· Fastest Production Motorcycle at time of manufacture

· 998cc V-Twin engine

· Advanced suspension and brakes

The Vincent Motorcycle became legendary in the late 1930’s and well into the 1950’s producing the fastest and most sophisticated motorcycles of the era. The Black Shadow model was an upgraded and all out sport version of the Rapide model that originated prior to World War 2. Britain had established itself as hotbed for motorcycle manufacturing and technological excellence immediately following the war, but where BSA, Triumph, Ariel and others would build bikes for the masses. The Vincent was designed for the most discerning buyers who could afford the best and fastest motorcycle money could buy.

The heart of the Black Shadow was a 998cc 60-degree V twin engine, with two valves per cylinder controlled with short pushrods and a dry sump crankcase. Introduced at the Earls Court Motorcycle show in 1948, many shared components with the pre-war Rapide model were used in the hand-built manufacture of the Black Shadow, but critical engine parts were handpicked to ensure exact tolerances to provide peak performance. Philip Conrad Vincent purchased HRD Motorcycles in 1928 forming the Vincent HRD company and with it, the main ingredients to the long line of Vincent Motorcycles were established and stayed consistent until the company closed in 1955.

To differentiate from other manufacturers, Vincent chose a black finish to the engine and transmission of the bikes coated with a material called Plylumin an anti-corrosion finish with baked on black enamel paint on both items. Another standout feature of the Black Shadow was a 5” vertical mounted speedometer which was calibrated to 150mph. With a top speed of a stock bike reaching 125mph and an engine output of 58 horsepower, the Black Shadow would hold numerous speed records. The bike shown here is a Series “C” model Black Shadow and has a full complement of innovative features, including a “Girdraulic” front suspension, rear cantilever suspension, quad shoe brakes front and rear, and utilizes the engine as a stressed frame member.

In 1948, Vincent shipped a modified Black Shadow to the United States with the goal of setting a new land speed record for motorcycles. At the Bonneville Salt Flats, American pilot, Rollie Free set a one-way record of 148.8 mph, but on his return attempt, he stripped off his leather riding suit, making a run in only his bathing suit and helmet and increased his record speed to 150. 31 mph. As such, Vincent adopted advertising copy that read “World’s Fastest Motorcycle, this is a FACT, not a Slogan”.

Specifications:

Engine: 998cc Air Cooled 60-degree V-Twin 4 stroke, 2 cam, overhead valve with pushrods, 4 Speed transmission, undersquare bore and stroke (84mm and 90mm); Twin Amal Carburetors, Chain final drive

Chassis: Steel “box” construction with integrated oil tank, engine as stressed frame member; Girdraulic front suspension, cantilever rear suspension, front and rear brakes each with 2 pair of brake shoes.

Performance: Top Speed 125mph, 55 hp @5500 rpm, 0-60 mph 6.0 seconds; Quarter mile in 15 seconds

Weight: 500 lbs wet

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