Norton Nemesis v8 Rebuild - Episode 7
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- In this video im taking a look at the cylinder heads and coolant system
Note: All parts will be thoroughly cleaned before final assembly so any debris 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 UA-cam 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.
I'm always upset when the video comes to an end, I could watch Millyard magic for hours. 👌
I don't feel upset just grateful for what I've enjoyed
@@johngibson3837 What I was trying to convey is that I enjoy his videos so much that I don't want them to end.
Believe me I am truly grateful for what we get, many thanks to Allen Millyard.
I am as well, I keep watching the counter and want it to slow down. These are great videos.
Ditto!
Why on earth didn’t they ask young Millyard to design the bloody thing in the first place
Yeah, I Was Thinking That But You Beat Me To It!
I was thinking the same thing!
Me too, I bet they are kicking themselves.
I was thinking exactly the same. The quality of engineering would have been vastly superior.
If he was given a hacksaw- cup of tea. And maybe a cake. 👍🤭 he is AMAZING. LOVE HIS VIDEOS. 👍👍👍👍
Having watched this series thus far I have noticed that this engine and motorcycle over all was very hastily built with very shoddy poor workmanship. Granted it was a concept bike. I am glad it is finally in the hands of probably the only person in the world capable with the desire and opportunity to correct the mistakes and flaws.
You are amazing Allen. :)
I agree about the poor workmanship. This coolant carriers look they were welded by a blind chimp. And don't get me started with the valve guide seal situation.🙄🙄😆
@@mikerieck306 they look like they've been made from the legs of the school chairs we had in the 70's
Yes, alas, probably the receivers at the door got it together sharpish , then went bankrupt 😢
@@blackdoublezero Yeah, indeed they do appear that way.
Emblematic of the old British bike industry.
Allen is not only a fine engineer, he's a gentleman in the best sense of the word and ego-free - an extremely rare combination in today's world. Best wishes from NZ, Allen. 👍
Fellow kiwi right here
The over-inflated ego is usually a complete disaster for every household, workplace, committee, council and government on the planet and an almost universal constant reinforced by every media channel in existence.
Thank you @AllenMillyard
Silk purse out of a sows ear comes to mind. Allen's attention to detail is second to none. Even his machined blanking plugs are stamped with his own unique part number.
No, it's not a "unique part number" just "AM" and "2024" which he uses on all of his newly created parts for such things.
@@mitchd949 point being...he didn't have to stamp it with anything at all.
Its for the next generations. This engine is a part of history. In later times it is clearly to recognise, what parts are added or vhanged later.
@@p--n indeed, he's making a reference of name (initials) and date so future observers or restorers will understand what was changed or at least realize something was changed to tell an accurate story. I'm a stickler for accuracy and precision, hence my point to correct your commentary about "unique part number"
@@mitchd949 Well, they do have a number on them, and I'm not referring to 2024.
I think the only time I've heard him even slightly criticise the design is in this video. Man's an absolute genius and a pleasure to watch.
Plenty to criticise on this machine
I get where you're coming from. Its very easy to critique Norton's build processes looking at how this thing was bodged together!
"Less than ideal" is Allen's way of saying that something is totally unacceptable :-)
I like how Allen doesn't feel the need to denigrate the designer/builders of this bike. It speaks volumes for his character.
The consummate Gentleman Mr. Millyard is
@@robertprice7246 absolutely!
Millyard is obviously one of the best example of the finest traditional master of the engineering/mechanical domains I have had the pleasure to see at work. Your contribution to resurrecting the Nemesis will not soon be forgotten; added to that remarkable collection of machines you have already created. My jealousy has no bounds!
When he`s finished this bike should be renamed the Millyard Norton Nemesis. He has not just refurbed it , he has completely rebuilt it, getting rid of tatty old Norton stuff and replacing it with new , better items and ideas. Genius and and totally absorbing to watch.
allen your the only person on this earth, who could make a running and rideable bike out of a heap of crap .
I agree...from the beginning I thought the same...a heap of crap.
Less of the heap.! R
What a privilege to see the workings of such an iconic prototype test mule. Thanks to the museum and Allen for going to the trouble to share this.
