1955 Velocette Viper/Venom
Sorry the bike has now been sold - thanks for
the interest
I have owned this bike for 3 years, buying it as a 350cc Viper but
converting the engine to 500cc Venom spec last year, as I found the 350
a little underpowered for open road use especially overtaking. This has
made it a much more relaxed ride as the 350 really neeeded to be kept
well on the boil to make decent progress. The bike has not been bodged
or mutilated and all work has been done to a very high standard. It has
MoT till April 2011.
The Velo starts easily (using the correct technique of course!) and
runs very well with no flat spots or hesitation. It will happily pull
70mph up hill and down dale all day long with my substantial weight
aboard, and has superb acceleration. Clutch engagement is smooth and
positive; gearchange light and precise with no jumping out of gear. The
bike handles very well and has no difficulty keeping up with (and
indeed overtaking) modern traffic. Braking is superb from any speed. I
have done around 2,000 miles on the Velo and it has never let me down
or caused me the slightest concern.
All mechanical, suspension and electrical aspects are in excellent
condition with no known faults. I have overhauled the clutch with new
thrust bearing etc, fitted a Venom cylinder barrel, Hepolite piston,
head etc after having the barrel rebored and fitting new valve guides
and valves. I have also fitted a reconditioned Lucas dynamo with an
electronic 12V regulator. I have rewired the bike completely with top
quality components, have made all new control cables and fitted correct
nitrile rubber petrol and oil lines. I have fitted an after-market
"roll-on" centre stand from Grove, so putting the bike on the stand is
an easy matter. I have also fitted the improved oil filter supplied by
the VOC spares scheme. The magneto (manual advance model) was
reconditioned before I bought the bike
Paintwork is excellent with no rust but is not concours. The petrol
tank has a small dent near the filler cap. It would be a shame to
refinish it as I believe the paintwork is original. The chrome is good
but faded in parts, again with no rust. All nuts and bolts, many in
stainless steel, are in good condition with no rounded heads etc. The
exhaust pipe is a used autojumble item and is the only cosmetic item
letting the appearance down as it has at some time been dented (I
assume to provide clearance for Clubman gearchange). Modern Avon tyres
in good condition are fitted to stainless wheel rims and spokes.
The bike will come with all original parts to return it to Viper
specification.
I have really enjoyed owning and riding the Velo and am sure the next
owner will be just as pleased, but it must go to make room for
something else.
Send me an
email
Here are some pictures:
