Millyard Honda SS250 

As someone who manages to cross thread the lid on the coffee jar every time, I always have a fascination for the people who this kind of engineering nous and love seeing their creations.

I like the way he "stops on the way to the shops" so he doesn't offend his neighbours by revving the bike. What a completely re-engineeered but stock looking machine. Alan, you're an inspiration.

Back in 1981 I had a Fizzie 50. My mate, Buzby (RIP) bought a SS50. It was a proper tatty old thing but had a Honda C90 top end fitted to the engine and a straight through exhaust pipe. It felt rapid (even compared to our 'Tuned' Fizzie's and AP 50's) and would show an indicated 75mph on the speedo if you lay flat on the tank. Truly fabulous memories of simple times.

Hi Allen, really enjoyed the video, love the way you kept it looking "almost" standard, and could see as you took off out of the garden "the 16 year old" has never left..!! Every time I even sit on my Fizzie, I'm back to being 16 myself., so get it., lol. Mate, these videos are just fantastic watching at anytime, let alone these weird times, so please keep making and sharing them. You make me chuckle when you just grab another one "out of your stable" and away you go.. cheers, Alex.

The best entertainment during lockdown. A true inspiration. I love the fact you manage to build such nice stuff almost entirely with the kit in a normal (ish) home sized workshop. My neighbours have endured several days of angle grinding / compressor / hammering and parts cobbling from me in the shed (probably more in the "farm spec" engineering category) followed by a rowdy V8 sparking into life through minimal silencing. I also waited for an essential grocery mission to give it full noisey in the middle of nowhere. Keep up the good work and keep safe.

You make everything sound so straightforward when most of us would be scratching our heads in bewilderment 😀

Great vieo, whoever would have thought you could do all that with an SS50, that's just fantastic. Takes me back to 1976, when my dad bought me the old 4 speed Honda SS50, wish I still had the bike.

Allen, what can I say, that is the most interesting bike video I have seen in years. I love the way your mods have not changed the look and character of the original SS50. The spokes, rims and swingarm are done so well. The SS50 did not get the kudos that the FS1E and the AP50 got, however, it was my favourite. Many thanks for this great project/video, it really put a smile on my face.

I love this bike! Also how you narrate so humbly how you did this or that. I've been a machinist/mechanic for 33 years. I know how hard it is to do this or that (and make it look sooo good!).

Had an SS50 back in the day. Great little bike in many ways. But what you have done, in terms of transformation, in a shed, is pretty amazing! Thanks for sharing.

Many moons ago I started putting an IT 175 Into my RG50 . But never finished it . Top marks Allen it looks like one long grin !

You are a legend I love your enthusiasm proper insperation to all.

I have watched many of your engine modifications and bike builds and the SS50 one gave me a memory of my first bike but i have to say above all your engineering and attention to detail is impeccable.

Sir, you’re a genius

I'm amazed by your workmanship, second to none. Every time I search your channel I'm in awe!

The only thing I've got in common with Alan is a black thumbnail .

Haha and I thought I done a good upgrade to my ss50 years ago by putting a c70 head , barrel and carb on 😂😂.your work is brilliant such a talent

Your engineering skills seem to be second to none I would standard the bet that there is a lots of other people involved to make these machines other than you I mean someone has this much time their self and this kind of skills well it is mind-boggling cheerio

Allen, keep the gems coming. I appreciate all of your videos. The SS50 videos bring back fond memories. Back in 1973 I installed an SS50 transmission into my Monkey Z50 A, first with the automatic clutch and later with the manual clutch and a foot brake. Also, an SS50 camshaft, S90 carburetor, ST70 piston and ported cylinder head and had an SS50 aluminum cylinder sleeved for the ST70 or CB350 piston. Much better than the cast iron ST70 cylinder. The 49cc cast into the cylinder was a welcome advantage, especially when scrutinized by the cops or the two-stroke competition, who couldn’t understand how the little monkey could be so fast. I also installed an SS50 crankshaft with the ignition advance set up. Much better than the static Monkey ignition. Still have the bike. Sold my last Z900 last year. Having seen your super six videos, I wish I still had it and could pop over to the UK and be there witnessing you make an engine for it . . .

This is what makes motorcycling FUN, what an interesting build, just shows you don't have to concentrate on big cubic bike's to create a machine of technical interest. Super stuff , full coverage of all your builds always goes down well.

