Ref.

3801 EN/2 US

Get to know,
ride and
maintain
your model S 3800 and 5000
(mid 1968 - 1972)
 The Velosolex factory - then and now

Above: An aerial view taken in the 1960’s. Above: Another view showing part of the factory on the corner of
Below: The main entrance on Boulevard de Verdun Boulevard de Verdun and Avenue Dubonnet. Below: The view in 2016!
Dear Madam, Dear Sir.

You have made the choice of a moped belonging to the product range of VELOSOLEX.

With VELOSOLEX you will go far and safely.

Do not hesitate to demand the maximum from it.

However, before starting, please read the following pages. Your VELOSOLEX will have no more secrets for you and if you

follow our directions, you will avoid faulty actions.

We thank you for your confidence in our product and we remain.

Yours faithfully,

VELOSOLEX.

This publication is a re-creation based loosely on an original brochure issued by the Velosolex factory at Courbevoie, France in October 1974. In some areas it
has been updated and corrected to make it more usable and applicable to today’s Velosolex owner / rider whilst still retaining the spirit of the original
publication.
All Solex photographs in this document have been taken by Brian Colter and are copyright ©.
Paul Grogan & Brian Colter
May 2017
 SPECIFICATIONS
3800 5000
Length 63 in 58 in
Width 22 in 23 in
Height 37 in 38 in
Weight 63 lb 62 lb
Fuel tank capacity ⅓ gal ⅓ gal
Gear 3.90 3.40
Ignition advance 23° 23°
Tire size 1.75 x 19 2.0 x 16
Tire pressure 30 p.s.i. 30 p.s.i.

LOCATION OF CONTROLS AND ACCESSORIES.

1 – Engagement lever 6 – Air pump
2 – Decompressor 7 – Light switch
3 – Front brake 8 – Choke
4 – Rear brake 9 – Fuel tank
5 – Tool box 10 – Rear lamp lens fixing screw
 FIG. 3 ENGINE NUMBER. FIG. 4 FRAME NUMBER.
It is found on the engine crankcase and comprises 7 digits It is found on the right or left hand side of the frame near the
steering tube.

SOME ADVICE . . .
KNOW HOW TO RIDE
You are not the only person on the road. To ride around safely, you must know the Highway Code. Study it carefully and follow it closely; your life depends
on it.

ENJOY RIDING
Every machine has its own “feel” and this is a safety factor. Observe the following recommendations:

Tire pressure – Tire inflation, especially the front tire, must be carefully attended to because a lack of pressure will cause drive-roller slippage and a
reduction in performance of the engine on hills or in the rain, with heavy tread wear.
Get the pressure checked by your VELOSOLEX Service Station and if need be inflate to the correct pressure using the air pump supplied with the moped.
Front and rear tire pressure: 30 p.s.i.
Saddle position

FIG. 5
Height adjustment:
On leaving the factory, the saddle is put in the average position. When correctly seated, your feet
should be able to stand flat on the ground with your legs slightly bent.
If the height of the saddle has to be altered, just unscrew the 4 fixing screws (V), then raise or lower
the saddle as required. Retighten the screws.

FIG. 6
Angular adjustment:
Riding comfort depends on the way you
are sitting on the seat. It should be in
the horizontal position. The angle can
be altered by loosening the 4 fixing
screws (V) which free the slotted holes.
Securely tighten the 4 nuts once you
have finally adjusted the position.

FIG. 7
Handlebar position: On models with high-rise handlebars, it is possible to adjust the angle of the
handlebars. Loosen the screw (V), choose the position that suits you best and then securely
retighten the stem screw (V) to 17 ft/lb in order to avoid any accident risks.
 USE . . .
FUEL
The quality of the fuel is of prime importance for ensuring the satisfactory functioning of the engine because the moving parts are lubricated by the oil
added to the gasoline. The use of undiluted or straight gasoline inevitably leads to deterioration of the main components of the engine. It is therefore
essential to abide by the following recommendations:

Gasoline - Use lead-free gasoline with an octane rating of 87 MON (U.S.) or 95 RON (U.K.)

