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. Phone or E-mail for details and fee for this option. An example
is Here.
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)
This is Tiger Bath (Queensland, Australia) who
is 80 years old and still rides long journeys. His wife is
82 and also still enjoys riding. Tiger has had his Godet for two
years now. (Patrick Godet)
NEWS: Mid-Ohio Vintage Motorcycle Days
are this weekend.. Thursday July 24 through Sunday July 27. 30,000+
people, 550+ vendors, vintage MC races, auction, Trials, etc..etc..
Triumph is the featured Marque. Visit Craig and I at the Husqvarna Club
tent in the vendor area. Look for the "Vincent" banner out front.
Wanted: Complete 6 1/2" or 7" Vincent "C" headlight
or the various missing pieces to make up one complete headlight.
I have: one empty 7" shell (no serrated rivoted tilt adjusters,
needs a 7" side-screw clamping rim) , one 6 1/2" plain chrome rim
with bottom spring clip, one 6 1/2" Miller lens ( from Franc
Trento) and one badled dented empty 6 1/2" bottom spring clip shell
that hopefully Ross Thompson can repair. I also need both reflectors
and bulb assemblies...and am still looking for a "C" petrol tank.
E-mail: jim@thevincent.com WV, USA 7/18/08
1951 Vincent Comet:
Running order, MOT and taxed, needs piston ring and tidying, £8,250.
May part exchange for classic bike or vintage car. Suffolk area. Phone:
(44+) 07815 571351 UK 7/11/08
1951 Vincent "C" Rapide:
Same owner since 1963. Miikuni carbs, automotive alternator, enhanced
front brakes with Dan Smith backing plates and several other modifications.
New British chrome paint rims, new spokes, coil ignition. Solid
runner that was my main transportation for many years. $43,000 CAD. Reason
for sale is physical impairment. E-mail: info@unionjackcycle.com
Attention: Elwood Powley. Canada 6/25/08
1951 Vincent Series "C"
Rapide:
Matching numbers, superb machine, SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
registered for exhibition or to ride. £25,000 or above. Phone:
(44+) 0789 0378853 England 6/5/08
Wanted: One or two original aluminum Stadium mirror
stanchions. Also looking for Craven panniers. Carl. E-mail: carlhungness@verizon.net
USA 5/20/08
Swallow Jet Sidecar:
Body
only, rough but restorable. Original cast logo emblem, hinges, boot
lock.and rear torsion cross member. Also includes a knock-off hub with
a damaged but repairable flange. Do not have the chassis. Correct
sidecar
for a post-war Vincent. Asking $500 US (lowered
price 3/14) plus shipping. Prefer local
pickup. Presently advertised only here. Barry.
Phone: 613-273-5036 or E-mail: oldmill@rideau.net
USA 3/10/08
The 2008 North American Vincent-HRD
Rally in Colorado will be Sunday 24th - Friday 29th of August 2008.
Mark your calenders, ask for your vacation, plan your sick leave. (11/17/07
Update Here) The Rally Package will be out mid November
and if you want one send an E-mail request to: Voc08Rally@aol.com .
(Peter Allen)
North American Rally Regalia:2007
Vermont Rally Shirts, Red Long Sleeve edition in Large, Extra Large,
& 2XXlarge - $30ea.. Short sleeve in small and medium - $15 each.
2007 Rally pins $7.00 ea.. Limited number of 1988 Vermont
Rally pins at $4 each. $40 for shirt and pin including postage within
USA.
All inquires + orders to Carleton Palmer at 466
US Rt 5, Putney, Vt. 05346. Personal checks please, no credit cards or
paypal. USA 10/10/07
Wanted: As "One Who is Never Satisfied"...I
am now looking for an interesting older Sports Car for this year's project.
Austin-Healey, TR-3, Griffith 400, Miura P400, Espada, Islero, 330GTC,
etc... E-mail: jim@thevincent.com
(updated
2/13/08) .
Wanted: Audio or video tapes of Phil Irving answering
Vincent questions or giving a talk about Vincent motorcycles, factory operations,
design considerations, etc.. I know he was the speaker at Many VOC
events and would like to hear him again. For intellectual profit only.
I will pay all costs of duplicating, shipping and something extra for your
effort. E-mail: jim@thevincent.com West Virginia
(updated 2/13/08)
Wanted: Vincent Twin
or Single, Norvin or Egli needing work or even just Vincent crankcases
or a pile of rusty parts. Vincent owner and rabid enthusiast since
1971 looking to start another long-term project. To talk it over,
please E-mail: ukcycle@aol.com. USA (updated
2/13/08)
Irving-Vincent Engine:
Photos,
history, and infomation in Special
Report. Australia 2/28/02
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 with good advice and free chocolate with order. Fast US Service
with an excellent return policy. (updated address
7/21/03) I've used these guys since the 1970's and still order from
them first. Extensive inventory of Vincent and Triumph parts with
the refreshing attitude the customer is probrably right. Coventry
gets orders from all over the world... they must be doing something right.
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( 394k
file - 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:
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
Rapide
Outfit Broker info..revised draft 6/4/06
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 )
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 summit 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 a 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.
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.
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
by James Baltusnik, WV and Craig Comontofski, WV. All rights reserved.
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