Twin disc conversion - Kawasaki S1 550 four

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  • čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
  • This video shows how I upgraded the front brake of my Kawasaki S1 550 four cylinder from its original single disc to twin disc retaining a factory look.
    The S Series Kawasaki triples did not have calliper mounting lugs on the left hand fork like the H Series bikes so I convert the left hand fork slider to fit on the right with the calliper mounts pointing forward and repositioned mudguard mounting lugs.
    Hope you enjoy the video
    regards
    Allen
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 715

  • @Wingnut_Stickman
    @Wingnut_Stickman Před rokem +268

    Is there anything better than a new Allen video?

    • @ParaBellum2024
      @ParaBellum2024 Před rokem +10

      Maybe a new Allen _key,_ if the old one has become rounded?

    • @dennis-nz5im
      @dennis-nz5im Před rokem

      Two stroke stuffing and Ave ,Peg and a couple other people

    • @BitsAndBobs1
      @BitsAndBobs1 Před rokem +27

      2 new Allen videos?

    • @Wanderin_Rider
      @Wanderin_Rider Před rokem +4

      Yep….. another new video 😁

    • @kubaceg1
      @kubaceg1 Před rokem +4

      New project from Allen with whole series of movies ❤

  • @classicmusclecarexhaust1988

    Allen, the most encouraging thing about your videos is that the work you do is not with a 3D printer or a CNC milling machine, but with a simple shop, hand tools, a good eye, and a cup of tea. I can't tell you how inspiring that is to me.

    • @keithammleter3824
      @keithammleter3824 Před 23 hodinami

      He does have the right equipment though - things that a lot of backyarders/hobby workers don't have - micrometer (which he winds in correctly, not with the barrel like a lot of CZcamsrs), surface plate, slip gauges ... and a small but decent Colchester lathe, not one of those terrible Myfords a lot of Britishers seem to go for, or the even worse Unimat..

  • @tjroelsma
    @tjroelsma Před rokem +2

    The mark of a true craftsman: making difficult jobs look easy.

  • @tlf.
    @tlf. Před rokem +127

    Measuring by eye and it manages to look factory new is very impressive

    • @quartusbuys6831
      @quartusbuys6831 Před rokem +8

      If it looks right, it is right.

    • @rixogtr
      @rixogtr Před rokem +1

      apart from that eye gouging porosity and unfinished welds it does look really good, it's impressive that there's no noticeable difference between the color of the weld and the fork material. I wonder what filler rod he used.

    • @lonewolfandcub668
      @lonewolfandcub668 Před rokem

      Old caliper designs really show how much they have progressed.
      Still good though

    • @davidelliott5843
      @davidelliott5843 Před 10 měsíci

      It will be stronger than the original but how much perfection does a mudguard bracket need?

    • @SuccessShared
      @SuccessShared Před 10 měsíci

      ​@@quartusbuys6831Amen to that! First lesson as a technical illustrator! I remember it well and it's surprising how it's still relevant today!

  • @1gtd1
    @1gtd1 Před rokem +5

    I've often thought about adding a second disc to my front wheel. Having watched this video I now realise I'm never going to do it!

    • @rikhughes6452
      @rikhughes6452 Před 5 dny

      Do it the easy but not as cool way put the second one 180% round so one caliper is forward one is back

  • @gazzafloss
    @gazzafloss Před rokem +29

    Allen you're a "master" of the hand tools, great to watch a craftsman working with simple everyday saws, files and power tools.

    • @-IE_it_yourself
      @-IE_it_yourself Před rokem

      you could build pyramids with the 90' when he was drilling the mud guard lugs

  • @computername
    @computername Před rokem +2

    It's engineering art. Non-mechanical people don't really understand just how amazing it is what you do.
    Before this channel was around I would speculate with friends what high-tech machinery would be involved in making these bikes. But it's made with a hacksaw and a Bantam.
    Thank you so much for letting us see you work your magic. The fact you're sharing your processes with the world should be an inspiration for what's possible with simple tools but ingenuity and determination. I think this much overlook in our tech-centred world.
    Thank you!

