LE MK 2

Bore x stroke

50.0 x 49.0 mm (2.0 x 1.9 inches)

Carrying capacity

Luggage rack, plus optional panniers

Category

Classic

Clutch

Wet multiplate

Comments

It was designed as a motorcycle for ´non-motorcycle people´. This results in features such as the hand start (I selected ´kick start´ as it was the most appropriate!) And the hand gear change (the gears being: first, forward and left; second, back and right; third, forward and right). The idea behind this was to prevent one´s shoes from becoming scuffed. A feature added to make the gear change supposedly easy is a sticky throttle: one that holds its plays without the spring returning it to the natural position of idle. Another feature - for the sake of comfort - is floorboards, complimented by large, aluminium leg shields. Especially given the layout of the boxer engine, this is a desirous feature in the winter, but not the summer! To provide storage, a small lunchbox is embedded into the top of the bike - just in front of the fuel filler cap. Many of the bikes were used by police services. These bikes are distinguishable by their ´police´ on the otherwise blank magneto cover, and a ´v´ shaped battery compartment to prevent water entering. To remove the engine/gearbox/swinging arm assembly, one has to remove the body and frame from it. Down to the low centre of gravity of the bike - from the nature of a boxer - it is a very easy bike to operate, and handle. It seems surprisingly nimble, and happy to lean

Compression

7.0:1

Cooling system

Liquid

Diameter

127 mm (5.0 inches)

Displacement

200.0 ccm (12.20 cubic inches)

Dry weight

120.0 kg (264.6 pounds)

Electrical

Miller

Engine type

Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Exhaust system

Double steel pipes into steel ´box´

Frame type

Unibody pressed steel

Front brakes

Expanding brake (drum brake). Single Leading Shoe

Front suspension

Up Side Down telescopic forks

Front tire

3.25-18

Fuel capacity

7.40 litres (1.96 US gallons)

Fuel control

Sidevalves

Fuel system

Carburettor. Amal 363 Monobloc

Gearbox

3-speed

Ground clearance

114 mm (4.5 inches)

Ignition

Battery and coil

Instruments

Speedometer, odometer

Light

Headlight, sidelight, taillight

Lubrication system

Wet sump

Model name

Velocette LE MK 2

Modifications compared to previous model

MK 1 1948-1951: 150cc engine, and 3´ - 19´ tyres MK 2 1951-1959: 200cc engine, heavier duty cast aluminium swinging arm MK 3 1959-1970: kick start plus 4 speed foot gear change - velocette valiant running gear, just with side valve, and single carb. Heavier duty bearings

Oil capacity

1.00 litres (1.06 US quarts)

Overall length

2083 mm (82.0 inches)

Overall width

635 mm (25.0 inches)

Power

8.0 HP (5.8 kW)) @ 5000 RPM

Power/weight ratio

0.0667 HP/kg

Rear brakes

Expanding brake (drum brake). Single Leading Shoe

Rear suspension

Swinging arm

Rear tire

3.25-18

Seat height

711 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.

Top speed

80.5 km/h (50.0 mph)

Transmission type

Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)

Valves per cylinder

2

Wheelbase

1300 mm (51.2 inches)

Wheels

Wire

Year

1959