1950 Velocette LE Mk2
These English motorcycles were used by the police of England and were very popular for their convenience and low level of noise. The Velocette LE was distinguished by nearly vehicular transmission. The shifting was made with the help of a gear lever on the right side, and neutral transmission could be switched on from any shift. The engine was two-cylinder four-stroke of 192 сm3 capacity.
The Velocette LE was a motorcycle made by Velocette from 1948 to 1970. The designation LE stood for "little engine". Used by over fifty British Police forces, the police riders became known as "Noddies" because they were required to nod to senior officers, and the LE was nicknamed "the Noddy Bike". Production ended in 1970 when the company ran into financial problems and went into voluntary liquidation.
Launched in 1951 the Mk II had a 192 cc (11.7 cu in) engine, giving an extra 2 hp (1.5 kW), and strengthened bearings. Sales remained poor, however, and the company had to reduce the price. The clutch was upgraded, and an Amal 363 monobloc carburetor replaced the standard unit. The rear swinging arm was uprated with cast aluminium to improve rigidity, and the brakes were improved. The petrol tank capacity was also increased from 1.25 to 1.62 imperial gallons (5.7 to 7.4 litres; 1.50 to 1.95 US gallons).
A breakthrough for Velocette was when over fifty British Police forces decided to use the LE for patrols and ordered more than half the production.[4] Ex-police machines can be identified by the after market fittings for the police radio. These include the manufacturers data plate being moved to the headstock, the word 'POLICE' stamped under the generator cover and a distinctive V shaped pressing riveted in front of the seat. This was designed to keep rainwater out of the battery compartment.
Manufacturer -Velocette
Also called -Noddy Bike
Production -1948–1970
Engine -MkI 150 cc (9.2 cu in) four-stroke, water-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder
MkII 200 cc (12 cu in)
Top speed -50 mph (80 km/h)
Power -MkI 150 cc 6 bhp (4.5 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
Mk II 200 cc 8 bhp (6.0 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission -MkI & MkII Three-speed gearbox to shaft final drive
MkIII Four-speed gearbox
Suspension -Telescopic front forks, swinging arm rear
Brakes -5 in (130 mm) front and rear
Tyres -3.25x18
Seat height - 710 mm (28 in)
Weight -120 kg (260 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity -5.7 l (1.3 imp gal; 1.5 US gal)
Oil capacity -1 l (0.22 imp gal; 0.26 US gal) wet sump
The Velocette LE was a motorcycle made by Velocette from 1948 to 1970. The designation LE stood for "little engine". Used by over fifty British Police forces, the police riders became known as "Noddies" because they were required to nod to senior officers, and the LE was nicknamed "the Noddy Bike". Production ended in 1970 when the company ran into financial problems and went into voluntary liquidation.
Launched in 1951 the Mk II had a 192 cc (11.7 cu in) engine, giving an extra 2 hp (1.5 kW), and strengthened bearings. Sales remained poor, however, and the company had to reduce the price. The clutch was upgraded, and an Amal 363 monobloc carburetor replaced the standard unit. The rear swinging arm was uprated with cast aluminium to improve rigidity, and the brakes were improved. The petrol tank capacity was also increased from 1.25 to 1.62 imperial gallons (5.7 to 7.4 litres; 1.50 to 1.95 US gallons).
A breakthrough for Velocette was when over fifty British Police forces decided to use the LE for patrols and ordered more than half the production.[4] Ex-police machines can be identified by the after market fittings for the police radio. These include the manufacturers data plate being moved to the headstock, the word 'POLICE' stamped under the generator cover and a distinctive V shaped pressing riveted in front of the seat. This was designed to keep rainwater out of the battery compartment.
Manufacturer -Velocette
Also called -Noddy Bike
Production -1948–1970
Engine -MkI 150 cc (9.2 cu in) four-stroke, water-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder
MkII 200 cc (12 cu in)
Top speed -50 mph (80 km/h)
Power -MkI 150 cc 6 bhp (4.5 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
Mk II 200 cc 8 bhp (6.0 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission -MkI & MkII Three-speed gearbox to shaft final drive
MkIII Four-speed gearbox
Suspension -Telescopic front forks, swinging arm rear
Brakes -5 in (130 mm) front and rear
Tyres -3.25x18
Seat height - 710 mm (28 in)
Weight -120 kg (260 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacity -5.7 l (1.3 imp gal; 1.5 US gal)
Oil capacity -1 l (0.22 imp gal; 0.26 US gal) wet sump
