No other motorcycle grabs my attention like a Vincent.

That has to be one of the scariest starts I've ever seen in my life. Absolutely beautiful. Black Shadow had just the most beautiful instruments.

I like the priming ritual and how the bike roared into life! That’s a man’s man motorcycle!

In 1951 my friend and I swapped bikes for a short ride. He took my 500 cc Matchless single and I tried out the Black Shadow. It was the first time I had gone over 100 mph. It was amazing! The engine was probably turning about 4000 rpm. Hard to remember the revs after 65 years, but I have never forgotten that ride.

@manxman350

5 жыл бұрын

They were well ahead of their time and not beaten in speed until Kawasaki brought out the Z1000 in 1971

@vincentl.9469

6 ай бұрын

@@manxman350 what would the miles per gallon be for that bike?

@manxman350

6 ай бұрын

@@vincentl.9469 about 30 per UK gallon

Not gonna lie that start up scared the hell outta me😂

Brilliant. The bike and gentleman both represent a quality from a bygone era. Keep up the good work sir.

Imagine doing a 100mph along the Great North Road on an English summer's evening in the 1950s when the bike was new.

@heartobefelt

3 жыл бұрын

sounds like such a smooth engine , idles perfectly , no rattles. nice dream

@scoldingwhisper

2 жыл бұрын

while on the way home from the Mistress' house

This was THE superbike of its day. Its absolutely gorgeous.

@dumptrump3788

4 жыл бұрын

THIS was the world's first Superbike, notnthe Honda CB750. Don't forget, the Vincent had to cope with petrol that was like used dishwater compared to what the Honda got fed & ran on oils that were slimey snot compared to the early 1970s stuff that allowed the Hondas to run harder.

@camgnilpe9300

4 жыл бұрын

@@dumptrump3788 you should not use your mouth to break wind! but with a name like dump trump it all makes sense. all you know is to talk shit! FUCK OFF!

@fireball1322

4 жыл бұрын

Still was in the 1980s when the Vincent beat 1100 GS Susuki's elapsed time in 1/4 mile Cycle World magazine did it, if you want to check.

Hi Peter what a very pleasant surprise finding you on UT. We met a few years back, I visited you and had a great time admiring your wheels. Having had a series "D" from new for several years. You did invite me back, but due to the loss of my wife and "father time" catching me up, sadly that opportunity was lost. At 92 the Vincents still stir my blood. Finding your video is a very welcome break to the monotony of my life. I wish you well. And thanks for starting the Black just the sound brings back memories of many happy rides in the past .

@manxman350

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ken, I'm sorry but my memory isn't as good as yours. Remind me and contact me at petersprot@gmail.com

Damn the British are so thoughtful about the rider having to service bus bike with no extra stands etc, etc, amazingly engineered machine, valve lifter carb chokes on bars

To me being ancient the Shadow is the greatest motorcycle ever built in its day it was not just a bit quicker or handsome it was on a different The only game changer that came after it was the Honda 50

Seeing that bike fire up was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Amazing bike.

So far ahead of its time,

30 years ago I owned a 52 Black Shadow I bought at a local swop meet. I owned it for two years never could start it. Sold it for twice what I paid for it . LOL now I could buy one for ten times what I sold mine for.

What a treasure. A bit sentimental for me being born in 1952 and named Vincent. Songs have been written about it. As a biker I can appreciate it’s beauty and history.

A great classic motorcycle. Really love the ideas of a rear stand and front stand for maintenance on the wheels but especially love the idea of the hinged rear mudguard. Now modern street cruisers could learn a lesson from this magnificent bike.

@milojanis4901

Жыл бұрын

No, they wouldn't. The manufacturers of any modern method of transportation don't give a rats ass about ease of maintenance. Plus, they want them back at the dealers, so they can make more money, too. Vincent & Irving were both riders, and probably not as rich financially as today's corporate CEO's. They knew what it took keep a bike on the road, and what it took to do repair work. Today's corporate CEO's. wouldn't even know a strobe light from a Miller Lite. I digress

How many people have caught fire, whilst walking past you're bike on start up 😉😂😂😂😂 Nice 👍 .. just putting my eye's back in my head.

