World's Fastest LE Velocette

[dkCambridgeshire]

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At the recent 16 August 2025 Maxey Classic Car and Bike show I spoke with Colin Russell who owns the world's fastest LE Velocette Mk II (1957) 192cc 'Noddy Bike'. The machine was highly modified over a 2 year period by the previous owner Mike Jones who is the curator of an IOM m/c museum. Modifications include: BMW electronic ignition; modified cylinder head and pistons enabling 12.5:1 compression ratio; modifed Velocette Valiant camshaft with race spec valve springs and titanium cam followers; lightened con rods; lightened flywheel/balance webs; lightened clutch; increased capacity oil reservoir; modified Amal 363 carburettor. Not possible to use the original hand lever starter because it will not turn the high compression ratio engine – thus requires bump starting. When used to deliver a sandwich to an IOM TT marshall it was officially timed at Brandish at 89mph with the rider sitting bolt upright. It's likely capable of faster speeds but the engine is limited to 7200rpm. Purchased by Colin when the m/c museum 'needed the space' for another exhibit. it's covered over 5000 mies in current spec. and returns 60mpg – compared to 90mpg from a standard LE. Frame deliberately maintained in 'original condition' and engine is run on a modern Castrol R equivalent. Spectators / visitors were laughing when Colin bump started the machine - thinking he'd 'broken down' - but then he calmly 'P U R R E D ' away back to Lincoln from Peterborough. 

Photographed with Leica CL / TL 18mm; the tiny lens does not have the best reputation amongst over-critical Leica enthusiasts owning more exotic glass – but personally I find it's a 'lightweight gem' and more than capable of decent results.  

If anyone wants to know more about Velocette LE 'Noddy bikes' please refer to Wilson Laidlaw's post #1881  https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/336407-what-made-you-happy-today/page/95/#comment-4938985

BW, dunk  

 

Edited September 8 by dkCambridgeshire
typo

[Ernstk]

Do you know what sort of power it's producing? I would guess around 15 BHP.

Ernst

Edited September 8 by Ernstk

[dkCambridgeshire]

5 minutes ago, Ernstk said:

Do you know what sort of power it's producing? I would guess around 25-30BHP.

Ernst

No power figures available and will depend on the type of fuel used and engine revs. Engine currently deliberately limited to 7200rpm for longevity but will rev much higher. Original owner quoted as saying: "When fuelled with ELF 127 octane the power was unreal – but at a crazy cost – so now runs on super unleaded" 

BW, dunk

[stuny]

Very nice.

[Matlock]

I used an ex police LE for work for several years. Not very reliable but I found out later that the Police serviced them by doing a complete engine/transmission change at regular intervals.

Nice bike to ride and, as I often had to leave for work in the early hours, it didn't disturb the neighbours.

[dkCambridgeshire]

21 hours ago, Matlock said:

I used an ex police LE for work for several years. Not very reliable but I found out later that the Police serviced them by doing a complete engine/transmission change at regular intervals.

Nice bike to ride and, as I often had to leave for work in the early hours, it didn't disturb the neighbours.

Colin's LE has a straight-through exhaust and no silencer baffles so it's not as 'silent' as an original example – but it's still a quiet machine. 

BW, dunk