At 16, back in the 80s having to compete with 50 cc Kreidlers and watercooled Zündapps at our school, we thought we were cool putting an RD 80 engine with 95 cc top end into an FS1 to finally beat them. Well, - all we did break in the long run was the rod bearings and the clutch ;) But this Honda is a whole new level of displacement cheating :)))) And a lovely one... Cheers

I don't know why you waited so long to make a youtube channel like this. You are so good at it, you are a natural in front of the camera.

Oh wow! This is just superb! Deffinatly makes up for the change in the weather from yesterday. I just need to win the lottery and make Allen an offer he can't refuse 😆

I love the way it's engineered to be usable 👌. Can you imagine the forces going through that little frame and forks in o.e form 😱🤯! Super entertainment, Allen! Very many thanks for your efforts 👍💯

Wow, I didn't expect that! I'll now watch this again as to take it all in after watching once is too much for my brain! I managed to bullshit my local copper into believing my GT200X5 was a 125 for L plate laws but I'm pretty damned sure he'd have sussed this one out! Brilliant Allen, and cheers for these videos, you make me so happy that I don't pay for any TV that's just a load of rubbish.

Brilliant video, just like my old ss50 back in 1977. It was too slow but I airbrushed the grim reaper with green metal flake paint on the petrol tank and fitted a half fairing on the handlebars to make it go faster. Your bike would have been a revelation back then.

Best channel ever wow that sound when it was on the dyno 👌

Superb Craftsmanship Al, we Mods used to cheat a bit back in the day, we used to get a Vespa 200 and send the log book to the dvla and say that a 123cc engine had been installed, my mates Terry and Jim where riding Rally 200s registered as 49cc at 16, i was waymore law abiding, after doing IOW, Western Super Mare and Skegness on me new PK50 doing 29mph, i got a rusty Vespa 100 and just put me number plate and tax disk on it ,50mph at 16 was like Warp Speed. God Bless and get in the Shed.

"I need some groceries, so I'll take the SS 250..." Allen Millyard: The Man, The Myth, The Legend.

I can just imagine the fun on your little gems, this one could turn you into an instant hooligan! Beautiful engineering sir.

Hi Allen, please do an “on board” clip with this gem of a bike. Best Channel on RU-vid.

Alan your videos are so wholesome. They really make me smile whenever I watch them. Your demeanor and personality are great, second only to your incredible engineering prowess. Some of the things you build leave me in awe of how much is possible with knowledge and the right attitude. Cheers from the USA. Your an inspiration to everyone in this hobby. Stay safe and never change your formula, you're doing it right.

I’d have loved to have owned that. On my L plated SS250 back in 1976 😁

I had an SS50 4 speed in this colour with a Domino 2/4 seat. Every Ap50 and Fizzy left me for dead,....until I fitted the head and barrel from a C70, 55 mph 2 up, fantastic,was a great bike, this one is awsome, well done.

Love it ,, I also wish I had that when I was 16 ,, for me I had a BSA 125 d1 ,, that was in 1972

You deserve so much more recognition than you get, if only your talents could get some serious financial backing you would leave all the so-called 'customisers' embarrassed in your (long gone) dust! Outstanding, I so want one of your masterpieces!

What a gorgeous bike,lovely finish and cracking motor.......a credit to you mr millyard....would love you as a neighbour what a craftsman

Love this. My first bike was a 5 speed SS50

Please make more of those longer videos from the shed. They are truly inspirational!

If we only had a time machine, so I could take it back to the 1970s and embarrass those Bonnie owners who used to sneer at me on my Honda 50.

Once again, absolutely brilliant, we can see that you are human by your thumbnail breaking apart and no wires to be seen, well done Allen.

Hi Allen, I've just subbed to the channel,I love the enthusiasm in your voice, your a true genius and I admire your work and seeing the amazing machines that you make.i look forward to seeing more of you and your bikes.👍😉

You should really keep up these videos after all this is over. I love watching you talk about old builds. Making all the bikes I have seen pictures of over the years slightly less mysterious

Again fantastic stuff Allen keep up the innovative engineering such a pleasure to watch you put these specials together. Best channel on You Tube.