  • @lovemore4229
    @lovemore4229 Před rokem +2

    It has the same feeling as watching a 1970's test cricket match, cheers Alan love your vids.

  • @WreckedRevival
    @WreckedRevival Před rokem +20

    Your calm cool demeanor really makes for a therapeutic video to watch and the lack of music plus the inclusion of nature and it's sounds/creatures make for a nice touch. Aspire to one day be as knowledgeable in machining and fabricating as you!

    • @althejazzman
      @althejazzman Před rokem +4

      I totally agree. His videos are so technically interesting but so calming, it's like he has an infinite amount of time to make things.

    • @davestrain9529
      @davestrain9529 Před 11 měsíci +2

      @@althejazzman
      Times are TOUGH! I use it for Therapy.the soothing voice.... especially Tea time, when the Crumbly cakes ( and Robins come around) in the latest Video. Dave Boulder CO USA rd350, TRIUMPH Tbird Sport , KTM 300 XCW

  • @camperp195
    @camperp195 Před rokem +61

    Always therapeutic watching you work allen,your engineering genius is on another level 👍

    • @davestrain9529
      @davestrain9529 Před 11 měsíci

      Times are TOUGH! I use it for Therapy.the soothing voice.... especially Tea time, when the Crumbly cakes ( and Robins come around) in the latest Video. Dave Boulder CO USA rd350, TRIUMPH Tbird Sport , KTM 300 XCW

    • @realemonful
      @realemonful Před 8 měsíci +1

      That's just pefect lol

  • @howder1951
    @howder1951 Před rokem +72

    Very nice work on that fork, fitted and finished more like an artist rather than a mechanic. It always feels good to do a beautiful job like this, cheers!

  • @redfishross
    @redfishross Před rokem +11

    The man is a wizard.

  • @shannonharris2816
    @shannonharris2816 Před rokem +1

    Allen, you are the apotheosis of 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance'.

  • @scooterwoodley195
    @scooterwoodley195 Před rokem +2

    I haven’t been this relaxed since Mr. Rogers, circa 1973

  • @lyndonwebber1389
    @lyndonwebber1389 Před rokem +5

    If Alan was our teacher at school, who would of turned up more and actually learned something interesting and useful? Always a pleasure Alan 👍🍺

  • @chrisharper2658
    @chrisharper2658 Před rokem +24

    Allen, you never fail to impress. And it's always nice to have a cameo appearance with the wife.

  • @matthewrooke386
    @matthewrooke386 Před rokem +55

    I always learn something from Allen’s videos - superb as usual thank you.😊

    • @CONEHEADDK
      @CONEHEADDK Před rokem +3

      I love them. And I'm impressed. But they also always depress me a bit, bcz thet keep rubbing my nose in, that I shouldn't have believed all those know-it-alls, who told my, when I was a teen, that "that's impossible", "You can't weld a crank", just to mention one of the lies..

    • @Ravan_Caw
      @Ravan_Caw Před rokem

      👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

    • @GT380man
      @GT380man Před rokem +1

      @@CONEHEADDK No, THEY can’t weld a crank! Nor do you need to with Allen’s builds of fully pressed up cranks. Extra pins & flywheels and off he goes.

  • @joseywales3789
    @joseywales3789 Před rokem +9

    Allen, not only brilliant Engineering but we got to see Charlie Weaver and the Swiss Army Knife! Just missed the Barbeque and we'd have had the Hat-trick (Greta on the Erickson would have been the Royal flush!) But unless you needed to preheat the fork leg prior to Welding, it wouldn't be needed. Thanks Tracy for the Tea, perhaps a cherry cupcake 🧁 would have gone down, nice... Just a thought 🤔😁 Thanks Allen.

  • @stephenrice4554
    @stephenrice4554 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Clear , easily understood description , and wildlife moments . Marvelling at Mr Millyards dexterity with a hacksaw and hand tools to get an accurate and neatly finished modification. Impressive.

  • @johnb5519
    @johnb5519 Před rokem +9

    Amazing how you make it look so easy. You're a real inspiration to all us do it yourselfers.