It wasn't much of a test mule. More like a design bait concept piece
Only such a consummate professional would say something like "we won't be needing these parts" when referring to the terrible, Frankenstein designed, cooling system outlets from the cylinder heads which will be replaced with something much better. Hurry up with episode 8 please Mr Millyard as it's very engaging.
Allen Millyard says " that is not an ideal design" Translation = what were the original designers/engineers thinking?
Let's not forget the "I'll probably convert this to use modem throttle bodies...".
I'm pleased as punch because I changed my stock brake lines to braided steel on my FZ10. All on my own! 🤣🤣🤣
@@MartynCharsley I took a hacksaw to the rusty stock exhaust on my SR250 to fit a stainless one it's place. For 5 minutes I felt just a little bit brave and capable like Allen.
@@MartynCharsley Barrels are good though, aren't they? All the Formula One naturally aspirated engines used barrels -- it's just those barrels were lightweight and extremely low friction (there are some examples on Brian Garvey's UA-cam channel from the Cosworth V8 & V10 and Hart V10 engines). Whereas these ones seem to be extremely high friction and not very well designed.
@@TassieLorenzo Al Melling was heavily involved with F1 and you can see a lot of what i suspect is contemporary F1 engine design ideas in this engine, those throttles being one of them.
The pattern maker must be reeling to see his skilled labour and effort making cores etc for this engine let down by shoddy bodged water manifolds and various other components.
Nice work Alan , such a mild mannered gent and quite a rare species these days. 👍😉
There’s definitely an inconsistency in quality of design & manufacture between some of the parts
I’m a retired patternmaker, tho not responsible for this engine. I see your point, a masterpiece let down by small details.
@@bobstrade6355 a very skilled profession especially when I the day everything was hand made in wood and shrinkage of the casting would have to be carefully calculated in all 3 dimensions. I always used to be amazed when I used to visit a friend of mine who had a pattern making business on an evening. So so interesting.
@@newagetemplar6100 yes, a very skilled trade indeed. Sadly now almost died out with the advancement of CNC machines, rapid prototyping, & now, 3D printing. There is no way a person could compete with the speed & accuracy. Now only really exists as a cottage industry of men working in their sheds. So sad really.
@@bobstrade6355 I share the same sentiment, however I still make all my own patterns and molds by hand for race car bodies and past experiences and skills with castings and injection molding have always stood me well .
One has to realise that with the expansion of home 3D printing and 3D cad many skilled individuals both young and old now have access to a trade /knowledge otherwise quite out of reach. I believe there would be more people out there appreciating your skills now than before 3D printing came about so all is not lost . Evolution is a funny old thing , there must be more hobbyist’s dabbling in lost wax casting , model engineering , arts and crafts, electronics than ever before thanks to YT . And that has to be a good thing .😉👍
Imagine having this Calm voiced , Unflappable , Gentle Soul as your Engineering Professor .
You would remember EVERYTHING .
This bike seems a weird combination of genius design inspiration and blacksmith grade execution.
If I tried this, I'd knock over the box and send the valve components flying., some never to be seen again.
This is a pleasure to watch.
A little piece of calm excellence in an ever maddening world. Thanks Allen this is therapeutic 🙂🙂🙂
Allen's films are a joy to watch in themselves but they are also a terrific resource on how to design, build, and care for engines.
I can't wait to see the thing running again, better than ever. It's great the museum has given Allen the opportunity to actually improve the thing as well as make it useable again, vs just preserving it's flaws.
Nice one Allen, a timely posting of the afternoon entertainment. Nothing like a bit of millyard to brighten the weekend,👍. Keep the good work going sir.
Absolutely loving this build, that water manifold looks like I welded it!
Ha ha ha 😂
Glad to see Allen is trying to make the rotary throttle work. This is a historic museum piece and just because something doesn’t make good sense doesn’t mean it should be discarded. Yet.
Grand Prix (car) engines at the time like the Cosworth & Hart were using rotary throttles apparently. Cosworth even have a barrel throttle kit available for the Ford Duratec engine of the era. It seems like it was very popular at the time, of course those systems were carefully designed, low-friction coated & had bearings to be very low friction unlike this MCD aluminium-on-aluminium version! 🙂
"Cosworth has developed barrel throttles with an integrated manifold for the [Ford] Duratec engine. This F1 style throttle provides complete control with unrestricted flow at full throttle. Cast from heat treated aluminium with CNC machined barrels supported by sealed bearings. Designed to be used with Cosworth’s own carbon fibre airbox and free-flow air filter element."
