Vincent Technical
Sections: -Serial
Numbers/Production-
Photo Gallery of Models - Brakes
- Engine
Overhaul - Vincent
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Tools - Norvin
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- Misc - Links
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Parts/Services Suppliers - Polishing/Cleaning
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Vincent
Motorcycle Free Classified Ads
-Vincent
Motorcycles/Parts/Literature/Services that are for sale/wanted/or offered
for trade
Place your Vincent Motorcycle Ad here!!!
FREE! Just write down the ad copy and E-mail: jim@thevincent.com
. Please include the words "classified ad" on the
subject line of your e-mail. Remember, not all people will have e-mail
to contact you, so a phone number is always to your advantage. We
recommend only a phone number for the first 2 weeks and then adding an
e-mail address if your item has not sold in that time. This strategy will
reduce spam from Nigerians. Including a basic price avoids wasted effort
on the part of the buyer and the seller. You have several ways of advertising
your Vin or parts for sale. 1) Write up a Free ad listing your
phone number and e-mail , 2) Write up a Free Ad listing only your phone
number which may limit overseas inquiries but will reduce spurious e-mails
or 3) Hire me to develop a web page with photos
and text and to Broker your Vincent. I will screen all inquiries,
respond to questions, and provide guidance as to price/viewing/shipping/payment
as required. E-mail for details and fee for this option.
Please advise when your item is sold to enable ad removal, and refer to
other sites if your item is not directly related to Vincent motorcycles.
We average over 2800 visitors per day from a total of 52 countries !
We have a policy of Not posting any of Endless general "Trolling" ads we
get flooded with. This is a site for enthusiasts... the little guys who
love Vincents. Good Luck, Jim.
We will accept a donated commision
of Vin parts or money if you use the site and are successful in selling
your Vin parts or a Vincent. If you do not to want to donate,
that's OK. (please see Donated Commision Policy at end of
this page)
Meet
new member Doug Kaufmann. You can see him, here, twisting the throttle
on his "new" Black Shadow - you can't hear it, but believe me, it sounded
great and as you can see ....... no smoke! The bike is
special, how many 1949 HRD Shadows do we see? Yes, it came from the factory
with the polished covers. It sat for 57 years, but the 2nd (?) owner's
son (3rd owner?) had it refurbished by Patrick Anderson and then Dave Molloy
and it has been modified with 12V electrics and Thornton Suspension. It
is cosmetically unrestored and the patina adds class. All it needs now
is a really good cleaning and some inspections to make sure it's road ready.
Doug is at least as interesting as the bike. He is known around the world
as a cutting-edge health care nutritionist, the author of best-seller books
and has a magnificent TV studio from which he broadcasts for Direct and
Satellite TV health with nutrition shows. He is the owner of Hermosa Studios.
If you haven't yet seen him on TV or read his books, you will want to check
his work out! He's also ex-U.S. Navy and a Viet Nam Veteran.
If that ain't enough, his moto collection includes Fonzie's 1969 Triumph!
Yep! (Bev Bowen)
News:
* Very strange World Clock...punch in "Now"
Not sure what to make of it... http://www.poodwaddle.com/clocks2.htm
* Short Teaser video on the LSR Vincent:
http://www.gerryjenkinson.co.uk/
Photos: Open
Vincent parts:1
1/8" Amal TT carb, flange mount with 3 degree fixed #302 float bowl, very
correct for Vincent Grey Flash (or early BSA Gold Star or Velocette) in
more than very good condition, complete. $600. Will ship UPS no charge
within 48 states. Phone: (541) 592-9634 Oregon, USA 2/16/10
Vincent parts:
Big Bore 32mm Manifolds for Amal Mk1's ($220/pair) and Modern Style side
stands for Vincents ($250). Jim. Phone: 505-466-7870 or E-mail:
mosher@performanceindian.com. USA 1/27/10
Vincent Parts: Set
of Girdraulic forks. 1,500 GBP. Teena. Phone: (44+) 01383 723
006 or E-mail: mishap@btinternet.com UK 1/23/10
Vincent Parts: Fully
sprung rear subframe for Series B or C Vincent based on the Gordon Griffiths
design (fig. 21, Know Thy Beast), complete with stainless steel carrier.
