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The Vincent Dies:
In 1955 during an owners club dinner Philip Vincent announced that the company would cease to continue with the manufacture of the bikes due to heavy financial loses and the fact that Vincent would not compromise on the quality of their machines to bring the price down.
This being said it was in December 1955 that the last superior quality Vincent motorcycle sadly rolled off the production line. Philip Vincent promised that spares for the bikes would always be available and today parts are still made and sold all over the world by Harper Engineering.
Several remaining engines rescued from the dying Vincent plant were installed into a more modern design frame by Swiss business man Fritz Egli and the bikes were consequently called Egli-Vincents.
Several Norton race bikes also had a Vincent transplant and were referred to as Norvins. These "Frankenstein" bikes were more a novelty and didn't catch on. There can never be a compromise for the real thing.
This being said it was in December 1955 that the last superior quality Vincent motorcycle sadly rolled off the production line. Philip Vincent promised that spares for the bikes would always be available and today parts are still made and sold all over the world by Harper Engineering.
Several remaining engines rescued from the dying Vincent plant were installed into a more modern design frame by Swiss business man Fritz Egli and the bikes were consequently called Egli-Vincents.
Several Norton race bikes also had a Vincent transplant and were referred to as Norvins. These "Frankenstein" bikes were more a novelty and didn't catch on. There can never be a compromise for the real thing.
The vincent returns:
It was in 1994 that a business man by the name of Bernard Li who with over 20 years experience in the automotive industry acquired the Vincent trademark. He then formed Vincent Motors which is based in San Diego, California, USA.
With the help of Roush Industries, four brand new prototype Vincent motorcycles were up and running powered by the New Honda Sports 1000cc engine
The new bikes are a clever mix of retro and modern styling principles, with carbon fibre petrol tanks, alluminium fenders, stylish fairing, LCD gauges, USD forks. a canti-lever mono-shock rear suspension incorporating multi-adjustable shocks and Brembo brakes.
A black tubular frame holds the engine in place and holds the engine oils as well. So the innovation continues.
Keeping with the legendary performance and thoroughbred heritage of the original Vincent Black Shadow motorbike, the new bikes are designed to state of the art top standards.
The Vincent will be styled in a manner significantly reminiscent of its predecessors and in keeping with traditional British livery.
The price for one of these new Vincent Bikes will be around $20,000. That's quite cheap considering that Vincent Chairman Bernard Li set up the company for a mere 18 million dollars.
The Vincent Black Shadow has become part of motorcycle legend, noted for its strength, endurance and speed.
The new Vincent Black Shadow is up to date and ready to take the worlds motorcyclist fraternity by storm.
The Vincent Owners Club is the largest motorcycle club in the world. Today these bikes are the most sought after and collectable classics the world has ever seen. A fully restored lightning can command $125,000.
The Vincent Black Shadow has become part of motorcycle legend, noted for its strength, endurance and speed.
The new Vincent Black Shadow is up to date and ready to take the worlds motorcyclist fraternity by storm.
The Vincent Owners Club is the largest motorcycle club in the world. Today these bikes are the most sought after and collectable classics the world has ever seen. A fully restored lightning can command $125,000.
The Legend lives on...
Honda Mugen MRV1000 engine
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