At Home with Allen Millyard | Genius Motorcycle Engineer
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- čas přidán 24. 11. 2020
- Welcome to this special documentary featuring the genius engineer Allen Millyard. Allen is behind some of the wackiest bike creations, including his award-winning ‘Flying Millyard’, which is powered by a gigantic, 5.0-litre V-twin engine designed for an aeroplane. It resembles a two-wheeled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and was magically created in his suburban garage in Berkshire.
Editor of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, Bertie Simmonds, went to visit Allen's home to find out how he got started, view some of his creations and find out how he accomplishes everything without the use of a huge industrial workshop.
Filmed in 2019.
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It’s been said before,but I’ll say it again,this man is a national treasure,long may he continue.
Indeed, but youngsters of the same period shared a similar outlook; get a bike, have some fun, mod it to go faster and try not to fall off! Biking then was about discovery and having fun, which is why so many folks of that era want to keep living it. I learnt to ride a Honda SS50 around a field! Great stuff...
Please somebody get allen on the telly with a series of one hour specials,we live in a world that needs more millyard.
thinking that myself ..cant believe he's not got his own show..
Now that’s a great idea! Yes yes yes!
Yes! About time he gets the recognition he deserves
I think nowadays CZcams is your own show
Great idea.
Everytime he's interrupted he comes right back to point without missing a beat. So focussed.
He is just about to make a point then he gets interrupted.
This interviewer would be the worst interviewer in the world. Luckily Allen is so interesting that the drone interviewing him is of no consequence.
@@gazzafloss Really annoying...
Horrible. Interviewing a legend and constantly interrupting. A good interviewer keeps his mouth shut and ears open.
@@TubeBrowser2 I agree with the above posts, i wanted to listen to Allen, not the constant, annoying interruptions from the interviewer.
A son comes to his dad and asks him to build him a mountain bike, and he builds him the fastest in the world... beautiful!
Having watched all of this now I reckon Allen is the most down to earth off the scale genius I've ever come across.
The thing is, I doubt he regards himself as a genius, just a very competent mechanical engineer, who both envisages uncommon designs and, unusually, reduces it to practise himself.
I'd love to watch more interviews about Allen but with someone who would let him finish.
Yes, it's really annoying that he hardly ever gets to finish the sentence. By all means ask the question but then listen to the answer!
@@Big-Si2253 agreed
No thanks, he is far to boring
i thought at one point he was going to say, if you let me finish.
It’s not an interview as such, just two mates passing the time with each other.
Alan is a national treasure ultimate man in a shed engineer lover this guy.
He's our Fred Dibney!
@@northlandrider5396 *dibnah
Along with his hacksaw
@@northlandrider5396 fred dimly
@@northlandrider5396
Lunaris 2142 teste honda goaldwing
Allen is a worthy documentary subject, but this interviewer will not let him finish!!! Well done Allen keeping your cool, I would have bailed
As a precision engineer for over 25 years i respect that guy enormously what a guy. Some truly lovely bikes . Terrible interview always interrupting ..
This is about the most fascinating interview I've ever watched. Pity the bloody interviewer won't shut his bloody trap and let Allen finish a sentence.
He's not a listener, is he?
@@TheDern No he doesn´t converse or rally the conversation - he´s too busy thinking about what he wants to say next rather than listening to Allen & getting a good dialogue going...
@@TheDern How could you not want to ask a million questions? I think it was a great interview.
Thing is, first you need an interviewer who knows his stuff and knows the subject so he can ask the right in depth questions. Then you need an interviewer who is willing to let all his knowledge and preparation be what it is and let the subject do the talking. Hard enough finding someone who knows what they're talking about in the first place
That's exactly what my dad would'a said ..
There’s very few people on this earth that I feel is actually worth interviewing. 🏍
Thank you Allen Millyard
This guy is an absolute genius.
Jim Hibbert I would love to have him for my neighbor and I’d never complain ever about the noise. What a interesting individual he is.
"Files are all you need". Files, patience and the mind of a genius.
This guy has to be the greatest living engineer in the UK at this time. How many people can conceive the most preposterous motorcycle designs and then go on to build them from scratch with the most exquisite attention to detail. A unique and talented eccentric in the Great British tradition. Why are we importing vehicles when we can produce engineering talent like this...?
