Velocette KTT
Encyclopedia
The Velocette KTT is a racing British motorcycle
made by Velocette
. The most significant of the K series (the K rather curiously stood for Camshaft) the TT designation indicated that it was a TT production racing replica. The Velocette KTT was notable for having the first positive-stop foot gear change on a motorcycle. As well as being significant improvement for racing, this quickly replaced the difficult hand gear change lever and became the standard for almost all motorcycles to this day.
, the KTT was developed as a a production racer specifically for the challenging Isle of Man TT
course, which was the main road race in the world at the time. The prototype was built by Percy and Eugene Goodman
, sons of the Velocette founder in 1924 and after twelve months of development secured Velocette their first TT win in 1926. Alec Bennett
was the winner with Gus Kuhn
and Fred Povey finishing in the first nine to give the factory the team prize. Further work on KTT led to the first positive-stop foot gear change on a motorcycle in 1928. Other makers had modified the hand change for foot operation but none had achieved a mechanism which could change up or down gears with a single click. As well as being significant improvement for racing, this quickly replaced the difficult hand gear change lever and became the standard for almost all motorcycles to this day.
The Velocette KTT continued in development to sort out reliability problems after a number of retirements and went on to become the first Junior competitor to lap the island course at over 70mph and won several TT's and Grands Prix (the amateur version of the TT). The KTT also set a new 350cc world record of 100.39mph at Brooklands
.
Another innovation on the 1929 model was the strengthened front fork, originally designed to cope with the abnormal stresses of sidecar racing. The production racing Velocette KTT went on to become one of the most successful Junior TT motorcycles of all time and the most popular with the privateers who raced without the support of the big factory teams.
Production of the Velocette KTT ended in 1935, and it was the last Velocette model to use an open cam box and fully pressurized oil system. The model was replaced after World War II
by the Velocette KTT Mk VIII
.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
made by Velocette
Velocette
Velocette is the name given to motorcycles that were made by Veloce Ltd, in Hall Green, Birmingham, England. One of several motorcycle manufacturers in Birmingham, Velocette was a small, family-owned firm, selling far fewer hand-built motorcycles than the giant BSA, Norton or Triumph concerns...
. The most significant of the K series (the K rather curiously stood for Camshaft) the TT designation indicated that it was a TT production racing replica. The Velocette KTT was notable for having the first positive-stop foot gear change on a motorcycle. As well as being significant improvement for racing, this quickly replaced the difficult hand gear change lever and became the standard for almost all motorcycles to this day.
Development
Based on the Velocette KSSVelocette KSS
The Velocette KSS was a British motorcycle made by Velocette. The final development of the K series The KSS remained in production in various forms until 1948.-Development:...
, the KTT was developed as a a production racer specifically for the challenging Isle of Man TT
Isle of Man TT
The International Isle of Man TT Race is a motorcycle racing event held on the Isle of Man and was for many years the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world...
course, which was the main road race in the world at the time. The prototype was built by Percy and Eugene Goodman
Eugene Goodman
Eugene Goodman, was the co founder of the Velocette motorcycle company with his father John Goodman.Eugene was born in Birmingham. His father had a small shop in Great Hampton street in Birmingham selling and making bicycles and fittings....
, sons of the Velocette founder in 1924 and after twelve months of development secured Velocette their first TT win in 1926. Alec Bennett
Alec Bennett
Alec Bennett was an Irish-Canadian motorcycle racer famous for motorcycle Grand Prix wins and five career wins at the Isle of Man TT Races.-Biography:...
was the winner with Gus Kuhn
Gus Kuhn
Gus Kuhn was a successful British TT and Motorcycle speedway rider during the 1920s.He was born in Birmingham, England.-Speedway:...
and Fred Povey finishing in the first nine to give the factory the team prize. Further work on KTT led to the first positive-stop foot gear change on a motorcycle in 1928. Other makers had modified the hand change for foot operation but none had achieved a mechanism which could change up or down gears with a single click. As well as being significant improvement for racing, this quickly replaced the difficult hand gear change lever and became the standard for almost all motorcycles to this day.
The Velocette KTT continued in development to sort out reliability problems after a number of retirements and went on to become the first Junior competitor to lap the island course at over 70mph and won several TT's and Grands Prix (the amateur version of the TT). The KTT also set a new 350cc world record of 100.39mph at Brooklands
Brooklands
Brooklands was a motor racing circuit and aerodrome built near Weybridge in Surrey, England. It opened in 1907, and was the world's first purpose-built motorsport venue, as well as one of Britain's first airfields...
.
Another innovation on the 1929 model was the strengthened front fork, originally designed to cope with the abnormal stresses of sidecar racing. The production racing Velocette KTT went on to become one of the most successful Junior TT motorcycles of all time and the most popular with the privateers who raced without the support of the big factory teams.
Production of the Velocette KTT ended in 1935, and it was the last Velocette model to use an open cam box and fully pressurized oil system. The model was replaced after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
by the Velocette KTT Mk VIII
Velocette KTT Mk VIII
The Velocette KTT Mk VIII is a British motorcycle made by Velocette. The final development of the K series the TT designation indicated that it was a TT production racing replica...
.