Velocette KSS/RS

Around 2010 I was looking for something to occupy me and thought I might treat myself to a ‘proper’ old bike. I had considered a Matchless G9 (see earlier) and had spent some time on their Club website and Forum before going along to their local meet where … nobody would talk to me! I gather this is not unusual and, to be honest, some of them looked incapable of much beyond grunts and pointing … I jest, of course.

I had also considered another Gold Star, but swiftly rejected the idea on the grounds that a) I am not sufficiently skilled to avoid being scammed and b) whatever I bought could not live up to my expectations. However, a sporty single had been produced by Velocette, indeed an overhead cam jobbie. What if I joined that club and bought one from a regular attendee.? Surely he wouldn’t have the nerve to sell me a pup if he was going to see me at every meeting? I went along to their meet, was given a warm welcome and was told of an OHC machine available – in a spring frame. So, the best of both worlds? A classy pre-war engine with modern spring-frame comfort. What’s not to like?

Well, sadly, quite a lot! The bike consisted of a 1939 KSS Mark 2 engine in a 1959 Viper frame. It was up together, quite shiny and started and ran well. It was worth the money but … the performance was disappointing. It lacked the torque I had expected and ran out of steam at about 60 – although I was told I needed to “wring its neck” I was not comfortable with this. There were also compromises in its design. Previously a racer (or maybe just a racer-project?) the footrest lugs had been removed as had the side stand. The riding position was awkward for me and it was a heavy machine to lift onto its centre-stand. It also used the Viper gearbox (it was a Viper frame) and this precluded adjustment of the primary chain.

At the time I had a companion who was willing to ride with me but it lacked the oomph to cope with the extra load. It had taught me a lot but I needed to go for something beefier.