Unlike Germany and Japan, to pull relevant comparisons out of the air, Britain no longer regards these attributes as a source of pride. In those countries, “engineer”, at the level we’re witnessing here, is seen as a profession with as much automatic status as a doctor or a lawyer. Our hierarchical social structure tends to see posh Classics & Greats scholars as the pinnacle of accomplishment, and a grubby handed mech eng as akin to plumbers of electricians. Not that these guys aren’t also worthy of respect.
Unions , have you heard about the British unions ? Their historical legacy at least . There's the triumph story of mid seventies.
50 minutes of Mr. Millyard interview and I feel it only was around 10 minutes....
The man is a legend and should be knighted....
The way he does what he does with so few tools speaks volumes. Reminds me of when I was younger and had to work with the limitations of basic tools. It proves the most important tool you have is your mind, apply it the right way you can tackle anything. Allen's honesty and humility is refreshing, absolutely no ego.
The more you use the tool between the ears the better it works!
And when in need Allen is capable of manufacturing any tool he need. I've been builiding snowmobiles with turbo charged 4 stroke engines, and can relate to a lot of what Allen does. But IMHO Allen is on another planet when it comes to ingenuity, engineering capabilites and visions for his builds. Allen Millyard is a genius!
An American here. God, Alan is amazing. What an inspiration. He makes everything sound so simple: “I took my hacksaw, cut the case in half, welded on another cylinder, made the crankshaft on me lathe...”
Well, it is that simple. The difficulty is in the precision required.
@@zweispurmopped Way to contradict yourself in one small sentence 😂 The engineering skills and knowledge required to do some of the engine and bike builds is much tougher than it might seem, especially on the ones he builds from scratch.
@@HalfdeadRider Congratulations! You found the paradox in my reply that was the joke of it! 🤗
Simple and precision don’t go together.
@@zacharyradford5552 Easy and precision don't go together, Simple does
I re-watch all Allen Millyard video’s, I just love this dude. Some folks idealize Michael Jackson, some John Wayne, others think Obama is a god, but to me this guy is the Boss. He is the Gearhead that no other gearhead measures up too. If I were a manufacturer of some kind, I would want him to work in RD.
Yep im surprised some major player havnt hired him.
@@andrewdavis5404They’d all apply Ts & Cs which wouldn’t fly with Allen Millyard. Modern disease if wokism.
can you talk over him even more please there are still parts where i can hear allen speaking
😂😂😂😂😂😂
This is the best thing I've watched in a very long time.
Impressive, how he never loses his train of thought throughout the interview.
Despite the constant interruptions mid story.
This man is a gem...a gentleman and a Real Gear Head :)
His brain is going 200 mph even when he is sitting still and it is all in a calm, cool, demeanor.
He keeps interrupting Allen and its bloody annoying..
My thoughts exactly. We want to listen to Allen’s interesting stories.
I honestly believe nobody has not only his talent but also his artistic mind. Such an amazing man.
I think a lot of comments here don't understand that this is a 'conversation' between a couple of chums, who have known each other for many years and probably shared many a pint together.
This is how two friends will conduct their conversation, so it's not really an interview in the formal sense.
I had the great pleasure of meeting Allen and his lovely wife Tracie at Sammy Miller’s museum on Sunday. They had ridden down on Allen’s six cylinder “Z900”. What an amazing bike and a totally modest and unassuming man. The bike was literally a “second-take” as I first thought it was stock until I saw the six pipes. Marvellous. By the way, I thought this was a really good interview and do not agree with the haters. 👍🏻
What a smashing chap. So genuine and knowledgeable is an understatement.
I don’t know that I would call him a genius motorcycle engineer as much as I would call him a genius engineer period. He’s just amazing!
Yes you are a Genius Motorcycle Engineer Allen. You are one of the best Engineers in the world.🤗
This man is a Genius......overused word, but in Allen's case doesn't even come close!!
Oh yes!
Yes it does, just showing how abused that word has been. Like so many overused words ... I hope the English manage to hang on to the meaning of words. America has lost its way and abuses words like racist terribly ...
