Description
A British Classic with an Interesting Past
This Velocette Venom 500cc has an interesting history spanning England and Finland. Miles 1759.
The motorcycle was originally acquired in England by the Talus brothers, who operated a transport business in Oulu, Finland. It was later purchased from Erkki Talus by Finnish motorcycle enthusiast and collector Kauko Piirainen during the 2000s.
Kauko was an active participant in Finland's historic motorcycle community and enjoyed both collecting and riding classic motorcycles. He also competed with this Venom 500cc at historic motorcycle events around Finland.
One particularly intriguing story associated with the motorcycle dates back to its time in England. According to an account passed down through previous owners, the motorcycle was involved in a racing incident that ended with it entering the River Thames, where it supposedly remained submerged for more than ten years before being recovered. This story has not, however, been confirmed by documentation.
A similar story was reportedly featured in a 1990s issue of Classic Bike magazine. However, the connection between that story and this particular motorcycle has not been independently verified. Kauko's mechanic also questioned the account, noting that the motorcycle showed no obvious evidence of such prolonged exposure to water.
During Kauko's ownership, the engine was rebuilt by Jussi Raappana, and the motorcycle was regularly maintained by Osmo "Osku" Lahti.
The motorcycle was last ridden in 2024 and has remained part of Kauko Piirainen's collection.
Today, this Venom offers an opportunity to acquire a well-maintained British classic with a documented connection to Finnish motorcycle collecting and an interesting personal history.
A British Classic with a Finnish Racing History
The Velocette Venom 500cc is a respected British sporting motorcycle, introduced in the mid-1950s and known for its performance and engineering. The model gained international recognition in 1961 when a specially prepared Venom set a 24-hour endurance record, averaging over 100 mph.
This particular motorcycle was brought to Finland from England by the Talus brothers of Oulu. Kauko Piirainen, a passionate motorcycle collector and historic racing enthusiast, purchased it from Erkki Talus in the 2000s.
Kauko competed with this Venom at historic motorcycle events throughout Finland. During his ownership, the engine was rebuilt by Jussi Raappana, and the motorcycle was maintained by his long-time mechanic, Osmo "Osku" Lahti.
Last ridden in 2024, the Venom remains part of Kauko Piirainen's collection in Oulu, Finland, offering an interesting combination of British motorcycle heritage, Finnish racing history, and dedicated ownership.
