Vincent Motorcycle Free Classifieds

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)

Another tasty entry in the "B" Rapide Smackdown... Somer's very original "B". Interesting study... compare the placement of the tank decals, front fender cut and fit, seat strut angle, rear fender braces... etc...

Charlie's Bike in the middle, Tom Gross's Rapide on the bottom.

Just finished the basket case from hell, Buenos Aires, straight pipes, no baffles, louder than fire crackers. (Charlie Luhta) 1947 "B" Rapide

Lots of sharp eye's out there.
The springs that came with the basket did not look like Vincent parts, held in place with 3/8 threaded rod, they are about 1.25 "longer than the spring on a C.
If the bike handles poorly as is I will try them. I know it sits low, any suggestions?
As to some of the other comments, the bike was used for racing, it came to me all polished and chromed with the straight pipes held in place with tape.
The hand made rear sprocket, 42 teeth, was bolted to the hub, no brakes.
Front brake drums came in a box, chrome plated, worn beyond belief, like everything else.
The front forks were held together with threaded rod and wrapped in sheet metal. Ray Daniels rebuilt them.
The heads had oversized plug and exhaust threads, Colin Taylor restored these and put new lugs on the RFM.
Andy did the carb slides, Bones the tank, Paul provided an Alton, Doug Wood did the mag, Terry Prince came up with a chain guard. Somer provided some unobtainium, Coventry and Ron Kemp provided many parts.
The reason for the water extruders, the basket came with no brakes, you can get new B drums, rears only, the water extruders cover the sprocket holes in front.
From the original basket, the rebuilt engine was used, but all fasteners, clutch, chains, fuel lines, oil lines, etc were replaced.
I don't fault the prior owner for its condition, he raced and enjoyed the bike with no spare parts, not easy to do, wish I knew him, I'd send a picture..
ask Jim for my e-mail address if you have any suggestions.
cheers
Charlie

I think you can see that the front curved tubes on my RFM are about 1 or 2 inches shorter than the ones in the photo of the B Rapide on the site. Maybe Mr. Colin Taylor put longer tubes on the RFM. In other words, I don't think the way the bike sits has anything to do with the length of the springs. (Tom Gross)

The pipes came with it, and really were held on with tape. Curtesy Ruben N.
Had to tig on flanges and scrounge up some nuts. I put them on because 1.5" pipes that fit are so hard to get. Currently its got the kicker spindle with a 1/4 " extra length, may have to use one with 1/2 extra length to avoid rubbing the top pipe. Luckely I have one.
Sorry I have do idea on where to get another set. (Charlie)

Wow... the letters just keep coming in... 13 so far.. JB

News: Today another 42 mile Great ride through sunlight and shadows along the Potomac River on the olde wagon road south of Shepherdstown.. through Briar Patch, Shanandoah Junction and Bakerton (Pop. 230)... along twisty up and down curvy roads all enclosed by Sycamore trees and old oaks... where an Owl may ride ahead of you until there is enough room to fly out the ceiling.. what a rush.. and along the river later you are neck and long neck with a Great Blue Heron trying to heavily flap his way skyward in the channel of Virginius Island and the shore of West Virginia.. and you ride along on your Vincent with its heart beating strong. What could be better.....

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

Trade: 1974 250 OHC Ducati (photo here) for an excellent "C" Vincent gas tank or would buy a good solid tank for cash. I had metal work done on my basketcase tank and it Still doesn't fit. Apparently some "selective assembly" happened with tanks at the factory. E-mail: jim@thevincent.com USA 6/13/08

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

Vincent Motorcycle and Business: Retirement sale of my restoration business; parts, tools, shop equipment and supplies, fixtures, literature and my restored '49 "B" Rapide. The Rapide does have matching numbers and Bramptons. It was built in January of '49. I've never bothered to show it. I put all my best stuff on it when I restored it. If I had nice original hardware, especially if it had part numbers on it, I used it. 21" front wheel, Shadow brake drums, Thornton rear suspension with sprung seat, Alton, tricked out Mk 1 Concentrics. I have almost all of the original stuff in restored, ready-to-mount condition for going back to standard as outlined in the build sheets. The list of individual business and shop items is much to long to list here. I'm asking $65,000. I estimate the replacement cost of everything at well over $80,000. I prefer to sell it all as one lot. If you're looking to get completely set up and are seriously interested, send me an e-mail and we can go from there; phone calls, inspections, lists, photos and the like. Yes, it's going to be good tequila and bad women from here on out. Patrick: E-mail: rapide49@hotmail.com California, USA 5/30/08

Wanted: One or two original aluminum Stadium mirror stanchions. Also looking for Craven panniers. Carl. E-mail: carlhungness@verizon.net USA 5/20/08

Wanted: Seven inch Miller headlight shell, reflector and bezel. Switch and amp gauge would be nice but not required. Rick. E-mail: amcaeditor@earthlink.net USA 4/28/08

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

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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