Lot details Registration No: GUT 948 Frame No: RC/8920/C Engine No: F10AB/1/7020 cc: 1000
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 Series C Rapide is offered in as a dismantled restoration project. The machine seems to be largely complete although the crankshaft is missing. A registration document accompanies it.
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