Velocette Thruxton

Velocette Thruxton
ManufacturerVelocette
Also calledVenom Thruxton
Production1965–1971
PredecessorVelocette Venom
Engine499 cc (30.5 cu in), OHV air cooled single
9:1 compression ratio[1]
Amal 5GP2 13/8 carburettor[1]
Top speed180 km/h (110 mph)[2]
Power31 kW (41 bhp) @ 6,200 rpm[3]
Brakesfront drum, 7.5 inch John Tickle 2LS,[1] rear drum
Wheelbase139.1 centimetres (54.75 in)
Seat height30.5 inches[1]
Weight180 kg (390 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity4.5 gallons[1]
Oil capacity4 pints[1]
Fuel consumption60mpg at 65mph[1]

The Velocette Thruxton was a sporting motorcycle produced by Velocette between 1965 and 1971. Revealed at the 1964 Earls Court Show, it was the final development of Velocette's antiquated pushrod single, the Venom.[4]

Sometimes referred to as the Venom Thruxton or simply Thruxton, some surviving examples could be 'upgraded' replicas based on the Venom or Viper, as many parts in the range were interchangeable. Due to the high values involved and possibility of fakes, a register was established by a member of the Velocette Owners Club, using production data of engine and frame numbers acquired after the factory closure, to enable owners and potential buyers to confirm provenance when selling and buying.[5]

The Thruxton ceased production only when the company folded in 1971.[3]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g The Classic Motor Cycle, Classic Road Tests, July 1996, reprinted in Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader, 12-15 Feb 2010. Accessed 2013-07-08
  2. ^ Siegal, Margie (January–February 2013). "Velocette Thruxton: A Tale of Two Fishtails". Motorcycle Classics. 8 (3). Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  3. ^ a b Kemp, Andrew; De Cet (2004). Classic British Bikes. Mirco. Bookmart Ltd. ISBN 1-86147-136-X.
  4. ^ Motor Cycle, 19 November 1964. 'Earls Court Show Guide'. p.861/2. "High spot of the latest Velocette presentation is the Venom Thruxton 500—one of the Venom family, obviously, but trimmed for racing." Accessed 2013-08-17
  5. ^ The Classic Motor Cycle July 1996, p.39 Register that Thruxton Accessed and added 2014-06-27