Location: Melbourne
Year: 1928
Make: Velocette
Model: Mk1 KSS
Body Type: Motorcycle
VIN / Chassis: X0387
Engine Number: KCR2149

The Velocette works racer was developed from the roadgoing KSS model in 1925. It then won the first of many TT wins on the Isle of Man in 1926. In 1928 Velocette introduced the worlds first positive stop gearchange on the works racer. They subsequently licensed it to many other manufacturers.

In 1929, Velocette started producing copies of the works racers for sale to the general public. An idea common nowadays. These first copies of the factory racer are now referred to as Mk 1 KTT. In 1929, the first year of production, approximately 180 Mk 1 KTT’s were manufactured. Prior to 1929 it was not possible to buy a KTT so would be racers had to use a KSS model uprated for racing. The bike being auctioned has the engine number KCR 2149 a 1928 engine fitted with the uprated cam and rocker modification which later became standard. In 1928 there were a number of KSS model variations – With this engine, the bike probably left the factory as a KNSS, the sportiest specification until the KTT arrived the following year.

The auction bike has the correct 1928 style twin downtube frame and most of the features that became standard in the KTT model the following year. The major departure from standard spec is the gearbox upgrade. It now has a 4 speed gearbox from a 1935 MAC model replacing the troublesome three speed early box. Along with the extra gear it has the useful ability to easily install the roadgoing kick starter if required. This is a relatively common modification to early KSS models and has been professionally carried out with a properly engineered brace under the gearbox to stop the case flexing and cracking.

This bike was purchased by the current owner from Ken Lucas. Like all Ken’s bikes it is in good mechanical condition and ready to race. Comes with Historic Racing logbook no MA1083 – so legal to race immediately. Alternatively it could easily be converted back to a rally bike. Lights, horn, speedo etc weren’t required on a motorcycle that old. It is set up to run on petrol so adding a Kickstarter would be all that’s required to rally it.

The bike has its original “patina” from years of racing and paint has been touched up and various racers ”bodges” to keep it running are apparent. A full restoration would be possible but probably wouldn’t increase its value – which is partly due to its history of being one of Ken Lucas’s racing stable.

This motorcycle is located in our facility in Melbourne, for further information please contact Dave Hosking 0474 182 002 or Mason Hibbert 0455 191 035

To protect your investment motorcycle bidders should consider at a minimum replacement of fuel, oil, fluids, filters and thorough brake inspection as motorcycles may have been stationary for some time. Motorcycles are sold as is off the floor – unregistered. No warranty expressed or implied, sold with all or any faults, and where applicable sold with Australian Government Import Approval. FMB04