Velocette LE MKIII
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Make Model | Velocette LE MKIII |
Year | 1958 - 71 |
Engine | Four-stroke, flat twin |
Capacity | 192 cc / 11.7 cub in |
Bore x Stroke | 50 x 49 mm |
Compression Ratio | 7:1 |
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 | 4 Speed |
Final Drive | Shaft |
Gear Ratio | 1st 2.078 / 2nd 1.353 / 3rd 1.0 / 4th 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 1" drum |
Rear Brakes | 5 x 1" drum |
Wheels | Spoked |
Front Tyre | 3.25 x 18" |
Rear Tyre | 3.25 x 18" |
Fuel Capacity | 7.4 L / 1.9 US gal |
Dry Weight | 119.3 kg / 263 lbs |
Colours | Silver grey, Two-tone: Ruby, Olive green, Pale blue, Black |
Source | Wikipedia |
In 1958, Velocette launched the Mk III LE with a foot operated gear change and a conventional kick start. An extra gear was added, together with 18-inch-diameter (460 mm) wheels. The instrumentation was relocated to the head lamp, and the petrol capacity was increased from a meagre 1.25 to 1.62 imperial gallons (5.7 to 7.4 l; 1.50 to 1.95 US gal).
With ten years development, the Velocette LE was more reliable and practical, but in 1970 the company went into voluntary liquidation. Production of other motorcycles had been delayed or canceled to produce the LE in various forms, and the lucrative police orders had dried up with the introduction of the "panda car" for patrol use by most forces. Kent County Constabulary purchased the remaining spare parts and were able to keep LE's running until 1974.
Back in the early Sixties the Conservators of Epping Forest who were responsible for patrolling the Forest saw the need to augment their normal means of transport, which was either by foot or on horseback, with motorcycles.
At the time, police forces in the area were using Velocette LE motorcycles and thus these were decided on for the Forest, being quiet and comfortable for the rider and having good reliability. It was also decided that they would order the machines in RED. This proved a good idea for they soon became very much a know sight in the Forest.