Lot details
Registration No: LWE 939
Frame No: RC1 6373
Engine No: F10AB/1/2350
cc: 1000
MOT Expiry Date: April 2008

Work commenced on a revised twin at the Stevenage works during the latter part of the Second World War. Phil Vincent sought to produce a machine with a shorter wheelbase than the Series A twin capable of sustaining a 100mph for high mileages with exceptional handling and braking, a high level of rider comfort and good accessibility for maintaince. That he achieved those goals with the introduction of the Series B is now a matter of historical fact and the innovations employed to achieve them still influence motorcycle design today. In order to reduce the wheelbase and retain the vee-twin engine configuration with its attendant advantages, Phil Vincent dispensed with a conventional frame and utilised the engine and gearbox unit as an integral part of the structure mounting the headstock directly to it. A steel oil tank formed the backbone of the machine and provided a mounting point for the cantilever rear forks suspension units.
Perhaps the only significant weakness inherent in the new model was the use of Brampton girder forks, which, due to the performance of the bike and less than ideal road surfaces of the time could become flustered at high speed. This issue was addressed with the introduction of the Series C models and the adoption of the "Girdraulic" front fork, essentially an alloy bladed girder fork with hydraulic damping and variable geometry to cater for either solo or sidecar use.
This example has been in the present owners hands for over twenty years during which time it has completed a number of "big trips" with him and his wife in the saddle. Although the Series C Rapide in its standard form is an extremely competent touring machine some subtle modifications have been made to this example to further enhance its abilities as a "grand routier". A set of Craven panniers and a matching top box accommodate the rider and passenger's luggage, twelve volt halogen lights and a set of indicators ensure that the rider can see and be seen and a Series D centre stand eases parking the laden machine. The engine, which was rebuilt by Bob Dunn, is equipped with a Lucas coil ignition system and described by the vendor as possessing "lots of power". The gearbox benefited from a rebuild during February 2004 whilst the cosmetics are described as good, the fuel tank having recently been refurbished. The electrical system is described as being "significantly better than original" and the rear suspension has been "beefed up". A Swansea V5C, MOT certificate valid until the 24th April 2008 and a road fund licence valid until the end of April 2008 accompany this well sorted example.