Onboard the Velocette KTT | why do we ride motorcycles such as these

  Рет қаралды 474

velo fan

velo fan

9 ай бұрын

Towards the start of my ride i nearly came off the bike, may not look that bad in the video but i hit a huge bump in the road on a corner at speed but i was lucky enough to land it, and after that i try to calm down a bit. I was a bit excited on this ride as seems my old problem is now sorted.
We start my ride at a new forest car park behind Burley services. If i had walked to the edge you would have seen the valley but i just wanted to give a snapshot of a wonderful viewpoint within the forest, come see it for yourself.
During the second subject of the ride I talk at length, sorry for the very long vid, decided to leave it full length. I talk about why do we ride motorcycles, any motorcycle you ride or have ridden in the past i would be interested to hear what the bike is and why you ride. Please leave in the comments on this vid.
I am just trying to get people to engage with my videos and leave comments and get some interaction with my fellow bikers and i feel its an interesting subject to discuss and find different riders perspectives on what motivates them to ride be a biker race etc.

Пікірлер: 36
@zedcharlie
@zedcharlie 8 ай бұрын
I love riding. Countryside. Did go through a period of big bikes riding fast. I get fed up if weather crap. Not interested in image. Or racing. Just bikes. Now gravitating towards classics but garage full. It's therapeutic. It's a de stress pastime if you keep away from busy roads.
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
Reminding me its a de stress tells me i need to get more miles in. I am always stressed or pissed off lol. But it is true riding is great to unwind although ive ridden in anger before and nearly come off hiting a huge lump in the road which i knew was there but didnt imagine to get quite as much air on a bend was on a gsxr 600 but it had a steering damper and that saved me. I didnt really go any bigger than my gsxr600 it was a beast, my modern bike currently is a yamaha mt-09 which is an 850cc triple. same power as my gsxr but more torque. I cant ride it to its max, will keep having a go gotta get to know the bike more etc. I also just love bikes, now i attend many bike meets a year only started doing this last 3 years max its great to see more bikes and meet more bikers.
@zedcharlie
@zedcharlie 8 ай бұрын
My 55 matchless is Karen carpenter. Your velo is keith moon 😂 Matchless does sound epic but that velo is bloody awesome thrash machine. 👍
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
Lol i like the comparison karen and keith. I do very much pine after a matchless G45 or G50. However funds dont permit or current garage space but funds are the issue. There will come a time when i might find a matchless ajs 500 thats a normal road going bike for long rides where i need a bike to be able to idle. deal with moderate levels of traffic and traffic lights. The KTT is just get it bump started and dont stop for fuck all. Have you got any videos of your matchless ?
@motown1703
@motown1703 7 ай бұрын
So bad ass! Can’t Wait to thrash my 46 model 18 this coming spring.
@velofan.
@velofan. 7 ай бұрын
I absolutely love it, understand its not everyone's cup of tea. Is yours a Norton ?. A manx is kinda on my radar, just need to win the lottery or have something supernatural happen lol.
@neilfoddering921
@neilfoddering921 8 ай бұрын
Another great video! Apart from the reasons you mention, the reason why I prefer and ride motorcycles which are over 70 years old: 1). They’re generally lighter than modern bikes - my 1938 KSS weighs about 150 kg (330 lbs), and the 1927 version weighs about 100 kg (220 lbs) and was guaranteed to do 80 mph - pretty good for a 350cc motorcycle approaching 100 years old, which was noted for its “exhilarating” performance and superb steering; 2). They require more skill and rider involvement to operate them, but this in itself is more satisfying than having only to operate twist grip, gears and brakes, with more than ample power on tap. I‘d guess that your KTT produces not a great deal more than 20 bhp, but the way it delivers the performance is spectacular, and I’d choose it over any modern machine; 3). I find the old machines far more interesting and aesthetically appealing than anonymous modern plastic bikes, or the naked modern machines with grotesque styling and brutally ugly engines; 4). I find it really satisfying to use something which was designed and built nearly 90 years ago, and which provides a link to a time before the Second World War, when when our industries were still world class, and our motorcycles in particular were acknowledged to be the best in the world.
