I’ve allways loved these bikes i think they look cool as .italjet did some nice bikes including a Bonnie powered one the griffin i think.hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Not the ideal location to test a Velocette powered bike stop and start running with endless traffic lights and roundabouts. A lot more fun on the open moorland roads of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire. The clutch problems come from it not being properly adjusted and not selecting neutral when stopped at traffic lights.
An interesting combination with a Italian frame and brakes with a very capable British single cylinder engine. A possible improvement with the duplex frame and bigger brakes on the handling over the original Venom which already had excellent handling
Nice! There is no reason to push these museum pieces. I have 71 CB 350 twin Honda that I finally got running right (bought it in 2000). The only parts I could find is support for AHMRA vintage class racing parts. I found some old HAP Jones pistons, had the cam reprofiled, intalled racing electric ignition, 32mm Mikunis, etc. She is a real beast now. Going to ride her on my local mountain road in a few hours. And I am going to push her hard!
A very nice video, but a shame it had to be cut short. IIRC Velocette clutches needed a expert to set them up. I never owned one, but a friend did. Even back in the 1960's they looked a little "post vintage". Although I did have an ex police LE Velocette – 40mph max speed and back then a perfect urban commuter bike.
This bike is not common only 250 made. Such a pristine condition…I love the intake pipe with fins in a desperate attempt to stop heat in the carburetor. Unfortunately nor the English not the Italian engineering was renowned for reliability…Clymer died in 1970 and the Indian revival 400 and 750 cc died with him, followed shortly by Velocette and Royal Enfield, the engines providers..
I had an MSS when i was 18, and yes, i did have trouble with the clutch! Another thing – Velos were known for interference between valve and piston at high revs: anyone remember this? I was only 18 tho….
Brought back fond memories of a Ducati 450 Desmo and a BSA 441 Shooting Star that I had in the early '70s. No, not both at once…I'm not THAT much a masochist! The BSA was heavily modified: 500 kit, head work, 10.5 piston, 1.5" Amal GP, Akront rims, Fontana 4-shoe ftont brake, almost-open megaphone exhaust (you could not sneak up on anybody). For a single of that day, it was quite fast, easily quicker than a 500 Daytona Triumph, but about 45 minutes into any ride you suddenly realized you could not feel fingers or toes. Sure did look and sound great, though. The Duke was almost stock, but for a 500 kit and Fontana brake and upgraded forks/dampers. Both machines were jack-the-bear to start when cold, and I lived in St Louis, MO, so the weather wasn't helpful. I found a $3 electric blanket at a yard sale that pretty much solved the problem. I've always admired Francis Beart and loved big singles. Just imagine how wonderful a modern one with balance shaft(s) and rubber mountings could be. Of course, only silly old fools like me would want one…and we'd wait until they were old and cheap, so no sane manufacturer is going to gamble the fortune to develop one! I did have a Honda GB500 some years ago, after it had gotten old and cheap…but somehow it just didn't have any soul. Go figure…
Awesome looking 👍 is it coincidence that the same bike in the same colour was featured on the classic motorcycle channel at the same time. Rare serendipity 👏👌
All the best motorbikes were designed in the past , 40's 50's 60's and some in the 70s . Yes, they all had their faults, and getting to where you wanted could be an adventure, however, those real vintage air cooled, kick started bikes, had something that modern bikes can never have, and that is soul! There is a simple test : if after you ride your motor bike, you have parked it, locked it up and you start to walk away, if you turn to take a look at it, it has soul, character and you have connected with it. If you dont turn around, it just another bike, a means of getting to work. Do the test!
When I was a kid I used to hanker after the West Coast versions of Triumph, BSA and Norton motorcycles …..but the Indian Velocette was always up there too as my cousin rode 500cc Velos (and still has one).
Looks really nice design. But seems a bit of a mix up with a somewhat unpleasant riding experience ?. I had a BSA DBD 34 GS and a genuine ex factory RGS A10 650 Bsa . Both in full Clubmans trim. The 650 my wife and I used on long trips in Europe with camping gear, yes an RGS with clip ons, rear sets and a rear carrier. Never really thought of it as being uncomfortable or difficult to ride. The high first gear did mean a lot of shifting into neutral now and again in towns, but it was second nature, it did have a Triumph clutch unit fitted in fact. Would have loved that front brake though, it looked magic.
Nothing better than riding a blast from the past. Antique bikes are and were finicky even in their day. But riding one still gives that same feeling. Thanks for taking me along on your ride. Take care. Cheers
I bought one new for $800 in early 70' s, didn't have the skill to keep it running properly. Traded it for a Champion – framed XL 250 desert racer. Wish I still had both
25 Comments
I’ve allways loved these bikes i think they look cool as .italjet did some nice bikes including a Bonnie powered one the griffin i think.hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Not the ideal location to test a Velocette powered bike stop and start running with endless traffic lights and roundabouts.
A lot more fun on the open moorland roads of Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire.
The clutch problems come from it not being properly adjusted and not selecting neutral when stopped at traffic lights.
An interesting combination with a Italian frame and brakes with a very capable British single cylinder engine.
