I hade a 1934-5 Velocette 350 engine when I was 14 , and stripped it all down polished everything and learned a lot about engines. I will be 80 next month and still want a Velo !! Good video, that Andy is a very lucky man.
I have what would I was a teenager butter for $60 you put that engine was practically spit still run now I'm 75 years old and I still remember that bike I still have the picture bought it for $60 back in the day in in Indio California I miss all the British bikes I had the day
Vellows were fantastic bikes. Back in the late 1950s early 1960s a friend had a 1954 MSS it was a gorgeous bike and extremely comfortable. A two level dual seat and big wheels for no tools adjustable rear suspension. It cruised at 65 mph all day up and down hills and did 65mpg with its huge petrol tank it was impossible to drive it far enough to run out of fuel! Back then I also went to the factory, a wonderful experience. Everything was hand built with all the machinery belt driven from a central shaft in the ceiling that ran down the whole length of the shop. Maybe a bit dated even then but they made some wonderful machines.
A great video lookback at what remains from what we lost when the British bike industry collapsed. I really wanted a Thruxton 500 but all I ever had was an ex police LE 200 side valve. Very good urban commuter bike for late sixties / early seventies.
Excellent, thank you. Always loved Velocette's. I could not afford them when I was a young lad and I still can't now I'm an old lad 🙂. I used to live close to the Velocette distributor for the Netherlands back in the day.
Moi j'étais à proximité de l'importateur Robert Leconte Paris 15 en France .j'ai manqué acheter en 1973 la velocette préparée pour le bol d'or! Regrets. On ne sait pas ce qu'elle est devenue...
I had a touch of Velocette fever recently when I came across a very nice condition 1949 MAC 350 sitting at a local Honda dealership. As I only have space for two bikes, either the '74 Commando or 2013 Bonneville would've had to go and the MAC would need to to become a regular long distance rider in both urban and highway riding. That hard tail frame would likely be quite punishing. So in the end practicality broke the fever. Now you guys put up this fantastic video and I'm getting the chills again!
Actually, the rigid frame with sprung seat is surprisingly comfortable...and really light! Bikes generally put on weight when the swinging arm frame was introduced. One of my favourite Velos is the circa 1953 MAC rigid with the Velocette forks and the all alloy MAC engine which was introduced in 1952.
@chrisward7085 we also have another 1948-49? Mac for sale in region with all alloy engine, rigid frame and velo telescopic forks. Both that one and the iron engine dowty fork bike at Honda dealer are both about the same asking price at $13k CAD....that's quite high IMHO. To break my fever, I've purchased a 54 MSS and it is currently on a ship from UK. Got it for about 4500 GBP, half what the two local Mac bikes were at.
I must admit that i have never riden a velo but in the 1970s i was an apprentice rigger at Camper & Nicolsons in Southampton & one of my colleagues had a velo for a while & his experience with it captivatede. Hope you are doing well Bill .
Older brother (17 years older) had a '59 Venom when he was younger. He still cannot believe what people are asking for them now. Apparently he paid about $100 au in the mid '60s. He, and me, wish he would have kept it. Like a lot of bikes, cars etc that are now commanding big money.
I loved the look of the Thruxton back then. Finally got a Venom Clubman a couple of years ago. Lovely bike. Had great fun playing with a friend two years ago on a track day. He rode his Thruxton and I rode my 350 Manx.
Wonderful. I am fortunate enough to own a Velocette KSS Mk 1 and a Venom Clubman along with a number of other machines including Norton Manx and International. Ralph Seymour was a devotee of Velocettes and kept them on track. I met Andy at Kop Hill. We had a brief conversation. He's a credit to his grandfather. I love the fact that he uses his bikes and encourages youngsters.
I've been a Velocette fan since I was very young & grew up as a neighbour of "Mad John" Speak, who was *the* man for Velocettes in my area. (Calder Valley) I have a treasured photo of one of his Velocettes (registration JYB 8**. Can't see all of it) taken by my dad in May(?) 1960, and to me it's everything a classic bike should be. I don't know which model it is but its engine looks very similar to the one in the older bike in this video. I believe that John sold off his collection of bikes & spares in the very late 70's or early 80's due to declining health, but I'd love to know whether any of them are still running.
Great video. I'm a bit of a Seymour fan with two bikes he built up: a rebuilt 1960 Venom (with Ralph's build notes) and a Thruxton rep. Really good engineering, and both bikes are about as smooth as a Velocette can be.
What a great shop, thanks for the video, when I was a kid my brother had a 1969 Velocette 500 Thrukston bought brand new, I'm Canadian I wonder how many other countries have Velocette's.
Brilliant video! Ralph's collection and passion is truly carrying on with an excellent caretaker. Andy has a life's work in that garage of his - how wonderful! Perfect staging of John and Andy taking the bikes out for a ride at 21:45 in the video. Welcome to Shabbington... 😄
I had a Rocket Gold Star when only 17 , it was a real pain to start and I could not kick it up so had to bump it , i soon sold it but wish I had it now - I'm 71
Somewhere in a dusty corner of my mind are an article and pictures of a Thruxton with a custom candy apple rose paint job. Believe it or not, it was gorgeous. Unfortunately the motorcycle magazine it was in was thrown out and burned before I could intervene.