Oil - Either fully or semi-synthetic two-stroke oil gives the best results. If you cannot obtain this type, then go for good quality two-stroke oil from a
reputable manufacturer.

Proportions - Modern two-stroke oils can usually be pre-mixed between 2½ oz (50:1) and 4 oz (33:1) of oil per litre of gasoline. Buy only two-stroke oil
designed for this purpose. Synthetic two-stroke oils help reduce the build-up of carbon in combustion related areas.

Oil mix % Ratio

4 oz / 1 gal 3% 33:1 These ratios may be successfully used in later engines which have
3 oz / 1 gal 2½% 40:1 needle roller connecting rod bushings and can tolerate less oil in the
2½ oz / 1 gal 2% 50:1 gasoline.

A mixing ratio of 3% (33:1) is recommended as a general guide. However, other ratios may be used depending upon the mechanical fitness of the engine.

The oil and the gasoline must not be poured independently into the fuel tank but should first be mixed in a clean container and stirred well in order to
obtain complete dilution of the oil in the gasoline.

Filling up – Filter your mixture with a metal filter. Never use a cloth filter. Do not fill your VELOSOLEX tank up to the brim because engine starting may be
affected. The level should be about ½” below the bottom of the neck.
 ENGINE WITH A LEVER
FIG. 8

ENGINE WITH A CRANK

FIG. 9

TO START OFF (FIG. 8 or 9)

Once in the saddle, put the engine in contact with the tire.

 In the case of an engine with a lever (FIG. 8), push the lever (1) forward after having disengaged it from its hook (2).
 In the case of an engine with a crank (FIG. 9), pivot the crank (3) forwards by 180° and leave it to rest on the fuel tank.

Check whether the throttle control (7) is in the “fully open” position (arrow “A”).

If the engine is cold, close the air choke lever (4) on the carburetor in the direction of arrow “C”.

Press the decompressor lever (5) as far as it will go.

Pedal to reach a speed of 2½ – 3 m.p.h., then release the decompressor ..… the engine will start up.

After about 100 yards of running, move the air choke lever (4) gradually back to the right.
TO SLOW DOWN
Operate the right hand brake lever (6) or the throttle control (7) which should be moved gradually in the direction of arrow “B” until the desired speed is
achieved.

TO STOP
Brake until you stop ….. the engine will continue to idle.

WHEN STOPPED (FIG. 8 or 9)

Keep the right hand brake lever engaged or turn the throttle control in the direction of the arrow “B” in order to get to the idling position.

Never let the engine run at full throttle while holding the moped by the rear brake, for example. The clutch would be quickly put out of use.

Never raise the engine from the tire when the engine is running. If by accident you should happen to do so, be sure to stop the engine before lowering it
back onto the tire.

TO START OFF AGAIN (FIG. 8 or 9)

Release the brakes or put the throttle control to the “fully open” position (arrow A). The engine will pick up speed and the VELOSOLEX will start to move. (A
few turns of the pedals are needed to accelerate more quickly or to start off on a hill.)

TO CLIMB HILLS WITHOUT GETTING TIRED

Pedal just enough to help the engine out. On steep hills, the clutch will slip and enable the engine to turn at the speed where it gives the maximum
assistance. Let it do its work. If you are coming down a hill with the engine in the up position, only put it into contact with the tire when your speed drops
below 6 m.p.h.

TO STOP THE ENGINE (FIG. 8 or 9)

Press the decompressor lever (5) as far as it will go.

TO RIDE IN BICYCLE FASHION

 If it is an engine with a lever (FIG. 8): Pull the engine lever (1) to the rear and attach it to the hook (2).
 If it is an engine with a crank (FIG. 9): Pivot the crank (3) by 180° to the rear.
OPERATING THE LIGHTS
The electrical supply to the head lamp and rear lamp is provided by the flywheel magneto and is only available when the engine is running.

