Velocette Motorcycles Venom Clubman 1959
In late 1955, Velocette launched the 499cc Venom and 349cc Viper single-cylinder machines.
The Venom was developed from the MSS and its engine featured a light alloy cylinder head, a bi-metal cylinder with a cast iron liner, a high-compression piston and a high camshaft with short pushrods. The close-ratio, constant-mesh gearbox was a novel Velocette design and, unusually, the clutch was mounted between the gearbox and the output sprocket, which enabled easy gearing changes. The rear suspension system was also unusual with two arms instead of the more usual fork design and the rear shock absorbers could be adjusted by moving the top mounting point in a slotted plate. The front forks were manufactured in-house and featured an offset axle mounting. In 1961, a production Venom set the 24-hour world speed record at 100.05mph (161kph).
In late 1959, the Venom Clubman was introduced with a raised compression ratio, an Amal TT carburettor, a manually-controlled BTH racing magneto and a close-ratio gearbox. In standard trim it had rear-set footrests and controls, lowered handlebars and a steering damper. Optional extras included a tachometer, a megaphone silencer and alloy wheel rims. Maximum engine output was 38hp.
This first-year example of a Venom Clubman was acquired for the NZ Classic Motorcycles collection in June, 2008, via an auction in The Netherlands, from the Hockenheim Museum in Germany.