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).
He got his first one for re-laying a hedge@@bikerdood1100 ........ as the Velo had been dumped there to fill a gap and to stop the farmer's sheep from getting on the road, obviously it took a bit of rebuilding, but parts were easy to get in the 1960's.
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
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...
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 🇳🇿
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!
Oh I wasn’t riding hard at all The clutch didn’t fail because I was hammering it, it’s unfortunately an ongoing problem the guys thought they’d fixed, unfortunately not as it turned out
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
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 👏👌
No idea I was riding the bike at the national motorcycle museum maybe they rode the same bike I have no idea Haven’t seen it to be honest We recorded it on Saturday booked the ride out weeks ago so coincidence I would guess 🤷🏻
Did this bike belong to the museum? It is not the same machine I own and it is most surprising that both videos were released on the same day. Great minds and all that
@@DUR599 well a coincidence indeed. It is the museum bike , just noticed the classic bike channel video although I haven’t watched it yet myself. Obviously I have no idea what those guys get up to. I just shot mine and released it the following day. If I’d known I’d have waited as I expect people will more likely watch theirs Wonderful Collection of bikes you have by the way 👍🏻
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..
Oh both countries can make very reliable machines in my experience The bike is over 50 let’s remember Not too many Japanese bikes have survived so long
@@bikerdood1100 The first truly reliable bike was the Honda CB 750 at the end of the seventies. After some problems with the chain "tensioner" with the first model, fast solved by Honda with a kit. Before the Four none bike on the french market was truly reliable for range fast touring whatever the origin even the BMW reliability is rather a myth. On 1972 I bought from a friend who was working at the Honda importer, a Honda CB750 1969 (the very first one with the sand cast engine cases). The bike had 35000 km, I added 80000 km more in less than 3 years with just one clutch plus a lot of consumables (tires, brakes and chains were worn at very fast rate...and the normal consumption of ball bearings, rear shocks and fork rebuilding). The maintenance was constant but nothing hard. The cam chain was pretty worn with a lot of slash noise at the end. I sold it to a friend at almost 120000. He rebuilt the bike, and kept it. The bike is now 54 years old with more than 200000 km and it's an highly collectible as the 1969 model with sand cast cases is extremely rare. That was the first bike with what I has able to make Paris France to Hambourg Germany 920 km straight on highways with just the stops for refueling, one tension chain, and coffees for the driver in a total time of 9 hours. Such a trip was difficult to imagine with a lot of bikes in 1972-73. Honda made very strong models, I bought a Honda 750 VFR Carat 1990 brand new. I sold it at 125000 km in 2000. I did nothing except maintenance including ball bearings and normal items like disk brakes at 80000. In 1991 I had an urgency and made Paris Marseille 780 km all highway by night in less than six hours including stops without any problem, the tachometer being at 200 most of the time. An acquaintance bought it, and has it always. The bike, 33 years old, has now 260000 km with just one clutch. The engine has never been opened. He made a new epoxy paint of the wheels, made a great revision of the cycle and it's on the road again.
Well as the saying goes if you were right I’d agree with you But unfortunately The 400/4 like so many Hondas is a revvy gutless little thing You say Honda I’d say Cam chain I’ve had a lot of Hondas over the years good bikes but more reliable than the rest I’m not so sure I’ve pushed my share of Japanese bikes home in must say That’s not pub talk that’s real world daily rider experience no BS I’ve been let down by Japanese bikes of various makes at least as often as anything else Don’t deal in mythology on this channel
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
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.
Well the bike itself was really good Well apart from the clutch of course I found the riding position and engine very good, even the GP carb was pretty good
The Triumph clutch was fitted as standard on the late A10s. I had a 1960 Super Rocket which had a Triumph clutch. If you want your A10 to stop properly, the late '60s 2ls brake as fitted to BSAs and Triumphs is the go. It needs the fork sliders with bolt-on axle clamps for full width hubs, and you have to fit the pre-1965 shorter axle. It's a really nice brake, strong and progressive.
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
It was only the first few mules, after that it was all open twisty roads where it was spectacular good. Unfortunately camera and bike problems conspired against showing much of the ride. She went like a train but after around half an our we hit a small town where the clutch problems became very apparent
@@bikerdood1100 Enjoyed your test run it brought back happy memories of many years back riding a Venom on all kinds of roads. The clutch setting on all Velocette's is a bit tricky. When properly set up they are very light and very smooth action.
