Norton Nemesis V8 rebuild - Episode 8

In this video im taking a close look at the crankshaft, bearings, conrods and an update on other components that require attention
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 later.
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.

[@ro63rto]

I would be a travesty and an insult to all your work to refit that monstrosity of a manifold back onto the bike.

[@davidcook380]

AGREED

[@hoost3056]

I believe he said that he was going to address that in a previous video.

[@Alfran-yh4oo]

Allen Is so educated that says "strange" instead of awful

[@Peasmouldia]

No brainer. That monstrosity doesn't deserve to be called a manifold. Can't wait to see what Allen comes up with. I'm sure it will be a thing of beauty...

[@stephenrice4554]

Another great video , cupcakes , the abominable manifold , curing the scabby bearings , and Charlie weaver . Looking forward to the next one 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@PRD500]

Make a new manifold, the existing one is atrocious

[@speedbirdconcordeBOAB]

I see why they covered it in so much insulation. It’s an abomination.

[@Bob-ts2tu]

@@speedbirdconcordeBOAB agree haha.

[@lukepeeters5178]

1000%

[@kubaceg1]

+ ceramic coating instead od bandages :D

[@TheDorsoduroMan]

How could anyone fabricate such an atrocity and worse to put it on such a stunning bike!

[@stevefriswell5422]

Whoever decided to add the ticking clock to the soundtrack is a genius.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Allen has background as a horologist...

[@malvinmalvin]

I have a confession to make. I'm watching this in my garage, overlooking three project bikes, presently not nearing completion. Sir, I salute you and your ability to see things through.

[@COMA69BAND]

make a new manifold, the original one has no place on that bike, shocking quality!

[@garywheeley5108]

Goes with the rest of the bike this is the best that Norton could do 🙄

[@trevjones1315]

Makes you wonder why they went out of business 🤔

[@fidelcatsro6948]

i couldve crafted a nicer one with pvc pipes and styrofoam box cutouts, definitely an eyesore!

[@kingfishstacy]

Agreed. I see a lot of rushed work on that engine. I'm sure he knows. At this point he's trying to polish mud

[@Bumbaclot213]

The whole bloody bike is shocking

[@garyedwards8142]

The blind man who made that manifold won’t mind you replacing it at all…..👍

[@JP-monkeybot]

Some of the workmanship is pretty shocking

[@philipcable437]

I'm sure it was a rush job. All of the cooling system was knocked up in the same manor

[@Jestersson]

@@philipcable437Even so I’m sure they could have done better

[@TassieLorenzo]

The design is just bizarre too. Even if there is not much space, short primaries into a 4-1 collector should suit the high rpm nature of the engine, presumably?

[@PeterEndelt]

😂😂😂

[@paramarky]

The ticking clock in the background is so relaxing and cathartic - reminds me of being at my grandparents house as a child.

[@stevebandit1964]

Grandpa Allen ! 😊

[@stephenrice4554]

Yep , that's just where it puts me , either on my Nan's kitchen in front of the fire or in my Grans house in the living room playing games on the table with the mellifluous tone of the clock counting down our lives . Great memories brought by the ticking of Allen's clock

[@user-br3ou2cs9o]

Thank You Tracey for keeping Allen fed so he can make videos to keep us numpties chuffed to bits with his engineering prowess. Allen... New exhaust. Please!

[@paulnelsonisnotabot]

We all know you will make a new one, I suspect it will be perfect 👌

[@davidjowett8195]

And will, no doubt, involve the correct use of a hacksaw and scissors on a Swiss Army knife 😄

[@tam1381]

@@davidjowett8195 Not to forget several cup cakes.

[@G58]

JUST Perfect. 👀

[@firsteerr]

@@davidjowett8195 did you know that the blade in allens hacksaw is the first one he was issued as an apprentice at 15 ?

[@stephenebeaulieu]

Well put. It is shocking to think Norton put its name on that POS. Allan can certainly rectify such an insult.

[@mantrajack3549]

The ticking clock sound and lack of background music is purely mesmerizing... ❣

[@markrainford1219]

It was sending me to sleep lol

[@waterboy8999]

Other KZbin ers take note

[@Da5idc]

The ticking makes me crazy 😮

[@plindley]

Reminds me of visiting my grandparents combined with watching a genius at work this is my happy place 😊

[@davidweaver4702]

I find it totally relaxing. Just like going back in time to see my elderly uncles and aunts ❤😊

[@ametti000]

No wonder they wrapped that manifold of shame. Alen's workmanship is outstanding.