From the sound, and how most riders seem to prefer the running bump to the kick, I'm guessing Velocette's run a big spark advance and cam overlap... I had a Norton set up like that, and it would launch you over the bars regularly!😂
Hey, this is a good topic. We have a Triumph at the moment on loan from The National Motorcycle Museum, we'll see if we can add that to the list when we head out, Alex
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel Brilliant! I bought a Matchless T4 1929 last week and not really ridden it yet. There isn't a video on TH-cam about learning to ride these ancient machines! There's plenty of on board vids showing people riding and fettling the levers, no explanations of what they're listening for and what it sounds like when its not right, etc.
Had about 6 or so Velos back in the late 70s-early 80s. MAC-MSS-Venom Clubmam-Scramlber and a 39 KSS . The KSS was a back garden update from the UK with Velo teles and a Velo swingarm conversion. Was always a toss up which was my favorite the Clubman or my DBD34 Goldie Clubman. AH those were the days !!!!
The most beautiful engines, along with the most gorgeous sounds.
Always magical when two like-minded enthusiasts get to chatting. Glad the camera was rolling to capture it. Thank you.
I hade a 1934-5 Velocette 350 engine when I was 14 , and stripped it all down polished everything and learned a lot about engines. I will be 80 next month and still want a Velo !! Good video, that Andy is a very lucky man.
I love hearing this!!! You're the man.
I have what would I was a teenager butter for $60 you put that engine was practically spit still run now I'm 75 years old and I still remember that bike I still have the picture bought it for $60 back in the day in in Indio California I miss all the British bikes I had the day
Vellows were fantastic bikes. Back in the late 1950s early 1960s a friend had a 1954 MSS it was a gorgeous bike and extremely comfortable. A two level dual seat and big wheels for no tools adjustable rear suspension. It cruised at 65 mph all day up and down hills and did 65mpg with its huge petrol tank it was impossible to drive it far enough to run out of fuel! Back then I also went to the factory, a wonderful experience. Everything was hand built with all the machinery belt driven from a central shaft in the ceiling that ran down the whole length of the shop. Maybe a bit dated even then but they made some wonderful machines.
voglio fare i miei piu' grandi complimenti a questo ragazzo che custodisce tesori cosi' meravigliosi e li fa ancora vivere sulla strada
What a cool guy and great collection of bikes. Loved hearing the family history. 👍
A great video lookback at what remains from what we lost when the British bike industry collapsed. I really wanted a Thruxton 500 but all I ever had was an ex police LE 200 side valve. Very good urban commuter bike for late sixties / early seventies.
Excellent, thank you. Always loved Velocette's. I could not afford them when I was a young lad and I still can't now I'm an old lad 🙂. I used to live close to the Velocette distributor for the Netherlands back in the day.
Moi j'étais à proximité de l'importateur Robert Leconte Paris 15 en France .j'ai manqué acheter en 1973 la velocette préparée pour le bol d'or!
Regrets. On ne sait pas ce qu'elle est devenue...
Passion and nostalgia, a fabulous escape to a great era. Good chap too 👍👏👌
Omg it’s Andy?! I know this beautiful man!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤
This is a fantastic video. Saw the Velo shop a good while ago and also have a copy of the magazine mentioned.
I had a touch of Velocette fever recently when I came across a very nice condition 1949 MAC 350 sitting at a local Honda dealership. As I only have space for two bikes, either the '74 Commando or 2013 Bonneville would've had to go and the MAC would need to to become a regular long distance rider in both urban and highway riding. That hard tail frame would likely be quite punishing. So in the end practicality broke the fever. Now you guys put up this fantastic video and I'm getting the chills again!
Thank you!
Actually, the rigid frame with sprung seat is surprisingly comfortable...and really light! Bikes generally put on weight when the swinging arm frame was introduced. One of my favourite Velos is the circa 1953 MAC rigid with the Velocette forks and the all alloy MAC engine which was introduced in 1952.
@chrisward7085 we also have another 1948-49? Mac for sale in region with all alloy engine, rigid frame and velo telescopic forks. Both that one and the iron engine dowty fork bike at Honda dealer are both about the same asking price at $13k CAD....that's quite high IMHO. To break my fever, I've purchased a 54 MSS and it is currently on a ship from UK. Got it for about 4500 GBP, half what the two local Mac bikes were at.
Love this channel, thanks folks.
Oh, what a nice comment, thank you! Alex
What a bike to collect , one of my fave classic bikes . Amazing singles .
I must admit that i have never riden a velo but in the 1970s i was an apprentice rigger at Camper & Nicolsons in Southampton & one of my colleagues had a velo for a while & his experience with it captivatede.
Hope you are doing well Bill .
Great video and Andys enthusiasm is palpable. At the end--your Thruxton reminded me of the sound my 450 Desmo used to make---loved it.
