Beschreibung
It has taken me 3 weeks to advertise this bike.
Having reluctantly decided for age/ health reasons, I must sell it, I kept putting off the placing the ad, as in the 10 years I have enjoyed her, she has risen to become my all time favorite.
I only bought this bike because I became friendly with a serious Velocette collector who waxed lyrical about Velocettes and they had always remained "under the radar" to me, despite a large collection of other makes I have owned.
So I thought I should at least experience one.
With my friend's expert knowledge, the search began.
We eventually found a MAC in good original condition just needing some "proper" engineering practice to reveal a great rider.
I was dumbfounded at just what a delightful ride she was, greatly exceeding expectations in every sense. I well remember my first ride with the group of friends, most being on 650 Trumphs, Norton Commandos and large BSA's. Pre ride, I apologised that I was probably going to be too slow and for them to enjoy their ride so they should go ahead and I would catch up at our first refreshment stop.
I was politely told to lead the pack as it would be fine.
The first revelation was that for a 350, the MAC was happy and dare I say, clearly unstressed at circa 70mph so that when I arrived at our first rest halt, all were very complimentary at the pace of my "little" Velo, saying that I had not held anyone up at all.
The performance and enjoyment certainly exceeded my expectations!
I was also pleasantly surprised that the clutch was delightfully light, the brakes worked well, the ride very comfortable and the exhaust, beautifully mellow and somehow, relaxing!
All this against my experiences of many other machines was a totally unexpected and pleasant discovery .
The months went by and I found the MAC became my preferred choice from what was a sizeable choice of good other bikes. The Velo was so flexible, quick (for a 350) and pleasurable in every way to use.
Oh and we all know the jokes as to how difficult to start Velos are supposed to be, don't we?
Never in my experience! First or second kick has always been my experience.
I admit that there is a technique. (though simple for anyone to learn and execute) and when I took my expert friend to ensure I was buying a good MAC, he proved it when the seller struggled but he started the bike easily and with the first kick.
Over the last 60 years, I have been very fortunate to have enjoyed many classic bikes, mostly British but with some Italian, German and early Japanese too.
I should perhaps mention, all my bikes have been primarily bought to restore to best condition and then ride. The real pleasure being to experience the enjoyment of old bikes performing as they should, not as badly maintained/ cared for over the previous 60 plus years.
Well, you can probably guess what happened next! Yes, I had to try the Venom.
Pause for even more jokes as to the difficulty of starting the "performance" model.
Well it may be true with a Thruxton, I have never owned one and no desire to as a comfortable ride is a prime need for me, but as a rider, my choice was logically, the standard Venom sports.
Result? A MAC with more but without any down sides!
Result, still a first time starter, no temperament, just more performance, no lack of flexibility, in other words, all the joy of a MAC but no detriment.
It is a bike that is just so easy to ride in any conditions and if desired, is capable of performance that exceeds any road requirements
Now perhaps, you will understand my total love affair with the Venom!
Over the last 10 years, I have systematically improved the bike so that she now has reached the pinnacle of condition.
In my ownership, she has had a totally new wiring loom, professionally rebuilt magneto, Alloy wheel rims, stainless spokes, new tyres (just before lockdown), new paintwork, re-built speedo, new rear mudguard, new front fork shrouds, all cables replaced, oil filters/ oil changes, headlamp ring, dynamo belt, gaskets, sundry stainless nuts/ bolts, sundry rubber grommets, handlebar rubbers, footrest rubbers, valve gear overhauled, chains etc and last but important, a reliable solid state electronic regulator.
In other words, she has wanted for nothing whilst gradually making her more beautiful, not to plant in fields to look at, but to reflect the love and joy of a great bike.
I have never needed to do an engine rebuild and she has been regularly used and enjoyed, even being my Isle of Man transport for the MANX GP where she behaved faultlessly not long ago.
