Sound of Music.

[@hydorah]

Great comment, man

[@robertbiernat8257]

I wish I was half as smart as this guy.

[@sly2392]

designer, engineer, mechanic, and so on. i salute you sir, there are not many people on earth that can do what you do.

[@bobdog4379]

His top quote has to be...'And it fitted perfectly ' amazing engineering skills.

[@manuwilson4695]

Only a (frighteningly!!!) brilliant machinist from the UK 🇬🇧 could be so calm and light hearted, and yet so precise, about his incredible work. 👏👏👏

[@skippmclovan1135]

Oh YES!

[@bugproductions9050]

I could live for 1000 years and I could never even visualise this... let alone build it. I have no words for how awesome Allen is.

[@barryellison1272]

You have an incredible talent for engineering Mr Millyard. To build something like this with basic tools that even Kawasaki would be proud of is beyond words.

[@jimmymcjimjim5610]

Some people are special edition. Imagine knocking this out in your shed. Such a cool idea to build it that way!

[@christianvlek]

The fact that this whole build took place in a garden shed , with a hacksaw and file at the heart of the build , is nothing short of astounding . I can't express how impressive this man is ....just brilliant. hats off to you sir !!!

[@64faffi]

Mindboggling doesn't even begin to describe the builds and how you get there, Allen. And you do not only make it work, you make it look factory! I am well beyond impressed, but also honored that you take the time to share your builds and the processes with us viewers - thank you! Eirik

[@seabear2494]

As far as I’m concerned, this deserves its own documentary

[@mikef.1000]

I'll second that.

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

As a Z1 owner, I can say that is one of the damnedest things I have ever seen. You, Sir, are obviously insane. Keep it up. New subscriber.

[@MrGaryGG48]

I rode a new Z1 in about 1972 and thought that was an impressive machine, and at that time it was. The only other bike I rode back then, that compared, was a KAWASAKI H2 750 Mach IV. They were both a couple of brutal bikes, not for the rookie rider!! This is a whole different kind of beast!! I just came across Allen's video a few moments ago and will be watching for more of his creativity. ...another new subscriber!

[@soulman1419]

I wish I was as insane as him 🤣✌🏻

[@mikebreen2890]

He is insane, he's completely mad. And a complete bloody genius.

[@jgilliam9229]

Ladies and Gentlemen. This was all done manually with no cnc machine or computer. Good old fashioned imagination seeing it in his mind a patiently creating it into reality! Facts! This Great man should be celebrated taught about in schools period to inspire future engineers and mechanics! He put his time in to be timeless!!!!!💥💥💥

[@touristguy87]

...or mocked for being a modern-day professional knife-sharpener.

[@philipcooper8297]

There's nothing cooler than kick starting a V8.

[@don7406]

Oh my goodness, you are so right.

[@rushzimi3865]

When Allen said he had to relocate the starter... For a moment that was my thought... "No room so I used a kick start lever from a KX125..."

[@philipcooper8297]

@@rushzimi3865 To be fair though, more cylinders you have easier it is to kickstart the engine. But still, kickstarter on a four stroke, let alone a V8, is something special these days and it's also very satifying to use one.

[@hello7533]

Pullcord 💪

[@danielthompson3849]

Kick starting a v12

[@stuartyaxley5308]

My head is starting a hurt with how the hell do you even begin to start with a engine build like this . Just brilliant.

[@peterm4887]

As an engineer and bike rider I see what you create and the way you go about it. The end results are always beautiful while your method's look deceptively simple. Behind those simple looking method's is a sound engineering mind, amazing hand skills and brain full of priceless knowledge. I have never seen someone create so much with so little equipment, Allen, I take my hat of too you

[@mrflippant]

Check out @Wesley Kagan - he just got done building his own version of Koenigsegg's Freevalve system, and installed it on his Miata. Had to do the installation in his driveway, because his home-made F1 car was taking up the garage.

[@skip741x3]

I am speechless....The degree of workmanship involved here is almost beyond comprehension....Masterful engineering ...

[@barryrudge1576]

I am baffled as to how you have all these engineering solution all in your head, yet another brilliant masterpiece you built 20 yrs ago.

[@rdaystrom4540]

Ok. I couldn't believe my ears when you said I had to machine new roller cages. The crankcase fitting was engine sculpture at it's finest. Allen my friend, me thinks you arrived here from another planet.

[@MrGaryGG48]

Why that's nothing unusual... haven't you seen anyone stuff 8 connecting rods inside a 4 cylinder crankcase and make it look like they belong there??? ;^)

[@cambridgemart2075]

I nearly fell of my chair when he said he was machining the bearing cages.

