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BOOK NEWS

Velocette Vagaries

Feeding the appetite for nostalgia comes a renewed interest in pre-war or immediately postwar bikes whose parent companies went t*ts-up as times inevitably changed. This trend is grist for Bruce Main-Smith's mill and he has produced yet another useful handbook pour les amateurs de pur-sang. to wit one of his Ser vice Series for all years of Velocette Viper/ Venom/Thruxton 350 and 500cc Singles. I suspect that owners of those models, even though Velocette finally went into liquida tion as late as 1971 after a fatal fling with scooters, either know all there is to know about Velocettes or else have clapped-out old bangers bought for a few quid as

strictly transportation machines. However anyone interested in the devious workings of pushrod Velos (there is another book on camshaft models) or for that matter inter ested in keeping any old British Single fettled, will find this tome worth taking home.

The book is written with, it seems to me (I don't know as much as they do anyway), a thorough knowledge of the subject and incorporates not only the sort of handy hints you would get at one of those big one-make rallies but many clear photos on just where the gears go, for example. and what to do if they suddenly all work in reverse. The British are not without a certain pawky humour, even though the author himself (of Portsmouth, Va.) was American, observing that if such and such a nut isn't done up properly the brake drum will rotate, causing the speedometer cable to pull the handlebars onto full lock with predictable results. Possible trouble

spots are mentioned ("this banjo is a leaker"), there is a dissertation on get-youhome practices with the Miller electrics, remarks are made about what valve steel is best to use, lefthand thread nuts are identi fied, and the writers are even generous about where to send the bottom end to get it rebuilt should it come adrift. Some ad vice is also offered about how to make the. engine oil-tight, admitting that the pri mary chain case is practically impossible, but then they resignedly explain that "per manently oil tight joints have never been a matter of much concern to the British factories

A real gold mine, this book 64 pages. approx and $10, is available from Motor sport. 6115 Gravois Aye, St Louis, Mo. 63116 or you can call (314) 481-7983. Ask I'or their list of other books as well, then you won't have to write us.

Henry N. Manney III