1948 Vincent HRD Rapide Series B Solo Motorcycle

Description

Vincent's Series B Rapide was designed during the war and released to the press before the official ending of hostilities. Radically different to the A-model, the oil pipes were internal and the gearbox was part of the engine casting. As the angle between the cylinders was now 50 degrees instead of 47.5, this allowed the engine to be used as a stressed member of the frame, which consisted of an oil-tank spine with the engine hanging below and the front and rear suspension attached at the ends. This was considered sensational at the time, and somewhat futuristic; the arrangement was not seen again till the late 1970s. Vincent also used quickly detachable wheels, making wheel and tyre changes easier. The rear wheel was reversible, and different size rear sprockets could be fitted for quick final-drive ratio changes. The brake and gearshift were also adjustable for reach to suit individual feet and the rear mudguard was hinged to facilitate the removal of the rear wheel. Rear suspension was also used, something of a novelty amongst contemporary competition. Such things are taken for granted on modern motorcycles, but in the late Forties Vincent were quite rightly seen as motorcycling pioneers and their bikes are revered accordingly.