Modern Classic: Vincent Black Shadow

V-Twins
Series C Vincent V-twin models included the 45-bhp Rapide, the 55-hp Black Shadow, and the special-order 70+-hp racing Black Lightning. That hp rating doesn't sound impressive today, but "frameless" production Vincents weighed only 450-460 pounds. Besides bigger Amal carburetors, a higher compression ratio and high-lift cams, the Shadow had a lower first-gear for even faster acceleration. Its glossy black, stove-enameled engine and blacked-out trim anticipated modern trends by decades. The crowning touch was a unique, 5-inch Smiths speedometer that read to a heady 150 mph. It's still considered by many to be one of the best looking motorcycles ever to take the road. Tonight Show host Jay Leno owns over a dozen of them. All Vincents were gloss black with gold-leaf tank trim except for 106 Rapides and a few singles that were painted "Chinese Red."


Phillip Vincent and Phil Irving kept improving the design, but may have gone too far with the enclosed Series D models. Struggling for alternative products, the company lost valuable time when it worked to develop a fuel-injected V-twin engine for a RAF target drone. Slowing sales saw Vincent experimenting with its innovative Amanda water scooter (a clever forerunner of the Jet Ski—sadly one engineer drowned while testing it), smaller bikes in partnership with NSU, a three-wheeled sports car and even lawnmowers. There was an abortive attempt to develop a Vincent-engined Indian motorcycle, nicknamed naturally, "The Vindian."


Unfortunately, Stevenage, England-based Vincent went under in 1955, shortly before the market for big bikes was rejuvenated by Harley-Davidson. A few Vincent engines were inserted into more modern frames by a Swiss, Fritz Egli (and called Egli-Vincents), and several Norton Featherbed-framed café racer examples, called "Norvins" were made, and are occasionally advertised. We'd recommend you stick with the real thing.

Collecting
Properly set up, despite primitive 6-volt Miller and later "improved" Lucas electrics, a Vincent Black Shadow will start and run very reliably. But handling is not this machine's strong suit. The Girdraulics undulate, the steering is heavy, and the bike feels as though it's hinged in the middle. The much-vaunted quad cable-operated brakes are simply not up to today's standards even with vaunted Ferodo "green" linings. Proper tire pressures and front end adjustments are a must—intense "tankslapper" vibrations have been known to occur.


On the plus side, the torque-y V-twin still accelerates hard with a unique, staccato exhaust snap that's unmistakable, and it will cruise at 100+ mph if you've got the nerve. Prices range from $15-$25,000 for Rapides, while Shadows run between $20-$30,000 and more. Young riders who've never seen a Vincent before, look on in awe when they roll up on one of these. And Harley loyalists will accord you the respect they only have for one of their own. Forty years later, if the reality of a Series C Black Shadow isn't quite up to its legend, a legion of loyal owners will tell you it's pretty close.