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Velocette is the name given to motorcycles that were made by Veloce Ltd, in Hall Green, Birmingham, England.
One of several motorcycle manufacturers in Birmingham, Velocette was a small, family-owned firm, selling far fewer hand-built motorcycles than the giant BSA, Norton or Triumph concerns. Renowned for the quality of its products, the company was 'always in the picture' in international motorcycle racing, from the mid-1920s through the 1950s, culminating in two world championship titles (1949–1950 350 cc) and its legendary and still-unbeaten 24 hours at 100 mph (161 km/h) record. Veloce, while small, was a great technical innovator and many of its patented designs are commonplace on motorcycles today, including the positive-stop foot shift and swingarm rear fork with hydraulic dampers.
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History
Foundation
The company was founded by John Taylor (born Johannes Gütgemann and later known as John Goodman), and William Gue as "Taylor, Gue Ltd." in 1905. Its first motorcycle was the Veloce. Later that year, John Taylor set up Veloce Limited, to produce cycles and related products and services. Veloce Ltd initially produced four-stroke motorcycles. The first two-stroke, built in 1913, was called a Velocette. This name was used for all subsequent models.[1]
Velocette two-strokes
Between 1913 and 1925, Veloce only produced expensive, high-quality two-stroke motorcycles of (nominally) 250 cc, which gained an excellent reputation, and which were entered in competitions, such as the Isle of Man TT, with some success. The single-cylinder machines had many advanced features, such as a throttle-controlled oil pump, which set them apart from other manufacturers' products. The factory gradually developed this machine from the 'A' series and variants (A, AC2 - coil ignition, two-speed gearbox, AC3 - three speed gearbox, etc.), then the 'H' series, the model U and variants, culminating in the model GTP in 1930, which was produced until 1946. The GTP was an elegant, reliable lightweight motorcycle with charming steering and reasonable power delivery.
Velocette 'K' series
In the early 1920s, Veloce realized that in order to grow as a company, it needed a new machine of advanced specification and made a bold move to produce an overhead camshaft (OHC) 350 cc engine, which became known as the 'K' series, introduced in 1925. After a year of teething troubles with this new design, Veloce entered the model K into racing events such as the Isle of Man TT and Brooklands races, and the reliability and sweet running qualities of their new engine led to a long string of racing successes. The roadster models developed from this initial model K were the KSS (super sports), KTS (touring sports), KTP (twin exhaust ports), KN (normal), and a few more obscure variations. The OHC engine series continued for roadsters until 1948, when the final KSS versions were produced, with rigid frames and Dowty air-sprung telescopic forks. Accurate valve timing was accomplished with the aid of pioneering use of stroboscopic lamps. The 'K' series showed an excellent turn of speed and reliability, and soon the factory developed specialized racing models to introduce their new OHC machine to the world.
Velocette 'M' series
In 1933, the company decided to introduce a new line of overhead valve (OHV) machines, in order to cut production costs and make a more affordable motorcycle. The K series was expensive to produce, requiring selective hand assembly of the shaft-and-bevel camshaft drive; it was determined that a simpler OHV design would be quicker to build and require less skilled labour to assemble. The first of these new machines was the MOV, using a 250 cc engine of 'square' dimensions (68 mm bore x 68 mm stroke). It was an immediate sales success, having lively performance for the time (78 mph), and proved a reliable machine with excellent road manners. From this machine, by lengthening the stroke of the crankshaft, the MAC 350 cc was introduced in 1934. It proved even more popular than the MOV, and became a real money spinner for the company, bringing much needed capital into the firm. In 1935 an entirely new machine was introduced, based on the two previous OHV models, the MSS of 500 cc. A new, heavier frame was utilized with the intention that the machine could serve as a sidecar hauler. This new frame was developed from the mkV KTT racing machine, and was shared with the KSS MKII of 1936-48. The MSS also proved very popular and profitable for Veloce.