  • @dsofe4879
    @dsofe4879 Před rokem +25

    Love how you covered the machining in more detail, really interesting!

  • @CaptHollister
    @CaptHollister Před rokem +5

    The incredible attention to detail: did everyone else notice the "550-4" stamped at the bottom of the new, modified fork leg ?

  • @rollingthunder45
    @rollingthunder45 Před rokem +29

    Excellent, a walk in the park for a man of your talents Allen! Enjoyed this one. 👌

  • @BMW7series251
    @BMW7series251 Před rokem +1

    Just a joy to watch Allen. What a bummer, no cupcakes!!? Thanks as ever for posting, best regards, John.

  • @1234567marks
    @1234567marks Před rokem +14

    I converted my CB750 SOHC to twin disc, fortunately Honda had the foresight to include lugs on the other leg, so it was just a matter of trimming them to the correct length, far easier than what Allen had to do, it makes a massive difference to braking power, twice as good you could say!

  • @leslieadams5507
    @leslieadams5507 Před rokem +19

    Ladies and Gentlemen it's as easy as that. 😊 Another masterpiece by Alan.

  • @johnpartridge7623
    @johnpartridge7623 Před rokem +1

    That Fork Leg looks genuine Kawasaki, a good piece of Engineering Allen, spot-on 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @mitcheloo2632
    @mitcheloo2632 Před rokem +9

    Every time I see your work I'm just impressed at what you can do in a shed, my respect!!

    • @davestrain9529
      @davestrain9529 Před 11 měsíci

      and!!! The ICHIBAN MOTO sticker..Sense of Humour!!

  • @markrivett9493
    @markrivett9493 Před rokem +8

    Never cease to be amazed by how you make quite complex jobs look easy. Seriously talented.

  • @markhensley9378
    @markhensley9378 Před rokem +20

    Great job making the caliper mounts! Like everything else you build, it looks like a Kawasaki factory built unit. Thank you so much for taking the time to film this process. Enjoy your weekend.

  • @nobbybennett575
    @nobbybennett575 Před rokem +1

    Clever man. Never get tired of watching Allen work.

  • @grenvillephillips6998
    @grenvillephillips6998 Před rokem +7

    Some excellent camera work there - much appreciated!

    • @G58
      @G58 Před rokem +2

      Indeed. I noted that too. Allen’s cinematography is always good, but this one was excellent.

  • @ActivityPhoto
    @ActivityPhoto Před rokem +1

    Once again Allen is brilliant with his fabricating skills.

  • @stevefletcher2334
    @stevefletcher2334 Před rokem +1

    a gentle soul with the skills of a master craftsman

  • @louisjones2653
    @louisjones2653 Před rokem +1

    Never seen someone so precise with a hack saw!

  • @dhcrouchmarineltd3049
    @dhcrouchmarineltd3049 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Honestly, just pure joy Allen. Thanks for making these.

  • @TheSillybits
    @TheSillybits Před 2 dny

    I enjoy your videos very much thanks! You are a great craftsman and entertaining too. Your videos remind me of my father and grandfather who were great craftsman too and by whom I was taught practically everything I know (not pretending anything though). So many cars and motorcycles were restored and driven and sold, I really miss that time but looking at your fantastic projects carried out in your little shed brings that time to mind again. Absolutely fantastic.

  • @ricvis44
    @ricvis44 Před rokem +18

    Wow! I was wondering how you were going to make the second break line. So simple! I would’ve never thought of that probably. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    • @paulcasey5204
      @paulcasey5204 Před rokem +4

      Ditto. And then felt a bit foolish when it was so simple.

    • @prillewitz
      @prillewitz Před rokem +3

      Banjo solves everything!

  • @keithgarland3404
    @keithgarland3404 Před rokem +11

    Thanks Allen, another job very well done, the ceramic coated callipers looked smart.

