Vincent Rapide/Lightning in Harley Davidson K model frame

THE VINTLEY

A Barn Find (well sort of)

1949 Vincent Rapide series” B” in Harley Davidson ”K” model frame.

The following is a brief history of this Motorcycle.

Having grown up as a motorcycle enthusiast I was always looking to go faster. In the early 1970’s my friends were riding Harleys, riumphs and Hondas but I needed more. I learned of the “Vincent” brand through a neighbor who had two beautiful examples, “Black Shadow” and a “Black Prince”. So I started my search for a Vincent. It wasn’t long before I found a Vincent engine already mounted in a Harley frame.

I bought the engine and frame in 1974. The engine was built in the UK to lightning specs and the heads had been ported and polished. It has a Norton dry plate clutch and a Triumph distributor. Since it had been shipped from overseas it was completely coated in Cosmoline. The Harley K model frame had been lengthened 4 inches to accommodate the engine utilizing two frames to minimize weld joints. I was told at the time it was purpose built this way to be used as a flat track racer. I added the Mikuni 32mm carburetors and put the rest of the bike together with parts (some Harley, ome BSA) I had lying around the garage. I rode it for a while like that, nd thenin 1976 I had the engine completely rebuilt top to bottom by Motorcycle Machine Works in Sacramento, A utilizing parts from Conway Motors in England. I also joined the Vincent owners club so I was able to locate parts through them.With the help of my good friend and renowned hot rod builder”Bud McCoy” we built the current configuration. I had the frame neck raked to accommodate the 8” over California Cycle Works girder front end, dded a Honda front wheel assembly and custom rear wheel assembly. All other parts were custom fabricated by Bud and I. I had the bike professionally painted Candy Apple Red and most everything else was chromed. In 1979 I entered the Vintley in the Sacramento Autorama where it took 1st place in the “All Bike” competition. I lost interest in choppers shortly after that and started riding café and eventually touring style bikes. As a result this bike has been in my garage ever since collecting dust. It probably doesn’t have more than 100 miles on it since the Autorama. I did drop it once in my driveway but saved it from damage except a broken clutch lever and mirror mount. The Vintley has a California “special construction” title which is currently in non operational status.

I know most of you Vincent enthusiasts are asking why anyone would butcher a Vincent like this and now, uite frankly, couldn’t agree more. So please cut me some slack as I was just a kid and as I said the engine was already installed in the frame when I purchased it 41 years ago. I don’t have the desire to go through the bike and restore it, nd not knowing what the potential buyers intentions might be I am selling it as-is (dust and all). I am 62 years old now and it is time to let it go. I still have all the receipts for all the parts and work performed. I also have some spare parts, ightning cams, am followers, askets, prings, ushings, ush rods, anuals etc., hitworth tools, ome old editions of HRD, he Vincent Owners Club magazine, nd more, ll of which can be negotiated at time of sale, f interested.

This auction is being relisted

Please feel free to ask any questions.