@johnkelly5897

4 жыл бұрын

You mean...''your'' bike.

Love those big Smiths dials, what a great piece of engineering design.

I remember when you could find these for sale for £150 in the Exchange & Mart along with £20 BSA & Triumphs.....I should have bought them all!!!!

That was a small atomic explosion when she fired up!

@vector6977

7 жыл бұрын

a bit too much petrol, lol

@Ineedagoodscreenname

6 жыл бұрын

it kind of scared me honestly.

@jackking5567

5 жыл бұрын

Almost messed myself.

@Lumpappsofficial

5 жыл бұрын

The dove from 4:30 died :)

@plop961

5 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂F####!!... was my reaction 😂 .. that's a lot of work to start a motorcycle. .. but great ! I thought it had caught fire for a second lol...

Thank you sir for that excellent tutorial. Magnificent bike.

Goddamnit, I'd trade my wife for this bike...

@USNVA-yn6cp

3 жыл бұрын

ID cut my balls off for this bike and forget about about sex ever

@freeserve1942

Жыл бұрын

He did lol !

@laniusrayner8571

10 ай бұрын

Biggest compliment anyone could make. She must be worth her weight in gold.

That motorbike is amazing. The sound is a perfect music... wowww

That is a very beautiful bike you are such a lucky man to have it God bless you

£50,000 if not more of pure British Engineering at it's best. When it started wow!!!. Lovely machine

outstanding quality and craftmanship from fork to taillight ! what a motorcycle ! what a brand ! thank you !

Today, what were once the necessities of life have become anti-theft devices! They were (and are yet) wonderful motorcycles - I've ridden one many times - a dear old friend owned one and talked me through the very same procedure, verbatim. That was long ago and far away, but I've never forgotten the feel of that Vincent. Motorcyclist since 1968, still the finest bike I've ever ridden.

Fantastic, love the start procedure and what a sound when the beast started!

Talk about blasting into life! Love those old v twins For me new bikes don't do anything for me,they are all a copy of one another, but give me just about any old bike and I'm in heaven, love my 2002 buell thunderbolt😀

Ah! If only you had been about in the mid sixties when a friend rebuilt one of these. We were unable to start it on the kick so pushed it for half a mile on a long straight Norfolk road before achieving success. For those who have not pushed one of these to bump start think of Rugby training multiplied severally! Wonderful to be present at this masterly demonstration. G. Luff

@manxman350

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, they are a great bike even by today's standards they will keep up easily with modern traffic.

Beautifully engineered bike and still looks good today,definitely a design icon.

Thank you for sharing! We are all caretakers of our iron steeds. Thank you for being such a good steward of the HRD Vincent Black Shadow!

What a lovely bike, great sound. Obviously a lot of work gone into looking after this machine but it must be a pleasure to own. Enjoy.

That's a Chaotic Motor, Hard Sound can feel lots of moving components, just loved the sound, i bet it feels better when it rides!

Very nice . Thank you for sharing . My father had one of these in the 60's . My friend has a Vincent with a side car [ see video ] . On start up - WOW. Makes my Triumph sound tame .

IT'S ALIVE! Amazing , makes modern bikes look and sound nondescript!

I have wanted one of these since I was a kid, beautiful machine, I'm sure you enjoy every mile on it.

@bwghall1

2 жыл бұрын

yes and me. back in 1950s ++++++++++++

Absolutely brilliant! A fantastic motorbike in a fantastic condition.

What a beauty- looks great with two same size instruments

Bloody nice machine..you can tell your a proud owner ya lucky buggar..thats dedication..good job mate!!