£450. Phone: (44+) 01925 658247 England 1/5/10
1951 Comet with sidecar:
Good
running order with 12v alternator. 10,500 GBP.
(about $17,250 USD) Phone: (44+) 1323842331
England 12/7/09
Wanted: Early series "B" twin timing
cover with raised oil ways & embossed HRD. Jeff. Phone: (44+)
07771 940 299 or e-mail: blacklightning@tiscali.co.uk England
11/6/09
Wanted: A set of original Korean war era black painted
wheels WM2-20 front and WM2-19 rear, or nice original wheels. Louis.
Phone: 917-843-3552
USA 10/23/09
Trade/Wanted: Egli Parts.
I own a complete original Egli kit with Vincent engine, frame, tank, wheels,
forks, etc. The complete kit is Not for sale. The forks
are original Fritz Egli racing "Hirzel Guss" forks from the early
seventies, and the wheels are the original cast "Mahle" wheels with
the Egli Vincent stamp on them with Lockheed brakes and calipers. The forks
and wheels were assembled by Egli in the late eighties and never used.
I would like to recreate an Original Standard Egli, but need a set of correct
period Cerriani forks and a complete set of wire wheels (front and rear)
with Fontana brakes. I wish to Trade my racing forks for the correct
Cerrani forks...and Trade my Mahle/Lockheed wheels for the correct wire/Fontana
wheels. I will consider selling Only the forks and wheels separately.
The engine, frame, tank are Not for sale. E-mail: hitz.kaspar@bluewin.ch
(
new address 10/17) or Phone: (41+) 79
460 28 00. Switzerland 10/13/09
HRD Rapide Tourer 1949:
Matching numbers, superb restoration, history and certificates from VOC,
very original. Big mudguards and higher handlebar, British and Swiss
registration, rare model, runs perfectly . 52,000 Euros.
One spare restored 1950 Vincent Rapide engine for sale independently for
15,000 Euros, ready for use. Prefer to sell as one lot.
For pics and more details, E-mail: stewe2000@hotmail.com
Switzerland 10/8/09 (Ad revised
10/11)
Norvin:
Owned for nearly 15 years. MkII cams, 10:1 pistons, and big valves. In
‘90s added 5 speed Surtees / Quaife gear box, V2 clutch, and new
top end (pistons, valves, guides, etc). Engine sounds and feels great.
Starts, runs, and pulls strong, but it also idles nicely. Not a polished-to-perfection
garage queen, but rather a Norvin you can use; a reliable daily ride with
just the right amount of original patina (read: minor scratches and blemishes).
Series "B" Rapide engine with 2 front heads and Amal Concentric carbs.
Rear lug slightly shaved to fit the frame, but the bulk of the lug is still
there. Cylinder studs replaced with shorter “Norvin” style studs and nuts
for easier removal of heads with engine still in the frame.
Suspension is double lug Cerrani road race front end, with period rear
Marzocchi shocks. Borrani wheels with Laverda double leading shoe drum
brakes front and rear. Engine mounting plates are Converta. Total
loss lighting (using a gel battery) works fine around town, but you will
want an Alton or similar if you plan on going longer distances. Issues:
the engine weeps oil in the usual Vincent places, one of the carbs needs
a new float bowl nut gasket, one of the fork seals is leaking, and one
of the front end springs is squeaking. Detailed photos at: http://tinyurl.com/ycx68ba
, and a video of it starting and running at: http://tinyurl.com/y9qoxb9
. Laverda speedometer to match the Laverda speedo drive on
the front wheel, but never installed the speedo on the bike. Please call
with any serious offers over $35,000. Corey: Phone: 773-388-9067
Chicago, USA 10/8/09
Wanted: Early style Series "A" cambox cover.
