Cure for Velocette fever?

Tornado

Tornado

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Been having a touch of velocette fever after seeing a local ad for a MAC 350.
Short of writing a cheque, what are some good remedies?
 
A MAC is a little underpowered for the modern world but a really lovely bike.

50 years ago I rode one around the South Island of New Zealand. I still remember how much fun it was.

I have friends who have the Velo bug rather badly.
 
Our brit bike owners club president has a velo 350 Mac, it is his daily rider for commuting to work.
 
I was watching this video just last weekend, reminiscing about a '59 Venom I stupidly sold cheap many moons ago...

 
I just bought a Velo and should have it delivered sometime this summer
 
Have a Clubman Venom, only because it's beautiful and a nice ride.
Best remedy is to try to start it. If you can, just buy.
 
Oddly, there are two MAC's for sale in this region, both the same year ('49), one fully restored based on pics, the other looks quite tatty, well used/run in....latter is asking about $1500 more than former?

Cure for Velocette fever?


Cure for Velocette fever?
 
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I think the fever has broken....
Went to see the "restored-looking" one...at a local Honda bike dealer. In the flesh, while there wasn't any actual evidence of a restoration (as the images suggest), it was in remarkable condition. Apparently one owner for past 40 some yrs. No sign of any rust anywhere, no obvious patina or chrome lifting etc. Got to sit upon it and found my knees were up, infront of the tank pads. Could also easily bottom out the seat springs. Remarkably easy to tilt bike left/right compared to anything else I've been on.
Though I'd love to ride/own it, in my situation it would have to replace my modern Bonneville and be able to assume it's duties as a regular rider, urban/long distance riding. Just don't think it is right for that role.
 
Tornado said:
I think the fever has broken....
Went to see the "restored-looking" one...at a local Honda bike dealer. In the flesh, while there wasn't any actual evidence of a restoration (as the images suggest), it was in remarkable condition. Apparently one owner for past 40 some yrs. No sign of any rust anywhere, no obvious patina or chrome lifting etc. Got to sit upon it and found my knees were up, infront of the tank pads. Could also easily bottom out the seat springs. Remarkably easy to tilt bike left/right compared to anything else I've been on.
Though I'd love to ride/own it, in my situation it would have to replace my modern Bonneville and be able to assume it's duties as a regular rider, urban/long distance riding. Just don't think it is right for that role.
Click to expand...
A MAC has little chance of filling that role.
A 350 Viper is a quick bike compared to an ES2 and needs to be much more aggressivly ridden, still only 22hp at 5k 100kph, 25hp at 6k 125kph.
A Venom is a bit quicker, torquier and easier to ride.
Both the Viper and the Venom were Sports Bikes in their day, 60 years ago, and are fun bikes to ride hard now but nothing like a modern bike, that's why I have other bikes as well.
 
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