Just a fantastic video!
Thruxton's are just brilliant machines!
Thank you for your nice comments :) Alex
Great video. Some day I want to go to England to see the bikes you guys have there just amazing!
Older brother (17 years older) had a '59 Venom when he was younger. He still cannot believe what people are asking for them now. Apparently he paid about $100 au in the mid '60s. He, and me, wish he would have kept it. Like a lot of bikes, cars etc that are now commanding big money.
Absolutely fantastic video. Knowledge, enthusiasm... This just has to be passed on. 👍
Made my day love a velocette
What a nice comment to read, thank you! Alex
Andy the Velo Fellow…..cool lovely bikes
As a young man I used to gaze longingly at the bikes in the window in Thame. Great to see the bikes
Ah, this is very nice, Alex
I loved the look of the Thruxton back then. Finally got a Venom Clubman a couple of years ago. Lovely bike.
Had great fun playing with a friend two years ago on a track day. He rode his Thruxton and I rode my 350 Manx.
Excellent video! Thank you
Wonderful. I am fortunate enough to own a Velocette KSS Mk 1 and a Venom Clubman along with a number of other machines including Norton Manx and International. Ralph Seymour was a devotee of Velocettes and kept them on track. I met Andy at Kop Hill. We had a brief conversation. He's a credit to his grandfather. I love the fact that he uses his bikes and encourages youngsters.
@@riley124 would you be so kind to give year and model of your Inter.
Those GP/TT Velocettes are the business!
I've been a Velocette fan since I was very young & grew up as a neighbour of "Mad John" Speak, who was *the* man for Velocettes in my area. (Calder Valley)
I have a treasured photo of one of his Velocettes (registration JYB 8**. Can't see all of it) taken by my dad in May(?) 1960, and to me it's everything a classic bike should be. I don't know which model it is but its engine looks very similar to the one in the older bike in this video.
I believe that John sold off his collection of bikes & spares in the very late 70's or early 80's due to declining health, but I'd love to know whether any of them are still running.
Great video. I'm a bit of a Seymour fan with two bikes he built up: a rebuilt 1960 Venom (with Ralph's build notes) and a Thruxton rep. Really good engineering, and both bikes are about as smooth as a Velocette can be.
I have a 1952 Matchless G80 that I love. But I have a hankering for a Velo.. Such beautiful machines from an interesting firm..
I was amused by the way the tacho bounced around when he rode the Thruxton. Also the needle was rather random.
What a great shop, thanks for the video, when I was a kid my brother had a 1969 Velocette 500 Thrukston bought brand new, I'm Canadian I wonder how many other countries have Velocette's.
No race preps Noddy bikes then, I always wanted a THRUXTON VENOM as a teenager, but never had the cash.
Great video guys! Really enjoyed it 😊👍
Brilliant video! Ralph's collection and passion is truly carrying on with an excellent caretaker. Andy has a life's work in that garage of his - how wonderful! Perfect staging of John and Andy taking the bikes out for a ride at 21:45 in the video. Welcome to Shabbington... 😄
Thank you for your nice comments Brad and your support of our channel, Alex
Love these bikes .
That Rickman Metisse is fabulous
Agreed!
Great video.
I had a Rocket Gold Star when only 17 , it was a real pain to start and I could not kick it up so had to bump it , i soon sold it but wish I had it now - I'm 71
Somewhere in a dusty corner of my mind are an article and pictures of a Thruxton with a custom candy apple rose paint job. Believe it or not, it was gorgeous. Unfortunately the motorcycle magazine it was in was thrown out and burned before I could intervene.
From the sound, and how most riders seem to prefer the running bump to the kick, I'm guessing Velocette's run a big spark advance and cam overlap...
I had a Norton set up like that, and it would launch you over the bars regularly!😂
I raced a Seymour Thruxton in the '78 Newcomers Manx Grand Prix - not fast but not last!
Gorgeous! A little bit of clutch slip 23:28 ?
super.
terrible sub titles !! ..... My favorite bike (the Velocette) and I am still a keen biker at 84 ....
i missed out on a venom thrukston when i was 14 as my dad wouldnt lend me 5 pounds to make the 90 pounds price in 1974
John, any chance you can make a quick video about riding pre-war bikes, and de-mystifying the advance/retard, and air mixture levers?
Hey, this is a good topic. We have a Triumph at the moment on loan from The National Motorcycle Museum, we'll see if we can add that to the list when we head out, Alex
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel Brilliant! I bought a Matchless T4 1929 last week and not really ridden it yet. There isn't a video on TH-cam about learning to ride these ancient machines! There's plenty of on board vids showing people riding and fettling the levers, no explanations of what they're listening for and what it sounds like when its not right, etc.
hello pretty
Had about 6 or so Velos back in the late 70s-early 80s. MAC-MSS-Venom Clubmam-Scramlber and a 39 KSS . The KSS was a back garden update from the UK with Velo teles and a Velo swingarm conversion. Was always a toss up which was my favorite the Clubman or my DBD34 Goldie Clubman. AH those were the days !!!!