[@raz2443]

When seeing some really bad work on a showroom bike knowing that some workers there would not have allowed that to go out is frustrating yetYou still manage to not say how bad it had been put together. What a gentleman you are.

[@davidstewart4570]

Actually, I think we know what he really thought, but he left that implication to Charley Weaver!

[@cuddlestsheep5863]

Tracey: How are the cupcakes Allen? Allen: Just perfect

[@MuadDib1402]

That's nice.

[@edgar9651]

Obviously, you will build a new manifold. Just make sure when the bike goes back to the museum there will be an extra plate: "Improved by Allen Millyard."

[@Turnipstalk]

We all know what FUBAR stands for, but rarely see the opposite IBAR. This will be such a case.

[@stepheno1870]

IBARBAM

[@neilurquhart8622]

@@TurnipstalkI don’t know!

[@Turnipstalk]

@@neilurquhart8622 Really? F**ked Up Beyond All Recognition. I thought anybody watching this channel would be sure to know that.

[@simonvalkov6335]

„Allen Millyard Edition“

[@spotty_cat26]

That's proper YTS welding on the manifold. Crying out for a stainless steel tubular Millyard special.

[@GavinFreedomLover]

An Englishman and his garage , that's all we need, cheers for another great video, I'm no bike expert but the manifold was a proper state !

[@joenovark523]

I’m sure I’m not the only one to let out a quiet “YES!!” to themselves when getting the notification and scuttled off to be alone. Thank you for reinstating the cake segment Alan, not quite the same without.

[@user-og5uo1ev4e]

the heat wrap on the exhaust was hiding a monstrosity

[@fidelcatsro6948]

definitely used to cover the ugly workmanship

[@Supernaut2000]

It's a wonder that the engine ever ran at all! With all this reconstruction and a new exhaust manifold, I can't wait to hear it running! James Lansdowne Norton will be smiling and bring you a sunny day for the first ride of the Nemesis.

[@Timbershades]

That old manifold has no place on an Allen Millyard restoration. We all know your newly manufactured one will be a piece of art!

[@hbw7615]

Alan, please make a new manifold as you will do a professional job!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

I cant believe a company made that exhaust manifold ..looks like a kindergarten kid's work

[@michaelflint4159]

Special needs more like​@@fidelcatsro6948

[@eskimojulie]

Definitely a new manifold , I am sure you will make a wonderful job of it !

[@user-cd6hk9mq8v]

Поддержу. Коллектор выглядит отвратительно, к тому же в термо ленте. Конечно, это музейный экспонат, но с технической точки зрения ставить ЭТО..... Пока- просто наслаждение идеальной работой Мастера, знающего, что Совершенство состоит из мелочей))) Мой любимый сериал!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

Japanese manufacturer would commit Harakiri if they had such a workmanship spotted on their bikes

[@stevebandit1964]

Another 21 mins of being in total awe of a ' Master Mechanic ' .. 🤩

[@dennisnorth1250]

That manifold is shocking. who in hells name thought that was ok...no wonder they wrapped it. Can't imagine why norton kept going bust. I'm sure you'll be making a new one...Total respect to you for holding your true thoughts...A genius in more ways than one

[@cliverussell5344]

A new manifold can only do justice to your meticulous work. Great video, Thanks Allen

[@andrewrussell4707]

I think you have to design and build a new exhaust manifold. That expression, ‘polishing a turd’ comes to mind if you try to repair that.

[@user-cd6hk9mq8v]

Можно бесконечно полировать кирпич, добиваясь зеркального блеска... Этому двигателю просто необходим новый коллектор. Ровный, гармоничный, с надёжным и удобным креплением, без кучи шлака в окнах.

[@ninja1150]

The old manifold has served its purpose! My suggestion would be to make a new one that is just PERFECT! I look forward to the fabrication video. Keep up the good work Allen, all the best.

[@djbrettell]

Allen is an artist. I just wish he had an apprentice who could learn from him. This bike is going to purr, I hope someone gets to ride it regularly and it doesn't just end up sitting in the museum.

[@RedJam65]

Nothing seems to faze Allen at all, he just machine's up new parts to make it work perfectly, what a genius!

[@paramarky]

This bike is gonna run so sweet once its finished - proper mechanics that we are losing to history.

