Velocette model types

[Black VXR]

Hi Everyone

I have been offered a 1954 500cc Velocette MSS, what does the MSS stand for please? Does anyone know where I can obtain a list of models from?

Thanks

[Biker's Nemesis]

http://www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_b...




http://hansviveen5.fotopic.net/c709195.html

Edited by Biker's Nemesis on Friday 5th October 12:35

[Black VXR]

Thanks, I found these sites too, but still don't have the information I need. Does anyone know what the different letters after the model names / type mean, for example MAC or MSS

[Wacky Racer]

http://www.rodburris.co.uk/

[srob]

I don't know exactly what MSS stands for (and no sidestand jokes!), but with the earlier ones, there was a KTS (Touring Sports) and a KSS (Super Sports). Anything with a K is an overhead cam engined bike, built between the twenties and forties.

There's also the MAC, which is a 350 overhead valve model, which I think had about the longest build life of all Velo's (from around the thirties to the fifties).

The MSS is basically a slightly more 'touring' version of the Venom. It was built before the Venom, but I think they overlapped in years. The Venom has the prefix VM at the start of the engine number, Vipers have VR and Thruxtons (a souped up Venom) VMT. All engine numbers are stamped on the timing side of the crankcases just below the cylinder. Venoms and Thruxtons are 500cc overhead valve singles with a four speed gearbox, the Viper is the same but a 350cc. I think the Venom was introduced in 1956, the Thruxton a coulpe of yeears later, and the last were built around 1970. The easiest way of telling the diference between an MSS and Venom is that the Venom/Vipers have oil lines coming off of the pushrod tunnel, and I don't think the MSS does.

If you haven't tried starting a Velocette before let me know- I'll tell you the sequence otherwise you could end up with a broken ankle- yep, they do have that much compression!!

Buy it- they're brilliant bikes to ride- I was out on a 1963 Venom (that started life as a Viper) yesterday- still got the grin on my face today

All of the above is from memory- so feel free to correct me!

Edited by srob on Monday 8th October 13:33

[srob]

Right- further to the above I've had a look and found out that...

The later ones do have the oil lines on the pushrod tube as the Venom.

The model was introduced in 1935 with girder forks (it gained telescopic forks in 1948) and remained in the lineup until 1949 when it vanished until re-introduced in 1954. This time with the alloy engine (as was to appear in the Venom). It remained in production until 1970.

If you need any more info, I've just found an article in 'Realclassic' magazine from summer 2006. Drop me an email and I'll scan it and send it to you if you like.