Velocette Venom – 100 mph in 24 hours sets a world record Velocette Venom

1960 Velocette Venom

With Phil Aynsley

The Velocette Venom was a single 499 cc OHV introduced in 1955 (along with the 350 cc Viper) with a mission to compete with the various twin 500 cylinders that began to appear on the market. It is based on the previous MSS model.

An alloy barrel with a cast iron liner is used in conjunction with a two-valve alloy head. The high/short cam push rod valve system is simpler (i.e. cheaper) to manufacture but still allows for reasonable performance. Another unusual feature is the position of the clutch between the transmission and its sprocket.

Until 1962, Miller electric machines with belt-driven motors were used. Since 1962, the Lucas system has been used.

Venom’s biggest claim to fame was the setting of a 24-hour world speed record in 1961 at Monthéry in France using a factory-built bicycle fitted with a crank.

The 100.05 mph was the first speed above 100 mph by a motorcycle and remained iconic for a single-cylinder motorcycle during the 24-hour test period. Venoms also took the top three at the 1964 Thruxton 500 endurance race.

As a result, Venom was used as the basis for the famous Thruxton production racer that was first shown later that year. In 1967, Venoms finished 1st and 2nd in TT Production on IOM.

Power is 34 hp at 6200 rpm, with a dry weight of 177 kg. The top speed is 160km/h, just one tonne of the old empire.

Venom remained in production until 1970 (the year before the company closed) with a total of 5,721 units built. This is the 1960 model pictured here.