[@glencasson9046]

Bloody genius Allen. Better than Christmas!

[@garyhuston]

I love the way Allen that you don’t see barriers just solutions. Once again top notch entertainment and education 👍🏻👍🏻

[@tonyalanmarchant7330]

Typical brit just like our army getting the job done no matter what.where there's a will??there's a way

[@pieterbezuidenhout2741]

@@tonyalanmarchant7330 you're absolutely correct in saying " there's a way ". Unfortunately that is not something to be proud of had you known your history better being a " Brit ". Thousands British ARMY soldiers couldn't win the war against a HANDFUL of Boer Commandos way back so they reverted to " Operation Scorched Earth " burning down our Boer farms , capturing our Women and Children and placing them in CONCENTRATION CAMPS where thousands DIED thus FORCING our Commandos to surrender to your " there's a Way " tactics. Is this something to be proud of ? Does WAR include such COWARDLY TACTICS ? Then be proud. No respect from a South African Boer.

[@lukerabin5079]

@@pieterbezuidenhout2741 seriously? And being treated so poorly in spite of how well the African people you destroyed in the process of finding a religious paradise on earth.

[@johnbrereton5229]

@@pieterbezuidenhout2741 'Thousands of British army soldiers couldn't win a war against a handful of Boers' ?????? A 'handful' ? The British were well out numbered by the Boers. The Boers had 33,000 to the British Armies 13,000 Nevertheless, the British army still WON the 2 year Boer war that ended in 1902 but you don't win wars by being kind, wars are violent and bloody. However, that was way over a 100 years ago, and all those involved on both sides are now long dead. Where as video this is about engineering today, so chill out and join the 21st century.

[@timjones8640]

Why would he see barriers when he has a world conquering hacksaw to hand ?

[@JunkyardDigs]

Saw this and a few others in Alabama today, wild stuff!!

[@hullygully1135]

I completed my 5 year engineering apprenticeship back in 1966 so can appreciate your skills so much, it amazes me how you make it look so easy when it is not, keep up the good work, truly brilliant.

[@Shane_Marsh]

Merry Christmas Allen, the V8 build is pure genius , astonishing.

[@billmoran3219]

Most guys that can’t be done...Allen hold my toast while I gets me hacksaw and give it a go. Giving it a go to Allen means it’s as good as done! Marry Christmas to you and yours Allen , cheers from Ca,USA.

[@davidthompson245]

Mind blowing!!, I'll never look at a hacksaw and file the same way again!.

[@jeroldlawrence5186]

I've been a Master Technician for 43 years and your skill level is out standing . Excellent project. I will follow you to see what is next .Thank You!!!!!!

[@elliotsever8308]

V8 Kawasaki - a wonderful feat of Engineering! And a builder who is as intelligent as are some Greek Gods!! There needs to be an international holiday for this guy.

[@glennrussell3252]

This guy's the king of workshop-based advanced engineering and design. Absolutely brilliant!

[@haraldpettersen3649]

Truly a masterpiece of an engine, I am impressed by the engineer's work with the handsaw and his simple approach to the immensely complicated work he does.

[@towerdave4836]

In a digital world, Allen is an analogue engineering Demi god!

[@oluffriesthomsen7680]

I specially love his calm voice, and his understated humour. Like when he phones, or i am hungry i will make a toast 😊 Merry Christmas you amazing wizard with your hacksaw 😊😊

[@chrischappell9824]

"Making a new cage for the roller bearings was really hard".......I am sorry Allan but the whole building of a v8 engine that looks like it belongs in the bike and came out of the factory as an original, now that's hard. Unbelievable Allan, unbelievable.

[@davidshattock9522]

I would really like to be a fly on the wall if he could get one of Kawasaki,s top development engineers to witness what he can and does do with the resources he has,surely the first comment would be ,but you can't do that.oh yes he can.what terrific hands you have Mr millyard

[@Kevinbmxshred]

All with a hacksaw some sand paper and a few peices of toast 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@berniehanrahan3475]

Try making all the parts instead of a cut and shove job

[@CRUZER1800]

@@berniehanrahan3475 ... Seriously??

[@cajunrangers]

@@Kevinbmxshred and tea - don't forget the rea!!! 😊

[@TheScoundrel70]

Hacksaws and files? You sir, have incredible skill. Few would even contemplate such a build without the resources of a well equipped CNC machine shop on hand these days. Much respect to you! 🇨🇦👍🎩

[@dailyallowance3826]

Lol yhe Scots use chainsaws but they never work afterwards 😅😅😅

[@stretchhfab7315]

Who the fuck needs cnc.....

