Velocette MSS
Encyclopedia
The MSS was a motorcycle
made by Velocette
. It was fast, reliable and economical but could not compete against a new range of British twin cylinder motorcycles. Production ended in 1968.
and was fitted with sidecar lugs and had optional panniers to appeal to the touring market. Buyers started tuning the MSS for speed, however, and the factory responded by producing the sports Velocette Venom
model. In 1955 a scrambles version was also produced.
from New Zealand, featured in the film The World's Fastest Indian
raced a heavily modified 1936 Velocette MSS. Racing preparation included making special pistons, changing the frame and increasing engine capacity to 650cc. His top speed record on this motorcycle was 138mph (222km/h) with a 1/4 mile time of 12.31 seconds.
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...
. It was fast, reliable and economical but could not compete against a new range of British twin cylinder motorcycles. Production ended in 1968.
Development
It was launched in 1935 as a 500cc sports version. World War II halted production which did not resume until 1954. The new MSS was a much more modern machine with the same frame as the Velocette MACVelocette MAC
The Velocette MAC was a British motorcycle made by Velocette. A reliable single-cylinder, the 'MAC' coped well with the low grade post war petrol and was a popular commuter and touring motorcycle...
and was fitted with sidecar lugs and had optional panniers to appeal to the touring market. Buyers started tuning the MSS for speed, however, and the factory responded by producing the sports Velocette Venom
Velocette Venom
The Velocette Venom is a single cylinder four stroke British motorcycle of 499cc made by Velocette at Hall Green in Birmingham. A total of 5721 Velocette Venoms were produced between 1955 and 1970. In 1961 a production Velocette Venom set the 24-hour world record at a speed of 100.05 mph...
model. In 1955 a scrambles version was also produced.
Racing history
Burt MunroBurt Munro
Herbert James "Burt" Munro was a New Zealand motorcycle racer, famous for setting an under-1,000 cc world record, at Bonneville, 26 August 1967. This record still stands today...
from New Zealand, featured in the film The World's Fastest Indian
The World's Fastest Indian
The World's Fastest Indian is a 2005 New Zealand biographical film based on the Invercargill, New Zealand speed bike racer Burt Munro and his highly modified Indian Scout motorcycle...
raced a heavily modified 1936 Velocette MSS. Racing preparation included making special pistons, changing the frame and increasing engine capacity to 650cc. His top speed record on this motorcycle was 138mph (222km/h) with a 1/4 mile time of 12.31 seconds.