Highlights

Beautifully presented bike restored to a very high level
Comprehensive restoration with many new and refurbished parts
Rebuilt 499cc 34bhp engine to factory correct specification
Starts and runs easily with updated 12V electrics and alternator
Retains its original 1963 registration number
Documented history back to its earliest days
Matching engine and frame numbers
Recently serviced prior to sale

The Appeal

Despite being praised for its precision and engineering, Velocette’s purposefully named Venom never managed the sales heights of its Midlands-built rivals from Triumph and BSA. These were bikes for the initiated, for proper enthusiasts who were prepared to master its intriguing quirks and character.

Those that did, discovered why this potent 500cc racer achieved so many podiums. The Venom was light, nimble and responsive, exhibiting a level of engineering that its rivals often lacked.

All compelling reasons to want this bike, one of the very rare survivors. It was beautifully restored a few years ago by an engineer with a well known Formula One engine supplier. The level of workmanship is impressive. It prioritised originality where possible, reusing parts and only replacing where essential. The work covered the aesthetics and the mechanicals - the engine was rebuilt to factory specifications. The result is a gorgeous matching numbers bike.

The vendor acquired the bike in early 2023 and has added some light fettling to improve the reliability, such as adding modern 12V electrics and an alternator. He tells us that it runs very well and starts - always a Venom trick to master - very well.

With all that provenance, a history file that dates back to the bike’s earliest days and a fresh service prior to sale, this is a very fine example of a characterful two wheeled rarity. One for your collection.

The vendor says:

“It's huge fun to ride, with tremendous presence both on the road and when parked. The black paintwork and new chromework look classic and very stylish. Most people comment on the 'fishtail' exhaust, which is exactly what a Velocette is known for, as well as its excellent performance.

“The 500cc engine runs well, delivering excellent performance and is surprisingly smooth for a single-cylinder engine - something Velocettes are renowned for.”

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered in 1963 in Rochdale by local motor dealer Drinkwater
First registered 20th April 1963
Frame number RS17233
First private owner was Harvey Buckley of Rochdale
Stayed in Rochdale through a series of owners until moving to Cheshire in 1973
Break in known history until sold as a project at auction in 2017
Acquired from auction by an engineer with a well known Formula One engine supplier
Restored by this keeper between 2017 and 2023
Restoration prioritised originality using refurbished parts where necessary
Acquired by the current keeper in March 2023
DVLA records two keepers but this will be higher due to limits of DVLA record keepring
Supplied with brown RF60 registration book
Original Velocette red service manual and parts book
Registered with the DVLA and has a modern V5C registration document
Retains its original 1963 registration number
HIstoric Vehicle that is exempt from road tax or MoT
Extensive receipts and paperwork documenting the restoration
Current keeper has lightly improved the bike including updating the electrics
Vendor confirms this is matching numbers bike confirmed by original log book
Always stored in a locked dry garage, ridden on dry days only, and carefully looked after

The Condition

Beautifully restored to a very high standard and remains little changed since completion
Few indications of age or use to paintwork - it would take little to make this bike concours
Black paintwork with gold pinstriping and decals are factory correct
Refreshed chromework is bright and well kept with lovely factory fishtail exhaust
All instruments and switchgear work as they should
The vendor states every part of the motorcycle is in very good condition
Fittings including saddle, grips and dails are all in very good condition
No reported faults with switchgear, dials or lights
We are told that everything works as it should

The Mechanics

499cc single cylinder four stroke 34bhp engine
Vendor states that the engine runs well, delivering good performance
Matching numbers bike confirmed by log book
Factory standard with light modification to electrics to improve reliability
Alton 12v alternator, modern voltage regulator, and modern 12v battery
Engine rebuilt to factory standards by previous engineer keeper assisted by Velocette specialists
Starts first kick with the correct technique and performs well when running
Recent service including oil, filter and plug
No reported running or riding issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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