[@victoryfirst2878]

I had a Z1engine laying around years ago. Got it for cheap since it was crashed by someone who did not survive. The engine was the only part that survived. Years went by and one day a farmer asked me if I had an engine for a woods mower. I told him of the Kawasaki Z1 and he said if you get it to work I will pay you good money. Well I am like you Allen, I like a challenge. So I installed the engine on his woods mower. This engine ran flawlessly for twenty years plus. Then the farmers son did not notice the cooling fans stopped working and he sized the engine. That was the end to a great engine that would of worked years more. These engines were bulletproof. Thanks for the different memory from the past. The Japanese motorcycles were just superb. They were over engineered pieces of art and function. They were second to none for sure. Peace VF

[@AllenMillyard]

Great storey

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@AllenMillyard They just do not make great things like that any more. Planned obsolesce is the normal way of doing things. VF

[@martynjones973]

Fantastic Allen 👍 thumbs up to your wife for allowing you kitchen access

[@munter10]

You honestly think she was home and not on holiday at her mother's at the time??

[@moestrei]

Now ex-wife 😉

[@simonhall2682]

In every Millyard video there is usually something that leaves me speechless. In this one it is the machining of the carbs and the building of the roller cages. Obviously the cutting of the engine by hand is crazy too. Just amazing.

[@mikeschofield5500]

A staggering achievement, beyond belief really. I try to explain how incredible these builds are to friends and family and they don't fully get it except 2 engineer mates who are now incredulous followers of this channel.

[@AllenMillyard]

Thanks for spreading the word

[@dariuszklak012]

Watching your videos I came to a conclusion about my existence. Your work is pure genius proof. Rebuilding an engine is like nothing compare to this. You are on another level. Quantum mechanics engineering.

[@Qwerty1235945]

Allen, you sir are a genius and insanely talented. Your ability to work around problems staggers me.

[@richardpalko8062]

You have accomplished one of the greatest feats of mechanical engineering I have ever seen in my entire life. Thanks for sharing this with the public. Awesome work!

[@shaunpc2512]

Pure genius, I’ve seen a lot of videos of people converting single cylinder engines to v-twin and parallel twins to v-four but the engineering is based on the ingenious work of Allen so I would definitely class you as one of motorcycles greatest engineers.

[@Hydrogenblonde]

Have no doubt, this is the work of pure genius. There are only a few people that can undertake such a project. Incredible!

[@candymintz]

First class comment

[@scottinWV]

I'm glad you took all these pictures back then. Your work is amazing!

[@JanMorsø]

I'm amazed by the blend of an art and engineering excellence. Allan is so relaxed about it all! While our jaws drop.

[@cosimomarotta9552]

A young Allen and one of his most exciting build. How can i say? It works just perfect! Merry Christmas professor.

[@stephencummins7589]

I love the way everything just fits perfect, you are a genuine humble man Mr Millard.

[@55peterf]

Wonderful Alan. I can't stop viewing your videos now some two or three times over. As a retired machinist and motor engineer with friends t140 in my workshop for a rebuild you have become my new hero!

[@mohawkdriver4155]

Oh my God, you MUST get some dyno numbers on this bike! Absolutely brilliant construction with mad skillz. More, please!

[@discobiscuit3134]

This is simply the best suggestion KZbin has put on to my feed. Ashamed to admit I'd never heard of Alan until about an hour ago, but so many videos to watch!! I feel so inspired I'm almost shaking with excitement.!! 😀

[@righthoekstra]

already a amazing job even thinking there weren't any computers involved building this project! End results are amazing clean👌

[@thakery5720]

The Human brain is the most complex computer of all - it's just that most users do not know how to really use it, hence the profusion of 'Gamers" where the machine uses the brain !... And by machine I mean the Gaming industry which is milking people of their money and minds. Allen's brain has engineering programs that he adapts and manipulates to build the things most find impossible. Bravo Allen !!!

[@glennoropeza3545]

Dear Mr.Millyard, you're definitely a genius of a mechanical engineer! I follow all of your creations! All incredible!

[@Colin_Ames]

Craftsmanship at its finest. I saw the bike in the museum, and the build quality is superb.

[@WiziWes]

This chap is the equivalent of those tribal elders You see on documentrtys about the Amazon rainforest. Knowledge that has to be earned from years of experience. We need more like him. Well done sir!

[@richardacosta444]

I am 57 years old and am a motorcycle nut! I've had this love affair with bikes since childhood. I love this kind of stuff. This guy is a genius! My first street bike was a KZ 305 inline twin which was my high school bike! I've always had a thing for Kawasakis. Love this guy a KZ 1600 V-8 that's brilliant and one off a true original.