What a brilliant video! Brings back memories of my SS50 5 Speed in 1984. I thought I was an engineering genius when I fitted the head and barrel from a C70, engine blow ups were frequent, the clutch couldn't take it and used to slip. Massive abuse normally used to end up with the oil control ring shattering. I had three or four spare engines laying around in my shed, you could swap them in twenty minutes and back on the road for more thrashing! Good times.

Yes you would have been "fastest in the pack" on that- and you would have only needed first gear 😁

Back in the 70's we used to admire all our bikes when we were 16 and de restrict them , plenty of SS50, FS1E's , DT50's and the odd Gilera and Fantic. However this SS250 is absolutely amazing.Does bring back memories

You make everything look so simple. If I had only 50% of your skills. Keep up the good work. Gr. from the Netherlands.

A blast from the past had a ss50 my mates laughed at me so slow love what you've done no doubt you're a clever guy most people wouldn't know where to start !

Back in 1974 I purchased an SS50. It was so underpowered but we used to put it in the van and take it on holiday to Scotland. I traded it the following year for a CB125S. Happy days though!

Just brilliant. Huge fan. Love this channel, love the bikes, love the ideas and the outside-the-box conceptualising!

You have saint hands, i love your works. I am an Uruguaian living in Argentina, I work on a Racing team (Turismo Carretera) I do te lathe works and transmissions, I enjoy all your videos (sorry about my english writing).

@Allen .... "If only I was 16 again" !! With you all the way on that one, you are a genius for building it and a HERO for riding it too!! I cant think of anything more scary, it makes an old H2 750 look tame.

Hope you didn't leave her parked in the Broadway when you did your shopping Allen the local scallies would have been all over it! You can rev it outside my house anytime sod the neighbours 👍😂😂

Fantastic ! These bikes you produce are just excellent. Thanks for posting all these interesting videos 👍🙂

Love the exhaust. When you revved it up, it sounds exactly like a souped up SS50! I always loved 4 strokes but ended up with a Suzuki AP50 which I liked to think it could do 60+. SS50 5 speeds were a rare bike, I could only dream of one like this.

My first bike was a Honda 50s, and like you said-it did 40mph on a good day. I used to lay down on the tank and tuck my elbows in and hold it wide open. I was 11 years old and living in S.E. Alaska in a logging camp. It was the best fun a little speed freak could have and not get in trouble.

That’s wicked!!

So subtle at first glance, but you've done so much to upgrade it - the carb behind the frame made me laugh! Genius concept and engineering

Allen you're an absolute legend and an absolute hoonigan! LOL Love it Allen, thanks very much and please continue doing what you do, so well, forever and a day. 👍❤🕊

Your engines are magnificent Allen but damnit that ss250 is just drop dead gorgeous I imagine honda engineers are envious

Had a fizzie and couldnt wait to get a bigger bike. Done it the easy way and bought a RD250. Another great video, cheers.

I love the beautiful standard of your engineering and find your videos fascinating.

Makes you ride like a hooligan. Love it Allen. Thanks for the terrific video.

Wow that looks quick. My 1977 model completely stock very low kms . don't think I'll wreak it but I'm amazed at how well that motor fits .well done

Back when I used to buy bike magazines, every so often there would be a feature on one of your creations and it would always be a highlight for me and I loved knowing that there are people who can do this level of engineering on their own so I've always remembered your name as an unsung hero of mine. Very recently discovered your RU-vid channel and I love the style of your videos. Your unassuming manner and boyish enthusiasm as you describe your methods is just so charming and the casual "my Dodge Viper has ram-tubes too" made me applaud haha I've subscribed and hit the notifications bell! edit - I just read the description and OH MY WORD 80 KILOS?????? No wonder Fogarty set off like it was a cartoon! This thing is the ultimate giant killer!

Exhaust. Stainless Steel. Toptip: Google : "Dairy fittings" or hygienic stainless steel". You can thank me later... :-)

Allen every one of your vlogs make me smile, thank you ever so much for sharing your Knowledge your engineering but most of all your bikes

My mate had an SS 50 back in the day, he was 6ft 3ins and looked ridiculous sat on it. I did envy the 4 stroke noise, meanwhile l had a Gilera 50 moped 2 stroke 4 speed. My other mate had a Fizzy 50 we did have fun screaming the balls of those things! But hey your build is fantastic love it.

Thanks for the close-up of this wonderful machine. I love the bends on the exhaust pipe. The sound of the engine is threatening ! The engineering on this machine is wonderful. Oh..........only for the welds on the radiator !!! Respect and Regards. Trinidad & Tobago.

