One of the great names among pre-war sporting motorcycles, the Velocette KSS had a long and distinguished production life. It was the final incarnation of the K series, which denoted the overhead camshaft engine, with SS standing for Super Sports.

Equipped with a 348cc single-cylinder engine producing 25 bhp, the KSS entered production in 1925, when a top speed of around 80 mph was not to be sniffed at by any means. Versions of the K series were built to satisfy different requirements, and some were developed with a view to racking up some racing successes, which began in 1926 when one was ridden to victory by Alec Bennett in the Isle of Man Junior T.T. Velocette and Bennett returned in 1927 to finish second, and won again in 1928. The K series was highly regarded for its excellent handling so, when tuned and fitted with a racing clutch, one managed the remarkable feat of reaching 90 mph on the T.T. course.

As the KSS aged, a mid-life revamp was necessary, resulting in the KSS Mk. II of 1936. With a frame based on the Velocette Mk. V KTT and a new engine with an alloy cylinder head providing reduced weight and improved cooling, it was revitalised sufficiently for it to stay in production until 1948, all the while remaining competitive in race meetings.

This Surrey-registered Velocette was purchased by its previous owner, Mr. David Pryce of Edenbridge, in 2013. The vendor, a longstanding motorcycle enthusiast and collector, purchased it from him in 2015. Since then, it has occupied garage space alongside some of the finest names in British motorcycling from the 1920s to the present. Bidders should note the D.V.L.A. records the bike as a 1942 model, and it has not been taxed for the road since 1990.

As a true enthusiast with the fullest appreciation of the motorcycles he owns, the owner likes to keep them all primed for use. To that end, he does not succumb to over-polishing or trailering them around to shows, preferring instead to run them, with all that that entails. The vendor has taken sufficient care of his machines to ensure that they run like clockwork, start willingly and run smoothly and reliably. It is in that spirit that the Velocette has been maintained, and while it may not be concours, a better-running example will be hard to find.

The vendor retains an attachment to all his bikes, but the decision to start a new life in Sweden means the collection has to be sold.

The Velocette is sold with its current V5 and the 2018 edition of the Velocette Owners’ Club Sales List for spare parts.

In our own view, this Velocette looks fantastic, just as any pre-war bike which gets used, enjoyed and perhaps raced a little bit ought to. A closer look reveals some superficial cosmetic damage, most obviously some chipped and scratched paint on the fuel tank, while there are also some smaller blemishes evident on other painted parts. It is a pity that the ‘Velocette’ tank decals are quite badly worn away in places, but they can very easily be replaced. While it may not appeal to trophy hunters, we don’t think a spot of superficial wear does the bike any harm at all – a semi-racing machine is not supposed to look cosseted!

The seat is in very good condition, while all the chrome and other metal surfaces exhibit a light patina in keeping with the bike’s overall condition. It looks to us like it was perhaps restored or at least repainted in the past; we suspect this may have occurred prior to 1990, when the Velocette appears on D.V.L.A. records. Since then, it has mellowed nicely, acquiring a visible patina but remaining highly presentable.

Having seen this bike run, we believe the engine itself to be in good mechanical health. It has benefitted from a new Amal Carburettor and the fuel tank has had a good wash out. It hadn't been run for a good year or so when we arrived, but with some fresh petrol fired up after a few kicks. At the very least, we can certainly say that it sounds splendid! 

We advise this machine will need some recommissioning to get it to a roadworthy standard, but a dedicated enthusiast with some mechanical knowledge will be able to get her back into a roadworthy state without too much of an issue. 

For the sporting motorcyclist of the pre-war years, motorcycling didn’t get much better than the Velocette KSS. Reasonably light, with enviable handling and, for the time, an almost otherworldly top speed, the KSS was guaranteed to give satisfaction on the road and in competition.

With an appearance that looks both well used and well-cared for, this looks like a lovely example to own. While a check-over and perhaps some light recommissioning may be in order, before long you’ll be having the time of your life and then – who knows – perhaps the racing circuit will beckon. Pre-war Velocettes are still sprinted and raced regularly, and something like this KSS would go down a treat at events such as the Brighton Speed Trials.


Notice to bidders