A Christmas miracle special!!!

Jagbruno said:

Dear Glen,

Don't take me wrong. There is nothing wrong with Japaneses parts or motorbikes, and nothing wrong with modern technology. If I had the knowledge, the finance and more importantly the ability, I could perhaps have walked a path similar to yours, starting a project from the ground up with the best parts and knowledge of today.

My path is different, I am not a mechanic, I don't have the knowledge, ability, or financial ressources to even think about a state of the art Vincent project. In fact, just a week ago I wasn't even allowing myself to pronounce this sacred word: Vincent.

But then, opportunty knocked, I made an instant decision and I am the very proud owner of 50 years old rusty bits in boxes and of a 68 year old engine. My intention is to build this project with minimal concessions to modernity, as I explained above.

That being said, I did read every word of your building saga and I am in awe with the quality of your work. Please don't be offended or surprised if I reach to you for advice once I have started my project!! 8)

Happy New Year and congratulations again!!

Bruno

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Hi Bruno

No offense taken and if I had your project in front of me I would go about things just as you are planning to do. If I can be of any help, feel free to ask away. If I don't have the answer to a question, it can likely be found with our local Vincent club here.

My first bit of advice is to join the Vincent Owners Club. Cost is minimal and membership will get you 10% off on all parts at the V.O.C. Spares Company. Another plus is that you will receive the monthly club publication MPH.




Cheers
Glen

Thanks Glen!!!

I did join the VOC as well as the local French Vincent section as soon as I made the deal last Tuesday.
The road will be long before that thing is on the road, but I am known for my stubborness!!!

I am quite sure that I will reach out to you sooner or later...but we have the best chocolate and the best beer... :mrgreen:

Congratulations! What a great find! I am very jealous!

Long ago I raced this engine when it was fitted in a kneeler sidecar. I remember the inlet tracks and the welded exhaust thread in your picture. Not very powerful for 1000cc but I was able to blow the RS BMW´s in the weeds due to my big sprocket on the back wheel. I was geared for 100mph max at 6500 - just enough for the short straights of our local Demo races whereas the BMWs with the kardan were geared for at least 130 mph. This was the only time we raced the outfit. I schooled my wife on friday afternoon in passengering a kneeler sidecar, on saturday we went to the races, on sunday we won both legs. The outfit was only on loan and was sold soon after by the owner. Aparently it was taken apart and you got the engine. There were 34mm AMAL smoothbores on it, fed by a fuelpump. Gearbox was the ordinary Commando box with 4-speed internals. Exhaust pipes were 2" without any silencer, very loud but not much punch as the engine was standard internally, no special parts that I can remember. Ignition was with a Lucas Rita, very good and reliable. Might be a good touring engine but as soon as you wring its neck you will find the weak spots of Vincent engine design. Been there, done that...

Cheers Hartmut

Hello Hartmut,

Great testimony!! The very nice man in Trier I bought the thing from did tell me he is the second owner since you.
He also told me that you rebuilt the engine at the time, so I would love to talk to you directly about it whenever it is convenient for you. I did try your professional phone number just now, but no answer.

I would love to get as much information as possible about 'the thing' including it's past history of course!

Is it ok if I call you tomorrow on that number, or do you prefer that I do it at another time?

Thank you very much in advance!!

Best, Bruno

Bruno
I never owned that bike, I just had it on loan for that race. The owner bought that bike somewhere in GB around 1994 and wanted to race with me but after one training session he was too scared to hop into the sidecar again. I was working on brit bikes for the outfits owner and had the engine apart as it leaked like a sieve, this must have been more than 20 years ago as I started my own bike shop in 1996. I cannot remember exactly what pistons or cams where in it. There have been so many Vincents on my workbenches that it is difficult to remember each one. The only ones that I could probably tell you all details are my own HRD and the streamliner motors. You can always call me or send a mail - no problem.

Forgot to add that the outfit was sold by the owner at least 10 or 15 years ago. I heard that someone wanted the converted featherbed frame with its 10" Cooper wheels for another project. I don´t know who bought the outfit and dismantled it. It handled very good and would have been suitable for a real strong engine - maybe that was the reason to pull the chopped Vincent out of it? I might have some pictures somewhere of the outfit - if I can dig them out ....

I saw this posted on a FB group.
Guy posted it passed if I remember right!

Correct.

I jumped at it. Fast. 8)

And so it begins.
After 8 months of head-scratching and money searching, we have officially started the project 2 weeks ago. The first news from the frontline are quite good: the frame is very sound with an optimal geometry for the project, the gearbox is in as new condition and so is the Mick Hemmings Norton clutch.

On the engine side, the bottom end appears excellent, both front heads are in excellent condition and have obviously been gas-flowed. It is fitted with hot cams and the timing side is in great shape.

It will take time, sweat and (lot's of) money, but the result should be worth the while!
I am happy. For now.

:mrgreen:

This should be a great project to follow.

grandpaul said:

This should be a great project to follow.

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+1

gortnipper said:

grandpaul said:

This should be a great project to follow.

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+1

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Ok, quick update:

We have taken the engine apart and all is well, except traces of a past (very) mild seize. We will rebuild it with new pistons and liners for safety. The two (front) heads are in perfect shape and have obvously been flowed very carefully. Distribution seems very good, as are the high lift cams. Bottom-end is perfect.
Gearbox (Norton) was opened and found in as-new condition.

We have stripped the frame, found it true, rake is 26°. We have reinforced gussets and swing arm attachments, fitted new bushes, repositionned rear shocks fixation points. Norton forks are being rebuilt as I write.

Nest step is construction of the engine/gearbox plates in 3/8" dural. Rolling chassis should be complete before Xmas.

Nice. Pictures would be nicer!