I have the later style with flanges to swap or cash. E-mail: jpmac@earthlink.net
or Phone: 530 273 5018 USA 10/6/09
Wanted: Vincent Twin or Single, Norvin or Egli complete
or needing work or even just a chassis without an engine or a pile of
parts. Vincent enthusiast for over 30 years looking to start another
long-term Vincent project. I will gladly pay more than anyone else.
To discuss without pressure, please E-mail: ukcycle@aol.com
or Phone 304-671-9010 7am to midnight ESDT. USA
(updated
1/4/10)
Vincent
Video - 'Chasing
Shadows'. The video is available in NTSC
/ VHS format and costs $35 including shipping to USA. At the moment we
can only accept payment by personal checks ( in Dollars ). Mail checks
to 'Grasshopper Films' at - 5B North Street, THAME, Oxfordshire, OX9 3BH,
UK. Please check out video details at ( http://www.btinternet.com/~grasshopperfilms)
other formats available , PAL. E-Mail address for
info: grasshopperfilms@btinternet.com (Pip Whiteman)
* The Vincent motorcycling video "Chasing
Shadows" is a quiet, respectful
documentary that has wonderful historic footage and informative commentary.
The on-board camera successfully captures the sounds and exhiliration of
motorcycle riding, especially when you are accompanied by another Vincent.
The film will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Phil Vincent
, Phil Irving , and Vincent factory employees who brought a dream to life.
New Vincent Parts:
Coventry Spares Ltd. 15 Abbey Lane, Middleboro, MA, 02346. Out of state
1-800-451-5113. Owner- John Healey. Credit cards accepted.
Nice people ( John, Tom, Sue) with good advice and free M&M's included
with your carefully packed order. Every single part is labeled with your
name, part number and date ...where other vendors send you a mixed up box
of uknown nuts and bolts and washers that you have to try to identify.
Fast US Service with an excellent return policy. (updated
address 7/21/03) I've used these guys for over 39 years and still
order from them First. Extensive inventory of Vincent parts
with the refreshing attitude the customer is probrably right. Coventry
gets orders from all over the world... there must be a very good reason.
thevincent.com website special
webpages:
Norvin
Engine 3270 and the Search for John Peart of Harrow
Russell
Wright Reunion at Lake Arrowhead by Bill Hoddinott
Vincent
Black Lightning #F10AB/1C/4439 and Black Lightning Data
Black
Lightning Special Parts List (items, part numbers, some
photos)
Grey Flash
Information
Grey
Flash Ad 1949( 394kfile
- very large for detail)
Vincent
Rapide Drawing(143k file)
Drag
Racing at Night - Auger (129k)
Vincent
Rapide Article with specs and photo (1951)
Letters
From Home (not motorcycle related...late night musings)
Phil
Vincent: The years after 1959. Historical
note by Robin Vincent-Day.
KVFTT
Special Webpage
Russell
Wright Interview by Bill Hoddinott
"McDouglator"
generator for Vincent motorcyles
Nigerian Internet
Scammers
Grey
Flashes
Other recommended websites:
Riding a Series "C" Comet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3jBGTc3Ycg&feature=related
Vincent
Motorcycle Build/Date information (VOC) (revised
3/25/07) (This link is curretnly not operating - 4-16-07)
Vincent
Owners Club Home Site
Vincent
Motorcycle Links #1
Vincent
Motorcycle Links #2
thevincent.co.uk
(Graham Carey)
Phil
Irving's excellent article "The Vincent Motorcycle" . Extensively covers
the design considerations of the post-war Vincent.
