Norton Nemesis V8 Rebuild - Episode 2

This 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 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.
This video captures some of the work I carried out to remove the engine and a brief walk around the bike showing some of its features

[@happymonkey7068]

You all know, if Allen built cars, bike, washing machine etc. We'd only ever need to one of each and they'd last a lifetime.

[@Rugbyman269]

And would be just perfect

[@jlucasound]

And there would also be complimentary baked goods in the showroom. But you would only enjoy them once.

[@rarelycomments]

It's amazing what's possible when there's no man in a suit telling you to design it again, but cheaper

[@adrianwilliams763]

@@jlucasoundand there’d be houses for birds and hedgehogs

[@markschattefor6997]

That would save a lot of energy/recources, also design things in a way that it is easy to maintain/repair.

[@frankspeakmore7104]

I've never seen an engineering program blend seamlessly from motorbike engine, to home cooking, to wild animals before.

[@roberthorwat6747]

I know right, if they could blend ads like that so seamlessly we'd all be broke and our houses full of temu junk.

[@yorkshirelad3133]

the hedgehog is the brains behind the whole operation

[@fobbitoperator3620]

It's the impeccable trifecta of joy, peace & serenity!

[@jeffoakley2331]

This looks like one really technical team started building it and then they let the apprentices finish it off. I love how you don't lose your temper and shout at it like most of us would when faced with trying to get those exhaust manifolds off. This will be better than it ever was before by the time you have finished with it putting wrongs right. No need to rush because we need lots of videos of this

[@marinusk67]

The probably had a discount on a bag m5 bolts 😅

[@marksinclair8942]

We are watching the fifth cut. Cuts 1 to 4 had all the effing and blinding!

[@streddaz]

I was thinking the same thing. Those castings and the engine would have took a lot of design work but the brackets, exhaust, water manifolds, electrical stuff looks slapped together.

[@fizzyridertoo]

The museum picked the perfect man for this job. I hope they won't mind you fixing all of the silly things on the original.

[@DD-lc5ts]

The old clock ticking gives a calming ambience.

[@bigmac..]

It reminds me of my grandfather,he worked on watches and jewelry and clocks,trains planes and cars a proper engineer..

[@user-hy9zt7nw4y]

I was thinking the exact same. So many video's nowadays are ruined by irritating background music.

[@manuwilson4695]

True.

[@issigonis94c]

My soul, that is a rough bike. Flashes of engineering thought smothered in truly shoddy workmanship. This bike almost doesn't deserve Mr Millyard's touch!

[@anthonygnapp7495]

The words Heath, and Robinson spring to mind !

[@NonFlyiingDutchman]

True. It's embarrassingly bad, even for a prototype.

[@trevorthomas2373]

We can rest assured that a pristine machine will come out the other end. Allen is off the scale. Genius is not enough to describe his talent. Can’t wait for the next episode.

[@MHLivestreams]

That's some low comment. Proves how little you know about this man, engineering, manners, or attitude.

[@neil1150]

@@anthonygnapp7495 or Bodgit & Scarper 🤣

[@user-pz9jn1dw4r]

Hello Allen, I can see when you have finished rebuilding this Norton V8 it will be what Norton intended it to be but never was, I really appreciate you work.

[@suzu9404]

There are some things like the big castings that were expensive and complicated, but some of the bracketry and plumbing looks like they let the apprentice weld it. Interesting stuff, looking forward to more of this series.

[@daleolson3506]

Yes some high end and very low end work.

[@blackdoublezero]

Stevie Wonder on the welder

[@philipcooper8297]

If the goal was to test the engine, the hubs, the frame... then the rest didn't have to be nice.

[@stu0508]

Yes it's a very strange mix isn't it.

[@sidecarbod1441]

crimp-on (drop off) electrical connectors are not my favourite way of making a wiring loom. Also how on earth did Norton make such a cutting edge engine and then finish it off with so many 'bodges'

[@philipcooper8297]

This almost feels like an engineering exercise, rather than a pre-production prototype.

[@davej9929]

Made in a shed by amateur polytech students. 🙂

[@sayeretmatkaal]

An example of How NOT to design or make a bike.

[@KCadbyRacing]

It looks more like a first year engineering class project to me. The only thing more shocking than the design(s) is that this was all done in late 1990s!?!?!?

[@mickvonbornemann3824]

Na, more likely a ‘con investor’ exercise

[@robertklein1316]

Can't believe built by Britain's finest engineers, in a blacksmith's shop, no doubt. Is this a challenge for Allen, or is he just in it for snack cake and a cuppa?

