Make & Model: Velocette Venom                                                                        

Registration Number: FP9986

Date Registered: 5thAugust 1960

Colour: Black/Silver

Engine Size: 499cc

Frame No.R5/15273 Engine No. VM/4544

Documents: V5C’s, Old Green Log Book,Old tax disc, Old MOT’s, Original Service Manual

The Hall Green, Birmingham, England company introduced in late 1955 the Velocette Venom sports roadster that was derived from the earlier touring MSS. The latter disappeared from the range in 1948, reappearing in 1954 with a new swinging-arm frame and telescopic fork. The 499cc engine, conceived by Veloce's Eugene Goodman and designed by Charles Udall, too was up-dated, changing to"square" bore and stroke dimensions of 86x86mm and gaining an alloy cylinder barrel and head, the engine's development pursued as part of the British off-road racing "scrambles" program. It bore fruit in 1956 in the shape of the higher-performance Venom and its 350cc sibling, the Viper. The MSS frame and forks were retained for the newcomers, but full-width alloy hubs were adopted to boost braking power and smart chromed mudguards fitted to enhance the models' sporting image. Produced until the end of Velocette production in 1971 - a total of 5,721 units were built - the Venom represents the final glorious flowering of the traditional British sports single, and today these supremely well-engineered thoroughbreds are highly sought after.

In 1961, a Venom set the 24-hour world record at a speed of 100.05mph, the first motorcycle of any capacity to achieve such an average speed for 24 hours.

Our one family owner Venom started life in Cannock in Staffordshire before being passed from father to son based in Walsall. The mileage appears genuine and tally’s up to all the MOT’s and the general patina of the machine. We have just had the bike serviced, carburettor rebuilt, the top end rebuilt including new valves and guides along with new piston rings and it now runs beautifully. Renowned for being a bit tricky to start (there is a process that has to be followed!) they are a lovely bike to ride and will keep up with modern traffic.

E & O E