ENGINE WITH A LEVER ENGINE WITH A CRANK

FIG. 10 FIG. 11

Rotate the switch in the direction of arrow “F”. Turn the switch on top of the head lamp in the direction of the arrow “F”.

MAINTENANCE . . .
ADJUSTING THE LIGHTS
The beam of light projected by the head lamp must light up the ground approximately 1 yard in front of the moped. Inclining the parabolic reflector of the
head lamp enables this to be achieved. A faulty setting can be corrected as follows:

Engine with a lever (FIG. 10)

Press the tabs of the parabolic reflector (L) downwards in order to disengage the locking catches and then select the angle desired. Release pressure on the
tabs to lock.
Engine with a crank (FIG. 11)
Loosen the screw (V) and pivot the parabolic reflector to the angle desired. Retighten the screw (V).
REPLACING A BULB
….in the head lamp Specifications of head lamp bulbs:
Disengage the parabolic reflector completely (see “adjusting the lights”) in order to gain access to the bulb
socket. Replace the faulty bulb with a new one of the same specifications.
6 Volt, 6 Watt, 1
Amp; E 10 base

…in the rear lamp

Completely unscrew the rear lamp lens fixing screw (FIG. 1 or 2 - no. 10). Remove the rear lamp lens. Specifications of rear lamp bulbs
Replace the faulty bulb with a new one of the same specifications. 14 Volt AR (14 Volt, 7 Watt);
E 10 base
or
12 Volt, 6 Watt; E 10 base
or
6 Volt, 1.8 Watt; E 10 base

SPARK PLUG Manufacturer Type

The spark plug is situated under the air filter assembly (FIG. 8 or 9 - no. 8).
Champion L86C
The 21 mm wrench in the tool kit will loosen it.
NGK B6HS
Every 2,000 miles, clean the electrodes of the spark plug with a wire brush. Adjust the gap to 0.020” (0.5 mm). Bosch W7AC
When replacing, use one of the types listed in the chart. Cyklon 43
Motorcraft Autolite AE32
Flashpoint FP 5CR
When refitting, clean the spark plug seat. Prevent impurities from entering the cylinder through the spark plug
hole. Carefully tighten the spark plug, but not excessively. AC 43F
Denso W20FS
FUEL JET (FIG. 12, no. 2) FIG. 12
Starting difficulties and performance decrease may be due to a blocked fuel jet. To
clean it, remove it from the carburetor by unscrewing it with a 9 mm wrench (tool
kit).
The jet must be unblocked with compressed air or, if need be, with the air pump.
Never use a metal wire or pin in the orifices of the jet for you will alter its
characteristics. When reassembling, do not tighten it too much in the carburetor.

FUEL FILTERS (FIG. 12, no. 3)

The fuel is filtered by a filter in the fuel tank and a filter in the carburetor. The fuel
tank filter must be cleaned by a VELOSOLEX Service Station as disassembling it is a
delicate operation. On the other hand, you can clean the carburetor filter (FIG. 12 -
no. 3) without difficulty - it is accessible once the air filter assembly (FIG. 8 or 9 - no.
8) is removed. All you have to do is pull the filter in order to extract it from its
housing and dip it in gasoline to get rid of the impurities, or replace it with a new
one.

AIR FILTER
Every 3,000 miles of normal running, and more frequently in a very dusty atmosphere, have a VELOSOLEX Service Station replace the air filter contained
inside the air filter assembly (FIG. 8 or 9 - no. 8)
Never ride without an air filter. The dust sucked in by the engine will cause accelerated wear of moving parts.

ENGINE GUIDES (FIG. 10, no. 1)

Approximately every 1,200 miles, clean the engine guides with a paint brush and fuel taken from the fuel tank. Never lubricate the guides with grease or
oil.