[@davepass1344]

Hi Alan.... I REALLY appreciate your videos with this Norton... I love the calm approach you take to everything... To the tranquil ticking of your clock in the workshop to the baking recipes of your Wife... I love it all ... Thanks very much for taking the time to put these together for us.. Keenly looking forward to the next installment... Dave

[@charlesphillips8635]

Brilliant Alan thanks. So let’s make the most complicated, un serviceable motorcycle we can eh? What do you mean we’ve gone bust and the Japanese rule the world!

[@TheLairyLemur]

I like the contrast between the bike and Allen. A calm man working on a not very calm machine.

[@Darksideofpinkfloyddrummer]

There is nothing tranquil about a ticking clock 😅

[@robertprice7246]

Alan is the most laid back mechanical man I've ever seen. The videos are so super relaxing and inspiring and I think we would all love it if his wife would share some of her recipes or maybe even make a book of them as the baking looks absolutely delicious

[@trevorcullen566]

Notice the raleigh grifter nice raleigh classic

[@raz2443]

How Allan does not say ..this is a mess,totally not what Norton would have built if i was in charge. The patient’s of this man, he is a legend. Very good to see this Norton in capable hands .

[@jackn4853]

Patients!?, Mr Millyard is a mechanical genius not a medical doctor.

[@IanM18]

😂​@@jackn4853

[@K1lostream]

@@jackn4853Dew knot trussed yore spell chequer two fined awl yore miss takes.

[@arkhsm]

@@jackn4853 He is this Norton's doctor, and by crikey he needs patience for his patient !!

[@SPSteve]

What a curious machine, part genius, part back yard cobble.

[@howardosborne8647]

Too much fantasy.....Too little ingenuity.

[@Bob-ts2tu]

part?

[@Johnny_OSG]

This bike is very weird, some parts look very well engineered and some just totally half-asseed in a cave

[@craig7350]

They've got the right man on the job now.

[@mickbuffalo]

I think Alan could have single handedly saved the British bike industry if he’d been around then! I love the way he’s already thinking how to improve this Norton’s bad design issues!

[@stephenhewitt5835]

I am amazed the poor thing ever started. Thank heaven it is you that gets to rebuild it. Keep up the good work 👍

[@COMA69BAND]

not only is Alan restoring this amazing bike, he's going to rebuild it improved and how it should have been.... as an engineer and toolmaker myself, I'm always left in awe of how good he is

[@bsport131]

Is it me but does some of this bike look like was thought up in a shed, still fascinating and watching Alan return it to better than new is brilliant. Thanks Alan

[@mbp2112]

It wishes it were thought up in a shed - the shed in which it currently resides! I'm looking forward to some Millyard Magic on this bike, it's a fascinating concept let down by some questionable design decisions, but such is the life of a prototype, I guess. If anybody can make a V8 bike sing, it's Allen.

[@bsport131]

@@mbp2112 it's going end up being much better

[@leslieaustin151]

@@mbp2112Yup, that is the nature of prototypes- they are a dream-child which sometimes get put into production after going through the engineering design dept (if it’s lucky).

[@daniels.2720]

Considering the Era it was built, a real "design exercise"

[@howardosborne8647]

This contrivance looks far more like a potting shed creation than a Milly's shed build.

[@stevebettany8778]

Looks like the last guy to have a hand on the bike was the same one who worked on my C15 back in the seventies. You’re a brave man to take this on.

[@howardosborne8647]

Did it run backwards when he'd finished😂

[@deutschchad1399]

This is the #1 guy in the world to restore this bike. 290hp!

[@howardosborne8647]

The zero on the end was a typo error.

[@alexbrown1995]

@@howardosborne8647 ROFL!!!!!!!

[@simeonyves5940]

Al Melling was pretty good at making Engines that made Stupid High Power... He just wasn't so good at making Engines that would not go *BANG* after making the Stupid High Power...

[@Alfran-yh4oo]

This bike looks home made with high tech details, Allen is the right person to finish that project and make that prototype rideable!

[@hymek7017]

I shudder to think how much work is going to be needed to get this bike into some sort of running order that would be acceptable to Alan. This is going to be a fascinating journey.

[@slartybartfarst9737]

It takes a true craftsman to recognise, disseminate and implement whats needed. This is a superb project where we have the right guy on the job and will be super satisfying to see Alen give the Nemesis a build worthy of the machine, Norton and Mr Melling, like the saying goes "the devil is in the detail" oh so true.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

Maybe I am also a wood pigeon? I can't stop watching this Millyard magician doing his trickery.