Post war
After the Second World War, the company sought to capture what it saw as a developing need for personal transport, and created (with the help of Phil Irving of Vincent fame) the model LE. This was a 192 cc watercooled flat twin with side-valves, a pressed steel frame and telescopic forks and swingarm. It was sophisticated and expensive, a consistent trait with all Velocettes. Unfortunately it proved less successful than the firm had anticipated, and although it became Veloce's best selling model ever the massive tooling costs for this all-new machine were barely recouped. It did see widespread adoption by British police forces for urban patrol. At the time Metropolitan Police Officers on foot patrol were required to salute Sergeants and Inspectors. With the introduction of the Velocette LE, this became dangerous, requiring the officer to take his hand off the handle bars, and so the rider was to allowed to show his respect with a smart inclination of his head, or to put it another way, to give a smart nod. Riders became known as Noddy's, and the bikes became 'Noddy Bikes'. Another soubriquet was "Whispering Willie", referring to the LE's quietness allowing a "Bobby" to sneak up on miscreants.
1950s
In 1950 Velocette were the World 350 cc champions. The L.E. Mk II of 200 cc appears. The MAC uses a Velocette designed telescopic front fork. Over 1952–1953 The MAC gets a redesigned engine, a swinging arm rear suspension and a dual seat. In 1954 The 500 cc MSS reappears, like the MAC but with a new engine. Scrambler and US variants of the MSS started production in 1955. Two sports models - the 500 cc Venom and 350 cc Viper and a 200 cc air cooled flat-twin sports model Valiant were announced in 1956. The L.E. Mk III appears with four-speed foot change and kickstarter. Over 1958/59 Fairings appear for all models.
1960s
In 1960 Velocette introduced the Viceroy, a very unusual 250 cc opposed twin two-stroke scooter. Unique to the Viceroy was the front mounted twin-cylinder engine, and the fuel tank mounted under the front legshield. The engine itself was extremely compact, and connected to the rear-mounted clutch and transmission by a drive shaft from the engine-mounted flywheel. With electric start, 12 volt electrics, a very low centre of gravity, power over 15 hp and a reported comfortable cruising speed of 65 MPH (105 km/h), performance, handling and features of the Viceroy were first class. Unfortunately the scooter came as market forces and rider preferences were changing, and the Viceroy was not a sales success.
The late 1960s were the last years of production for Velocette motorcycles, production for Viper and Vogue ending in 1968, "Special", Scrambler and Endurance in 1969, and MSS Venom and Velocette Thruxton in 1970. Veloce Ltd. closed in February 1971,
Timeline
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The timeline is being incorporated into the above section of history
- 1906 Veloce, Ltd. produces 2 hp (1.5 kW) Veloce.
- 1907 John's sons Percy and Eugene set up New Veloce Motors to make and market a Veloce Motor Car. The car does not go into production, and the company offers general engineering and various non-motorcycle products.
- 1908 Veloce Ltd. starts work on a new motorcycle. New Veloce Motors supplies the engine.
- 1909 The design of a 276 cc, 2.5 hp (1.9 kW) four-stroke motorcycle is complete, with many innovative features.
- 1910 Sales of the 276 cc machine are slow, and a less advanced 499 cc side-valve machine is produced.
- 1911 John Taylor takes British citizenship.
- 1912 The 2.5 hp (1.9 kW) model begins to achieve some success and the firm develops a model marketed to women.
- 1913 The latest innovation - the "footstarter". And The Velocette 206 cc 2-stroke model is announced. The 1913 Velocette Brochure covers the machines and many of the innovative features developed in the company's brief history.
- 1914 The Velocette is available as belt drive or two-speed chain drive, which had already been available as a Ladies Model. Sidecars are added to the entire range of Veloce Ltd products.
- 1919 Production now limited to 2-stroke models - the D1 and DL1, followed by the D2 and DL2.
- 1920 The factory moves to Victoria Road, Aston, Birmingham. Three D2s enter the ACU Six Days' Trial and win three Gold Medals.
- 1921 The D3 appears, with a 3-speed gearbox and chain drive. The clutch has yet to be developed.
- 1922 The first Velocette Clutch..inside the final drive sprocket...and the design changes little between this clutch and that of 1967.
- 1923 Engine capacity now 249 cc and electric lighting (Maglita) offered. G model range introduced - including the GC, for "Colonial."
- 1924 The Model A (two-speed belt drive), and the Model B (three-speed chain drive) are launched as economy models.