[@strokenumber3]

I truly admire your knowledge and skill .

[@timmason7430]

Merry Christmas, Allen. And all, a Merry Christmas.

[@louismorgan2679]

This man deserves to be a Knight or the ultimate mechanical equivalent

[@guidosarducci3047]

Agreed! He's one of England's Greatest Treasures for sure.

[@gmfw9777]

I think Wizard would be appropriate

[@michaelbennett6550]

He really does yes 👍

[@leehaelters6182]

It is not widely known, as Sir Allen Millyard KBE is a modest man, but more than a year previously he was made Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of Brilliant Engineers. By me.

[@garyjohnson4575]

Merlin Mechanic!!

[@markhardcastle3946]

Alan, you are a modern day genius. I love your channel. Thank you for sharing.

[@hiimterry2009]

I live a couple of hours from the Barber museum. I've never felt motivated to visit before. But, now, I really think I need to go and see this beast for myself. This is absolutely amazing work.

[@swamp-donkeys]

You my friend are a true engineer! I was amazed at how much detail you did on this bike. Not every man has the skill you have and you should be very proud of that. God bless

[@NorthPoleJeff]

I've built a lot of engines, and this guy sure knows a whole lot more than I will ever know. This is a fantastic video. Thank you very much.

[@stretchhfab7315]

Then you haven't built and engine. Just assembled one.

[@NorthPoleJeff]

Thanks for saying that. You are absolutely right, I have just repaired engines and have never built one myself. Wow, what a good observation. You just changed my life. @@stretchhfab7315

[@tedecker3792]

Best Christmas gift I’ve opened this year! I find myself saying “and it fit perfect” when working in my shop. Thank you Allan.

[@billienomates1606]

This man is a God as far as I am concerned. He creates outstanding motorcycles. I just cannot understand how he has so few likes on his vids, TOTAL RESPECT AND AWE.

[@steve5825]

Doesn’t look to difficult- I’ll have a go at knocking one up m’self! Milliard is a magician, insanely talented man.

[@bikerhd9483]

Now this is custom-made , at it's highest level. Brilliant . Keep up the good work !!!

[@soulman1419]

Watched a few of Allen's podcasts and he's a very talented man (engineer) indeed. Huge respect especially as I am a massive fan of 70s/80s Japanese bikes✌🏻

[@cavscout62]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Millyard You Are An Absolute MadMan. I absolutely Love you’re work and greatly appreciate & admire all you’ve accomplished!

[@brettwhitesides7595]

You are completely out of the box and an inspiration Sir. Thanks Allen

[@brianzaborowski2724]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! Strap on a GoPro and lets see some road footage please! You sir are a master craftsman, just amazing. I wish guys like you would mass-produce some of your creations because I would love to have one.

[@laurieharper1526]

I've just discovered you whilst lockdown browsing KZbin. Got to your channel via a circuitous route, mainly involving railway and automotive engineering. It's something of an over-used word, but you are a genius. The classic man in a shed (and kitchen) who can make anything. Astonishing.

[@anythingoldmechanical]

EVERYTHING Allen does is Perfect. For Allen, perfection comes as standard!

[@johnhowarth7216]

Hope you and your family had good Xmas and thank god for Alan putting something on to watch that teaches you something 👍

[@Vendetta20]

You my friend have just solidified yourself as one of the coolest people I have ever witnessed.

[@hogfest5047]

Allen should be paid just to be a consultant and have his say and name added to the literature by all the big motorcycle companies, to run by Allen first ! ,I've never seen or heard of such a genius as this man a one off !

[@gingercat777]

One of your most satisfying builds no doubt, the mental engineering gymnastics leave me gobsmacked.

[@tedthesailor172]

You, sir, are some kind of genius. How is it that the whole British motorcycle industry went belly-up when we produce guys like you who can create miracles in sheds...?

[@realMaverickBuckley]

Same as almost everything that goes tits up, the government(often Labour for whatever reason) and management!!

[@jezfrench9435]

Poor management

[@andylane247]

@@realMaverickBuckley The majority of post war governments have been tory.... Also poor design and manufacturing. Along with complacency.

[@mikedrillz2866]

Always blown away what this guy achieves with simple tools,reminds a lot of John Britten and Burt Munroe,both mad geniuses who have both sadly passed away.Be funny to watch Allen retired in an old folks home if he found a file.Keep up the good work Allen we love it.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I would kill to have the skill, knowledge and patience that you have. Everytime I watch one of your videos, I'm blown away. You are supposed to be able to do the things you do. Well done sir. Looking forward for your next vision.