[@christopherhampson265]

IT'S WATCHING FOR FLAPJACK TIME 😂

[@conservative-ku3lz]

What a complex job. But not for an engineer like Allen. He makes everything look so easy. I could dismantle. And that would be it. Really looking forward to following this project, especially to see and hear this complex beast start up. Bless you sir, and thank you always for your content, and including your wife's skills and appreciating her talents.

[@eprofessio]

I always thought I was a mechanical genius casting my own computer controlled machines, then I found this guy and realized what a real mechanical genius is.

[@Slayer_of_Bacon]

An engine is just an engine except when Allen Milyard explains the bits and pieces that make it work, Top man.

[@davidl546]

I am fascinated to finally see this engine! Even as a prototype engine, it is still very british, just amazing!

[@philipjosephbarker7737]

Absolutely brilliant! You can tell the bike was an early prototype without any final refining and definitely not for the faint hearted to work on. Only a person with the passion, patience and skill set of Allen could pull off a time consuming, and frustrating overhaul like this.

[@John-cz2pe]

You look in your element Allen and its got to be the only cooking,wildlife, engineering channel on UT 😂

[@richardt.4224]

I can only echo what everyone else has said and that is, how calm you approach this V8 project. You are an amazing engineer / mechanic, the UK are so lucky to have a man like you on hand, as I’m sure no one else would have taken on a bike like this. I bet you are not being paid for this and doing it out of the love of a challenge and to bring this bike back to life, also for the knowledge you will gain from it! Thank you so much Alan.

[@billienomates1606]

I am always blown away by Allen's super chill demeanour while he works on projects that most mere mortals would not even considering attempting, Total Respect. This man is a GOD among engineers in my opinion.

[@1234567marks]

I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything quite like it!

[@trevellyanblack4101]

When I saw the first video, I was so excited to anticipate how Alan would effortlessly deal with this behemoth. Neither episodes have disappointed (and Tracy's flapjacks looked delicious) 👌

[@vwdmc16]

That is the strangest way to build a bike, bit of a nightmare to service. Thanks for showing us this odd duck! You are the best Allen!

[@jrnmller1551]

Fashinating Allan, this looks like two different bikes, complicated aluminum and an apprentice welding up the steel parts, and assembling the bike!!!!!

[@stephenpiggin1179]

I can’t work out if this bike is an engineering masterpiece or a Heath Robinson lash up. Let’s see what the future videos show. Great work Alan.

[@alextripp1230]

Hi Allen, turns out to be a proper "bitsa"... I'm sure as your stripping it down, your mind is spinning as to how you can improve various areas on rebuild. Great video, very interesting. Alex.

[@AllenMillyard]

I’m properly in the zone waking up at 3am with solutions 🙈

[@alextripp1230]

@@AllenMillyard Brilliant news, will be fantastic once you've finished with it. Going to be very interesting and such a one off machine. Alex

[@arkhsm]

@@alextripp1230 I'm sure it will sound like, and go like, a much more completed prototype, with Allen's many little "fettles" !!

[@reloading_and_gun_channel]

Bonjour Alan, thank you for the video. There is room for improvements !! And without any doubt, given time, you are undoubtedly THE person who can make a treasure out of this bike !!! That type of air feed into the engine became prohibited in racing events... I had heard of them, but it is the first time I get to see them...Usually butterflies are compulsory... It's a pity they had not invented the grinder wheel at the time to remove all these welds...

[@PAGallagher]

I reckon that pigeon might be 'storking' you 😁 Very interesting video, by the way. I enjoyed the first one, too.

[@malcellison8831]

There is no-one better than you, Allen, to do this work. Not only are you stripping down and rebuilding an almost mythical bike, you’re already thinking of ways to improve it! As always, your methodical, thoughtful and innovative approach is mesmerising to watch. It’s always a good day when a video from you appears on KZbin 😊

[@britfrog]

what a lash up

[@speedbirdconcordeBOAB]

It’s an embarrassment to Norton quite frankly.

[@GrandadTinkerer]

Fantastic video, as always Allen. Can't get over the rigmarole involved in something as, seemingly straightforward, as removing the front wheel!

[@nikcodling]

What a mess that thing is! I hope you’re given the time and budget to do this justice! Loving your insight and attention to detail.