Most humans are so dumb, they don't even know what a genius is. I've been here and there, and never seen anyone like him. Personally, only met 3. They are not just faster, or deeper thinkers. They are working from a point of view that is totally unknown to us. Millyard is def a genius.
Thank god he is on YT and has the ability to communicate. Many geniuses cannot do that.
Great video of the greatest bike builder known. Such a very clever modest man that enjoys RIDING all his creations and not just over restored and polished. Well done to you SIR .😊😊😊
" I've already seen the bike finished and running before I start "
Yes !!!
Exactly
Pity the interviewer didn’t let Allen finish his sentences.
Indeed
Bloody irritating. I only made it to 22.12. Just shut up man...
@@suereed try to persevere, it’s worth the irritation!
@@suereed Yep, persevere just to hear Allen talk!!
Extremely irritating and rude interviewer
Brilliant. I think Allen’s CZcams channel is now my favourite. Love the telephone, and the ‘really pleased with that’.
+1 I'm using the "I'm well pleased with that", when appropriate, at work now. My colleagues seem well pleased with that.
@Steven Shaw, who doesn't like the "Telephone," the Swiss Army Knife and the Barbecue to preheat the engine cases prior to welding! Allen Millyard is Just a legend!
I used to watch Trumpton as a kid and there was always a telephone call, I did it just for fun :)
Best interview I've seen Allan do. Wonderful to see someone with his passion, drive and intelligence talk so lovingly about his creations.
That was most enjoyable but extremely dissapointed at the moto journalist not letting Alan continue with his conversation without interrupting him.Probably frustrating for Alan though he handled it like a gentleman.
Maybe Allen, should have put a rev limiter, on mr. talk-over.
This man inspired me to buy and ride my 1st bike at 60 years old, so inspirational as a biker and genius engineer
That’s such a great & unusual thing to read. Bravo! I hope enjoy bikes as much as I do, in three years, if I survive that long, I’d have been riding & in continuous ownership of motorbikes, for 50 years. Now that’s an ageing point!
There aren't many people that can get your attention to watch their story but this guy, Mr. Millyard, is absolutely amazing to listen to and hear his story and history. He's the kind of guy you'd want to help, work with, for nothing just to gain knowledge and experience and because what they do is so fascinating.
Absolutely fantastic and I know what people mean about the interviewer interrupting him but it wasn’t badness it was just his natural enthusiasm coming through I absolutely adored this
Having just watched this I agree.
Nice interview. Allen looked so chuffed when his son kicked his bike first go.
Sounds great too.
A priceless interview. A genius who isn't really valued yet. The interviewer did a good job.
I love Alan Millyard! Proper down to earth bloke with an absolutely superb outlook on life and the covering of “stuff”....after watching this I was mortified at how many tools I’ve got that have never seen daylight......time for a clear out I think.
Ditto. It was those “tool chests with roller bearing drawers”. Mind you, I do still have the dial Guate I bight time the ignition on my 1972 Yamaha YDS7 250 twin, which I must have bought back in 1976. It’s Japanese & I’ve built a few adapters for various applications.
This guy is amazing he literally can make a motorcycle out of anything.
Every mechanical engineering institute should invite him for a speech at every graduation.
But he's not diverse enough.
Allen, a true genius!
Thank you for getting him to tell us his story, well some of his stories😀😀
Hi there, I love Allen Millyard and everything he has made. In my eyes 👀, he’s a genius, whatever he touches turns to gold “motorcycles” I’d really love to have one of his Honda 100 v twins, i think they are proper genius. I could listen to Allen all day long, he is sooo interesting . Great video man. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧
Who dislikes this?? What sad lives they must have. Genius and nice guy
The dislikers, they cannot, so it must be fake!
The human race is doomed - or maybe we should stop putting warning labels on everything, and let stupidity weed itself out.
Allen is a very remarkable engineer. Thank you so much for this interview. So nice to see Allen at peace and actively involved discussing his passion. Thank you.
What a brilliant mind you have Allen I got quite emotional half way through to think that we have talented people in the UK but most are wasted as we don't make anything any more. If this was in Japan or some other countries they would have budgets of millions to develop machines like this and huge facilities well done Allen.