Although with the version as fitted having a linkage that never allowed it to rotate enough to reach wide open throttle, the advantage of completely unrestricted flow at WOT was probably never previously realised on the Nemesis!
@@TassieLorenzo most of the engine design features are taken from Formula One engines of the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. MCD is Al Melling, who had some involvement in Formula One at that time.
All of you who are criticising the design forget this was a prototype! not a production machine
Prototype means you get the opportunity to improve your design as you move forward.
Allen is doing what would have happened if Norton had survived at this point in its history. Just enjoy the videos
Most of Allen's admirers wouldn't know the difference between a head stock and head job... Allen's a fine engineer but he's not God, the wind that gets blown up there is embarrassing
Well, yes, but even so, that cooling system was horrible!
@@stephenscholes4758 I love Allen's videos but my god 99% of the comments on his videos are full of people acting like he's the greatest engineer ever to live
Whenever I watch Allen's work I struggle with how to describe him. Gentleman engineer, accomplished mechanic and master craftsmen all rolled into one and yet that doesn't quite do the man justice. So great watching his videos and this series is amazing in depth and scope.
As one can see, the praise is well-earned and effusive. Allow me to pile on. Allen, you have once again provided a bromide to the increasingly frustrating and dangerous world. You have given us an all-too-short respite, and allowed us an entrance into a world where calm, intelligence, and competence reign, and I for one am better for it. Thank you sir for 18 minutes which are perfect.
Feels like my birthday every time Allen puts out a new video!
Unbelievable meticulous workmanship by Allen!
just polishing and grinding those ports couldve increased 10hp on the motor!
Ever so pleased when a new AM vid shows up, can’t believe eighteen minutes can pass so quickly. Love the casual, I might redesign that whole system attitude. You just know that Norton is going to run better than it ever has previously.
This is the quality content the internet is deserving of. As others often comment, the tick of the clock is a gentle background sound that goes with the relaxed style, yet meticulous work, that Allen does. Henry Cole seems to be a good producer of TV content in balancing the demands of TV broadcasters, advertisers etc, but often that style distracts from the quietude and considered design decisions that Allen makes. These videos would simply become obfuscated with lots of mockney rhyming slang and constantly talking of having a "cup of scorch" 😀. I think they both work very well together on TV, I enjoy the TV programmes a lot, but these videos allow Allen to demonstrate fully the intelligent, brilliant, mild mannered, nature friendly, engineer he is. Absolute quality!
Does anyone else cringe when Henry calls a bike a sled?🙄
In the 70’s I was fortunate enough to attend a couple of lectures by Phill Irving.
I cannot but imagine the discussions if he and Alan had happened to meet.
Excellent progress and a pleasing result will ensue.
Thank you and take care.
I think Allen has forgotten more than most so-called experts know
True genius and a fantastic channel to boot
18 minutes of pure gold. Thanks for the update Allen, fantastic work.
These are my favorite videos. I'm going to ask again, please, Mr. Millyard, make a nature documentary. Just one episode about your birds and hedgehog in your yard. Everyone will love it
Came for the bikes, came for the hedgehogs, blackbirds, sparrows, and pigeons.
I don't ride motorcycles, but excellent craftsmanship goes beyond conveyances. A pleasure to watch, class act.
I am not a biker but could watch this all day the man is a genius
get a bike amigo!
I had one many years ago but being pensionable age I will leave it to the younger generation
Hi Allen, great to see the grass workbench and BBQ dryer back in action. Brilliant to watch how your attention to detail and engineering prowess are making constant improvements to this engine (and badly needed improvements)..!! Great video usual thank you.. Alex.
Thanks Allen another masterclass in putting other people's lask of attention to detail and sufficent engineering skills right.
This is exactly what Norton should have done in their development all those years ago, if they'd had the time & the resources. Again, fantastic job done by Allen putting the many 'bad things' right.