General Motorcycle Links
The Husqvarna Motorcycle Club
(huskyclub.com)
Packard 120
Page
Shaking
Forces of Twin Engines
Walt Lund Carb Restoration
Bob
Kizer's Magneto Information
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
(Engine Break-in Secrets)
Hunter S. Thompson's
Writings on Vincents
History
of Cooper Cars
http://www.huskyclub.com/P400partslist.html
- (Craig's new Lamborghini Muira Website)
Working
on Motorcycles - article by Paul Zell
Cooper car History: http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/638/cooperstory4tn.jpg
Video/audio clip of Irving Vincent Racer being
air-started: http://www.irvingvincent.com/video/classic_racer.mpg
www.myvincent.co.uk/parts/parts.php
(Vincent Spares List)
http://www.vincentstreamliner.com
(Various photos and videos of the Lambky Vincent
Streamliner, Burns & Wright Lightning, Dave Matson, and other LSR Vincents)
How to read Spark Plugs by Gordon Jennings:
http://www.strappe.com/plugs.html
NGK Sparkplug information:
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/spark_plugs/techtips.asp?nav=31000&country=US
The Story of the Black Shadow by Phil Irving :
http://www.vincent-hrd.co.uk/story.html
Video of David Jefferies riding flat out at IOM
with personal commentary. Great Fun. Be sure to go to Full Screen.
I can only watch it for a couple minutes before I have to stop to breathe....
http://kapitalmoto.co.uk/node/235
Recommended Vincent road test video.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mPZjk4AIBdU
The story of Crazy George Disteel
and his 19 Vincents as posted by Paul Zell. http://www.velocette.org/html/crazy%20george%20disteel.htm
There are a whole series of "On Any Sunday" video
sections on Youtube.com. Still magical 36 years later.
Start with Bart, Malcolm and Steve at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRJK02uV_oE&NR=1
Vincent motorcycles in the Movies:
http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles_make-Vincent.html
Story of the Vincent "Black Widow" .... bogus
but fun: http://www.angelfire.com/wi/VinWidow/index.html
Richard Thompson's version of Vincent Black Lightning: http://youtube.com/watch?v=AxKTzwaEa2o
Phil Davies sent in
instructions for using thevincent.com as your Home Page or as
your desktop Background !!
Scandinavian Vincent Club: http://vincenthrd.se
Steve Hamel's 153mph/100hp Bonneville Vincent
on the Dyno: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6SpCobouDc&feature=related
Interesting video of Jay Leno testing out his
Vincent Black Shadow:
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/video/#mea=167040
Great solution to Speeding: www.speedbandits.dk/
Interesting website for renting videos if you
really want to Learn a Skill.... welding, lathe operation..etc..:
http://smartflix.com
Burman BAP drawngs: http://vincenthrd.se/skisser.php
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,3908.0.html
( Link to Max's Vincent Streamliner website )
Tony Cording's interesting historical photos of
the Dearden Black Lightning as it appeared in 1977 at the SLR. Also,
David Bowen's Factory photos and the History of the Dearden Black Lightning.
Click
Here.
http://thevintagent.com Interesting
photos and stories about olde motorcycles.
Top Gear video: Race between a Steam Train,
an XK 120 and a Vincent Black Shadow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBZVPsfCxjI
Irving-Vincent Engine:Photos, history, and infomation
in
Special
Report. Australia
Vincent Poster: New
poster has text, over 30 photos of Vincents and engines from 1928 to 1955,
a blow-up of a late Twin engine and many other illustrations and goodies
packed into a large 27" x 39" inch artful poster available in heavy paper
for $10 or laminated for $20. (Really
nice work... Recommended.) Please mention
if you are a member of the Jtan internet Vincent discussion group. E-mail:
carlhungness@verizon.net. or website: carlhungness.com or
Phone: 812-273-2472. USA
Book Review: "Flat Out ! The Rollie
Free Story" by Jerry Hatfield. I've talked with a number of people
about this 179 page 9" x 12" book and accompanying oral history CD ...and
everyone likes it, but no one has finished it. I too plan to keep
it next to my easy chair this winter, close by the crackling fire, sampling
various stories and studying the excellent photos. It is not a glance
and toss fluff rehash of previously published data. Hatfield
has certainly reached deep into archives and personal recollections
revealing interesting new insights into the man and the era. Work
on the book spanned over 27 years with the last five years dedicated to
intensive research and writing/compilation. The book provides you
with Rollie's background and the heroic efforts leading up to the Great
Event....at 7:53am on that fateful day September 13, 1948.