[@171apples171]

The KZ1000 is my favorite motorcycle, hands down, ever since i was 15. Im 28 now and i always feel like a kid again when I go for a spin on one. I always seem to end up with J engine stuff.. i think thats 3rd generation. Id love to work on some of the older stuff. Thank you for sharing your process, some of this stuff leaves me at a loss for words. This level of knowledge and experience you have is priceless. Especially in these times.

[@1wannabee1]

Well, I'm sitting here smh at sheer amazement of this bloke's mechanical talent. He really is a true 'engineer' in every sense of the word. His patience surely is beyond measure. To ad insult to injury, his humility holds no boundaries. He has me smiling away every time I hear him say the word 'perfect'!lol. I think that is the word that just about sums this fella up. He IS 'perfection' when it comes to him applying his trade. I wish you well Allen. Tgc now.

[@nickrider5220]

Utterly amazing, skill, problem solving and sheer meticulousness of it all, it must've taken so long and it's so good !!

[@Gcrilla]

I am so happy you took so many pictures of all your builds. Everything you've done is absolutely amazing. I honestly wish I had the chance to learn directly from you.

[@petec9686]

I was amazed at Allen's abilities watching the Z1 6 cylinder. But this is a few steps beyond that. Absolute wizardry. Bravo sir!

[@RGRChristian]

I am a mechanical automotive engineer. I have done a ton of engine internals and designed a 5.0L flat 6 engine once. I thought that was pretty hard, the work you do here, my God. It is nothing short of extraordinary. What a magnificent show of work, love and skill. I just discovered you and your channel, I am a big fan now. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@mrsmith4662]

As always, astonishing. Each step borders on the impossible. I could imagine (if it was me!) that after cutting things up a bit I'd conclude the job had reached an insurmountable obstacle & couldn't be progressed any further; leaving a lot of cut up bits for scrap. Not so with Allen, somehow with a hacksaw, welding & machine tool, plus hundreds of hours, he finds a solution & gets the bike finished & running! What an inspiration.

[@boronsniify]

Allen, your whole approach and incredible mechanical knowledge combined with your problem solving ability just blows my mind! I work in the motor industry with many incredibly smart people, but you are absolutely off the scale!

[@andrewnewman6510]

I’ve been watching a lot of your videos lately. I’m really enjoying them. I am a machinist of 25 years, I really like the fact that you use old school HSS tooling to complete your machining. Keep up the great work. Can’t wait for your next build.

[@NorseHamr]

This man can do more with that hacksaw, than I can do with a band-saw and Bridgeport mill. Keep uploading Allen, your work is inspiring.

[@j24601valjean]

Allen, I am totally in awe of your seemingly effortless talent, both as an engineer and a video content creator. May I respectfully suggest that toast tastes much better with real butter!

[@61Slughi]

Just the way he says "perfect" makes it so reassuring.

[@Visionery1]

This is incredible! I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Kawasaki's engineers in Japan discuss this project, they must be proud... they may even offer you a job.

[@umarkedreturn8776]

Mr. Millyard is so humble and talks about building a V8 motorcycle engine from the original 4 cylinder like he's building a birdhouse! Sir, you are amazing. How many years would it take the negs to do something anywhere near this? How many lifetimes?

[@Visionery1]

@@umarkedreturn8776 not a birdhouse, making a cup of coffee. :)

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Oh, what job would that be, owner, perhaps. A "job" for Mr. Millyard would be an insult. A damn insult!

[@richardlewis8203]

Like it, mate I could watch your stuff all day everyday, fascinating stuff.

[@019208237]

What an engine and what an engineer. I can just imagine the sheer pleasure of riding this bike but It deserves to be a showpiece forever.

[@alandean6692]

This guy is the best of British engineering, not a piece of paper with drawings in sight all done by eye, just blows me away

[@andrewrobotham2913]

Just imagine all the great bikes we would have had if Allen had been chief design engineer for one of the major manufacturers, makes me smile every time I watch one of your video's, Happy New Year Allen

[@ThePidge1953]

Absolutely incredible Allen, your engineering skills make my head spin, another great video.

[@martindavies8326]

Allen you are a engineering God. A wizard. Merry Christmas mate ⚙️🔩🔧🇬🇧👍

[@philipeddolls7539]

You are a true inspiration to me as I engineer a full rebuild of a Honda cx 500 with my young sons. Henry too is watched daily by my boys . RESPECT!!

[@AllenMillyard]

That’s brilliant

[@theadventuresofred19]

outstanding achievement. A testament to ingenuity, skill, persistence and sheer hard work!