Vincent Black Shadow OLD Series

Vincent the Black Shadow

With Ian Fallon

In the world of classic motorcycling, Vincent Black Shadow is unmatched. Black Shadow exemplifies the myth that defines classic motorcycles possessing all the criteria that define the ultimate classic bike.

It was extremely expensive in its day, produced only in moderate quantities, offered unrivaled performance, and looked amazing.

When new, the Black Shadow was the bike of dreams, and although production ended nearly 70 years ago, it still holds that spot for many enthusiasts.

While other manufacturers dip their flagship models in chrome to symbolize extravagance, Vincent has gone against convention by painting the sinister black of Black Shadow.

The Shadow’s job is to work on the fast road, and if anyone doubts that then a glimpse of the Smiths’ 130 mm, 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer sitting right in front of the driver will. clarify its rules.

And of all the Vincents, the quintessential model is the Series C Black Shadow from 1948 to 1954.

While the Shadow’s black engine looks intimidating, the specs aren’t much different from the touring Rapide. Both share a 998 cc V-twin 50-degree overhead valve, with a diameter and stroke of 84 x 90 mm.

Inside the engine are slightly more compressed pistons (7.3:1), with some internal polishing, including the intake ports. The camshafts are picked from the production line for optimal timing, the stainless steel pushers move the polished swingarms, the first gear is higher, but the Vincent auxiliary automatic clutch is unusual constant.

The Amal carburetor is larger (28.6 mm) and mounted on special brass flanges. Some of these modifications increase power by 10 hp, to 55 hp at 5700 rpm.

This number may not seem like much by modern standards, but it is enough to push the Black Shadow to a top speed of nearly 200 km / h. In the late 1940s, only a handful of production motorcycles achieved the miracle “ton” (161 km/h) and 200 km/h was unprecedented.

Designed for the wide road, the Black Shadow is not a round-the-town run, as the factory recommends a minimum of 20 km of engine start. Ignition is from Lucas magneto and starting a Black Ball requires a heavy boot.

The Vincent chassis was also unusual at the time because the engine was the main component of the chassis. The rear suspension is a cantilever type and the rear fork rotates right behind the gearbox.

The steering head bolts directly to the front cylinder head and while the original Black Shadow had a Brampton beam front fork, the Series C used a unique Girdraulic fork.

Girdraulic (Hydraulic Damping Beam) incorporates an older linkage fork, with well-reinforced legs, with a longer travel of a telescopic fork. It’s another example of Phil Irving and Philip Vincent’s refusal to follow fashion.

They were staunch followers of the sturdy front end and found the inherent problems of hose curvature and diving brakes with telescopic forks increasingly common.

For the Black Shadow, the brakes have been upgraded to accommodate more performance, and while the twin brakes are still relatively small at 178 mm, the Shadow has ribbed cast iron drums for improved handling. Radiators.

Wheels have a large diameter of 20 inches up front and 19 inches behind, while dry weight stands at a moderate 208 kg. Handling was affected by lame dampers at the time, but the Black Shadow was more about top speed than power on the track.

The first Black Shadow was produced in 1948, inspired by the distinctive racing HRD twins, nicknamed the “Gunga Din”, developed by Phil Irving and George Brown in 1947.

Although Philip Vincent was enthusiastic about producing a performance version of Rapide on tour, Vincent’s chief executive, Frank Walker, initially vetoed the plan.

Against Walker’s edict, Irving and Brown secretly assembled a group of Shadows, giving him a the job is done.

Approximately 80 “B” Series Blacks were produced prior to the introduction of the famous C Series Blacks in late 1948. They were initially badged “HRD”, before becoming “Vincent” at the end of 1949.

Releasing Black Shadow to the press, Philip Vincent stated, “It will reach 125 mph (200 km/h), but only machines in top condition will be able to do so.”

In 1952, the factory ran a modified Series C Black Shadow at Montlhery in France, setting a new 1000 km speed record at 162 km/h. Speed ​​is always in fashion, and when it comes to speed, the Series C Black Shadow is unmatched.