1969 Velocette Thruxton (D316)
An iconic classic British Café Racer, fully restored and ready to shine in any collection or deliver an exciting road or track riding experience. Very special example of Velocette’s sportiest machine with remarkable provenance and ownership history. This Thruxton presents impressively, finished in metallic silver with blue frame and accents. Formerly owned by Simon Goodman, a member of Velocette’s founding family, this unique motorcycle is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. Both the 499cc OHV single cylinder engine and 4-speed close-ration gearbox were comprehensively rebuilt in 1994 by Goodman Engineering. The bike was again serviced and improved in November 1999 by Classic Motorcycle Restorations' Barrie Bourner. Subsequently stored in a climate controlled facility it was recently recommissioned in November of 2023 by Tony Mortimer in England.
The bike is fitted with a rare period correct fairing with aerodynamic pespex headlamp cover and windscreen and full lowers. The chassis is a proven design, noted for superb roadholding, featuring stout telescopic forks with rubber gaiters and rear shocks with adjustable mounting angles, rearset footpegs, aluminum spoked rim wheels fitted with AVON tires, and dual leading shoe front brake. The tubular steel frame is neatly refinished in the original factory blue color. Cockpit details include low set clip on handlebars, adjustable steering damper, a Smiths speedometer and tachometer pair and an ammeter. The dual saddle is covered in blue vinyl to match the frame color and features a stylish profile with a raised rear pad.
The engine is a deeply finned OHV single fitted with an Amal GP5 carburetor tucked in closely in a notch in the fuel tank. The carburetor sports an open velocity stack. Rearset linkage activates the right side shift and left side rear brake. Exhaust exits with a robust note thru a distinctive “Fishtail” silencer.
The bike is fitted with both a side and center stands.
Details of the 1994 mechanical restoration include the entire motorcycle stripped, the engine totally rebuilt including big end and main bearings, cylinder barrel, piston, valves, valve springs, valve guides and seats, and camshaft bush. The oil pump was completely reconditioned and the gearbox totally rebuilt, as was the clutch and drive train. In November of 1999 the bike was mechanically serviced and improved by Classic Motorcycle Restorations' Barrie Bourner, who declared the Thruxton to be a 'real good “un”. CMR undertook extensive mechanical and electrical servicing and restoration, further building on Goodman's work. These works included replacing the regulator and ammeter, multiple adjustments to aid starting and running, stripping and adjusting the gearbox, shimming the clutch 'frying pan’;, replacing multiple seals and fixing oil leaks, regrinding the inlet valve, cylinder/piston internal checks, oil system flushed and cleaned; setting up the GP carburettor. The GP carb was checked by specialist Mark Newby.
Since 2001 the machine was kept in centrally heated storage, and in November 2023 was recommissioned by Tony Mortimer. New items fitted included the tires, battery, spark plug, centre stand and spring bushes, oil filter and oil, fuel pipes and tank. The Velocette was then serviced, tested and run …. declared ready to enjoy.
The Thruxton comes complete with documentation including :
• Account of the Thruxton's history dated August 1st, 1995, signed by Simon Goodman of The Goodman Engineering Co Ltd
• List and costs of work completed in 1999, signed by Barrie Bourner of Classic Motorcycle Restorations
• Photograph signed by Simon Goodman of him with 'VMT1066C” published in The Velocette Saga, The Story of a Great Motorcycle by C. E. 'Titch' Allen
We acquired this exceptional Velocette in early 2024, impressed with the unique character of the motorcycle and the exceptional condition and remarkable provenance. It is a rare find and a fascinating collectible iconic machine.
1969 Velocette Thruxton
#D316
Price On Request
Make: Velocette
Year: 1969
Displacement: 499 cc
Inventory number: D316
Engine Number : 12R13125TT
Frame Number : RS20025
MODEL HISTORY
The Velocette Thruxton is the ultimate British 500cc single Café Racer and was built for production and endurance racing starting in 1965, a job for which it was admirably suited. With a top speed of 120 MPH and handling derived from Velocette’s World Championship winning racers, the Thruxton became a legend in its day. Despite a classic design that was was outdated by the end of the 1960s the Thruxton had an excellent reputation as a hand-built sports machine of great quality, performance and reliability, which it displayed on the racetrack. Proof of the Thruxton’s excellent qualities was a win in the inaugural Isle of Man Production TT in 1967. The Thruxton model which featured technology and engineering details from Velocette’s racing bikes became Velocette’s biggest seller. This small family business maintained only limited production, and approximately 1,000 Velocette Thruxton models were produced between 1965 and 1971.
SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE : Air cooled OHV single
DISPLACEMENT : 499 cc
BORE X STROKE : 86 x 86 mm
COMPRESSION RATIO : 9.0:1
HORSEPOWER : 41 HP/6200 RPM
FUEL SYSTEM : Amal 5GP2 carburetor
GEARBOX : 4-speed, manual
Contacts
CHASSIS SPECS
FRAME : tubular steel
FRONT SUSPENSION : Telescopic fork
REAR SUSPENSION : Swing Arm, dual shocks
FRONT BRAKE : 7.5” x 1.5” Drum Dual leading Shoe
REAR BRAKE : 7” x 1” Drum
WEIGHT : 375 lbs
FUEL CAPACITY : 5.1 gallons
TIRES
FRONT : 3.00 x 19
REAR : 3.50 x 19