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General information |
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Model name
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Velocette LE MK 2 |
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Year
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1959 |
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Category
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Classic |
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Rating
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Engine and transmission |
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Displacement
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200.0 ccm (12.20 cubic inches) |
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Engine type
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Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
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Power
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8.0 HP (5.8 kW)) @ 5000 RPM |
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Top speed
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80.5 km/h (50.0 mph) |
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Compression
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7.0:1 |
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Bore x stroke
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50.0 x 49.0 mm (2.0 x 1.9 inches) |
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Valves per cylinder
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2 |
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Fuel system
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Carburettor. Amal 363 Monobloc |
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Fuel control
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Sidevalves |
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Ignition
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Battery and coil |
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Lubrication system
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Wet sump |
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Cooling system
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Liquid |
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Gearbox
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3-speed |
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Transmission type
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Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive) |
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Clutch
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Wet multiplate |
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Exhaust system
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Double steel pipes into steel ´box´ |
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Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels |
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Frame type
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Unibody pressed steel |
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Front suspension
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Up Side Down telescopic forks |
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Rear suspension
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Swinging arm |
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Front tire
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3.25-18 |
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Rear tire
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3.25-18 |
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Front brakes
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Expanding brake (drum brake). Single Leading Shoe |
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Diameter
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127 mm (5.0 inches) |
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Rear brakes
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Expanding brake (drum brake). Single Leading Shoe |
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Diameter
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127 mm (5.0 inches) |
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Wheels
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Wire |
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Physical measures and capacities |
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Dry weight
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120.0 kg (264.6 pounds) |
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Power/weight ratio
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0.0667 HP/kg |
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Seat height
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711 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
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Overall length
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2083 mm (82.0 inches) |
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Overall width
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635 mm (25.0 inches) |
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Ground clearance
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114 mm (4.5 inches) |
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Wheelbase
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1300 mm (51.2 inches) |
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Fuel capacity
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7.40 litres (1.96 US gallons) |
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Oil capacity
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1.00 litres (1.06 US quarts) |
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Other specifications |
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Instruments
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Speedometer, odometer |
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Electrical
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Miller |
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Light
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Headlight, sidelight, taillight |
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Carrying capacity
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Luggage rack, plus optional panniers |
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Comments
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It was designed as a motorcycle for ´non-motorcycle people´. This results in features such as the hand start (I selected ´kick start´ as it was the most appropriate!) And the hand gear change (the gears being: first, forward and left; second, back and right; third, forward and right). The idea behind this was to prevent one´s shoes from becoming scuffed. A feature added to make the gear change supposedly easy is a sticky throttle: one that holds its plays without the spring returning it to the natural position of idle. Another feature - for the sake of comfort - is floorboards, complimented by large, aluminium leg shields. Especially given the layout of the boxer engine, this is a desirous feature in the winter, but not the summer! To provide storage, a small lunchbox is embedded into the top of the bike - just in front of the fuel filler cap. Many of the bikes were used by police services. These bikes are distinguishable by their ´police´ on the otherwise blank magneto cover, and a ´v´ shaped battery compartment to prevent water entering. To remove the engine/gearbox/swinging arm assembly, one has to remove the body and frame from it. Down to the low centre of gravity of the bike - from the nature of a boxer - it is a very easy bike to operate, and handle. It seems surprisingly nimble, and happy to lean |
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Modifications compared to previous model
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MK 1 1948-1951: 150cc engine, and 3´ - 19´ tyres
MK 2 1951-1959: 200cc engine, heavier duty cast aluminium swinging arm
MK 3 1959-1970: kick start plus 4 speed foot gear change - velocette valiant running gear, just with side valve, and single carb. Heavier duty bearings |
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Further information |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids. filters, maintenance tools and service manuals at Amazon.com. |
| Ask questions | Join the 59 Velocette LE MK 2 discussion group or the general Velocette discussion group. |
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