The story telling is not limited to Vincent
motorcycles... indeed, there is extensive coverage of Rollie making his
early mark racing Indian motorcycles. 46 years and 80 pages
go by before the first mention of a Vincent motorcycle. However,
to truly understand the role of the Spitfire airplane in the Battle of
Britain, you have to go back at least to the Schneider Air Races of the
1930's. So it is with a man in his bathing shorts and bath slippers
balanced precariously on the rear fender of a Vincent setting the American
Motorcycle Speed Record at Bonneville....you need to go back to the beginnings.
Phil Irving's autobiography gives you historical perspective on the design,
production and special magic of the Vincent motorcycle. "Flat Out" gives
you the essence of the man/tuner/rider and further details of that eventful
day and the special machine. A serious book for a serious reader...and
Christmas and long winter nights are fast approaching, just like
that Vincent.
Sources for "Flat
Out"
Sounds
of Vincent Twin Engine Running This
is really cool, but takes about 3 minutes to download the 460KB file on
56K dial-up.. it's worth it. Many thanks to Anders Forsberg
! (It's a WAV file... be sure to throttle up the volume.)
Answer to e-mail questions about
the Black Lightning song:
The Richard Thompson Song about a '52 Vincent
Black Lightning clearly conveys the passionate feelings that are generated
by beautiful women and powerful motorcycles. Those of us who have experienced
both admire Richard's ability of communicating to others the stories of
our wildest and deepest loves. Richard carries us away on a vivid adventure
in song where others have been left standing at the curb. By the
end of his story we feel our tourguide on this enjoyable journey has shown
us that Red-haired women and Vincent Black Lightnings can be both our salvation
and our ruin. What is powerful enough to carry us to the heavens
can also crash us to earth. His gift of the Black Lightning may not
be a reward for what she gave him, but rather a realization that he must
free himself from the steel bonds of both of his deepest loves. Only
then can he escape the forces that gave him life and controlled his destiny.
For those of us who own a Vincent motorcycle,
nothing else comes remotely close to the feelings of riding a quiet Dinosaur
that suddenly transforms into a Fierce Dragon that bellows fire and takes
flight..except a loving beautiful woman.
Richard understands.
To listen to the song....paste and scroll down
and play. Compliments of Red Molly. ( http://www.rtlist.net/listen.htm
)
Thoughts about Ebay:
Xxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for your note.. Yes, ads are thin right
now with people putting their spares on Evil Bay clawing for absolutely
the top dollar...although they may appropriately end up with the parts
gone and a bogus cashiers check or claims of non-receipt of goods..
I don't link to or generally even mention Evil Bay. When asked about Evil
Bay, I tell Vin owners to try to borrow some Vin parts from Ebay, ask about
their next Vincent social event, try to get help setting up your timing
chest, ask them a tech question about carbs, stop over for a free beer
and chat...ask to see their Vincent model photo galleries and engine diagrams,
let them help you with identifying models, serial numbers and sources of
parts, call them up to share the excitement and joy of your first Spring
ride, ask them to drive out with a van to pick you and your Vincent up
when your magneto quits.....There is NOTHING at Ebay but a @^%$&#*
computer...
Well... you get the point... people may get a
fistful of dollars and certainly will get precious little else. Then...
and this is Classic... in a later conversation they complain about the
high price of some Vin parts they really need. Bitten by their own
snake. I guess that's what they deserve. The rest of
us will post our Vincents and parts on thevincent.com. and receive
the rewards of lasting friendships and an honest amount of money.
Jim Baltusnik
thevincent.com
From my Oregon Vintage Motorcycle
Club Member Profile-
Favorite episode involving a motorcycle:
In 1972 an old Chinese man in Takoma Park, MD asked me to look at this
strange motorcycle in the cellar of the house he inherited from his brother.
It was a rough Velocette Venom that had been sitting for years and was
missing the muffler. We worked for over an hour in the dim light
before I could finally kick the reluctant dragon to life. It responded
by filling the cellar with thick blue smoke, flashes of light from the
backfires, and roars from the open exhaust. I’ll never forget his
wide open eyes and the dancing smile on his face. He was 9 again
and it was the Fourth of July. Also noted was the torrent of Chinese
shouts from his wife at the top of the stairs which were totally ineffective
at quenching our Celebration. To this day, the key ingredients of
vintage motorcycling still are - mystery, frustration, sweat, loud noises,
smoke, camaraderie, celebration, and contentment.