[@notagunfreak8146]

This is beyond mechnics, more like mechnical engineering with a good dose of a motorcycle fanatic

[@simonfreer7950]

And all done in a back garden shed 😂

[@DB-xq3yn]

Isn't it the other way around? Nemesis seems to have been designed by someone competent, but built by a rough smith. In the past, you had to fill up with oil every time msn filled up. Everything was not better before!

[@notagunfreak8146]

@@DB-xq3yn The bike is constructed in a way that more like a working prototype and not a production/ finished product

[@legomanmw2]

that manifold just sums up how cobbled together this bike really was. Nice to see Allen is putting things right

[@adrianstrand1120]

It’s not just the mechanical wizardry it’s also the patience setting up the camera to film the whole episodes, if I were bbc controller this would replace eastenders with the Millyard show !

[@popepaul4438]

Even though I know you would be able to make the old manifold Good,, I would like to see you build a new one. I’d like to take this time to say thank you for your content. Really appreciate it even though I’m 56. I’m learning so much thank you.

[@JamesRyan-ql9lr]

Make a "Millyard manifold" Al, all day long 👍🏻

[@BigRed-dr6we]

That manifold has to go Allen. We all know you will engineer and assemble a piece of artwork in its place. That welding though. @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="863">14:23</a> nothing flows - its all just piled atop of itself. Thank you for sharing. I watched the view counter as I was watching. Nearly 2000 watched this in the 21 min it took me to do so.

[@chrisspeed-ik3et]

Such a shame, that skilled engineers like you now so rare. You are always calm & collected in your solutions to problems encountered. The exhaust manifold is an absolute disgrace. That needs a replacement fabricating by your good self. An excellent video serious sir!

[@Munter1]

That exhaust manifold looks like it was a project for a welding apprentice on his first day using an 120 AMP ARK Welder and 4mm rods, not to mention it probably robs the engine of around 20HP. You will have to make a new one out of stainless tubing with your trusty Swiss Army knife and TIG Welder, which will not only look a thousand times better but will flow much better too. That would will a great video on it's own. Brilliant work so far Alan.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

i think they paid someone 20 dollars to do kindergarten workmanship in 1990s

[@cpuuk]

I continue to be astounded by the sheer simplicity of your solutions to complex problems 😊 New manifold for sure.

[@robincooney1263]

Anyone can make things more complicated - it takes real knowledge and understanding to make it simpler AND better

[@owensbama1923]

I think with all the work you have done to this it deserves to have an Allen Millyard exhaust made for it. Great video as always.

[@adbadb17]

I'm afraid that manifold looks naaaasty! You know in your heart that you will not be happy fitting it back onto the Norton, after all the other fine craftsmanship you have put into it 😎👍🏻

[@GarryMcGovern]

Artistry and elite engineering in perfect harmony: the ultimate therapy.

[@loydsa]

Seeing the master at work, Tracy's cupcakes, and hedgehogs what more can anyone ask for!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

dont forget the fleeing ladybug!

[@stephenhill458]

As always I am in awe of your skills and really enjoy your narration. Your diplomacy in not calling out the makers of this bike for the appalling design, workmanship and presentation is commendable as well I

[@luminiferousaether6151]

The image quality from the camera you use is one the finest I’ve experienced from any YT channel. Helps us see all your wonderful work with absolute clarity

[@the_forbinproject2777]

jeez, thats a frankenstein manifold !

[@fidelcatsro6948]

elephant foot with terrible edema best describes it

[@superdave380]

The juxtaposition of the marvelous engineering of that motorcycle and the crudely fabricated manifold is quite striking. Please do fabricate a manifold that the machine deserves.

[@malcolmwhite6588]

I don’t think it’s a juxtaposition. If you watched the other proceeding episodes you’ll see that much of the engineering or machining has been done to either poor standard of workmanship or else not to a high-level of engineering from a design perspective. I think the manifold is pretty consistent with the rest of the bike, unfortunately.

[@timessix8434]

There has been many strange engineering solutions on this bike, but those manifolds were probably the worst I’ve seen over my almost 30yrs in the powertrain development industry. What an absolute joke. Thanks for another fascinating and very entertaining video!!!

[@hydorah]

I love the way Allen very subtly flexes with the quality vintage tools. I always try to buy decent vintage stuff when I can. Failing that, new British made stuff. Just wish there were more British tool manufacturers around

[@the_forbinproject2777]

I have to admit the little milage this bike has done and the wear with the bearings make me worry over if they got the oil pressure right but I am assured that with Allen in charge it will be better than new when finished ( ! ) , thanks Allen another great vid .

