On the Road Again

WZ507

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Another Vincent resurrection sees the light of day and once again breathes fresh air. Steve Hamel recently (2 weeks ago) purchased a 1952 Vincent Rapide Touring basket case that was disassembled circa 1961 after a big end failure. He set-out the goal of building the bike up from bare cases in 2 weeks and riding it to the Blind Lizards Motorcycle Club Rally in MPLS MN today. Well, after rebuilding many assemblies (crank, heads, tranny, primary, etc) and putting the bits back together he made it and here are a few pictures of the gem from this morning.

Don’t want to say more than I know about the pedigree, but as an interesting aside have been told that circa ‘52-‘53 the bike was being ridden by the dealer’s son to the flat track races in Dodge City, KS where along the way he had a fatal accident. The bike was then sold by the dealer to the 2nd owner who disassembled it in 1961 as described above, and there it sat until 2 weeks ago. I’m sure there will be more known of its pedigree as time goes on, but thought you might enjoy hearing a snippet of back story and seeing the result of this labor of love. Gotta just love that green color eh? I pray he never washes it.
 

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    LR Vincent R side.jpg
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    LR Vincent L side.jpg
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    LR Vincent engine detail.jpg
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Doing this in two weeks is very, very good! I take for granted it is not Mr. Hamels first Vincent re-build in life. Impressive. Nice patina.
/ Patrik
 
Buellingvincent said:
Doing this in two weeks is very, very good! I take for granted it is not Mr. Hamels first Vincent re-build in life. Impressive. Nice patina.
/ Patrik
Yes he's been rebuilding Vincents and other Brit marques for decades and is the fellow that surpassed the Bonneville speed record of Rollie Free.
 

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    Hamel on the salt.jpg
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While I appreciate the originality, I personally don't see anything that great about old road grime, and would have at least cleaned it up. It would then still be just as original, but look a bit more beautiful in its originality.
 
I reckon the man's got his priorities right. Get it going for ride - clean it after.
 
It's his lighting system that impresses me as it needs neither battery or dynamo / alternator. Clever stuff...!
 
Triton Thrasher said:
I seriously doubt that the builder or owner needs "advice" on cleaning or charging.
I never offered advice, only stated my personal opinion.

It's still a nice bike, one I'll likely never be able to own in my lifetime.
 
grandpaul said:
It's still a nice bike, one I'll likely never be able to own in my lifetime.


I'm not going to spend money I don't have on a Vincent either, but I can have a bike as dirty as his.
 
Fast Eddie said:
It's his lighting system that impresses me as it needs neither battery or dynamo / alternator. Clever stuff...!
No problem for a daylight ride...
Eric
 
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