Author Topic: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up  (Read 731 times)


Offline Muzz

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2022, 03:30:00 PM »
According to my brother who owns a '50 Comet, the Vin makes the distinctive "pop" exhaust note because of the tube inside the muffler being spiral wound.  I know, sitting behind him, the faster he went, all that happened was the "pops" became closer together.  Never barked at all.
Muzz. Cristchurch, New Zealand
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Offline lucky phil

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2022, 05:24:23 PM »
m.youtube.com/watch?v=dsgqv5h05LI&feature=youtu.be

Ha, the "Vincent owners club" propaganda piece:) All warmed up and ready to restart:)
I once read the reason Vincent owners never let anyone else ride their bikes. It's because if they did word would get out about how average they really are. Sworn to uphold the "secret pledge" according to the author. 

Ciao
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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2022, 04:01:26 PM »
That's funny.
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1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2022, 04:01:26 PM »

Offline Canuck750

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2022, 04:26:28 PM »
Ha, the "Vincent owners club" propaganda piece:) All warmed up and ready to restart:)
I once read the reason Vincent owners never let anyone else ride their bikes. It's because if they did word would get out about how average they really are. Sworn to uphold the "secret pledge" according to the author. 

Ciao


Yep I have read the same thing before, many interesting engineering ideas but not executed all that well.
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline Scout63

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2022, 04:28:56 PM »
I just have to say that the bike is visually stunning, a work of true art.  But the engine sound leaves me a little cold.  Give me a CBX, Commando, Lemans, 400-4, 900SS, he’ll even an XL350 with a Hooker Header, to listen to.  The Vincent is still a holy grail bike for sure.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline ray bear

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2022, 05:12:37 PM »
Not sure if I should say anything as you guys might pick on me but I've had my 47 Rapide since 1975 in that time have never had the heads off and it gets used every month , Lucky Phil got it fairly right they are just another selection of nuts and bolts assembled in a tidy fashion, I keep my self distanced from the Vincent fraternity  as not all but a lot of them are just so full of  themselves  but the bikes are a nice bit of engineering and they thought outside of the box when building them. Mines a keeper

« Last Edit: January 21, 2022, 05:22:47 PM by ray bear »
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Offline lucky phil

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #7 on: January 21, 2022, 05:18:21 PM »
Not sure if I should say anything as you guys might pick on me but I've had my 47 Rapide since 1975 in that time have never had the heads off and it gets used every month and as far as starting goes I think a two year old could start it, Lucky Phil got it fairly right they are just another selection of nuts and bolts assembled in a tidy fashion, I keep my self distanced from the Vincent fraternity  as not all but a lot of them are just so full of  themselves  but the bikes are a nice bit of engineering and they thought outside of the box when building them. Mines a keeper



Don't get me wrong I'd love to own a Vincent, I mean an Aussie designed it, but I'm realistic about what they are and that was a great bike for their day, maybe even the best in their day but I can't buy into the "legend" thing. To many great pieces of motorcycle engineering have come since.

Ciao
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up to much room.

Online Turin

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2022, 05:21:38 PM »
I bet well tuned  sp1000 could give it a run for it's money.

That muffler needs swapped for a bub conti replica. ( video )

Love to have one ,
« Last Edit: January 21, 2022, 05:23:40 PM by Turin »
1997 Daytona RS
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1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
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Online tazio

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2022, 05:45:38 PM »
I'll buy into the "legend" all day long.
What on the earth was comparable to it at the time? 70 yrs on and we're making comparisons to much newer machinery?? The Vincent doesn't make a bike like the CBX any less special or less legendary in its own right. But give credit where do.


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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #10 on: January 21, 2022, 05:46:43 PM »
"A one (1) kick Vincent "COLD?!?"  :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh:

Ahhhhh.....not very likely, but they are fabulous, classic motorcycles!! :thumb: :boozing: :cool: :bow:

Meanwhile, at MECUM in Vegas next weekend....."OPEN THINE WALLET...WIDE!!" :laugh: :grin: :wink:





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Offline Scout63

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #11 on: January 21, 2022, 08:42:28 PM »
Not sure if I should say anything as you guys might pick on me but I've had my 47 Rapide since 1975 in that time have never had the heads off and it gets used every month , Lucky Phil got it fairly right they are just another selection of nuts and bolts assembled in a tidy fashion, I keep my self distanced from the Vincent fraternity  as not all but a lot of them are just so full of  themselves  but the bikes are a nice bit of engineering and they thought outside of the box when building them. Mines a keeper



Props Raybear and a fantastic collection of motorcycles as well.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline nc43bsa

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2022, 10:09:28 PM »
I've never had much of a yen for a Vincent, although I know a few people who own at least one.  If I had the budget for something of that era, I'd prefer a Norton ES2 or International.

Or a Brough Superior.
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Offline lucky phil

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #13 on: January 21, 2022, 10:38:32 PM »
I've never had much of a yen for a Vincent, although I know a few people who own at least one.  If I had the budget for something of that era, I'd prefer a Norton ES2 or International.

Or a Brough Superior.

The Brough has way outstripped the Vincent in purchase price now. 

Ciao
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up to much room.

Offline Canuck750

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #14 on: January 21, 2022, 11:37:56 PM »
The Vincent is a beautiful machine and I would be very proud to own one but for 1948 I would take a Guzzi Astore, the Vincent would clobber  it in acceleration and top speed but I think the Astore would be a very nice ride and perhaps a little more interesting.
 
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline SED

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #15 on: January 22, 2022, 12:11:27 AM »
well cared for Vincents start 1st or 2nd kick from what I've seen.  That one sounds great to me - smooth, not too rattley.  They reportedly lope along at freeway speeds and a downshift allows you to accelerate.  The frame is a sheet steel box with a steerer tube and some lugs bolted to the unit engine gearbox - revolutionary in it's time.  I like them but it would be wasted on me  :evil: 
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Offline lucky phil

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #16 on: January 22, 2022, 01:15:01 AM »
Here's some images from the carpark at the Phillip Island classic from a few years ago. These two are there every year, one sort of original and one "improved". Aussies don't coddle and worship them, they Fuggin ride em, lol. Token Guzzi image also from the same meeting. Plus a slightly modified racing Vinnie.













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Offline ray bear

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Re: Vincent-HRD Rapide B 1948 998cc 2 cyl ohv - starting up
« Reply #17 on: January 22, 2022, 01:38:57 AM »
My Vincent has started almost  1st or 2nd kick for the last 47 years that I have owned it. You always start a Vincent on the back cylinder not the front as after the condenser  has charged itself the back cylinder is the first one to get that charge of spark and when the front cylinder fires its getting whats left over of the charge so a weaker spark , About every 10 years I have my magneto serviced  . Like all engines if the spark, air, and fuel is set up correctly no probs, They are a kitten when set up correctly. And you dont jump on the kick start and try to bury the bike 6 feet into the dirt like i see some clowns do you take it just over compression and a steady firm push all the way down is all thats required.    P.S. I lied if there is more than 5 people watching you start it may take 3 kicks.
« Last Edit: January 22, 2022, 01:47:31 AM by ray bear »
73 V7 sport
73 Eldo police special
68 BSA rocket 3
74 Norton Commando
78 Honda CBX 1000
47 HRD vincent Rapide
XT 500 Yamaha
76 Convert
84 FLHX limited edition electra glide

 

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