12.23.2011
we have fallen out. officially
12.02.2011
Vogue Motorcycle
At work we have had on display
this ‘thing’ on two wheels. I though it was a candy wrapped scooter.
NOPE! its a ‘64 Velocette Vogue 200cc, a small trend in British motorcycles.
Meant to appeal to ‘Mr. Everyman’, the Vogue was supposed to be a luxurious step above basic transport. Fully enclosed in fiberglass bodywork, with windscreen, leg shields & later panniers (saddle bags) standard, it addressed a big problem for British riders: riding in the rain. All the bodywork helped shelter the rider & made the machine much easier to keep clean. But Americans care little for it, and the market for small, underpowered basic commuter bikes was shrinking rapidly. With all the bodywork & accouterments the Vogue was heavy, too heavy for the anemic 8hp 192cc watercooled SV (side valve) twin, the same unit that powered the 1950’s-era Velocette LE. Wide-open, they could barely make 60mph & cruising at anything more than about 50mph was out of the question.
Regardless of all this, the Velocette Vogue is really a beautiful piece of work. Finely crafted fiberglass panels fit nicely together to make a lovely, yet functional shape.
more Velocette's from this article.....
Its competition the Ariel Leader at 250cc outsold the Velocette Vogue, coming in also at better price.
Meant to appeal to ‘Mr. Everyman’, the Vogue was supposed to be a luxurious step above basic transport. Fully enclosed in fiberglass bodywork, with windscreen, leg shields & later panniers (saddle bags) standard, it addressed a big problem for British riders: riding in the rain. All the bodywork helped shelter the rider & made the machine much easier to keep clean. But Americans care little for it, and the market for small, underpowered basic commuter bikes was shrinking rapidly. With all the bodywork & accouterments the Vogue was heavy, too heavy for the anemic 8hp 192cc watercooled SV (side valve) twin, the same unit that powered the 1950’s-era Velocette LE. Wide-open, they could barely make 60mph & cruising at anything more than about 50mph was out of the question.
Regardless of all this, the Velocette Vogue is really a beautiful piece of work. Finely crafted fiberglass panels fit nicely together to make a lovely, yet functional shape.
more Velocette's from this article.....
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| The '64 Velocette Vogue in action. (thanks MikeB) |
The Ariel Leader 250cc two stroke
Can you imaging the world of motorcycling if this became popular? EW! Like the smart car motorcycle for wusses. oh wait....all those touring bikes ridden by the old guys.. hmmm
The Triumph 1960 5TA Speedtwin 'Bathtub'
The Vincent Black Prince (year of model unknown)
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