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
nice one Neil i think you sum up the passion for classic motorcycles very well. When you look at a velocette mk1 engine you have to see at as beautiful and no less. I tend to think back in the 30's employees were given more time to get stuff right, the design and research team more time to craft something special and made to last so quality construction materials etc of the day were used. power on the ktt i would hope is between 20 and 25hp and like you say thats not really important. my yamaha mt-09 has 117hp so you can see a huge difference there. is it any more exiting to ride. Nope. When sat onboard a British classic motorcycle i am always filled with pride. But this is what makes motorcycles wondrous. We can all have a totally different bike we cherish and for totally different reasons.
@neilfoddering921
@neilfoddering921 8 ай бұрын
@@velofan. I agree. I’m disappointed that I gave up on the 1927 Model K, but if I hadn’t, I’d still be waiting for it. I love the KSS MkII, and it’s a link to my own youth when I had another one as an 18 year old. I can still remember the excitement of going to New Mikton with my father to collect it, the disappointment when the vendor said that he’d dropped something down the spark plug hole, and that I’d have to collect it the next day, because he was going to have to remove the cylinder head to get to the offending object. I can also clearly remember my amazement at the smoothness of the cammy engine, and at the fantastic handling and steering. At the time, it seemed ancient, but in fact at the time, it was only 30 years old. Also, the Mk II should be oil-tight, whereas one of the Velocette employees (I forget who) said that you could tell if a rider owned a Mk I cammy, because he would be wearing waders in the summer! At least they sorted the oil leaks with the design of the Mk II, whereas the Norton Internationals had a reputation right until the end of production in 1937. By the way, if I were going to buy modern (which I won’t), it would be an Aprilia Falco.
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
@@neilfoddering921 I've just googled an Aprilia Falco, looks like a nice machine. You made the right choice to give up on that model K like you say you would still be waiting now. And yes the open valves does mean oil can escape and when you use R like me its burns onto the exhaust pipe, never gonna come off but protects the chrome is my theory lol. I think i was just fascinated by open valves to be able to see all that moving is just awesome, but i understand the superiority of an enclosed design like the mk2. Also as you had a mk2 in your youth i feel you will actually get more enjoyment out of that bike than a mk1. So all's well that ends well as they say. Very please you are still following my videos, next one is not in the pipeline, needing verbal fodder so subject content. Iam sure ill come up with something or just so a silent ride or just go from A-B and that can be the purpose of the video showing a particular route.
@TornadoCAN99
@TornadoCAN99 8 ай бұрын
Hi again VeloFan. Just wanted to let you know your video's have had a fair impression on me. My hunt for a Velocette is nearing its end as I have now sold my modern Triumph Bonneville and have a load of cash burning a hole in my pocket. Got several Velo's in my short list...all UK based so it will need to be a long distance transaction with big shipping/importing expenses. Leaning to the 500 MSS bikes with sprung frame...possibly a Venom. Several in my price range at on-line classic bike dealerships. But one in particular looks quite inticing with several high cost mods (belt drive; TLS front drum; rear rack with panniers; turn signal lights front and back). Private seller, offered at quite a low price due to the current owner of 10 months having mucked up the clutch such that it will not hold, thus not able to start the bike. Doesn't want to spend any money to address, no more room in his garage and wants it gone. Would need to be some risk taken to make a deal, sight unseen. Any chance you have contacts near the Liverpool location that could at least check out the bike on my behalf?
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
hmmmmmmm i dont think i know anyone near liverpool. Let me know what platform this is advertised i can atleast take a look at the advert but i feel this is a risky purchase however it might be an advantage to you on import charges as vehicle value way less also if it can be partly dissembled possible it wont be classed as avehicle rather a pile of bits as a non runner kinda is that. Also plenty of scammers about these days my ebay was hacked only this week. But a springer mss would be a good choice you get the 500cc but probably cheaper than a venom. Ill upload my next video soon of me installing the clutch on the 1928 KNS. thats kinda the other half of the work i did on the KTT but didnt film. I think possibly your friend posted on the facebook page asking questions about the mac you saw which uses engine as stressed member lol, but possibly was unrelated. Good luck with your search. No need to rush. Uk prices are savagely down. So hopefully you can get a bargain and add one more velo to Canadian roads.