"When conditions change and market
pressures ease, then considerations such as originality and history must
count. Condition can be bought by anybody who can afford the best restoration.
But nobody can recreate originality. Once lost, its gone forever.”
Great quote from biker Roland Johansson.
A
man can ride his Vincent Motorcycle in the daytime and sleep under a city
bridge at night covered only by cardboard and his life will be rich and
complete.
The sensation of being on a motorcycle embodies
what we’re all seeking in life. Freedom. Steven
Alford
Vincent powered Cooper (please send in performance
info and any photos of Coopers..especially showing Vincent engine.) History
of Cooper Cars
Anyone owning a Vincent should by
law: 1) own a Bridgeport milling machine or know a skilled mate with same;
2) have a basket case in progress so friends can borrow emergency parts;
3) keep a well-stocked refrig in the shop for drop-in visitors; 4) when
asked to compare Vincents to other motorcycles discusses pilot input and
the rewards of a challanging WWII Spirtfire and the dullness of a throwaway
Chinese toaster oven; and 5) live in or near a major city with an active
VOC section.
Disclaimer: thevincent.com does
not warranty or recommend in any way the vendors or parts advertised on
this website. It is up to you to discern the accuracy of the ads
and to assume full responsibility for the terms, exchange of consideration,
and shipping arrangements between all parties involved. I just post
the ads I'm sent directly by the owner or his representative or forwarded
by a Vincent enthusiast.
thevincent.com
Please contact jim@thevincent.com if you require information on placing
a FREE classified ad. Your
classified ad for bikes/parts/literature will be immediately posted to
rabid Vincent enthusiasts all over the World. We are always looking
for good quality photos of past and present Vincents to post. Please send
only.jpg photo files or originals.
Website Operations :
James Baltusnik - please e-mail: jim@thevincent.com
Vincent owner/enthusiast since 1971. I love AHRMA Vintage
Motocross Racing, tube hi-fi equipment, Pinot Noir, working on British
bikes and European sports cars, photography, and riding and working
on ratty Vincents. I have 2 Great children - Sarah (Applebee's staff
- Oregon) and Dr. Pete Baltusnik ( Eastern USA Hospital ).
Website Design:
Craig Comontofski
- please e-mail: husky@intrepid.net
Craig collects 4 speed Husqvarnas and is always looking for Husky bikes/parts/literature.
He also is looking for Lambo parts to get his Lamborghini Muira back on
the road. He is runs the Lambo Muira Technical Website ( http://miuraworkshop.com
). He designed and operates the huskyclub.com
website
aided by the patience and loving support of his wonderful wife Linda.
Craig
leads the pack..
The
racing battle of the Century...!! Craig hopelessly chasing your editor
at the AHRMA Mid-Ohio Vintage Motocross Nationals.
thevincent.com
is rated the Number One website for Vincent Motorcycles by "Classic Bike"
magazine.
(Our
Office Staff)
(The Office Cat .."Lucky")
Donated Commision Policy:
We do accept donations of Vincent parts or money
if you use the site and are successful in selling your Vincent parts or
motorcycle. The reason is that over the years several successful
sellers and buyers have sent me free Vincent parts (our basket case is
getting more complete !), one person sent several nice pieces of original
Vin literature which they held onto when they sold their Vin through the
website, and one East Coast Vincent owner routinely sends me 5% on every
item he sells through the site ! Several of the above have asked
me to post this policy of "unsolicited commisions" as they believe it to
be fair to all concerned... and we certainly can use the support.
In return you receive No Special Favors but probrably sleep a little better
and will certainly help to return another Vin to the road.
Suggestions to improve this website are welcome. These
website pages, their design, graphics and contents, unless otherwise noted,
are Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010 by James Baltusnik, WV and Craig Comontofski, WV. All
rights reserved.