Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Uncle Joe]

I just read the piece on the main page regarding the Velocette LE. There are a couple of interesting facts about this particular bike.

It was one of the only bikes I can remember that was originally designed with women in mind. THe traditional Velocette black was considered to intimidating for women, the colour of grey was chosen. Other female considerations were (on the Mk I) hand start and the footboards....

I wonder how todays women would react to design changes such as these?

[Job-Rated]

[cc rider]

The only consideration I require is height - less of it in the bike set, that's why I like the triumph I'm doing up, I can put my boots flat on the ground. Can't do that with my (black) VTR

cc rider

[Old-Nail]

I was chatting to Nick Sanders 'The fastest man around the world' some years ago when he completed the task on a Hinkley Triumph.

I asked him how the bike had performed and was there anything that he would change in order to make the bike better, to which he replied "Smaller wheels".
I was thrown for a moment trying to understand his reply until it dawned on me...Nick is only about five foot five!

[cc rider]

The trump has 19in wheels - height not a problem. but the VTR already has 16in - can't get any lower - I'm 5'4 too - no joy there. may have to get boot extentions.

[Old-Nail]

That's something about the old Triumphs, with their low seat height and waisted tank most people feel comfortable on them.
Have you tried the 'new' Bonneville? That's pretty much the same - very low seat height for a modern bike.

[cc rider]

I'll stick to my old box of bits. will post some photos when it gets to rolling chassis stage.