[@rodkennedy9800]

Possibly the bearings were used!!!

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Long periods standing and no external pressurised lube system used to prime the whole bike before starting it up...

[@roychrisop5623]

Yes Allen, you must recycle that Frankenstein exhaust header or it will haunt you in your sleep. We all want to see you build a bespoke one...

[@amphihans]

I learned so much from you again and again, but I will never have the nerve to try those things in real life. 🤠

[@leaflee2066]

Love the little pigeon interlude, we have a regular wood pigeon visitor who pecks the others birds while they eat, we call him Samuel Pecknpar.

[@richardt.4224]

😆I've said this before, but I'll say it again. "This Norton V8 is so lucky to have Allen working on it"! I thought the manifold was/is rubbish, everything about it was wrong! So come on Allen, you can't reuse that. While no longer living in the UK, I'm so proud that we have an engineer like you, with the passion you have working on this bike. Great work Allen, I'm looking forward to the next episode and thank you.

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

OMG that exhaust. Amazing that Norton would sully their name so.

[@tagomago2178]

I like the clock ticking away in the background - it`s all very Zen

[@jackfrombg4498]

Sundays hit different when watching Master's videos. ❤

[@twentyrothmans7308]

I was listening, rather than watching, when the first too-large shell arrived, and knew immediately that Allen would somehow machine them. This is a work of art. Thank you for letting us watch, Allen.

[@suzu9404]

I gotta say, I’m really enjoying this series Allen. Thanks for taking us along!

[@keithleivers4061]

Brilliant Alan you forgot more about true engineering than the computer led mechanics of today . Keep up the great work

[@davidstewart4570]

Oh god, that manifold! Thought I'd accidently clicked on Just Rolled In. No wonder they wrapped it in bandages. Can't wait to see the Millyard replacement.

[@crfgunclub]

That clocks tick tock is music for my soul 😊Thanks for the video Allen ❤

[@andymair7992]

Everything you have done to this bike has made it better. Build the manifolds the right way, please! 😃

[@fidelcatsro6948]

looking at the manifold gives me cataracts

[@Jesse-B]

Allen, your work is nothing short of poetry in motion, to refit that exhaust would be a travesty. P.S. I am loving this series.

[@allanweseman5433]

Fantastic Allen! Give you a block of aluminum and a lathe and you can make just about anything. This great viewing for one tired old retired mechanic

[@jrnmller1551]

AAAHH The master at work, Allan-Bearings-Cupcakes it does not get any better! Please make a new exhaust for this bike, Allan, it deserves it!!

[@user-andywelch]

I would design a new manifold Allan I could watch these videos over and over again very talented

[@jrf2112swbellnet]

I woke up this morning to see a new Allen Millyard video. It lined up with my breakfast time just nicely. So I was really pleased with that.

[@GoinDownhill361]

Allen, I've been watching your videos for years, admiring in every build the quality of your craftmanship. Please, tell me you'll bin those monstrosities and you're building some Millyard-spec, top notch manifolds. I know it's quite a job, but those just can't go back in.

[@otsef1946]

No question about it, bin that monstrosity of a manifold. Thanks for letting us in on the rebuild/repair of what could have been a wonderful machine. Greg

[@waynegeorge7595]

The master engineer at work again, absolutely love these videos

[@jeremygriffiths3364]

It would have been facinating to be a fly on the wall with the myriad of design problems to overcome on the original build. It is so absorbing and compelling to see you problem solve and find improved solutions to these problems Allen. Love your videos.

[@BahnstormerUK]

Nothing like watching an AM episode on a sunny Sunday afternoon, beer in hand, ......superb stuff Alan.....keep the vids coming. Great build. !!!

[@markhensley9378]

Thanks Allen for your time and trouble. We're all set to see more of your progress on this rebuild. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[@generalmassive1907]

The most interesting series of videos on KZbin ever ❤

[@Wingnut_Stickman]

The original manifold should be an addition to the memory box, although, it does not look like the kind of memory one might like to retain. I for one would enjoy watching you work out making a new manifold. Thanks for posting this video, it was excellent as always!