  • @mortdk
    @mortdk Před rokem +1

    It's always a joy to follow Allen's creative abilities unfold. Excellent and top notch quality 💥. I actually did something similar (although not on the same professional level) in 1993 with my 1983 Yamaha XS400 DOHC (12E). It also had a single front disc only. But the front wheel was the same as found on a XZ550 which had twin front discs. And since the tap holes for the screws for the brake disc were already there, the conversion was quite straightforward. To fit a second brake caliper, I used the lower front legs from a XJ550. They had the same fork stanchion diameter (35 mm) as my XS400 DOHC had. I then acquired a set of RD350/XJ600/XJ900 slotted brake discs. Braking was improved with the twin disc arrangement - no fork twist if firm braking was applied. Which could happen with the single disc only. And optically it looked great! One drawback with the twin disc arrangement though was that the unsprung weight was higher. So in some occasions the front suspension actually felt a little harsher than with the original single disc layout.

  • @jjrider6758
    @jjrider6758 Před rokem +8

    Fantastic job Allen, I could watch you videos for hours (if I had the time !..) I just wish jobs like this were as easy as you always make them look !!..

  • @cliveramsbotty6077
    @cliveramsbotty6077 Před rokem +1

    you're an artist with that hacksaw.

  • @RalfyCustoms
    @RalfyCustoms Před rokem +2

    Hi Allan, hope you and Tracey are keeping well buddy, I'll watch this in a bit with a brew and a nice cupcakes 😊

  • @andyh4449
    @andyh4449 Před rokem +2

    No cake Allen !! Can’t believe it 😊

  • @ajl9491
    @ajl9491 Před rokem +4

    Kawasaki graphics and big non drilled disks take me right back to late seventies when I would ride my S3 bike in snowstorms to college!!!(Montreal CA)

  • @AussieMaleTuber
    @AussieMaleTuber Před rokem +1

    The only thing better than a Kawasaki is... an Allen Millyard Kawasaki, and watching it being built. Philosophically, a Millyard is the Greek Form of a Kawasaki!

  • @xavey123
    @xavey123 Před 8 měsíci +1

    The Kawasaki DemiGod in action!!! Fantastic work Allen. Looks and functions better than the factory version. Thanks a lot for the amazing video. Look forward for more.

  • @minnesotatomcat
    @minnesotatomcat Před rokem +8

    You made my Friday night Allen! Very nice conversion, I’m sure you’ve got all the stopping power you could ever ask for now. I love that 2 tone green paint scheme on that bike, always good to see it out 👍

    • @TheHalloweenmasks
      @TheHalloweenmasks Před rokem

      The two tone green is my favourite, my 250 is candy wine🙁

  • @wollaminfaetter
    @wollaminfaetter Před 8 měsíci +1

    The sound in your videos are amazing. I'm really pleased with that.

  • @malcellison8831
    @malcellison8831 Před rokem +4

    Mesmerising 😊 It’s always fantastic to watch you work and listen to your calm, gentle narration. Thanks Allen. Superb work.

    • @davestrain9529
      @davestrain9529 Před 11 měsíci

      Times are TOUGH! I use it for Therapy.the soothing voice.... especially Tea time, when the Crumbly cakes ( and Robins come around) in the latest Video. Dave Boulder CO USA rd350, TRIUMPH Tbird Sport , KTM 300 XCW

  • @oddsends6048
    @oddsends6048 Před rokem +2

    This world is going insane but watching your video drops my blood pressure by half.

  • @martinhaag3669
    @martinhaag3669 Před rokem +4

    Very nice work Allen. On my S2 I had to change the master cylinder because I used other calipers. The only thing is I am missing the fourth cylinder I 💕 the sound of your bike more then I can express here. Thank you so much Allen

  • @rdaystrom4540
    @rdaystrom4540 Před rokem +2

    Very nice twin disc conversion. Modifying the fender supports was pure skill and artistry. Love watching all your videos.

  • @stevegordon2032
    @stevegordon2032 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Utterly amazing to watch such skills. Smashing video and commentary as well. Allen you are a genius.