@TornadoCAN99
@TornadoCAN99 8 ай бұрын
My story is I'm late to the party...had zero interest in motorbikes up until turning 50. Came across a modern retro-classic air-cooled Triumph Bonneville one day at a cafe. I just thought it looked stunning with the bluing on the header pipes and all the rest. Being of British extraction but brought up in Canada, perhaps there was a bit of nostalgia and sense of pride in all things British. It stuck in my mind for some weeks after and got my leaning toward finding out what it takes to get a license. Took a bike learners course and had my license in a few months time...first bike was/still is, a then 2 year old 2013 Triumph Bonneville (the Steve McQueen edition). I've put 70k KM's on it in 8 years of ownership. What I love about it is that it is well suited for urban/highway and even light off road riding. I have had it loaded up with tent/sleeping bag/food/rain & cold weather riding gear etc and done 5-10 day moto camping excursions on it. Even took it across Canada some 10,000 KM's one Summer. Second bike is a true classic, a '74 Norton Commando. Had to handle a very steep learning curve to get it road worthy and keep it going in 5 yrs of ownership. It is a true love/hate experience. There are times when frustration builds and I have to just step away for a few days or weeks before resuming work. But the rewards are very high and immensely satisfying when it goes right. Thankfully, there is an extremely knowledgeably and helpful support base for these machines (AccessNorton forum) and all parts/special tools are readily available. Our local brit Bike club president has a '52 MAC 350 which has sparked a bit of Velocette Fever in me recently. There are two MAC's, both '47 hard tails with telescopic front end, that are on the market locally that have caught my eye. Bit concerned on a 350cc being able to cope in modern riding, esp on our mountain highways. If it were to be a simple addition to the stable would not be much concern but alas I can only keep two bikes in my current situation, and the it would need to replace the Bonneville and cover at least a good portion of its riding duties. Your channel gives hop a MAC might be capable, but now I'm thinking the 500 cc Velos should be researched....
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
500 velos are good. If you wanted still girders or rigid as a minimum an MSS is a good option maybe only option for 500cc of that frame type. I have had a rigid tele mac. It went quite well. It can handle modern uk country lanes etc. Cat remember its top end but perhaps 65mph is about its max, but should do that all day long. I feel having a limit of two motorcycles i woulds tick with one modern one classic. But the choice is yours. Thanks for leaving a comment and very interesting to hear you riding distances number of days in a trip and 70k miles. Sounds fab. Canada must have some awesome roads and scenery to take in whilst on a motorcycle.
@TornadoCAN99
@TornadoCAN99 8 ай бұрын
@@velofan. I'm thinking a Venom 500cc would have the needed HP numbers to suit our highways & mountains. But there are none on the market in the region and likely would have to purchase from UK. Running some of the numbers, looks like it might work to be about the same as the either of the two local MAC's (which I think are over priced at $12k & 13k Canadian dollars). Will al depend on when/if/how much I can sell the Bonneville for. So why did you sell your MSS bikes and opt for the 350 KTT? P.S. it was 70k Kilometers on my Bonneville, not miles ;-)
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
@@TornadoCAN99 70,000 kilometers is still big millage for the time attained. A venom would be great. Uk current prices are way less than a year ago, so would say if your gonna do it do it now and find a uk bargain as they are out there. Previously a nice venom would be about ten thousand pounds i think now way way cheaper. Sold the girder mss because a ktt was my dream bike and i could not afford to keep it. Very nice ride though a girder mss.
@TornadoCAN99
@TornadoCAN99 8 ай бұрын
@@velofan. So how was the 500 performance vs the 350? I guess there is still quite a difference in output of the various editions among the 350s and also among the 500s...what is the output rating of the KTT vs similar vintage of MAC (think I've seen 15-17 hp listed for earlier post war MACs)? I'm just trying to figure out if a '47 MAC could perform anything close to what your KTT seems to show in your great videos....might ring the Honda dealer with the '47 to see if they will permit a test ride one day ;-)
@velofan.