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....
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.
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!
@@bikerdood1100 As a teenage in the 60's them fishtail silencers never did it for me. Even though the Thruxton was reported to be a performer. I would love one now though! 👍
@@peterbennett4948oddly enough Velocette stopped producing the Fishtail pipes years before production ended so most of the sporty models didn’t actually leave the factory with them on Most were retro fitted later by people who liked the look I suppose and some probably asked for them to be fitted on delivery but not actually a standard fit in the 60s
@@bikerdood1100 Can I ask where you obtained your information? I've just checked original Velocette parts books and sales leaflets from 1966 to 1969. Apart from the scrambler and Vogue, they show or quote the fishtale silencers for the Venom, Viper, Thruxton and MSS
@@peterbennett4948 how strange A public demand thing perhaps, I have a late 60s article which also shows the fishtail ( Brooklands) can style silencer. Did their traditional punters simply not want the bike with more modern pipes I do like them myself but I know some thought them old fashioned back in the 60s Bike buyers a rather conservative lot at times it seems 😂
I had a vellocette thruxton 1969 , great bike fast for a 500 cc , the kick starting was a learning curve lol
From what I’ve found the motor is spectacular
The clutch a little less so
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).
Lucky guy
He got his first one for re-laying a hedge@@bikerdood1100 ........ as the Velo had been dumped there to fill a gap and to stop the farmer's sheep from getting on the road, obviously it took a bit of rebuilding, but parts were easy to get in the 1960's.
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
Glad you enjoyed it
Wow, my dad was only just talking about these the other day. What timing. That’s a lovely bike
It is indeed
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...
Cool 😎
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 🇳🇿
Indeed they did
Later very famous for trials bikes of course
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!
Oh I wasn’t riding hard at all
The clutch didn’t fail because I was hammering it, it’s unfortunately an ongoing problem the guys thought they’d fixed, unfortunately not as it turned out
I enjoyed your film, mind saying that I enjoy all your films mate, well done
Thanks
Bit of a frustrating one, between bike and camera problems I was lucky to have enough usable material to be honest
Stunning bike though
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
It’s quiet enough 😂
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 👏👌
No idea
I was riding the bike at the national motorcycle museum maybe they rode the same bike
I have no idea
Haven’t seen it to be honest
We recorded it on Saturday booked the ride out weeks ago so coincidence I would guess 🤷🏻
Did this bike belong to the museum? It is not the same machine I own and it is most surprising that both videos were released on the same day.
Great minds and all that
@@DUR599 well a coincidence indeed.
It is the museum bike , just noticed the classic bike channel video although I haven’t watched it yet myself.
Obviously I have no idea what those guys get up to.
I just shot mine and released it the following day.
If I’d known I’d have waited as I expect people will more likely watch theirs
Wonderful Collection of bikes you have by the way 👍🏻
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..
Oh both countries can make very reliable machines in my experience
The bike is over 50 let’s remember
Not too many Japanese bikes have survived so long
@@bikerdood1100 The first truly reliable bike was the Honda CB 750 at the end of the seventies. After some problems with the chain "tensioner" with the first model, fast solved by Honda with a kit.
Before the Four none bike on the french market was truly reliable for range fast touring whatever the origin even the BMW reliability is rather a myth.
On 1972 I bought from a friend who was working at the Honda importer, a Honda CB750 1969 (the very first one with the sand cast engine cases). The bike had 35000 km, I added 80000 km more in less than 3 years with just one clutch plus a lot of consumables (tires, brakes and chains were worn at very fast rate...and the normal consumption of ball bearings, rear shocks and fork rebuilding). The maintenance was constant but nothing hard. The cam chain was pretty worn with a lot of slash noise at the end.
I sold it to a friend at almost 120000. He rebuilt the bike, and kept it. The bike is now 54 years old with more than 200000 km and it's an highly collectible as the 1969 model with sand cast cases is extremely rare.
That was the first bike with what I has able to make Paris France to Hambourg Germany 920 km straight on highways with just the stops for refueling, one tension chain, and coffees for the driver in a total time of 9 hours. Such a trip was difficult to imagine with a lot of bikes in 1972-73.
