Description
193 Velocette MOV 250cc. Restored from a basket case about 9 years ago but never used at that time by me as it went to a friend who loved Velos and wanted an MOV for his collection. Sadly he died without ever riding it either so I bought it back about 3 years ago and have used it for a few VMCC runs including the Dorset Giants Run in 2024 and 2025 Probably no more than 500 miles total. I have no idea what the actual total mileage is – see below. It has original engine and frame numbers and registration and is pretty much original but see below. V5 in my name. Previous owner was David Childs a well known Velo expert in Yeovil.
In terms of work done,, the tank was professional repainted by a chap in Wells (forget his name); still looks good.. A lot of the tinware was powder coated. The frame and forks were painted with Hammerite Smooth. The forks were rebushed and new spindles installed plus new head bearings. Front and rear brake shoes were relined and both brakes work well. The engine was totally stripped, fitted with new main bearings and bigend rebuilt, small end was fine. Piston and barrel were considered ok so just new rings +40. Gearbox was later stripped due a grinding noise which was a worn sleeve gear bearing now replaced; rest of it was fine. Tyres are both good though now 10 years old obviously. The magneto is an original BTH which was rebuilt by Ray Carter as part of the original restoration. The dynamo is the original 3 brush Miller converted to 2 brush and with an electronic regulator mounted under the Miller cutout box. It starts easily all the electrics work and it charges balancing main beam. Battery seems to be ok, it’s a Cyclon and charged up fully overnight.
Now for the issues; nothing serious as far as I am aware. Though it starts easily it won’t tick over reliably, gradually slowing to a stop. It also seems to need tickling to get it to restart even when warm. The carb was rebuilt by Bill Harley in the West Midlands with a new oversize slide, probably just needs tuning properly. On the road it works fine. There are some oil leaks but it is a Velo so probably to be expected. The speedo needs repair; it does work intermittently and the trip mileage is accurate but the main odometer over reads hugely. The bike will come with a Garmin mounted GPS bicycle speedo which is self-calibrating. As the photo shows, the light switch knob is wrong, the original went AWOL during the 2025 Giants Runs and I made up something to get by, which in the way of things has never been replaced. I’ll try to source one. The horn is not an original type but works fine and the handlebars are probably Triumph but they suited my riding position better than anything else I could source. The bike has not been used since the Giants Run in May 2025 at which time it was working fine but may need some light recommissioning. It is after all near 90 years old.
Selling due to age and the need to reduce my collection to downsize to a more manageable number. It’s one I am unlikely to ride much more sadly. Thanks for looking. Happy to answer any questions and viewing is welcome. Price is firm so no silly offers please.
