1947 KSS
350cc

1949 LE Mk1
200cc

1951 MAC
350cc

1953 MAC
350cc

1960 Viper
350cc

1960 Viper
350cc

1961 Venom
500cc

1961 Viceroy
250cc

1963 LE
200cc

1963 Valiant
200cc

1968 Thruxton
500cc

Velocette Model Reviews

LE 1949 -71, 149cc - 192cc, wc sv flat twin, 250lb, 100mpg, 55mph
Pleasant little bike and the name 'LE' meant little engine. It was manufactured to get away from the idea of the oily  engined bikes with chain drive of the period. Excellent ride, no noise or vibrations, this was a major hit with the police forces of the country and led to the demise of the Bobby on a Push Bike. Designed around a pressed steel chassis it had leg shields, glove box and panniers to accommodate commuters, and was propelled by a shaft drive from a twin water cooled engine which was rubber mounted. The 149cc Mk1 model gave way to the 192cc Mk2 in1952 and in 1958 the Mk3 came along with kick-start and four speed foot gear-change.

Valiant 1956 - 63, 192cc, ohv flat twin, 250lb, 100mpg, 60mph
The ohv Valiant sports version of the LE model but was frail. Incorporating the basic LE engine, reverting to air cooling and placing it in a traditional duplex frame with a 3 gallon tank. Velocette wanted to recapture some of the traditionalists.

Vogue 1963-68, 192cc, wc sv flat twin, 330lb, 95mpg, 60mph
An attempt was made of updating the LE with new fiberglass bodywork. The Vogue first appeared at the Earls Court Show in 1962. Sadly not very many were sold, buyers opting for the cheaper alternatives like the Ariel Leader.  The fiberglass body  hung on a new frame structure with rear fork pivots. A 2.5-gallon petrol tank was formed integral with the bodywork. At the front end twin side by side headlights were provided with a windscreen and an instrument panel. The leg-shields and footboards were moulded as one. The lower side panels were removed to access the engine. Indicators were moulded into the body panels. Not many were sold and it is very rare.

Viceroy 1960 - 64, 250cc, 2-stroke twin
Most manufacturers had a go at making a scooter in the late fifties, and this was the attempt by the mighty Velocette company. Predictions of sales of 5,000 models in 1962 actual resulted in 300 in total being made by the time it was discontinued.

MAC 1952-2400, 349cc, ohv single, 370lb, 70mpg, 75mph
Velocette’s traditional British single. A charming bike with good steering and reliability. An excellent working bike.

Viper 1956-69, 349cc, ohv single, 390lb, 60mpg, 85mph
A good sportster with excellent road holding which exceeds the performance of the engine. The vintage chassis performs better than most sixties rivals but looks it's age. The 500cc Venom was basically a stroked version which sold better. Spare parts are expensive.

MSS 1953-68, 499cc, ohv single, 400lb, 60mpg, 80mph
Gentle touring 500, the last of the breed with good steering, comfort and reliability. Traditional separate engine and gearbox with strange clutch arrangement.

Venom 1956-68, 499cc, ohv single, 400lb, 55mpg, 95mph
Sports single in the classic British tradition. Quick, precise steering and capable of high cruising speeds. The venom clubman is the most highly prized and highly priced model. Basically a stretched Viper. Built in the traditional Boy Racer Style of it's time.

Thruxton 1964-71, 499cc, ohv single, 390lb, 50mpg, 105mph
Last of the line and priced up like the BSA Gold Stars and Norton Interstates. Collectors seem to own most of them these days.