Do/Did Vincents have keys

oldbeezer · Jan 2, 2020

Not being a Vincent owner and not being very knowledgeable about them I hoping some one here can answer the above question.
Thanks, Jim

Triton Thrasher · Jan 2, 2020

They had magneto ignition, so no.

oldbeezer · Jan 2, 2020

Thank you Mr Thrasher.

Bernhard · Jan 2, 2020

Then they went over to coil ignition for easier starting on the series D . . . In their final year ( I think)

ericg · Jan 3, 2020

Bernhard said:
Then they went over to coil ignition for easier starting on the series D . . . In their final year ( I think)

Yes, that's it so D series do have keys.

oldbeezer · Jan 3, 2020

Thanks Bernhard & Eric,
That brings up another question. When did production start on the series D?
Thanks,
Jim

Bernhard · Jan 4, 2020

production started around 1954 until their last year before the factory closed its doors, 1955;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Motorcycles#1954_Series_D_Vincents

https://allenmuseum.com/vincent_black_shadow.htm

http://thevincent.com/vinmodel.htm

oldbeezer · Jan 4, 2020

Thanks Bernhard!
I checked wikipedia but I am reluctant to trust their information.

Bernhard · Jan 4, 2020

production started around 1954 until their last year before the factory closed its doors, 1955;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Motorcycles#1954_Series_D_Vincents

https://allenmuseum.com/vincent_black_shadow.htm

http://thevincent.com/vinmodel.htm

johnm · Jan 4, 2020

Are you thinking of the song?

That line always jarred with me

oldbeezer · Jan 4, 2020

johnm said:
Are you thinking of the song?

Yes, that song annoys me because of that AND it glorifies a motorcycle thief.

johnm · Jan 4, 2020

I never thought about the thief bit

998cc · Jan 25, 2020

No activity here for a few weeks, so I thought I'd add the conversation. After I converted over the the Lucas DKX2A distributor, it was natural to add a key switch.

With the stock Lucas mag, it is still possible to add a key switch if the switch could be made to lock in the closed "on" position. Connecting that switch to the optional Lucas cut-out cover on the mag would be quite effective. Essentially, a keyed kill switch.

~998cc