Velocette KTT Mk VIII
Encyclopedia
The Velocette KTT Mk VIII is a British motorcycle
made by Velocette
. The final development of the K series (the K rather curiously stood for Camshaft) the TT designation indicated that it was a TT production racing replica. Production continued until 1950 when the Manx Norton took over as the leading TT machine.
, the Mk VIII was launched just before production was halted by World War II
at the Earls Court
motorcycle show of 1938. Improved and developed over a fourteen year racing heritage, the Mk VIII has many lightweight alloy parts and had the latest swinging arm suspension with innovative pneumatic rear shock absorbers to significantly improve handling from the KTT.
won the 1939 Isle of Man TT
on the new Mk VIII. When racing resumed after the war, the Velocatte Mk VIII won the Junior TT for three years running and also won two 350cc world championships.
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 final development of the K series (the K rather curiously stood for Camshaft) the TT designation indicated that it was a TT production racing replica. Production continued until 1950 when the Manx Norton took over as the leading TT machine.
Development
Based on the Velocette KTTVelocette KTT
The Velocette KTT is a racing British motorcycle made by Velocette. The most significant of the K series 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...
, the Mk VIII was launched just before production was halted by 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...
at the Earls Court
Earls Court Exhibition Centre
The Earls Court Exhibition Centre is an exhibition centre, conference and event venue located in west London, United Kingdom in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea . It is the largest exhibition venue in central London. It is served by two underground stations, Earl's Court and West...
motorcycle show of 1938. Improved and developed over a fourteen year racing heritage, the Mk VIII has many lightweight alloy parts and had the latest swinging arm suspension with innovative pneumatic rear shock absorbers to significantly improve handling from the KTT.
Racing success
Stanley WoodsStanley Woods
Stanley Woods Dublin, an Irish motorcycle racer famous for 29 motorcycle Grand Prix wins and winning the Isle of Man TT races 10 times in his career. He was a past pupil of The High School, Dublin. Stanley started racing in 1921 on a Harley Davidson...
won the 1939 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...
on the new Mk VIII. When racing resumed after the war, the Velocatte Mk VIII won the Junior TT for three years running and also won two 350cc world championships.