@velofan. 8 ай бұрын
@@TornadoCAN99 To be honest i am not sure. I only had the mss for about a year befoer the ktt came available. Then i spent ages doing little jobs on the ktt before riding. But the mss although way newer think it was 48 and a 500cc is a touring motorcycle. the KTT is a race bike so not really sure on the numbers. The ktt is a lot lighter iam sure the mss is quite a heavy bike. I think the big difference is i ride the ktt faster than i ever did the mss, so not sure which bike is quicker just know which one i ride fast. Having said all that a 500cc single is what most people want in a classic British motorcycle and for good reasons. If i can ever afford my next dream bike of either a matchless g50 or g45 or ajs 7r its likely to be one of the matchless's because they are 500cc and the 7r is a 350 which i already have. Although the 7r is way newer and likely to be way faster. Out of all the velocettes i guess the mac is best all rounder but iam not really sure what you require. Maybe wait till a 500cc velo comes up for sale in your part of the world. But like i say uk prices are currently way cheap.
@motown1703
@motown1703 7 ай бұрын
I think…I’m only 51 but back the day, the coasts would have had the influx of bikes before the rest of the country…my guess. When I read my chat rooms a large portion of the gents are from the east coast and the south east coast with a few from the west and scattered from there. As for the Japanese muscle…it has exploded! I ran and raced: KZ, Z1, H1, and oil cooled GSXR 1100 for many rears. Following sales over the years on those bikes they are off the chart now. After purchasing Brit bikes I don’t think I’ll ever go back to anything else. British bikes are just beautiful to look at and they all have a personality that is unmatched plus they leave their marks everywhere. Stay up on two till next time.
@motown1703
@motown1703 7 ай бұрын
No worries mate👍I would love to have Manx myself. I have a 73 Commando that is sorta setup like a cafe racer just higher bars on it since I have not the best wrist. Not much in the way of Old Brit bikes here in Nebraska. I am lucky to have a huge British bike dealer and parts store in nearby Marne Iowa…Baxter Cycle. I also have a few older friends with British bikes of many various makes which makes for a good time and folks to help me wrench when I need a hand. Keep up the great videos. I too would love to have a bike such as yours but not easily accessible as it is over on your side. Cheers.
@velofan.
@velofan. 7 ай бұрын
Lol my bike is not easily accessible even over here. They are very rare the KTT models. But i get your point, old bsa and stuff is in abundance over here, old triumph. But it makes me want to ask the question how is old British viewed over where you are. Are they considered quality machines. Nice to own and ride. Price wise desirable. or is old American iron far more desirable.
@motown1703
@motown1703 7 ай бұрын
“The big three” seem to be some-what common place over here furthermore ; parts are readily available…I have no problem finding parts for my commando and my 66 Lightning. The 46 is more of a challenge. I have a mate who has a Vincent Rapide plus an Ariel Square which of course, are much harder to find parts but has over the years. The central part of the country in my experience, can be, more of a challenge to find folks who ride old Brit bikes compared to the east/west coast. Others reading this chat might offer more insight to this. Harley Davidson, Indian and the big four are of course more popular until you show up on and old Norton, Vincent etc…and “steal the show” as they say. I was out about two months ago with a friend on our Nortons…750/850 when a much older couple pulled me aside to tell me “its nice to see something other than Harleys on the road around here”. Prices from what I’ve seen have dropped slightly in part to the younger folks maybe shying away due to the maintenance end of the spectrum…I don’t know? I have seen many good deals around but my garage is filled and the “Spousal Unit” says no more for awhile😂😭😭 ride safe.
@velofan.
@velofan. 7 ай бұрын
Yes so that’s interesting. I wonder if the coast’s are a bit more retro cool type vibe. Prices in the uk have dropped massively just this year really before was just continually going up. And yeah I think that makes sense. If people only really see Harley’s and then a Norton turns up it’s going to get a lot of attention. Norton is a highly regarded manufacturer in the uk new and old bikes. Does vintage Japanese hold any value of appreciation over where you are. Uk has seen a big surge in value of vintage Japanese.
@motown1703
@motown1703 7 ай бұрын
It’s not a Manx…sadly. It’s a 46 Model 18 set-up like a Works racer though. She’s a blast to ride.
@velofan.
@velofan. 7 ай бұрын
Yep realised when you said model 18 yours wasn’t a Manx I was just meaning if I were to wish for a Norton it would be a Manx. I even like the cafe racer bikes with featherbed frame as long as they have the huge Norton tank. I always feel lucky to have classic British motorcycles in my life. So engaging you form relationships with them lol.
@motown1703
@motown1703 7 ай бұрын
Punctuation might be off…tired.
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