  • @davelawrence594
    @davelawrence594 Před rokem +3

    You literally are like reading the old Haynes manual from back in the day but a video version hehe? 😁 Always amazing to watch you work on literally anything Alan!!! 👌🏻👍🏻

  • @TheDaf95xf
    @TheDaf95xf Před rokem +1

    Hi 👋🏻 Alan from Brugge in Belgium 🇧🇪 Just retired for the evening so nothing better than watching one of your excellent videos 👍🏻 And you got a brew from the misses but no cake 🍰🤔 The Robin was lovely to see too 👍🏻

  • @davidwilliams5942
    @davidwilliams5942 Před rokem +2

    Having started my engineering apprenticeship in 1974 I really enjoy your videos for there old school skills also I just noticed that Charlie is a Isle of man fan that made me smile 😊

    • @G58
      @G58 Před rokem

      Same here. But I collected half decent grammar skills before leaving school 🙄👀🧐😎😜🙈

    • @loddude5706
      @loddude5706 Před rokem

      @@G58 - A shame tact didn't lodge somewhere too : )

    • @G58
      @G58 Před rokem

      @@loddude5706 From who’s perspective? It was of a grown up bit of humour. I had no idea you were such a sensitive soul 👀🙄🧐😎😜

    • @loddude5706
      @loddude5706 Před rokem

      @@G58 - Schadenfreude is 'grown-up'? : )

  • @hikerrobot
    @hikerrobot Před 7 měsíci

    Very entertaining. And not a torque wrench in sight when tightening. Love the little touches in the video too, like the birds and the cuppa. Great video

  • @northernowl7087
    @northernowl7087 Před rokem

    2am in the dead of night with a cup of tea .Mr millyard thank you for your service .😅😅

  • @stigbengtsson7026
    @stigbengtsson7026 Před 13 dny

    The absolute master in his workshop 👍😎👍. So great to be able to se and learn.
    Thank You. Best whishes from Sweden.

  • @simonlunt353
    @simonlunt353 Před rokem +2

    You always make it so easy Allen it is always a pleasure watching you 😊

  • @bobhorne8410
    @bobhorne8410 Před rokem

    Just stumbled on to this new Allen Millyard video in my CZcams feed.. I’m really pleased with that!

  • @dennis38y
    @dennis38y Před rokem +7

    Brilliant once again Allen.
    You managed to make it look easy using your logical and steady approach !
    Thanks for sharing

  • @JohnMason8183
    @JohnMason8183 Před rokem

    First time I've seen a double-banjo bolt like that. Great video.

  • @lonewolfandcub668
    @lonewolfandcub668 Před rokem

    Your videos always inspires me to get going in my workshop on the bike.

  • @CaptainDangeax
    @CaptainDangeax Před rokem +1

    Nice job. Each time I ride an old motorbike from the previous century, I can feel the progress made in braking power and ease of use

  • @bongosock
    @bongosock Před rokem +6

    Really good production on these videos, by the way. Really good angles and editing - nice work :)

  • @gerardcullen5131
    @gerardcullen5131 Před rokem

    Poetry in motion is to watch Alan working on any project

  • @vincentwhiteman6433
    @vincentwhiteman6433 Před rokem +1

    Great to see you back Allen, a brilliant video as usual and a first class job. Just love it. 👍

  • @ducatobeing
    @ducatobeing Před rokem

    Yet again I stand in awe of this zen master of the workshop! Calm, restful tones which deceive you into thinking that you too could do this. No, you'd end up with a nervous tick and twenty-two miles of swarf, and in the end, no result.
    Alan you amaze me! Just don't stop.

  • @vitorantonio8049
    @vitorantonio8049 Před rokem +3

    a channel rich in information
    and different projects 🤩
    👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👊🏿✊🏿👊🏿✊🏿👊🏿✊🏿

  • @franklake2073
    @franklake2073 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Brilliant engineering and an excellent, well shot and well explained video. many thanks!

  • @markkraus3598
    @markkraus3598 Před rokem +1

    Didn’t know you had a channel-this was a fast subscription 👍. You’re like one of the commercials on TV- when you talk everyone stops what they’re doing to listen !! Thank you sir from Florida 😎

  • @grezallen
    @grezallen Před rokem +1

    Great educational video - by the nicest calmest bloke on U tube - Great stuff !!