DECARBONIZING
The carbon scale arising from the combustion of the oil contained in the fuel is deposited on the different elements in the engine and in the exhaust, and in
the long-term causes a lack of power and the engine to “four-stroke” when running.
Have your engine decarbonised by a VELOSOLEX Service Station.
Follow the recommendations regarding the preparation of your mixture, because the use of a fuel that is too rich in oil increases the frequency of
decarbonisation.
BRAKES
You must be able to stop quickly at all times – your safety depends on it. You will be able to do so if your brakes are in good condition. Look after them –
adjust them as often as needed. When they are worn too much, replace them.
FIG. 13
Front brake: The front brake is adjusted by means of the quick adjustment wheel (M).
Press on the right hand brake lever, then with the other hand, hold the blocks against the
rim. Having done this, release the lever and turn the wheel (M) one or several notches or
so, after having disengaged it from its locking system by pushing it forwards.
As soon as the thickness of the brake blocks is reduced by half, have them replaced by a
VELOSOLEX Service Station.

Length of standard inner cable (in millimetres)

MODEL Front brake Rear brake Throttle Decompressor
Ø: 1.7 Ø: 1.7 Ø: 1.0 -
3800
L: 860 L: 1,660 L: 600 -
Ø: 1.2 Ø: 1.8 Ø: 1.0 Ø: 1.2
5000
L: 910 L: 1,660 L: 690 L: 440

FIG. 14
L Rear brake: The adjustment of the rear brake is done by means of the adjustable cable
housing stop situated above the crank bracket. Loosen the fixing bolt (B), move the lever
(L) to the left and re-tighten the bolt. If this adjustment proves insufficient, alter the
length of the cable with the aid of the cable tightening bolt (V) after first returning the
lever (L) fully to the right. After adjustment, actuate the brake lever on the handlebars
B several times to make sure the wheel turns freely.

Important. When cleaning your VELOSOLEX, avoid penetration into the rear brake drum
of such greasy products like: oil, gasoline, etc. or smearing the sides of the front rim.

V
WHEELS
FIG. 15
Removing the front wheel: If the front wheel has to be removed, put the VELOSOLEX on its
stand and place a 13 lb weight on the rear luggage carrier to balance the machine and
compensate the weight of the engine.
Release the engine and deflate the inner tube in order to let the tire go past the brake
blocks without altering the brake setting.
When reassembling, check that the dust caps and washers are correctly in position. Engage
the wheel on the fork until the axle rests at the bottom of the slot. Check that the wheel is
central in relation to the engine. Securely tighten the nuts. Inflate the inner tube to the
recommended pressure (see specifications). Check that the wheel is centered.

FIG. 16
Removing the rear wheel: Once the two rear wheel nuts are loosened, the wheel will
fall out on its own. To get it from the frame it is, of course, necessary for the bicycle to
be lifted slightly. Do not forget to disengage the chain and rear brake cable before taking
the wheel out.
On reassembly, after engaging the wheel in the frame with the free wheel on the pedal
side, place the chain on the teeth of the freewheel checking that it is also in position on
the pedal chainwheel, hook the rear brake cable clamp over brake lever making certain
that the brake sheath is correctly inserted in its stop on the frame (see FIG. 14), then
engage the hub axle in the slots of the frame at the same time as the locking lug (P) of
the rear brake in its opening in the rear frame rail. Pull the wheel rearwards to give the
chain a maximum sag of ¼“. Lock the wheel nuts, making sure that the wheel is
perfectly centered and there are equal distances between the tire sidewalls and the
sides of the seat mounting frame.
TIRES
At least once a month, check the pressures of your tires - the front tire in particular. When the pressure falls, reinflate the tire using the pump supplied with
your VELOSOLEX or have it checked by a VELOSOLEX Service Station. Riding with an under-inflated tire inevitably leads to damage and splitting of the casing.
An over-inflated tire is also dangerous. These two conditions can end up in a tire burst and an accident.