A possible improvement with the duplex frame and bigger brakes on the handling over the original Venom which already had excellent handling
I enjoyed your film, mind saying that I enjoy all your films mate, well done
Nice! There is no reason to push these museum pieces. I have 71 CB 350 twin Honda that I finally got running right (bought it in 2000). The only parts I could find is support for AHMRA vintage class racing parts. I found some old HAP Jones pistons, had the cam reprofiled, intalled racing electric ignition, 32mm Mikunis, etc. She is a real beast now. Going to ride her on my local mountain road in a few hours. And I am going to push her hard!
Looks great far superior to the last Velocette's outdated looks 🤫
A very nice video, but a shame it had to be cut short. IIRC Velocette clutches needed a expert to set them up. I never owned one, but a friend did. Even back in the 1960's they looked a little "post vintage". Although I did have an ex police LE Velocette – 40mph max speed and back then a perfect urban commuter bike.
Hey Indian, you should make this bike. But more modern of course. With a 5 gallon tank.
This bike is not common only 250 made. Such a pristine condition…I love the intake pipe with fins in a desperate attempt to stop heat in the carburetor. Unfortunately nor the English not the Italian engineering was renowned for reliability…Clymer died in 1970 and the Indian revival 400 and 750 cc died with him, followed shortly by Velocette and Royal Enfield, the engines providers..
I had an MSS when i was 18, and yes, i did have trouble with the clutch! Another thing – Velos were known for interference between valve and piston at high revs: anyone remember this?
I was only 18 tho….
I love your vids. Too bad you got caught up in a motorcycle funeral convoy.
Brought back fond memories of a Ducati 450 Desmo and a BSA 441 Shooting Star that I had in the early '70s. No, not both at once…I'm not THAT much a masochist! The BSA was heavily modified: 500 kit, head work, 10.5 piston, 1.5" Amal GP, Akront rims, Fontana 4-shoe ftont brake, almost-open megaphone exhaust (you could not sneak up on anybody). For a single of that day, it was quite fast, easily quicker than a 500 Daytona Triumph, but about 45 minutes into any ride you suddenly realized you could not feel fingers or toes. Sure did look and sound great, though. The Duke was almost stock, but for a 500 kit and Fontana brake and upgraded forks/dampers. Both machines were jack-the-bear to start when cold, and I lived in St Louis, MO, so the weather wasn't helpful. I found a $3 electric blanket at a yard sale that pretty much solved the problem. I've always admired Francis Beart and loved big singles. Just imagine how wonderful a modern one with balance shaft(s) and rubber mountings could be. Of course, only silly old fools like me would want one…and we'd wait until they were old and cheap, so no sane manufacturer is going to gamble the fortune to develop one! I did have a Honda GB500 some years ago, after it had gotten old and cheap…but somehow it just didn't have any soul. Go figure…
Awesome looking 👍 is it coincidence that the same bike in the same colour was featured on the classic motorcycle channel at the same time. Rare serendipity 👏👌
Never heard of these bikes, very nice though with a great sound.
It needs one of those aftermarket leccy starters
Wow, my dad was only just talking about these the other day. What timing. That’s a lovely bike
All the best motorbikes were designed in the past , 40's 50's 60's and some in the 70s . Yes, they all had their faults, and getting to where you wanted could be an adventure, however, those real vintage air cooled, kick started bikes, had something that modern bikes can never have, and that is soul! There is a simple test : if after you ride your motor bike, you have parked it, locked it up and you start to walk away, if you turn to take a look at it, it has soul, character and you have connected with it. If you dont turn around, it just another bike, a means of getting to work. Do the test!
Oh strange I have one of these and can be seen on Arthur’s collection part 2
I have just fitted a replacement silencer in the hope of making a little quieter, but in doing so I might’ve messed up the jetting
The roads were riding and are fairly close to where I live it will be great to get the pair of them together
before my time, a lovely machine.
Would make a good retro bike right now!
great looking bike
When I was a kid I used to hanker after the West Coast versions of Triumph, BSA and Norton motorcycles …..but the Indian Velocette was always up there too as my cousin rode 500cc Velos (and still has one).
Looks really nice design. But seems a bit of a mix up with a somewhat unpleasant riding experience ?. I had a BSA DBD 34 GS and a genuine ex factory RGS A10 650 Bsa . Both in full Clubmans trim. The 650 my wife and I used on long trips in Europe with camping gear, yes an RGS with clip ons, rear sets and a rear carrier. Never really thought of it as being uncomfortable or difficult to ride. The high first gear did mean a lot of shifting into neutral now and again in towns, but it was second nature, it did have a Triumph clutch unit fitted in fact. Would have loved that front brake though, it looked magic.
Nothing better than riding a blast from the past. Antique bikes are and were finicky even in their day. But riding one still gives that same feeling. Thanks for taking me along on your ride. Take care. Cheers
I bought one new for $800 in early 70' s, didn't have the skill to keep it running properly. Traded it for a Champion – framed XL 250 desert racer. Wish I still had both
Looking to buy one if viewers hear of one @christopherpearson1752 Occasional motorcycle series