Another fantastic video once again. I really do enjoy watching your videos. Please keep them coming, they are great. You are legend 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Its quite remarkable that you make this things with such character and atention to detail that they are as good if not better than a factory product and serviceable too, no space in the frame for the carburator no problem, ram air intake here we go!!! Thanks!!

Holy crap! How cool! I would buy this bike. An engineer who actually thinks about maintenance in it's design. Normally the engineers design something for production, leaving maintenance to other poor slobs to come up with procedures whilst the original designer sits around eating prime rib. Giving not a shit about the end user. Nice work, you are a genious.

Really like the work and bike . Really interesting 👍 can’t wait to see more of your work and videos . Many thanks Patrick

These are all so fantastic, keep building brother.

Goddamn Allen there must be millions of us guys that want to be your friend and hang out!!! Definitely the best bloke channel on a RU-vid!!!

Thats a great job...brilliant power upgrade..looks superb too...nice job...light n nimble...now with a bit of grunt....love it...

Allen you have a gift sir , please keep sharing mate i just love your work

hi allen love your vids bring back the good old days in the 70s on owe ped s fizzsy etc , a mait of mine had ss 5o ,comeing back from london on a sunday ride my mates ss honda 50 s frame snaped in half under the seat

Imagine having this in 1976, legend or what, great video as usual 👍👍👍👍👍

I wish I could say , And it works lovely! Every time I try modificating something. Nice job Allen.

Allen , that’s a beautiful bike and I enjoyed listening to you talk about all the mods that you have carried out on it .

i understand most of what you are explaining in these vids,really enjoyable to watch,very clever guy,thanks for the upload,awesome to watch

Thanks Allen that was brilliant, as always. Nothing like a sixteen year old hooligan on a tiddler. Once I was, but it was a g3ss 90 wackisaki. 70 mph downhill with a tailwind. Somehow I lived to tell the tale

My friend Nigel Birkett put an 80cc motocross engine in a what I recall was a Yamaha fs1e (50cc). On the lights on Douglas prom in TT week, another mate of mine challenged a GS1000 for a sprint, The guy on the Suzuki was surprised to say the least. It is so much fun to put more poke into these little bikes.

OMG - this is amazing. Still don't think it'll beat my old Kreidler on the corners.

Very impressive power for a 250, excellent work!

My first bike a Honda SS 50ZB2 in apple green with a disc brake! My brothers in orange had a front drum brake but 5 gears also. But I know neither bike sounded or went like this! Amazing build that looks so right...

I am recently subscribed and this is probably the best subscription I have made. Thoroughly enjoyable and informative. Thanks a bunch.

vert nicely done as usual Allen, Thanks for sharing!

Very nicely integrated. Back in the 80's A buddy and I put together a IT175 frame with an SR 500 engine. Nowhere as nicely as the bike displayed but fitted some IT250 forks and front wheel. It was great to ride if a bit awkward. Didn't have a mig or tig welder did most of it with an oxy and a stick welder.

Now that engine would make the basis for a nice 500 V twin, maybe a mock up of the old AJS/Matchless pre-postwar racing bikes. Nice work Allen. Cheers Luke

Nothing wrong with being a hooligan Allen! I had the leader of the hooligan's pack 1961: BSA Goldstar 350 Clubman. Dropped handlebars, short pipe, long carb, close ratio gearbox, hand built dyno'ed engine. Proper hooligan... unless you had the 500.... LOL

at 16 i had many over size 49cc bikes, but my favourite was my Honda MB-5 fitted with an H100 engine,and a Terry Beckit tuned exhaust pipe, did around 90mph with the pipe and only 65mph with the standard pipe.

Great to watch. The Millyard show😁 I want to see a 400 four based V8!! Only Allen can do it!😃

You’re a wizard when it comes to engineering

Absence of weight and a simple single. Classic 'British ' bike. Marvellous.

all my favourite bikes like back home in New Zealand, Allen you make me miss my Z1 and want to buy some Z13s :) Love your work!

Brilliant ! I had the lime green ss50 5 speed at 16 ,great wee bike . I now have a goldwing but always remember that first bike and tge quality of the build . Cheers Dave from Scotland

Innovation at the finest. Your ideas are such an inspiration