Description
Velocette 1936 model “ KSS Mk.II” 348 cc OHC frame # 2822 engine # 11078
The firm of Veloce Ltd. was formed in 1905 by Johann Goodman.
It was a family business that concentrated on sound motorcycle engineering principles.
Their first machines were lightweight four strokes; after that a line of top-class 250 cc two strokes was brought out.
In 1924/ 25 Percy Goodman designed the 350 cc overhead camshaft model K, a machine destined to win many TTs and other races, starting with the 1926 Junior TT that was won by Alec Bennett, who finished ten minutes ahead of the second placeman.
The model KSS ( K for overhead camshaft, SS for super sports) first appeared in 1925.
It had a power output of about 19 HP at 5,800 rpm.
From the KSS the successful KTT was developed, this was the first over-the-counter production racer to become available to the general public.
In 1933 the KSS got a four speed gearbox and in 1935 the KSS was completely redesigned.
The MkII version featured many improvements including a new aluminium-alloy cylinder head with enclosed valve-gear, together with the cradle frame and heavyweight Webb forks of the new MSS.
In this form the KSS resumed production post-war in November 1946 before being updated, together with the other road models, with (optional) Dowty Oleomatic telescopic front forks in August 1947.
Expensive to produce, the KSS was dropped from the range at the year’s end.
Consisting of a pre-war frame and post-war engine, this KSS MkII has been in single family ownership since 1978 and was restored in 1988.