Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: T.B.A.
Engine No: F10AB/1/60
MOT Expiry Date: None

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 maintenance. 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 Rapide is offered as a dismantled restoration project together with a quantity of other Vincent parts. The lot includes a front and rear wheel, a pair of Rapide crankcases complete with a logbook together with a partially dismantled Rapide engine and gearbox and a set of Comet crankcases, a pair of flywheels and a new bottom end assembly, a pair of Rapide barrels and pistons, a Rapide primary chaincase, a clutch cover plate and springs, a clutch case outer cover, eight rocker assemblies, six HRD and 3 Vincent rocker covers, two camshafts, one rev counter drive, two dynamos with one cover, four cylinder heads and a damaged one, a rear frame assembly, a spine tank assembly, a pair of Rapide fork blades, a timing cover, two front stands, one kickstart, four front splash shield, one rear suspension unit, a cush drive element, a Rapide carburetor, rear sprocket, an exhaust system, front mudguard and various engine plates, studs, spindles and control levers.