Honda made very strong models, I bought a Honda 750 VFR Carat 1990 brand new. I sold it at 125000 km in 2000. I did nothing except maintenance including ball bearings and normal items like disk brakes at 80000.
In 1991 I had an urgency and made Paris Marseille 780 km all highway by night in less than six hours including stops without any problem, the tachometer being at 200 most of the time.
An acquaintance bought it, and has it always. The bike, 33 years old, has now 260000 km with just one clutch. The engine has never been opened. He made a new epoxy paint of the wheels, made a great revision of the cycle and it's on the road again.
Well as the saying goes if you were right I’d agree with you
But unfortunately
The 400/4 like so many Hondas is a revvy gutless little thing
You say Honda
I’d say
Cam chain
I’ve had a lot of Hondas over the years good bikes but more reliable than the rest I’m not so sure
I’ve pushed my share of Japanese bikes home in must say
That’s not pub talk that’s real world daily rider experience no BS
I’ve been let down by Japanese bikes of various makes at least as often as anything else
Don’t deal in mythology on this channel
before my time, a lovely machine.
Age is just a number as they say
To of my bikes are much older than me
Although my wife is not 😂
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
Such is life I’m afraid
Had a thruxton vellocette ...nice bike but I should have got a 750cc Honda 4 lol but loved my vello
Would make a good retro bike right now!
True
I love your vids. Too bad you got caught up in a motorcycle funeral convoy.
Ha😂
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.
Well the bike itself was really good
Well apart from the clutch of course
I found the riding position and engine very good, even the GP carb was pretty good
The Triumph clutch was fitted as standard on the late A10s. I had a 1960 Super Rocket which had a Triumph clutch. If you want your A10 to stop properly, the late '60s 2ls brake as fitted to BSAs and Triumphs is the go. It needs the fork sliders with bolt-on axle clamps for full width hubs, and you have to fit the pre-1965 shorter axle. It's a really nice brake, strong and progressive.
Never heard of these bikes, very nice though with a great sound.
That’s why we do the channel 👍🏻
It needs one of those aftermarket leccy starters
Naaa 😂
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
It was only the first few mules, after that it was all open twisty roads where it was spectacular good.
Unfortunately camera and bike problems conspired against showing much of the ride. She went like a train but after around half an our we hit a small town where the clutch problems became very apparent
@@bikerdood1100 Enjoyed your test run it brought back happy memories of many years back riding a Venom on all kinds of roads. The clutch setting on all Velocette's is a bit tricky. When properly set up they are very light and very smooth action.
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....
Well a lot of motorcycles run interference heads
Not too many hemispherical combustions chambers on post war bikes
great looking bike
True
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.
Always had a soft spot for the LE
I agree for the clutch. A nightmare. Otherwise the Thruxton was a nice bike.
Better flick my thruxton in to neutral , cluth creep lol
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!
Very true
And when they did break you could usually fix it yourself
And how much is it to service a modern bike ?
Looks great far superior to the last Velocette's outdated looks 🤫
Well don’t know about that necessarily
Love the looks of Velocette Thruxton
Is definitely a looker though
@@bikerdood1100 As a teenage in the 60's them fishtail silencers never did it for me. Even though the Thruxton was reported to be a performer. I would love one now though! 👍
@@peterbennett4948oddly enough Velocette stopped producing the Fishtail pipes years before production ended so most of the sporty models didn’t actually leave the factory with them on
Most were retro fitted later by people who liked the look I suppose and some probably asked for them to be fitted on delivery but not actually a standard fit in the 60s
@@bikerdood1100 Can I ask where you obtained your information?
I've just checked original Velocette parts books and sales leaflets from 1966 to 1969. Apart from the scrambler and Vogue, they show or quote the fishtale silencers for the Venom, Viper, Thruxton and MSS
@@peterbennett4948 how strange
A public demand thing perhaps, I have a late 60s article which also shows the fishtail ( Brooklands) can style silencer.
Did their traditional punters simply not want the bike with more modern pipes
I do like them myself but I know some thought them old fashioned back in the 60s
Bike buyers a rather conservative lot at times it seems 😂
Hey Indian, you should make this bike. But more modern of course. With a 5 gallon tank.
Tank is very punny
So very American in that sense