1938 Velocette KSS
1938 VELOCETTE KSS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
The Velocette KSS debuted in 1925 as an OHC (overhead cam) 350cc air-cooled single. Being OHC placed it at the cutting edge of engine technology at a time when most machines still used side-valve designs or pushrods. The name KSS breaks down to the K for overhead cam (the German spelling is kam), and SS for Super Sport. It made 19 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. The KSS was completely redesigned for the 1935 model year, making everything after a Mark II through the 1948 model year. The 1938 KSS was the first year that electric lighting, an illuminated speedo and an electric horn became standard equipment, rather than an option.
K-SERIES OHC ENGINES EXPENSIVE TO BUILD
While
Velocette was well ahead of most of its competition, engine technology-wise, with the radical OHC K-series bikes (KSS and
KTT), the exotic shaft-driven bevel drive system that drove that overhead cam was complex and difficult to assemble. They required hand assembly by skilled craftsman, which slowed production to a crawl and drove costs up. The answer was the more conservative and cheap-to-build OHV M-series bikes which would become Velocette's biggest sellers, and replace the K-bikes.
1938 Velocette KSS SPECIFICATIONS
Engine type Displacement Bore & Stroke Compression ratio Carburetor Ignition Engine output Primary drive Clutch Gearbox Frame type Suspension, front Suspension, rear Brake, front Brake, rear Wheelbase Seat height Ground clearance Fuel capacity
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Air-cooled OHC single 348cc / 21.3ci 74mm X 81mm 7.0:1 Amal Bodine magneto 19 bhp Chain Multi-plate, wet 3-speed Backbone w/engine as stressed member Girder Rigid 7" SLS drum 7" SLS drum 53.75" / 136.5cm 28.0" / 71cm 4.25" / 10.0cm 2.25 US gal / 8.5L
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Check out these VELOCETTE BOOKS

Velocette Motorcycles

BOOK OF THE VELOCETTE ALL SINGLES & TWINS 1925-1970

Velocette: Production Motorcycles (Crowood Motoclassics)

Velocette Motorcycles - MSS to Thruxton: New Third Edition

The Velocette Saga: The Story of a Great Motorcycle

Velocette 350 & 500 Singles: All 350 & 500cc models 1946-1970 (Essential Buyer's Guide)

Always in the Picture: History of the Velocette Motorcycle

Velocette: The Racing Story (Crowood Motoclassics)

Velocette (Illustrated Motor Cycle Legends)

Velocette - Technical Excellence Exemplified
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Back to top - 1938 Velocette KSSLast updated 2/10/19
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