[@luminiferousaether6151]

The pigeons were both fledgling siblings! And the beetle was a Ladybird. Excellent for consuming garden pests like aphids (e.g greenfly & blackfly). Love your nature updates

[@TamTran-vw7zm]

I wish when approaching my own projects, I would get to say "purr-fect" even half as many times. I've already said this in several comments, but you, Allen, are a pleasure both to watch and to listen to. Thank you for these videos.

[@j.w.3345]

It must have been the Monday after a hearty weekend party when that manifold was welded. Just awful! I would love to see a quality one built by you.

[@TheChristeepher]

The manifolds are shocking and I’m more than sure, knowing your standards and genious that they will not be going back on the build. You’ll just need a larger “memory box” Thank you for posting Alan. Delightful👍

[@guzz1jon]

Yet another excellent demonstration of Allen's talent. 👍

[@markeames8026]

Definatley make a new one. That old monstrosity will never be perfect

[@paulhutchins6019]

Love the sound of the clock ticking away in the background, gives a sense of tranquility as you're working 👍🏼

[@Antony_Jenner]

Ahh the old lemon cup cakes, just lovely! Thanks Allen for another excellent video.

[@hankpotato589]

Surely you kid with us Allen! Those exhaust manifolds (and those water manifolds) are an absolute abomination. Hats off to you for maintaining your grace and dignity in not ridiculing this remedial quality work. I know I couldn't have helped myself! Looking forward to what you will fabricate and thank you for this great series.

[@LOKI-vk5hx]

You can't beat a skilled mechanical engineer using his hard earned skills. As for the manifold. Looks like it was made by a cobbler with a hand full of thumbs. A Millyard special is required. O forgot Nice to see to Traceys buns are back

[@ethanmiller5487]

This is my favorite cupcake/hedgehog channel on KZbin. Your work is wonderful and has inspired me! Thank you!! I am of the opinion that such a beautiful bike deserves an exhaust manifold to match. I think brushed stainless would look amazing.

[@billienomates1606]

The level of skill is on another level, Respect.

[@richardwillis2928]

Another fantastic video Allen you always explain it so well and I loved the way you cut down the bearing clips ingenious.😃😃

[@Banditmanuk]

You can tell the pride Allen takes in all the beautiful modified parts with the A.M initials and date stamped. I've no doubt this engine will run better than it ever did. I honestly don't see you ever wanting to re-fit that manifold. That eccentric hole is a brilliant engineering solution. We are going to Prescott tomorrow and if you're going this year, it would be great to say hello.

[@joepriess5248]

Another excellent installment Allen! If we are voting on you replacing versus repairing the exhaust manifolds, I would vote for replace. The original manifolds would be a fine addition to your growing "memory box."

[@johnforeman6620]

Bad memory box.

[@TassieLorenzo]

That exhaust "manifold" belongs in a scrap metal bin!

[@alextripp1230]

Hi Allen, lovely engineering as usual, glad to see the garden workbench in play. That exhaust manifold has just one place in your workshop... the bin..!!! I think you was playing asking if it should stay..!! Great series of video's with this engine, thanks for this one and looking forward to the next. Alex.

[@davidjloveland3673]

My goodness what a fantastic update. Your mechanical skills are legendary. A truly gifted engineer. What makes your videos so watchworthy are the simplicity of how they are edited. The insight into how you deal with little obstacles that you encounter and how you deal with them look simple. Obviously to an untrained person there not. The gentle tik toc of the clock, The tasty cup cakes and the nod to nature all add to a very happy video to watch for after a stressful 12hour shift. Thank you. I cant wait to see how your challenge to get this machine running as it should ends up. I would love to hear and see it personally once finished.

[@adrianstreet8330]

My weekend is complete now! I look forward to every video. An amazing engineer is a pleasure to watch especially with cupcakes!

[@ianwaters9445]

I totally agree,with other comments about the exhaust manifold,the one that you make Allen will be a quality item as befitting your other work on this engine.

[@gilomoto5148]

This thing is gonna run like a dream when finished. Can’t wait ✊🏻✊🏻

[@Jestersson]

So much work needed on this motor, those shells must have taken an age to do. Great work Allen👍

[@boag46]

The legend returns.

[@janjager2906]

Thank you for this video, and yes, definitely build a new manifold!

[@jeynes14]

You are a patient man Allen, brilliant.

[@minnesotatomcat]

Thank god the crank was still in perfect condition, that kinda surprised me due to how the bearings and other things looked. It definitely needs a Millyard Manifold 👍