I feel privileged to be around at the right moment in time to witness such genius.
You just know this is going to run like a sewing machine when AM has finished. Brilliant.
Who ever built this bike, have gone by the mantra "That will do!" Luckily for the bike and us Allen is here to fix it!
Great job, as always. I can't wait for the next one. I'm sure a lot of others feel the same way.
That's bloody amazing, they should have had you on the development team. Thanks for a great video.
Yippee, we got to see the Barbeque in use, it's been a while... But it's still in good working order, just perfect! 😁👍
I used to own a hotel in Blackpool with a large catering range oven, A large commercial freezer and a commercial dishwasher... All excellent for heating and freezing bearings in engines, baking on paint and really cleaning all sorts of bike parts prior to re-assembling... Oh Yes...They got used sometimes for hotel purposes too!
That will go like hell when you've worked your magic on it Allen !
When you're in the presence of a genius - well you just have to sit back and enjoy it. And be thankful you were there to see it....
I have done some work with my norton roadster today and now i found episode7. "Fits just perfekt" to relaxing to this evening. Thank you for your videos Mr Millyard.
Another great from the master. Byy the time it's finished he'll have done so many modifications that it'll have to be redefined as a Norton Millyard!
"Thanks for watching..." No, the thanks are all ours! All your videos are eminently watchable. Thank you...
You can tell Allen is really in the zone on this job as he didn’t even stop for cake.
This bike is in the right hands.
That cooling system though....
Glad you're the one sorting it out.
Bike in right hands, cooling system in the bin.
A brilliant time spent listening to your descriptions of the refurb. Can't wait for the next instalment 👍🏼 thank You 🙏🏾
I'm amazed the bike even ran in the first place.
Every video is a testament to your knowledge, skill and conceptual understanding, Allen. Always a true pleasure to watch 😊
I just sit back, watch the videos, enjoy being drawn into them, knowing the end result will actually work!
Didn’t think some of that dodgy workmanship would slip past are Allen. A legend in his own lifetime 👍✌️🇬🇧
Super excited to see this thing run better than it ever has.
Allan is a wonderful guy and so talented at whatever he touches, Henry gets on my nerves alot of the time!too much of an Ego! Were as I could watch Allan for hours 👍
Amazing Allen, your attention to detail and diagnosis of errors in design is impeccable, always a joy to watch you!
Best thing on UA-cam , Henry Cole should have made this a TV series .
Who needs Henry Cole?
I wholeheartedly disagree about making it a TV series. If made into a TV series, there would be too many other opinions about how to present the content and it would end up being a bunch of drivel. I like the existing model with Allen being director, writer, on-screen talent, et al. Don't think I'm right on this? Look at Wheeler Dealers over the years - it's now pretty much junk.
God no!
Please don't say such things.
I prefer observing Alan's work without Cole's bollocks
@@PaulG.xthat is assuming that Cole has some!
Yes...but just omit Henry Cole.
Fantastic. Real joy watching your skill and experience at work
I'm both imressed how easy Allen makes it look to come to perfection as a mechanic - but also how well filmed and edited these videos are. The small details are always shown just perfect. :-)
This project continues to be an interesting bit of archaeology
Is there anything more soothing than a selection of bike parts ready for assembly, with the gentle ticking of Allen’s clock in the background? I think not…😊
18 minutes and i dont know when it goes to an end. I can watch You for hours! Cheers!
Once again, another brilliant informative video and display of Allen's excellent engineering skills and patience tackling and refining this massive rebuild project.😊😊😊
Shoddy workmanship from Norton in the first place, rectified and repaired by a master mechanic.
Allen is definitely one of a kind and a great engineer plus mechanic
This really has got to be the most complex motorcycle engine that I've ever seen. Alan Millyard is the man for the job!
Looks like it was designed by engineers and built by apprentices, restored by a genius.
This comment should be adopted as the strapline to go with this machine!
Old shed, cardboard boxes, beat up tools, jet wash on some vinyl flooring and a bbq to dry it out. Brilliant
An oasis of calm ! Thank you . Can't wait to have a binge after we reach the finale . That could be the best of Christmas presents !! 😌
Beautiful work as usual, Allen! I must say that with every video it becomes clearer to me why Norton went bankrupt, but if anyone can redeem this bike, it’s you.
