Velocette 500 cc MSS Project Classic Bike with Frame and Engine dated 1954

I have been gathering parts for this project over several years but other commitments plus the fact I live far from good autojumbles means that I have not managed to finish it.

My plan was to use a frame which I have had for many years as the basis for a nice MSS. As a personal preference. I chose to go down the route of re-creating a late 60's single with big tank. coil ignition. 12 volt electrics. rear-sets and liberal use of stainless.

The frame number is RS 531? and is an early one.   The engine no is MSS1009? and is  also one of the first. I acquired this on ebay a couple of years back - it had stood around for years. the head and barrel were off and a couple of bits were missing. It has been stripped. checked. cleaned and re-assembled using the original mains and big-end. It has an Alfin barrel which has a new STD MSS piston - very dificult to find. Valves. guides and various other pieces have been re-newed as necessary. It lacks a rocker drain pipe but they can be purchased new. The crankcases have been modified to take a breather pipe  as per late models.  It has a very nice manual control coil ignition system as well as a Lucas coil. The crankcases are good and overall there were no welds. no duff threads. missing fins or sign of other damage. The buyer is advised to look inside the engine before running it. The engine sprocket which came with the motor was worn and the clutch very tired so not included - I had therefore thought about a belt drive primary.  There is a Lucas dynamo with it that can be used to power 12 volt electrics.

Included  is a series 14 gearbox  shell and end cover with bearings in good order as well as all internals  plus kickstart and gearchange. I have sourced these from different places so it will need careful checking before assembly. If the buyer wants the standard footrests and brake lever rather than the Mk 1 type Clubman rear-sets shown here then I will swap the bits around.

The hubs have been powder-coated and then laced to stainless rims with stainless spokes. The rear tyre is an Avon SM - the front is an old  Metzler which was only fitted to get a rolling chassis. Mudguards are new. undrilled Clubman / Thruxton stainless ones - about ?200 from Autocycle. The front stays are also Clubman type - you will need the centre one which was unavailable at the time I bought the others. The rear sprocket is a new. un-painted UK  made one costing over ?100.

The forks have stanchions which have not yet seen action. There are taper roller steering bearings fitted. There is a steering damper but it  needs a new knob.  It has Thruxton headlamp brackets and short fork spring top collars. It has  a Clubman-type seat on a custom seat frame which is far superior to the original Velo one.   The tank is a new one ( from India ) - having spent a fortune over the years resurrecting beaten up original Velo tanks. I think these from the sub-continent represent good value - the tank comes with a new Monza cap and a pair of taps. The set-up cost me around ?230. The Clubman / Thruxton silencer is in good condition.

This is probably not one for a Velo novice. This is not an auction so if you are seriously interested then come and look. This is a project - you need skill. cash for more parts to complete and you will also need to get the frame. tank and tin work painted and possibly some polishing and plating done. If you go for Buy IT Now. then you must pay a non-refundable deposit of ?250 by Paypal within 24 hours  and then collect and pay the balance in cash or via transfer within 7 days. The bike will not be released unless I have cleared funds. No overseas bidders. please.

Once complete. you will need to obtain a dating certificate from the Velo Club to start the registration process. There are no docs with the bike but I will give you a detailed receipt.

14/3/15 - I have now collected the series 14 gearbox and will upload images soon.

The shock absorbers are made by Betor and have had little use.

The custom made battery carrier suits a 12 volt battery. It was chrome plated but was stripped which explains its current unsightly appearance. It will paint up nicely. though. The 12v coil bolts to the carrier.

Any further questions. please email your number and I will call you back.

Also published at eBay.com