1969 Velocette Venom Clubman

Post Sale Update: This Venom Clubman sold for $12,000 after 18 bids on eBay.

Introduced in 1955, the Venom set itself up to be an alternative to the British sporting twins that were starting to dominate the market. The Venom really came of age when a factory prepped bike became the first ever motorcycle to average 100 MPH over the course of 24 hours at a track in France.

In production from 1955 to 1970 there were 5,721 Venoms produced. No really large changes marked the run, but a bunch of small changes just made the bike better every year. It had a unique camshaft/pushrod arrangement, a clutch not really suited to riding in traffic, suspension that tended toward stiff (it was really a track bike). The bike tended to need some ‘fiddling’ to keep everything adjusted, but delivered great power and speed with longevity.

The Venom has achieved a cult status in England, and many parts and upgrades are available today including the belt drive and electronic ignition that are listed with this bike.

The 1969 Velocette Venom Clubman used a 499 CC air cooled four stroke OHV single cylinder motor that made 34 HP. A 4 speed transmission and a 390 LBS dry weight pushed the stock top speed to 100 MPH. Front suspension was telescopic adjustable forks with twin leading shoe brakes over a 19” wheel. Rear suspension was swingarm with twin shocks and a single leading shoe brake also on a 19” wheel.

This particular 1969 Velocette Venom (VIN# RS19750) is in Portland, Oregon listed as ‘in good running condition with lots of work done in the last two years.’ The bike is not original but the changes seem to have been made to make it a rider. Belt drive conversion and Electronic Ignition among them. It the VIN# listed is a case stamped number the possibility exists that this bike has the limited option close ratio transmission. (The R in the VIN). It would certainly be worth knowing. The bike is currently bid at $4,605.55 with reserve not met