[@ninja1150]

Great to see the strip down and can't wait to see Allen add his magic touch to improve overall

[@grahamjohnpreston]

Mind boggling. Really looking forward to this series Allen. Thanks for the vid. 🙂

[@davidstephens1092]

Thank you Allen. The initial engineering and work on this bike is incredible, but then it seems like the powers that be said "It has to be up and running by" so it was just slapped together. But I am sure when you are finished it will be as it should have been and most likely better than the factory could have done.

[@Trevor_Austin]

I’m so glad that you have been entrusted with this motorcycle’s restoration. I always get the impression that there is little beyond your abilities. With this “restoration” I get the feeling that the bike might actually work, possibly as the design team intended.

[@mikefarge3543]

Can not wait to see what improvements Alan makes and hear it running once again and performing how it should

[@sirrick59]

When this beast is all back together again; I expect it will run way better it did when new. I would watch an entire series on this back to back.

[@shadowred1980]

Really appreciate you recording the rebuild for us.

[@madeinfoxtrap5539]

A one of a kind engineer working on A one of a kind bike ! Sounds about right. They have the best man for the job !

[@apacherider7110]

You'll going to need considerable more biscuits tins. I'm glad they have entrusted this bike to the only person who can do it turn it around. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@davidstein792]

Thank you for sharing this process with your viewers. It must add an incredible amount of time to record it all. Your knowledge, systematic approach and patience are amazing. Can’t wait for the next episode. Those goody bars looked pretty tasty, too.

[@cherrypicker8897]

Excellent viewing. Really interesting and well presented.

[@AllenMillyard]

Thankyou

[@stevemoon2136]

Always such a pleasure to watch Allen at work.

[@Jim230176]

Gotta be honest, flapjack is among mankind’s greatest achievements!

[@10rGreenninja]

For something that is so special it ain't half heath robinson, looking forward to the next installment

[@thefamousfive6271]

Best Motorcycle and engineering channel on the Internet. Could watch these all day! Can't wait for the next one!

[@baccas66]

The bike couldn't be in better hands. It's a real hotchpotch of parts. I can't imagine a Japanese manufacturer making a prototype as shoddy as this. Once Allen has worked his magic, it will run and ride as it was meant to. The wiring is shocking, literally judging by how close it is to the manifold. Looking forward to future installments.

[@artyfarty87]

Massive props to Tracey, this is the best baking channel on youtube, plus as a bonus; there is a very talented bloke building bikes really cool bikes. 😉❤

[@smithers139]

That’s tonight’s viewing sorted 😂👍

[@yoshy4072]

Fascinating to watch, not often you get to see inside a prototype and Allen explains it very well.

[@nicmorton280]

What a privilege to watch Allen sorting out the bike's faults, can't understand why viewing number is not the same as the 👍 number...

[@Rob-sg6xs]

Amazing watching you systematically strip that engine down without any worry about it all going back, I'd be taking photos for assistance later 😊

[@AllenMillyard]

I take a few photos

[@barbaraneville5036]

Plus the videos to reference things Nothing left to chance Top engineer

[@howardosborne8647]

@@AllenMillyard I guess half the photos you took were because you couldn't believe what your eyes were seeing🤣

[@DirtyRobot]

It's a museum project so I would guess Mr. Millyard will be doing full documentation for future reference.

[@davidgilmour5555]

God,I totally admire your patience and technical ability..I wouldn't have a clue how to put it all back together..brilliant video.

[@richieb7692]

I'm absolutely staggered that this engine ran at all... Thank you so much for such a clear and concise strip down video, I cannot wait to see the next installment.

[@mykeready3742]

I’m really enjoying this set of videos. So pleased you was given this fantastic opportunity to rebuild this bike. Looking forward to the next one. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@thomasroughley7982]

Wow Alan your the guy to sort the Norton out. I have hundred and ten percent faith in you sir amazing genius that you are. Carry on the good work RESPECT.😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@petrichor649]

I remember when this bike was all over MCN back in the day.

[@SimonLandmine]

These videos are like the Bob Ross of interesting engineering.

[@robbiemckinnon7901]

the shoddy construction of this bike is astounding. Allen has his work cut out for him. I'm sure he'll set it right, and be well pleased with the result.

[@user-cd6hk9mq8v]

Фантастика, особенно цилиндрические поворотные дроссельные заслонки, выполненные в головках. С замиранием сердца жду третью серию! ❤

[@user-vj4si6wh4p]

Как на моторах формулы один

[@markgraham3871]

Another enjoyable mix of engineering and cookery! Can't wait to see what improvements you come up with 👍

[@fivedotsdave9723]

That is a very strangely designed engine, it's as if they were designing as they built, it's great that you're sharing this engine with us, thank you Allen.

