Momofaharem

My friends dad passed and I am helping her clean out and sell his stuff. We came across this vintage Viscount bike and I need information on it. I have tried to research it but I'm not sure. I am unclear if it has a death fork and what year it is. I will probably sell the bomber sling seat separately. And obviously the tires are completely worn out. If anyone could give me information on it so I can help her sell it it would greatly be appreciated.
Update: This site will not allow me to post the pictures so never mind.

100bikes

The "death fork" is a cast alloy fork leg assembly with a steel steerer tube inserted.

The fork was recalled, and Viscount provided a generous labor credit for the replacement by a professional bicycle retailer.

Likely not because they were really nice folks......

Testing wasn't the same, if it were, the Firenza would never have been allowed on the street of the US.

cb400bill

Does your fork look like the one on the right?

crank_addict

Viscount produced a variety of models and for what minimal you described, its impossible to accurately answer.

Lets start by asking if it; a) has a model designation on the frame; b) what type of tube joinery; c) provide description of the fork (please don't bother with the silly term 'death fork', because they were not death forks. And its especially goofy when many whom seem to relate all Viscounts as having such named 'death forks'.

Some early versions of the aluminum forks (production between 1974 - '76) did have 30 reported and confirmed issues of breaking, 17 injured - though no deaths -- but a third version aluminum type is perfectly fine. At the time, Yamaha of N.America only, was the Viscount distributor (not maker) and 'volunteered' the recall AFTERWARDs in Oct. 1981.

Getting past some of the above and needing a value, one can still find the top of line Aerospace Pro at near $25. I've spent near that and found a few more for others. Though, the initial cost for essentially original decent bikes, yet having put much more into them for consumables plus consider ones time. I even found a few on the big auction eBay for $50.

So, if your friend has a very nice top model WITH desirable 3rd gen ally fork, fully serviced, show and ride ready, size of frame for the majority, consider lucky to fetch $275.

As with most and if you want to squeeze the money out of it, like making lemon juice, sell the parts individually.

easyupbug 

Even without this depressed C&V market you probably will do better selling off the parts and giving away the frame. If you are lucky good Shimano components, a nice chrome Tange replacement fork will have some value. The bottom bracket should also work for someone who is keeping one on the road.

CliffordK

@Momofaharem's Album:

https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/508301
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/15711409

CliffordK

And the rest of the images:






Now, that is ONE WILD SEAT!!!

79pmooney

I don't know the year or model numbers of the design changes in the aluminum fork crown and whether those changes happened before or after Viscount took over from Lambert. The original Lambert fork was a death fork. I would have died had I not been wearing the first generation Bell Biker (which didn't come out until I'd been riding the bike 2 years. Wearing the helmet, I spent 5 days in a coma and had my life changed entirely. I"m still paying. (No helmet, yes I might have lived but I'd be a vegetable.)

My helmet was the first point of impact when my fork failed. I was going 30+ mph. Brain injuries documented with a CAT scan.

Ben

CliffordK

The bike above definitely has an aluminum fork.

There is a website somewhere that describes the different generations of the the fork before they were all recalled and replaced with steel.

The old fork now has a bit of a mystique to it. It probably doesn't diminish the value of the bike at all, and may increase it. But, one has to seriously consider the ramifications of riding a 40+ year old Lambert/Viscount fork.

Lambert & Viscount bikes: About those Lambert / Viscount Death Forks



Ok, so the issues is that Gen1 and Gen2 forks had an aluminum crown extension that could break.

Gen3 forks had a steel crown extension that was secondarily held in place with the brake.

One of the issues that any damage to Gen1/Gen2 forks may well be hidden inside the steer tube, while Gen 3 forks would be more clear if there was a crack in the aluminum.

It might be fun to track down a Viscount. I had one as a kid that was stolen years ago. But, I'd certainly be careful about the fork.

bikemig 

I'm a little skeptical that an original aluminum fork adds value to a Viscount unless the buyer is a zombie, (yes I know that some of the AL Viscount forks were better than others but who the heck would want to ride one of them?).

cb400bill

The model of this bike is Aerospace Pro. Except for that unfortunate saddle, it appears to be mostly original. In my area, and in that condition, it is probably a $75 bike. It should not be ridden until the fork is replaced.

79pmooney

I don't know if I had a Gen 1 or 2 but it did break. And yes short of X-ray or destructive means, there was no way to see the instigating crack before it separated. The differences between Gen 1 and Gen 2 were window dressing. Good thing is it is really easy to see if a fork is one of them or the much better Gen 3. Look at or feel the underside of the crown. If you feel the hole for the steerer, it is a Gen 3. Smooth, don't ride it!

"Gen3 forks had a steel crown extension that was secondarily held in place with the brake." The brake bolt didn't matter. Real difference was running the steerer into a hole in the crown vs machining a small plug above the crown and slipping the steerer over it. That plug was quite simply, really, really bad engineering (or no engineering at all). I bought the bike as a sophomore engineering student. Wondered many times how Lambert did the crown/steerer interface but knew full well they didn't machine a plug and slide the steerer over it. That would be guaranteed to fail. Didn't realize that was exactly what Lambert did until I held the broken fork in my hand, 3 months after it broke.

Ben

Momofaharem

Thank you everyone for your responses. They have helped so much. If we get anyone interested in it, I will make sure they know it has an aluminum fork that has to be replaced first. I appreciate everyone's time in writing.

bikemig 

+ 1 on the valuation and advice.

TugaDude

A couple of thoughts. First, Ben, I'm so sorry to hear of your accident. I had no idea.

Second, I've heard of "mattress" saddles, but that one looks like a chaise lounge!

CliffordK

The above saddle appears to be a commercial product. Does it have a brand/model? It is one of those things that could sell on E-Bay for $1, or $100... depending on whether someone wants it.

I'd probably hunt for a good used saddle & seatpost on Craigslist or one's local classifieds and swap, but that could be something to also leave to the new buyer.

I'm often a bit more aggressive on the prices than others, but I'd expect closer to $200.

cb400bill

I own one of these bikes and mine is in better condition than the OP's. It is recently overhauled, has newer sew-ups and other consumables, and has a chro-moly fork.

It may have been worth more a few years ago. But today, I may be able to sell it for $200-$250.

triitout

That Viscount Aerospace Pro tubular wheels was the top of the line model in the mid 70's. It's rare to see one with the original half brake hoods, Lambert of England toe straps and the coveted "V" pedals with the dust caps still on. It looks to have had an easy if neglected life. A Viscount aficionado would love that bike. All it needs is a replacement fork if it's to be ridden, saddle and Evapo-rust. The paint looks excellent. You'll find more helpful info at Home | Viscount & Lambert Bikes