I’ve made the point elsewhere, that Britain & the British establishment, regard Allen as deeply suspect. We spend so much money on degrees in reality TV shows yet pass over grant giving in particular niches like innovative mechanical engineering. Massive missed opportunity the last many decades & longer, to our collective loss.
Very nice to see Allen at home. I learn more about Allen's fantastic abilities every interview I see. Allen must be an alien because each and every bike he builds is otherworldly.
Allen, you're a true Engineer. I'm more than impressed, I just cant believe your abilities. Many many thanks for your contribution to science knowledge.
Almost - ALMOST - gave this video a dislike because of that bloody "interviewer", but can't bring myself to do it because it's about Allen Millyard (take note, "interviewer").
I'm one of those that _did_ give a thumbs down. Such a shame, but it was purely down to the ''interviewer''. I always give my reasons for thumbing down, and this was in no way anything to do with Allen Millyard himself.
Take not that this is an EDITED VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW where we have to hit a time length etc.
@@bertiesimmonds - Yes yes, some of us DO understand how editing works. But that does not take away the fact, in the unedited parts we see, that you DO talk over Allen and interrupt him a lot. So, don't try to say it's all down to editing.
It's so fascinating to see how much he can do with what he has. I wonder if he understands how extraordinary his skills actually are? I mean his brain is on a whole different level when it comes to mechanical engineering ?
"Space shuttle tiles". Absolutely brilliant!
I rewatch this interview and every one of Allen's videos constantly. What a mind boggling genius.
One of the most talented people in the world. WOW.
This was a joy to watch, 50 minutes of sheer pleasure. Thank you!
The interview guy had too much to say , Allen Millard is a total genius and so interesting to listen to , good God he’s talking about stuff no one else has dreamt of only he has made them. - by hand ! I love his little compact workshop. His bikes are mind blowers , pure and simple .
Interviewer was terrible
Brilliant interview. Allen's mind is much like the machines he builds; precise & smooth as a wristwatch. Great fun, thanks for this.
It's incredible to see what one man is capable of and also how matter of fact he is about making something like a carburettor for the FM !
Also I didn't realise he was still working full time in his regular job, yet he can build an engine from scratch in a matter of weeks and build the whole bike in a few months in his spare time !
Man; this guy is awesome and love the story. Have to agree, the interviewer totally spoilt the story
I am so happy to hear that he did a project bike with his son. Some Father/son project/time together can be very precious. Edit: she sounds really nice running.
A fascinating look at Allen and his bikes. I was at Stafford once listening to him chat about life and projects. He really is a man to admire in what he achieves.
Just wish I went to speak with him.
Allen is ace, he is everything that I would aspire to be were I younger I do a lot of my own work and servicing on my bike, but anything I do pales into insignificance when compared to Allen! An absolute scholar and genius!!
The interviewer is keeping him engaged. Beautiful job sir.
A wealth of knowledge and ability.
But comes over as a really nice chap. Great interview.
I found myself smiling right the way through.
Allen is just a genius, he is so modest about his achievements.
Love his enthusiasm for everything motorcycles 🏍 brilliant engineer and a delight to see a genius at work 👌
@vtid1981, it's not just everything motorcycles..... Allen restored his daughter in laws 1910 wall clock! He's a true engineer..... a Legend!
Allen is just amazing, he is super human, so matter of fact, what he has achieved with just a few tool in a single garage is unbelievable 😵💫
I knew Allen was an expectional individual now I know he is exceptionally kind and tollerant as well.
The Einstein of motorcycle’s,Millyard🥰
I had a CD175 and the CX650 Turbo... listening to Allen was like a trip down my own memory lane.
It’s obscene that he can be gifted with this much talent . Well played that man
Such modesty such ability a national treasure
Genius! Both in terms of technical ability and imagination. I’m in awe!
Nice interview Bertie, I could listen the Allen all day long.
Just a humble, classy English gentleman out for a ride in the the countryside on his motorbike, that he built from scratch in his small workshop.
I have watched Mr. Millyard with his builds for a few years and I am always amazed with his humility and abilities.
I would love to share a few pints and a conversation with him.
Just an awesome person. We need more like him in this world.
As everyone noticed the interviewer kept cutting Allen off, even changing the subject. Very rude indeed this man is a genuine genius at least let him finish what you asked him in the first place. Love your work Allen you’re the man.
