Velocette USS
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Make Model | Velocette USS |
Year | 1929 |
Engine | Single cylinder, 2-stroke |
Capacity | 249 cc / 15.2 cub in. |
Bore x Stroke | 63 x 80 mm |
Cooling System | Air cooled |
Exhaust | One-into-two, chrome |
Starting | Kick start |
Transmission | 3 speed, hand controlled gearbox |
Final Drive | Chain |
Front Suspension | Webb forks |
Rear Suspension | Spring loaded saddle |
Front Brakes | Drum |
Rear Brakes | Drum |
Wheels | Spokes |
Colours | Black with gold pinstriping |
Until the end of the 1929 season, all Velocette two-strokes shared one common feature – an engine of the overhung crank type. Although Veloce Ltd were not unique in this respect there were few others, with the notable exception of Scott, who persisted with his layout for so long. It has the advantage of simplicity, always a major consideration when working to a tight budget. Furthermore, it makes possible ease of assembly without having to align a set of flywheels or bob-weights, thereby effecting further economies. And because the Velocette design was of particularly robust construction, with a long, plain-bush main bearing, the usual disadvantage of placing a heavy load on the area close to the crankpin could be disregarded.
Exactly why Veloce chose the 1930 season to break away from this design completely is not known. It would have seemed more logical to do so when the line of two-strokes was temporarily discontinued during 1927, for when they were reintroduced a year later, the basic engine design was much as before. Be that as it may, a totally new two-stroke was announced at the Model USS. The piston was similar, too, being of the deflector type, cast in aluminium alloy. Both main bearings were phosphor-bronze bushes, oil
grooved to improve lubrication.