  • @paulnelsonisnotabot
    @paulnelsonisnotabot Před rokem +2

    Camera work is getting better every video, lovely watching you work

  • @Abdal-RahmanI
    @Abdal-RahmanI Před rokem +1

    Would love to see the test video! Thanks for showing us the build

  • @GraemeRobinson
    @GraemeRobinson Před rokem +4

    Fantastic. I learn so much just observing your work Allen. These videos will be a real legacy of your skills.

  • @martinhughes9769
    @martinhughes9769 Před rokem

    It’s a pleasure to watch you at work 👍🏻

  • @teneretraveller8980
    @teneretraveller8980 Před rokem +2

    Beautifully done.
    And great videoing and editing,too.
    Pure, motorcycle therapy.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Safe, happy travels 👍

  • @dougsz28
    @dougsz28 Před rokem

    That was nice of Tracy to bring you a cup of tee, to bad we didn't get to see her make some goodies in the kitchen, maybe next time??

  • @Mr-ue2ul
    @Mr-ue2ul Před rokem +1

    Perfect Friday eve.
    Wife out and abit of Allen
    Cheers mate

  • @jorgefernandez-mv8hu
    @jorgefernandez-mv8hu Před 7 měsíci

    That looks like it was made in the factory. Amazing!

  • @TomBudin
    @TomBudin Před rokem +1

    love your work allen, always learn a lot from your videos!

  • @richardphillips3303
    @richardphillips3303 Před rokem +1

    Absolute mastery of engineering and the camerawork is none too shabby! 😊

  • @markbrooks11
    @markbrooks11 Před rokem +1

    Interesting. First time ever seen shim blocks used. Earls makes some nice self bleeding bleeders for one man operation.

  • @menom7
    @menom7 Před rokem

    Yes,by all means..............PLEASE post the video of You testing your new front brakes Allen!!! Job very well done Sir! As always..........You took your time,taking it step by step,until everything fit perfectly together! And nothing suits your videos better than Tracy handing You a nice cup of tea!!! Cheers Mate!!! : >)

  • @leslieblackburn986
    @leslieblackburn986 Před rokem

    Great to see that Allen's excellent engineering hasn't been affected by his crashing a 70s Triumph chopper.

  • @GarryMcGovern
    @GarryMcGovern Před rokem

    Allen is like Paul McKenna for bike engineering geeks.......... I'm in a total trance here now watching this!!

  • @Area51dog
    @Area51dog Před rokem

    Lovely stuff. Puts you in a good mood so you even watch the ads 😊

  • @rolfpiotrowski4325
    @rolfpiotrowski4325 Před rokem +7

    Hey, Alan!
    Good idea to make the old widowmaker a bit safer!
    Happy Easter to you and your family! 😎👍

  • @andrewstoffel1170
    @andrewstoffel1170 Před rokem +1

    It’s like therapy watching this. ❤

  • @alextripp1230
    @alextripp1230 Před rokem +3

    Hi Allen, very nice work on the fork leg as indeed the whole conversion. I had missed the grass/trainer vice along with your skill with a hacksaw, both brilliant viewing btw.. Great video as always. Alex.

  • @vincentscott6168
    @vincentscott6168 Před rokem

    22 minute video went by in what felt like 2 minutes. Always sure interesting. Thank you Allen.

  • @linzimumford3829
    @linzimumford3829 Před rokem

    Wringing gauge blocks, brings back memories.

  • @jimmydownie7847
    @jimmydownie7847 Před rokem

    Bit disappointed when Tracy didn't produce any cup cakes with your tea. That would have been just perfect.

  • @billywhizz98
    @billywhizz98 Před rokem +2

    What a talented engineer

  • @Beanerds
    @Beanerds Před rokem

    I am a Boilermaker Welder who works with Aluminum and you did a top notch job there ,, impressive work , thanks for sharing .

  • @markpercy4277
    @markpercy4277 Před rokem

    Every day's a school day watching you Allen

  • @TheMasonjarz
    @TheMasonjarz Před rokem

    I was very pleased to find a new AM video this morning. Terrific job! There is no one I enjoy watching more. Thank you

  • @martyndunn1905
    @martyndunn1905 Před rokem +6

    Love watching these videos, I agree your an artist aswell as a mechanic.