Do/Did Vincents have keys

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

 

They had magneto ignition, so no.

 

Thank you Mr Thrasher.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Are you thinking of the song?

That line always jarred with me

 

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

 

I never thought about the thief bit

 

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