1969 Velocette 499cc Venom Thruxton

•Formerly owned by Simon Goodman
•Rebuilt by Goodman Engineering in 1994
•Further renovation in 1999
•Present ownership since 1995
•Extensively recommissioned in October/November 2023

This Velocette Venom Thruxton was exported new on 28th November 1969 to Robert Le Conte in Paris, France. Its specification and matching numbers are confirmed by the Velocette Thruxton Machine Register's original factory records held by Ray Thurston. The machine was later purchased by Simon Goodman, a member of Velocette's founding Goodman family, in 1987 and rebuilt in black/gold (engine excepted). Goodman Engineering returned the machine to factory standard in 1994. Prior to '94 Simon Goodman rode the Thruxton for 860 miles before stripping and refinishing it in factory-specification blue and silver during the period June to September that year. The entire motorcycle stripped, the engine being 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.

Our vendor purchased the machine from Simon Goodman in 1995. The Thruxton has been used for occasional outings to local shows where it attracted much attention and has been featured on the front page of a classic motorcycling magazine. It was mechanically serviced and improved in November 1999 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 (magneto was fine); 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 Mk2 carburettor and GP carburettor. The GP carb was checked by specialist Mark Newby.

Since 2001 the machine has been kept in centrally heated storage, and in October/November 2023 was recommissioned by Tony Mortimer. New items fitted included the tyres; battery; spark plug; centre stand and spring bushes; oil filter and oil; fuel pipes and tank. The Velo was serviced, tested and run.

Accompanying documentation includes an account of the Thruxton's history dated 1st August 1995, compiled and signed by Simon Goodman of The Goodman Engineering Co Ltd, and lists and costs of work done dated 9th November 1999, compiled and signed by Barrie Bourner of Classic Motorcycle Restorations. There is also a 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.

The machine is offered with sundry bills, a VOC dating certificate, and a V5C registration document.