Vincent is the classic motorcycle that collectors speak about in lowered voices. The company built relatively few machines, and the best of them were among the fastest road bikes in the world of their day.
The milestones
- The V-twin. Vincent's 998 cc, 50 degree overhead-valve V-twin was the heart of its big machines.
- February 1948, the Black Shadow. Announced in February 1948 and built until 1955, it had a claimed top speed of 125 mph. Philip Conrad Vincent directed the design and decreed that the engine itself should be black. Official records say 1,774 Black Shadows were made.
- 1948, the Bonneville record. Rollie Free rode a specially prepared bike that began life as a Black Shadow, serial number 1B/900, at the Bonneville Salt Flats. On his final run, lying flat on the rear mudguard, he achieved 150.313 mph, and the picture of him in a bathing suit made the bike famous as "the bathing suit bike". The Black Lightning and the Black Shadow were different models.
- 1955. Vincent stopped producing motorcycles.
What to know when buying
- Provenance is everything. Because the numbers are small and the values high, Vincents are among the most rebuilt, restored and "assembled" bikes on the market. Insist on complete documents and on records that tie the frame and engine numbers together. See frame and engine numbers.
- Do not rely on a nameplate. A bike described as a Black Shadow may be a different model fitted with Black Shadow parts. Ask the owners' club for a record check before you pay.
- Get an expert. A marque specialist inspection is not optional at this price level. See the pre-purchase inspection.
- Safe payment. At these values, follow safe payment to the letter.
Parts and community
There is a dedicated owners' club and a specialist supply chain, and parts are expensive. See clubs and federations.