A man at the absolute top of his game..its a joy just watching you work.
Sheer perfection.
Brilliant Allen. I anticipate each following episode more than any other UA-cam clips, or TV programmes, including Henry's stuff 😂
Seems like those people who made this engine in the first place, wasn't the brightest in the class.
How on earth can 18 minutes go so fast?
Thank you mr Millyard!
Don't knock the ones who had to end up cobling stuff together that those designers probably hadn't given much if any thought too, remember it's a prototype
During my working life I helped design and build hydraulic process control systems. The prototype stage was always a lot of "Heath Robinson" building to prove the concept. I think that was the stage where this Norton Nemesis project was terminated. Now it gets the "magic Millard touch", we're so fortunate to be bought along to witness.
@@johngibson3837 True!
It has some good ideas, it seems like it was put together in an almighty hurry though. The budget that Norton provided for delivery of the prototype engine and prototype bike was pretty limited from what I gather. The idea of having two independent cooling systems is not that unusual, that's how the Cosworth DFV worked (being essentially two Cosworth FVA engines joined together, also done in a hurry), it's unusual in a small 1500cc engine though and seems cumbersome for a motorcycle.
I can't wait to see this bike when you start the rebuild. I could watch for hours. Thank you Allen, your knowledge is incredible 👏
Almost seems like the grooves cut in the throttle tubes are made for some kind of bearing rings. I'm sure the Norton people wanted to develop and finish all the details you are attending to. I can imagine these fellows watching your series and exclaiming, "I was going to do that!" Lovely work Allen.
I was wondering if possibly just O rings.
Imagine being the guy that people go to for something like this, proper legend.
Thanks Allen Millyard we really enjoy your videos. We all wait patiently for the next episode.
Well done Alan all your hard work is vastly improving a prototype museum piece. Im with Charlie Weaver on the one PTFE 😂 ,
'The Master' is a Gentleman . . . my words to the builders of that poor thing would be blunt! : )
Jeez. What a masterclass.
Reminded me of Bike magazine's Ogri cartoon. When his m8 Malcolm left the cast alloy Truimph engine in a bath of caustic soda over night..lol.
Love from Downunder.😊
Thank you for all the hard work in making these excellent videos.
Another excellent film……I watched it while enjoying a pint of Guinness. It was the best pint I’ve ever had!
I now have to dig deep and find other things to interest me until the next episode.
More Guinness I think…… but they won’t be as good!
Perfect... Thank you for sharing your gifts Allen.
Mr. Millyard you have brought the magic back
The clock ticking in the background is awesome. And the cake breaks are a nice touch.
Certainly looking a lot better now with the work you've put in Allen 🎉
This engine will be much happier than it ever has been!
Nice day for a bike ride or even cutting the grass if you can find the time just nice to be outside ☔☔☔☀☀☀
Спасибо за ваш труд! Получаю истинное наслаждение - наблюдая за вашей работой! Спасибо!
It's amazing how much improvement you have to do which the original engineers somehow "forgot".
they didnt forget, they frogot!
A real pleasure to watch sir, a brilliant job as always, loved the vid keep them coming .
thank you.
Brilliant, Allen. I would give anything to spend a day with you in your workshop...
I rather spend the day eating the cakes😁
@@philleeson7835 I'm sure a cake or two would be eaten...😀
If Mr Millyard ever says your work is "Less than Ideal.."
You know you seriously messed up somewhere.
The more I see of this engine rebuild, the more I'm amazed that it ever ran in the first place.
To call it a complete lash up would be a massive understatement
Thanks Allen, really enjoy your rebuild and improving.
Hedgehogs are really talkative. Cheers 👍💪✌
I'm learning to appreciate in the small things in life that go well; example, two cylinder heads fitting perfectly into the barbecue.
This legend could moonlight as a top class surgeon and do a far superior job than the best of them 👍👏
lets get him into medical school!
One of the best things to watch at the moment!
I still can't believe how much that engine was bodged together Allan some of the ideas look like they were a drawn from a hat you are doing a brilliant job of sorting it out I can't wait to hear it run looking forward to the next video 👍