1961 Velocette LE
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Highlights
- Good condition throughout
- Highly original
- Ready to ride or show
The Appeal
The Velocette LE was a very unusual design, with an opposed-twin engine, shaft drive and a large fairing to keep off the worst of the British weather. It saw great popularity with police forces across the country, but struggled in the consumer market due to competition from the stylish Italian scooters. Now much appreciated for its unusual design, it makes for a great classic British motorbike experience.
Renowned for its exceptionally quiet running the LE makes for a unique riding experience. Presented in good condition throughout and with many desirable original features such as the Velocette leather panniers this would be a perfect bike for shows, or to enjoy the unique riding experience it provides.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 Present and correct
- MOT and Tax exempt
- Original service manual and spare parts list
- Only four owners in the logbook
The Interior
- Good condition throughout
- Leather seat in very good condition
- Rubber fairing floor lining presents well
- Some light patina on the chrome surrounds of the gauges
- All of the dials and gauges present very well along with the limited switchgear
The Velocet LE provides a unique riding experience; a “proper” motorbike that looks more like a scooter, the large fairing in front of you combined with the dials dotted around the headlamp and the top of the fairing make it like no other. This MK III is perhaps the least unusual version of the LE, featuring amenities such as a kick start and a traditional foot operated gear lever as well as mechanical improvements over previous versions.
The main riding area presents well overall with all of the dials in good condition and functional. The handlebars do feature a little duct tape and a few zip ties keeping the cabling in place, with a quick bit of attention this would be a fantastic example of the classic “Noddy” bike.
The Exterior
- Finished in blue
- Very good overall condition
- Complete with Velocette leather panniers
- Light lenses, rims and forks all present very well
- Leatherette trim on the fairing presents well with some room for improvement
- Blue paintwork all in very good condition
- Some very light corrosion on the front hub and the chrome headlight surround
The LE is a bike that will never be mistaken for any other, its distinctive tank and fairing design really set it apart and finished in blue with the Velocette panniers it looks fantastic. The blue paintwork is all in very good condition and the bike has the correct decals and badges which are both in very good condition.
The overall condition of the bike is very good with some room for easy cosmetic improvements that would really bring it up to excellent condition. WIth its unique looks and in very good condition it would make a great show bike.
The Mechanics
- Unusual opposed-twin 192cc four stroke engine
- Shaft drive
- Starts easily and idles well
- No unusual noises - a very quiet bike
- The MK III features a traditional kick-start and foot operated gear lever
- Engine and ancillary equipment all presents very well
The unusual design choice of the 192cc opposed twin engine combined with a shaft drive further add to the uniqueness of the LE. The LE was known for its very quiet running and that’s certainly true of this one, with no unusual noises and starting easily with a kick or two.
The owner reports that it rides as it should, shifting gears easily and the drum brakes stopping the bike in good time. The engine and ancillary components all present well and it’s clear that this is a well loved and maintained bike.
Summary
The Velocette LE is a unique bike, both aesthetically and mechanically with an unusual design that will attract attention wherever it goes. Finished in blue with the Velocette panniers it looks great and in very good condition throughout it would be perfect as a show bike, or just to enjoy the unique riding experience it provides.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1964
- Make Velocette
- Model LE
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 1,660 Miles
- Engine size 192
Auction Details
Message C&C Auction Team
- Seller Type Private
- Location Dorset
- Country United Kingdom
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