Velocette Viper

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: RS17499
Engine No: VR3016
cc: 350
MOT Expiry Date: None

Velocette Viper 1956-69 348cc sweet and solid single 29 bhp @7000 rpm. Not much more can be said about these well engineered motorcycles which have a strong and avid following of discerning enthusiasts who appreciate good old fashioned style and quality; performance and economy too with 88mph and 58 mpg attainable, on a good day. The Viper, in it's usual lustrous black, gold and chrome finish like the majority of Velos, is the sports version of the 350 options produced at Hall Green. A cooking 350 MAC roadster with quite a bit more spicy performance, an example of 'same recipe, a bit more bite in a more attractive package' if you like, and easy to convert to Venom 500cc specification if more poke is required. Hard to find now, some came with the then fashionable glassfibre engine enclosures, making cleaning easier but cooling less so, and consequently discarded. The Velo is a machine for the individualist, but not so mechanically quirky and difficult as folk lore might suggest, if well set up and scrupulously maintained they are a delight to own but certain idiosyncrasies must be allowed for. Velocette owners are extremely well catered for by the Velo Owners Club Spares Scheme, numerous marque specialists and suppliers so spare parts are rarely a problem, if costly.
The Viper in today's sale is listed as an earlier restoration with many new parts fitted, details are sketchy at time of writing but the description of 'all good' and 'runs well' would seem to be correct. The bike is not registered and the frame is RS 17499 with engine no. VR 3016. Velocettes of all description are much sought after in today's market, but still represent good value and are a sound investment for the collector or alternatively an interesting prospect for the active rider.