Thank you for shaing the wonder that is Vincent!

What a beautiful machine!!

That was perfectly done, and that is a perfect bike. Thank you.

Thank you Peter! A great step-by-step guide to starting one's Shadow. Five years ago, I bought one and am waiting for the right day to ride the beast.

@manxman350

2 жыл бұрын

You will love it. Where are you. Contact me on petersprot@gmail.com

@johnniethepom7545

Жыл бұрын

What an absolute waste of a fine motorcycle , they should be ridden more than occasionally , weather permitting .

Yo tuve este motor cuando yo vivía en Cuba. En Primera alcanzaba 110 Km/h . La potencia y ligereza de este motor no la tenía ninguno otro. Yo lo disfruté mucho, aunque por correrlo tuve algunos pequeños accidentes sin consecuencias. El mejor motorcicleta del mundo sin duda.

It literally 'Fired up'! That was amazing!

Excellent video, loved it when she fired up.

If you ever drove one do you remember the take off from zero? It had a single plate clutch that broke inertia to get the bike moving, then the centrifugal clutch took over. With a clunk if you gave it lots of throttle. Do you remember the way the seat went up under hard braking? They were all engine with front and rear suspension bolted on. Oh for the good old days!

@trentbrown500

Жыл бұрын

*Obligatory Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971) Reference*

Congratulations this is a awesome piece of bike history

My father named me after this bike, I hope one day I can own one in his honor. Beautiful ride and you seem like a wonderful steward!

@manxman350

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it is a great bike. You should be thankful your father did not have a Kawasaki 😉

Beautiful machine from a lost age.

Nice bike, love the two matching gauges, plus the two front heads. I had a shadow once, no one showed me how to start it this way, I just pulled the compression release in, kicked it hard as I could and let the compression lever out while it was still spinning from the kick. I was able to start Vincents that would not start the "proper way" I believe because I got the motor, and therefore the MAGNETO rotating faster.

Peter loved the video production. Don't profess to know much about Vincent bikes as I'm a velocette aficionado but loved this informative production. Keep these videos coming. Absolutely 💯 % loved it 🙂

@manxman350

2 жыл бұрын

I also have Velocette. Contact me on petersprot@gmail.com

Still one of the best looking bikes ever made

Always a great but rare favourite.

Twenty five years ago I found a 53’ Black Shadow at a local swop meet bought it for 15K USD ! Had it for two years sold it for 25K USD. Thought I scored ! Never could start it so never rode it.

A Pal has one, and he is hopeless. Takes him forever to get it going this will help and the link is being shared, thank you..I reccon he will learn a lot

a most beautifully unique sound thank you !

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Oh dear, what o music. Starting of this beast would turn quite a few heads around the cafes on this motor-centred island. Thank you dearly for showing, Peter. It'd even rock around one of the poor Mercs - that are more than twelve in a dozen here - parked behind...

@manxman350

2 жыл бұрын

Where are you?

@hni7458

2 жыл бұрын

@@manxman350 Mariehamn, Aland, halfway between Stockholm and Abo (Turku), in the middle of the Baltic sea. The machine is really gorgeous. We have the wits of appreciating Vincents here :)

@manxman350

2 жыл бұрын

About ten years ago I rode around the Baltic sea on my Rapide.

@hni7458

2 жыл бұрын

@@manxman350 Great to hear Peter, you are welcome here again, and please bring the Vincent ha ha :) /Hakan

That explosion... That was deliberate right?😉😉 Absolutely beautiful sir, thank you for the post.

Enjoyable tutorial, cheers.

Lovely bike...starts like BOOM!!

Absolutely wonderful, wonderful.

If you ever find yourself in Western Australia , there's a Lobster fisherman in Jurien Bay that has a collection of over 50 vintage motorcycles , 30 of them are Vincent across the history of the marque .

Superb! My dream bike to own, my bucket list to ride........

BAD ASS! Those are the two words that come to my brain!