Do not wait until the tread pattern on your tires, and above all on the front tire, has disappeared before changing them. Front tires must be changed
between approximately 3,500 and 5,000 miles or before the tread pattern has worn by more than 50%.
If you have punctures, especially in the front, do not hesitate to replace the inner tube with a new one. After fitting a new inner tube, inflate the tire to a
pressure of 35 p.s.i. to check that it is positioned and centered correctly. If the tire does not run perfectly true, deflate it in order to centre it correctly: check
once again. Once you are certain the tire is in position, you can put the wheel back on the cycle and then adjust the tire to the recommended running
pressure (see SPECIFICATIONS).

WASHING – LUBRICATION
The paintwork on your VELOSOLEX, like that on the bodywork of a car, must be regularly dusted and degreased. Use common commercial products for
cleaning and upkeeping the body.
Wipe dry the chrome parts that are damp: you will help prevent rust forming.

Lubrication chart.
Mileage or time period Products to be used
Chrome-work (handlebars, pedals, trim) Every 2 months Vaseline oil
Chain Every 1,800 miles Clean with gasoline and lubricate with SAE 50 oil.
Cables, brake linkages, etc. Every 6 months Light oil
Wheel hub bearings Every 3,500 miles Clean with gasoline and lubricate with grease
Steering bearings, pedals Every year Lubricate with grease and take up the play.

STORING
If your machine is to be stored for several months, take the precaution of cleaning and degreasing the whole of the moped. To prevent corrosion of the
cylinder and the piston rings, take out the spark plug, bring the piston to top dead centre and pour a teaspoonful of engine oil into the spark plug opening.
Turn the engine by hand two or three revolutions to enable the oil to spread over the walls of the cylinder, and then screw the spark plug back in again.

Empty the fuel tank and hang your VELOSOLEX up to prevent tire deterioration. Avoid keeping your moped in an oxidising atmosphere, a garage for
example, for the chrome work risks being damaged.
FAULT FINDING

The engine will not start: ... That you can get aerosol paint sprays in the color of your
 The fuel tank is too full or empty VELOSOLEX from your dealer.
 The air choke is closed when the engine is warm
 The air choke is open when the engine is cold … That your VELOSOLEX is guaranteed for 6 months. Carefully read
 The fuel jet is blocked the guarantee conditions appearing on the card that will be given
 The spark plug is dirty, faulty, badly set to you when you make your purchase.

The engine starts, then stops or runs with the choke partly closed: … That your VELOSOLEX is a sturdy machine, but periodical
 The fuel tank is almost empty maintenance is required. VELOSOLEX Service Stations indicated by
 The air choke has remained shut the official sign are at your disposal. They possess a stock of spare
 The fuel filter is dirty parts, suitable tools and employ competent mechanics.
 The fuel jet is blocked
… That when at a standstill, the stand serves to support your
VELOSOLEX only, not the moped and its rider.
The engine lacks power
 The front tire is under-inflated ... That the pleasure of riding your VELOSOLEX will be increased if
 The brakes are set too tight you equip your moped with sensibly chosen accessories. Consult
 The engine needs decarbonising your dealer; he will know how to advise you….

If, in spite of your investigation, the desired result is not obtained, do not
hesitate to consult a VELOSOLEX Service Station which will quickly be able
to remedy the fault and at a most reasonable price.

DO NOT FORGET….
… To have the tightness of the assembly nuts and bolts of your
VELOSOLEX checked, free of charge, in an official VELOSOLEX
Service Station one month following its delivery or after 300 miles
of running. Without this precaution, you will lose the benefit of the
guarantee.

... If you have to get spare parts from one of our VELOSOLEX
Service Stations, indicate the type of VELOSOLEX you have and its
engine number to avoid any error in supply.