[@bobfately9382]

Alan's calm voice is reminiscent of the painter Bob Ross...just calming to hear.

[@Supernaut2000]

Fascinating to see a "one of" being disassembled. So much unique workmanship and the apparent use of whatever connectors/hoses were at hand for the build! I am in awe and can't wait for the next update!

[@mausermann7918]

Who would not enjoy watching you mechanic masterclasses?

[@CyberSQUID9000]

Nice to see the hedgepigs getting soem coverage ! Really enjoy these videos thanks Allen

[@stuartstephens]

This project is really exciting - I still have a brochure from when it was first announced. You can definitely tell from the video that it was a hand built prototype, but I'm confident you get it all sorted out and running like it's supposed to.

[@stephenwilliams926]

It looks like they knocked it together in their dinner breaks when they put it together 😂

[@officialmysteriousrider130]

Yes definitely a lot of odd bolts & them horrible blue wireing connectors but IAM sure Allen will change them for water proof connectors & OEM bullet connectors

[@untonyto]

Yea the concept artist definitely got paid more than the whole Norton workshop.

[@TRISTANorTRIS]

Be nice to hear from the original team that built the bike. Maybe they are watching and can comment? Listening on headphones, can I hear your stomach gurgling Allen? Maybe you need more baked goods.

[@howardosborne8647]

@@officialmysteriousrider130 A mid 90s CAD designer's wet dream turned nightmare.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Allen commented that it was in fact his leather chair....@@TRISTANorTRIS

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Dont let Henry Cole rush you

[@woodpeckerdrums6254]

I totally love the Norton engineering behind this beautiful machine

[@peachy3143]

I love this guy … the most chilled bloke on the planet… and a genuine genius

[@mikep.5517]

What a mess. I can't think of a better person to make it right and bring it back to life. Thanks Allen.

[@alanottley]

You are a true surgeon! Fascinating engine so far!

[@oliverwhitby4778]

No way a Japanese manufacturer would put their name on that. They really dont deserve such a genius to put it right. Fantastic videos Allen and thank you.

[@ianstewart56]

Thank you so much for taking us with you dismantling and explaining each unique part, totally fascinated with this engine 👍

[@TheSimple46]

Allan, your engineering away from the camera must take an age, your filming, editing, camera work, presentation, pace and voiceover are all perfect. Thank you so much, these videos are a treasure 🙏

[@AllenMillyard]

Thankyou 🙂

[@eliotmansfield]

never knew they employed Stevie Wonder as a welder.

[@erik_dk842]

Painted over pigeon poo

[@danmadden1080]

Thanks for the interesting video Allen (New Zealand).

[@tomcherry6168]

Alan I love the way you don't have to point out terrible examples of engineering practise. You just describe them in your usual calm way. It's loads more devastating than hearing someone making a big effort to slag something off.

[@ianseddon9347]

There is something Zen about watching this - so good for the soul!

[@seanjennings6831]

It must be so tempting to improve it

[@AllenMillyard]

I’ve got to rectify a few issues but won’t affect its appearance

[@ekim000]

I expect they would have made a neater job of it if Allen had been in the team😉

[@devonbikefilms]

I did have a good look at this bike, years ago and I thought then it was a strange combination of the truly innovative while at the same time being a proper lash up. Interesting that they split the cooling as if it was two four cylinder bikes. Really looking forward to the rest of this series and the significant improvement that you’ll bring to it.

[@johnhill3483]

Thanks for the great vid Allen, love the detail on the strip down and the time it takes you to film and edit it, it’s appreciated ( and the flapjacks!)

[@MrFathead]

Man some parts of this are really janky, the frame and swingarm are works of art. But all the stuff hidden looks like it was smashed together with spare parts in someone's shed in a hurry.

[@julianpritchard2558]

Sorry I’m late, was watching “ the late brake show “

[@chriskneale6475]

I If only Norton had taken on Allan as a consultant engineer, this bike could have been brilliant. I'm sure he will make it far better than it is now. Genius

[@teneretraveller8980]

A very interesting watch, with some ' interesting ' engineering solutions. I wonder how Norton's approach differed to Guzzi and their V8, besides being transverse? However, I couldn't keep up when the good lady made the flap jack. Well beyond my pay grade. Amazing. Superb watch, thanks for sharing 👍

[@howardosborne8647]

The Nemesis and the Guzzi v8 are both transverse engines. The Laverda V6 was an inline engine installation.