A very nice looking bike none the less.

I used to alarm people whilst demonstrating the tip-over onto the side stand and dragging the center stand into position, so that the bike was balanced at a 30 degree angle, on both the side stand and center stand which allowed removing the rear wheel from the skirted rear fender of my '48 Indian Chief. To remove the front wheel, I stood the bike up on the center stand raised the front end and put a an object under the engine with front wheel raised just enough to clear the front skirted fender during removal. Removing a wheel on the side of the road, and fixing a 5.00X16 flat with tire irons, blood sweat and cheers, was no small thing that thankfully didn't happen often. Could have used compression release but Indian didn't have one.

Love it...what a lovely bike

Clever little helpful ideas, features. Stands to lift front wheel is great idea.

Sounds so good!

Beautiful bike!

What a beaut! A great riders motorcycle. Always fancied a Vincent twin, but never had the money. Never mind, my old well used and well loved BMW GS is a great riders motorcycle too.

@pmjosh

5 жыл бұрын

Moto Phoenix Saw a Vincent in the wild a few weeks ago. Could never afford one so I got inspired to swap my K75 for a 70s R75 w R100 conversion. Next best thing!

That was excellent, thank you sir.

The King of bikes!

Muito bacana essa motocicleta, o que mais me chamou a atenção foi a beleza do painel de instrumentos...lindo demais....

Beautiful bike ! 👍

It was way ahead of its time.

Excellent. Very good commentary.

just wonderful .

What an amazing iconic machine -thankyou.

@manxman350

4 ай бұрын

Thank you

That was magnificent!

What a beauty!

My Rapide had twin 5 inch instruments when I bought it, I sold the tacho as it looked a bit Mickey mouse to me. 😄

I had no idea the complexity of this machine. The non cable driven tach was also very unexpected as well !

Very interesting. Thank you.

la mejor vincent que llevo vista realmente una joya

@manxman350

Жыл бұрын

Grazie amico mio, sei molto gentile a dire queste parole

Sounds real mean and it was a Great bike.

@outtabubblegum7034

5 жыл бұрын

it IS*

wow, most appreciated, thanks, ex Norton ES2

Excellent video.

A pivoting rear mudguard defines spannering yer own motorcycle, So practical

You’re not going to make a quick getaway on this beauty.

You make Sturges jealous , YES the whole FUCKING TOWN !

Came here after hearing Carmela Soprano’s father mention in the episode I’m currently watching! He says something like “in my day there was a bike called the Vincent black shadow.. boy, did that thing take off!!” Ha pretty cool! Actually seems like a very highly regarded bike.

If I can ever afford one I will definitely buy a Vincent of any model one day

@manxman350

7 жыл бұрын

Tristan Radeka I wish you luck sir. they are a very good bike for the time.

Beauty and the beast in one. Pity not many produced

@psk1w1

5 жыл бұрын

About 5000 V twins from 1947-55, plus another 5000 Comet singles.

My friend had a Shadow that he had just finished rebuilding in his shed. I went over to see if he had finished it yet; he had and he asked me to start it as I had boots on and he was in slippers. I started to kick it over And without my noticing he fully advanced the timing! I was violently propelled upwards hitting my head against the shed roof and straddled the filler caps on landing. I took a long time to forgive him.

@pashakdescilly7517

2 жыл бұрын

A Vincent v-twin has automatic magneto advance. The Black Lightning (the race version) got manual timing. It's unlikely your friend's bike has the VERY rare manual KVFTT magneto as fitted to the Lightning, so your story does not ring true.

@davidcollings4750

Жыл бұрын

⁠​⁠@@pashakdescilly7517 perhaps this gentleman had a vincent twin similar to mine with a manual magneto retrospectively fitted, so I’m sure he’s not lying as your suggesting!!!

Wonderful beast.

@manxman350

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, the bike is also nice. 😊

Sounds like thunder... Great!