Vincent Motorcycle Books - History, Types and Construction

Vincent - The Complete Story

From its creation in 1928 to its demise thirty years later, Vincent produced motorcycles that were among the very best then available. Names like Black Shadow, Rapide and Black Lightning are bywords for good looks, good engineering and exceptional performance.

The author's detailed history examines the company from its roots at the beginning of the Twentieth century and explores the design and production of each one of the Stevenage firm's models. Complete with detailed specifications, archive illustrations and specially-commissioned colour photography, this book is a fitting tribute to one of the gems of the late British Motorcycle Industry.

Original Vincent Motorcycle - The Restorer's Guide to Postwar Singles and Twins

Covering all post-1945 versions - the twin cylinder 1000cc Series Vincent B, C and D Rapides, the incredibly fast and sought-after Black Shadow, the Black Knight and Black Prince, and the 500cc Meteor and Comet singles - this book concentrates on the postwar models while also incorporating as essential background a brief account of the birth and early days of the tiny Vincent-HRD concern in Stevenage, which from the beginning was devoted to the manufacture of exclusive motorcycles for the connoisseur.

The postwar Vincent was introduced to the press in April 1946 and production in volume ended less than 10 years later. In that brief period several thousand motorcycles - the world-famous 998cc vee-twins and the 500s - had been built and were serving owners who delighted in their bikes' unique specification and outstanding abilities.
The 1946 Rapide surprised in almost every respect, with its innovative engine, frame and brakes, and a generous use of light-alloy which kept the weight of this 110mph grand tourer down to 500 single levels.

This book, by an acknowledged authority on the marque, deals in minutest detail with post-war Vincents and the many changes in specification and build made during their lifetime. Any Vincent owner, prospective buyer or enthusiast puzzled by conflicting opinions on originality can be confident of finding unequivocal guidance here.

The author has called on factory records and authenticated material to compile a comprehensive study of these charismatic motorcycles, while augmenting the text are more than 200 specially commissioned colour photographs showing carefully selected examples of all models, as well as a number of illustrations provided by the author.
Indispensable for all owners, restorers, buyers and enthusiasts.

Vincent (1945-1980) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Vincent motorcycles from the years 1945-1980. Describes the Vincent Firefly, Egli-Vincent, NorVin, Comet, Meteor, Rapide, Grey Flash, Black Shadow, Black Prince and Black Lightning.

• The 60 articles, taken from contemporary British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

The Vincent Black Shadow

The Vincent Black Shadow is a name that resounds whenever classic bikes are discussed. The Vincent company were already advertising their existing Rapide machine as `The world's fastest production motorcycle' when, in February 1948, the Black Shadow was announced with a then unbelievable top speed of 125 mph on pool petrol. It's no wonder that the bike has been a constant source of fascination since that announcement.

Few, however, have defined exactly what comprised a Black Shadow and how today you can spot a genuine one. "The Vincent Black Shadow" explains how the model was originally conceived in secrecy, its development and subsequent production, discussing in depth those features it shares in common with the other Vincent models and those that differentiate it.

Charting the details of the changes introduced in its production life and the modifications in the interests of speed or improved road performance that may have been done to it by generations of owners over the sixty-odd years since production ceased, Tim Kingham offers a lavishly illustrated and essential read for any fan of this iconic bike.