- 1925 The G-model range becomes the H model range. The Ladies models are still called E's. The A is replaced by the AC using chain rather than belt drive from the gearbox. A new, OHC, model K is launched. Initially called a Veloce, it was soon rebranded a Velocette to capitalise on the goodwill that the little 2-stroke had earned. A super sports model - the KSS - soon follows.
- 1926 The tradename Velocette is registered. The factory moves to Hall Green, Birmingham. And a Velocette ridden by Alec Bennett wins the Junior TT. By 10 minutes.
- 1927 A new, updated, 249 cc 2-stroke is launched - the model U. The KS is introduced - a KSS with a standard engine.
- 1928 A K model takes the world one-hour record at just over 100 mph (160 km/h). The KE, and KES offer E-for-Enomy variants.
- 1929 The super sports version of the model U is offered - the USS. And a more basic version - the model 32. For the first time the bikers were produced in a colour other than black....the 32 had a blue petrol tank. And the TT replica of the KSS is sold to the public - the KTT. It includes the first positive-stop foot gear change on a motorcycle. The KN and KNS models use a new type of big-end.
- 1930 The GTP - a completely new design of 2-stroke engine, with the innovation (on a motorcycle) of coil ignition. A KTP variant of the K models provides a fashionable twin-port head.
- 1931 The tank badge now reads: "26-28-29 TT Winners". The current versions of the KTT are known as the Mk II and Mk III.
- 1932 The Mk IV KTT is produced. The GTP uses "auto-lube" oil injection where the oil pump adjustment is linked to the throttle opening - another Velocette innovation.
- 1933 The M series with Overhead Valves - the MOV 248 cc high camshaft 4-stroke is announced, followed by the MAC 349 cc.
- 1934 The new works 500 cc OHC racer is 3rd in the Senior TT.
- 1935 The 500 cc MSS completes the M series. The Mk V KTT is produced.
- 1936 A very few "Mk VI" KTT engines are produced.
- 1937 Works Velocette 2nd in the Junior TT. Velocette 600 cc OHC Outfit in the ISDT winning team.
- 1938 Works Velocettes come 1st and 2nd in the Junior TT, and 2nd in the Senior TT. A few Mk VII KTT models are produced.
- 1939 The Mk VIII KTT model. Velocette win the Junior TT. "Roarer" supercharged 490 cc racer in development. "O" model 580 cc parallel twin prototyped.
- 1940 The MDD and MAF - the forces models of the MAC - are produced.
- 1946 The GTP is produced again, and the MOV, MAC, MSS and KSS.
- 1947 Velocettes win the first four places in the Junior TT.
- 1948 The Dowty Oleomatic (air-sprung) telescopic front fork is used on the M models. K production ceases. The L.E. Velocette is announced. The KTT Mk VIII is again available as an over-the-counter racer. Velocettes take the first two places in the Junior TT.
- 1949 Only the 350 cc MAC and 150 cc L.E. (and the Mk VIII KTT) are produced. Works DOHC 350 cc and 500 cc machines enter the TT. Velocettes take 1st and 2nd in the Junior TT, 2nd in the Senior.
- 1960 The Viceroy 250 cc flat-twin 2-stroke scooter is announced. Production of the MAC ceases.
- 1961 On 18–19 March, a Venom sets the world 24 hour record for a 500 cc motorcycle of 100.05 mph (161.01 km/h). The record still stands.
- 1962 "Special" (economy) models of Venom and Viper announced.
- 1963 The Vogue - an L.E. with a streamlined glass-fibre body.
- 1964 The last year of production of the Valiant and Viceroy.
- 1965 The Thruxton is available.
- 1966 Mk II Venom and Viper Clubman models introduced with many Thruxton features.
- 1967 A Thruxton wins the Production TT.
- 1971 Production of Velocette motorcycles ceases. Tooling, spares, and Velocette name purchased by Mathew Holder, whose family currently produce spare parts for the many Velocette motorcycles still in use.
Trivia
A Velocette MAC motorcycle appears in the 2006 film The History Boys, ridden, and ultimately crashed, by the elderly teacher, Hector, played by Richard Griffiths. [2]
External links
References
- ^ "Velocette". Is-it-a-lemon.com. Retrieved on 2006-12-20.
- ^ "The Internet Movie Cars Database". imcdb.org. Retrieved on 2008-01-13.
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