He was beyond rude
Wonderful interview! What an amazing talent you have to see these things before you start the project. I’d love to hang out and listen to all the stories and ideas that are yet to come. It’s been a real privilege to be able to watch these shows and learn from this man! Keep up the amazing work. Can’t wait for the next show!
Best interview I've seen Allen do, seems really at ease with the interviewer even though he did interrupt quite a bit. Love all of his stories of how he conjured up all his different bikes.
I'm going to leave a third comment: I really don't see the critisism of the interviewer. He teased all the good stuff out of Allen, and in fact, this was a beter watch than some of Allen's videos on his own. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. Wonderfull stuff! Thank you!
its true, ive got more to say locked away in my mind than i can remember to say on my own.
Thank you for posting this interview! It is good to hear Allen tell some of his backstory. I love how Allen is not just an excellent metal worker, machinist, and engineer; but also an artist. There are so many ways to appreciate his creations - looks, sounds, performance, etc. He is an inspiration to all of us DIY'ers!
Allen the true engineering wizard, and a really nice guy.
Mr. Millyard is a modest genius, head and shoulders above what passes for motorcycle media on this side of the Atlantic. His videos should be on any motorcyclist's or automotive engineer's playlist. That being said, this interview clearly illustrates the old adage that Great Britain and the United States are two nations separated by a common language.
Alan is a genius, love the fact that his garage has everyday tools and no shiny unused crap, wish the interviewer would let him finish a sentence without butting in.
“And I looked in my box of Conrods” and found one 2mm longer “perfect”, unbelievable 😂😂
great ending for a great story... mr Millyard is an inspiration on more than just one level..
stay safe everyone, have fun when possible
Jeez the guy interviewing Allen is bloody rude. He must have trained at the BBC stop interrupting when someone is in their flow button it 😠
I agree, he was really pissing me off on a couple of occasions.
Agreed, shut the hell up man and let Mr Millyard talk.
@@fredfarnackle5455 Then don't watch it.
@@Team-fabulous Then visit Allen's own CZcams page. It's that simple.
Yeah that's what I thought, kept interrupting him, very annoying.
I met Allen recently. He is a really nice chap. So unassuming gentleman. A real clever man. Thank you for all you do to encourage us!
I've said this before Allen Millyard is beyond a magican, watching this, his focus, dedication and attention to detail is mind-boggling. An enginerring genius.
Great video, amazing stuff, yes I agree will all the comments about the interviewer, Alan could you get Henry Cole to do a full in depth series about each of your bikes?
Awesome Allen , he is so interesting to listen to. One of my favourite machinist/motorcyclist types ever!
What a great interview. I only found Allen some months ago and have to say he is one bloody brilliant shed-engineer. Never seen such a guy before in my life. My uncle was very immaculate from his 1956 mb 190 and had almost the same set of mind. Built things in his carage and kept my hometowns car museum alive till his passing few years ago. Damn Allen, you are a top man and what you said about tools - "why would you need more than these". Cheers from Finland!!!
I have watched this so many times. An inspiration every time! A true hero to me.
I shudder to think how many full snap-on tool chests are used primarily for changing oil.
Do the oil changes and brakes on two cars yourself for ten years and the snap on tool chest will have paid for itself and started to pay you!
I'm speaking for all the motorcyclists and motorcycles engineers main one myself now retired I thank you what this young man does is very unique I think is great work but it doesn't take a genius to do this just take someone who is committed to working The Angles it's all about geometry and frequency guys keep up the good work young man I love your videos
Its a passion for him, some may not see logic.
@@mrwolsy3696 you're right sir I will not disagree with that whatsoever I did my dislogical things in motorcycling and so I can relate to what you're saying there there's a lot of Truth to that
You can't help but like Allen Millyard, so humble yet brilliant!
What a pleasure to see Allan at home.. I bet that his brain is as organised as his workshop as well! I admire this man and his " I will make sure it will work" ethos.
Imagine his dad’s reaction to the viper 🤣
Same story with my Dad, spent years telling me about his Antics on bikes, then said no.....well for a while 😁
@M Bacon lol
50 minutes has never gone so quick. What an absolute honour.