Velocette Venom - Venom Clubman

Venom Clubman

From 1960, Velocette produced the Venom (and the Viper) in a 'Clubman' racing version, fitted with TT Amal carburettors, a manually controlled BTH racing magneto (in place of the Lucas unit) and a close ratio gearbox, with the compression ratio raised to 9.3 to 1. The Venom Clubman dispensed with the glass fibre enclosure and instead made a feature of highly polished crankcase and gearbox castings. Supplied with 'rearset' controls, lowered handlebars and a steering damper, the Clubman also had a range of optional accessories including a 'megaphone' exhaust silencer, a rev counter and light alloy wheel rims. Although they could be hard to start (with a whole section in the owners handbook on starting technique) experienced Clubman riders found them easy to maintain and fast, as the Venom Clubman could achieve over 100 mph. In 1966 the Venom was upgraded to the Mk II, which had the Thruxton front forks fitted with rubber gaiters, a twin leading shoe front brake and narrowed mudguards which combined with s new exhaust design gave it a more modern sports motorcycle look.