Vincent Technical Sections: -Serial Numbers/Production- Photo Gallery of Models - Brakes - Engine Overhaul - Vincent Engines - Wheels/Fenders - Instruments - Transmission - Clutch - Magneto - Tank/Seat - Suspension - Tools - Norvin - Electrics- Carburetors - Misc - Links -Vincent Parts/Services Suppliers - Polishing/Cleaning - Shipping Vincents-Electric Starter - Paint/Transfers
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.