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Velocette LE MKIII

Make Model	Velocette LE MKIII
Year	1958 - 71
Engine	Four stroke, flat twin cylinder
Capacity	192 cc / 11.7 cub in
Bore x Stroke	50 x 49 mm
Compression Ratio	7:1
Cooling System	Water cooled
Lubrication	Wet sump
Carburetor	Amal 363 monobloc
Ignition	Coil
Battery	6V, 42W
Starting	Pull handle
Max Power	5.9 kW / 8 hp @ 5000 rpm
Clutch	Dry, three-plate
Transmission	4 Speed
Final Drive	Shaft
Gear Ratio	1st 2.078 / 2nd 1.353 / 3rd 1.0 / 4th 0.739:1
Frame	Pressed steel frame
Dimensions	Length: 2083 mm / 82 in Width: 635 mm / 25 in
Wheelbase	1300 mm / 51.2 in
Seat height	711 mm / 28 in
Ground Clearance	114 mm / 4.5 in
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Dual coil springs and spring loaded seat
Front Brakes	5 x 1" drum
Rear Brakes	5 x 1" drum
Wheels	Spoked
Front Tyre	3.25 x 18"
Rear Tyre	3.25 x 18"
Fuel Capacity	7.4 L / 1.9 US gal
Dry Weight	119.3 kg / 263 lbs
Colours	Silver grey, Two-tone: Ruby, Olive green, Pale blue, Black
Source	Wikipedia

In 1958, Velocette launched the Mk III LE with a foot operated gear change and a conventional kick start. An extra gear was added, together with 18-inch-diameter (460 mm) wheels. The instrumentation was relocated to the head lamp, and the petrol capacity was increased from a meagre 1.25 to 1.62 imperial gallons (5.7 to 7.4 l; 1.50 to 1.95 US gal).

With ten years development, the Velocette LE was more reliable and practical, but in 1970 the company went into voluntary liquidation. Production of other motorcycles had been delayed or canceled to produce the LE in various forms, and the lucrative police orders had dried up with the introduction of the "panda car" for patrol use by most forces. Kent County Constabulary purchased the remaining spare parts and were able to keep LE's running until 1974.

Back in the early Sixties the Conservators of Epping Forest who were responsible for patrolling the Forest saw the need to augment their normal means of transport, which was either by foot or on horseback, with motorcycles.

At the time, police forces in the area were using Velocette LE motorcycles and thus these were decided on for the Forest, being quiet and comfortable for the rider and having good reliability. It was also decided that they would order the machines in RED. This proved a good idea for they soon became very much a know sight in the Forest.