Velocette LE MKII
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Make Model | Velocette LE MKII |
Year | 1950 - 58 |
Engine | Four-stroke, flat twin |
Capacity | 192 cc / 11.7 cub in |
Bore x Stroke | 50 x 49 mm |
Compression Ratio | 6:1 |
Cooling System | Water cooled |
Lubrication | Wet sump |
Carburetor | Amal 363 monobloc |
Ignition | Coil |
Battery | 6V, 42W |
Starting | Pull handle |
Max Power | 5.9 kW / 8 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Clutch | Dry, three-plate |
Transmission | 3 Speed |
Final Drive | Shaft |
Gear Ratio | 1st 2.078 / 2nd 1.105 / 3rd 0.739:1 |
Frame | Pressed steel frame |
Dimensions | Length: 2083 mm / 82 in Width: 635 mm / 25 in |
Wheelbase | 1300 mm / 51.2 in |
Seat height | 711 mm / 28 in |
Ground Clearance | 114 mm / 4.5 in |
Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
Rear Suspension | Dual coil springs and spring loaded seat |
Front Brakes | 5 x 0.75 in diameter offset drum (from 1954 width increased to 1") |
Rear Brakes | 5 x 0.75 in diameter offset drum (from 1953 width increased to 1") |
Wheels | Spoked |
Front Tyre | 3.00 x 19" (from 1956: 3.25 x 18") |
Rear Tyre | 3.00 x 19" (from 1956: 3.25 x 18") |
Fuel Capacity | 5.7 L / 1.5 US gal (from 1955: 7.4 L / 1.9 US gal) |
Dry Weight | 113.4 kg / 250 lbs |
Colours | Silver grey, Two-tone: Ruby, Olive green, Pale blue |
Source | Wikipedia |
Launched in 1951 the Mk II had a 192 cc (11.7 cu in) engine, giving an extra 2 hp (1.5 kW), and strengthened bearings. Sales remained poor, however, and the company had to reduce the price. The clutch was upgraded, and an Amal 363 monobloc carburetor replaced the standard unit. The rear swinging arm was uprated with cast aluminium to improve rigidity, and the brakes were improved. The petrol tank capacity was also increased from 1.25 to 1.62 imperial gallons (5.7 to 7.4 litres; 1.50 to 1.95 US gallons).
A breakthrough for Velocette was when over fifty British Police forces decided to use the LE for patrols and ordered more than half the production. Ex-police machines can be identified by the after market fittings for the police radio. These include the manufacturers data plate being moved to the headstock, the word 'POLICE' stamped under the generator cover and a distinctive V shaped pressing riveted in front of the seat. This was designed to keep rainwater out of the battery compartment.