Velocette Reviews

If you are a Velo fan, you've probably read "Technical Excellence Exemplified" by Ivan Rhodes, and "Velocette: Saga of a Great Motorcycle" by "Titch" Allen. While these are both excellent, "Velocette Motorcycles - MSS to Thruxtion" by Rod Burris, devotes pretty much the whole book to the M series bikes, with a little Velo history thrown in as well. Since these models really make up the majority of Velos that are ridden and restored today, it is a very useful and interesting book. A great deal of time is spent on the "why" of a particular development, rather than just cold facts and figures. I buy quite a few motorcycle books and magazines, and the ones I enjoy the most are the ones with pictures that are unique to that book, and this one is loaded with them. I get tired of looking at grainy recycled photos from old motorcycle magazines that I have seen before. This book also has a nice color section in it, not only with Velo owners and their mounts, but reprints of many old Velocette brochures, something rarely seen. In addition, it covers technical upgrading of the M series machines, something that very few "restoration" books ever get into. Whether you are looking at becoming a Velo owner, and want to explore the world of Velos before you dive in, or a long time owner wanting to know "why they used that part during that particular year", I would highly recommend this book.

This book is the 'bible' on what went on in the Veloce factory at Hall Green. Hundreds of photos and many line drawings - an essential companion to anyone seriously restoring Velo's. Spends a lot of time on the race history - great - but jumps about a bit and not very well structured. Best part is the appendices - all factory specs and all the engine, gearbox and even frame numbers for MAC, MSS, KSS, KTT and later models like Venom and Thruxton. Is your VELO completely genuine ? This book will tell you. I am restoring several MAC's and an MSS with a shed full of engines and gearboxes - and found it fascinating - but not an easy read. You will still need the parts books and workshop manuals.