Vincent Motorcycles - The Untold Story since 1946 is ranked one of the 94 Best Motorcycle Books of All Time by BookAuthority.
Despite only nine years of production, Vincents continue to be ridden regularly in rallies, hard in racing, and certainly well beyond the normal lifespan of a motorcycle. This book tells the Vincent story from 1946 until the present day, including the stories of those significant individuals who helped to make Vincents such legendary machines.
Very few motorcycles have carved a mark in history like the Vincent V-twin, from its arrival in 1946 and up to the present day. On the road, in club racing, in drag races, or competing for land speed records, it dominated the motorcycle world, leading to the famous catchphrase coined by the factory: “The World’s Fastest Standard Motorcycle.” It was a FACT – NOT a slogan. Images such as that of Rollie Free, in swimming trunks, laying flat on his works-modified Black Shadow and taking the American motorcycle land speed record at Bonneville in 1948, have now passed into posterity. In fact, the big Vincent was so ahead of its time, that it continued to compete successfully – almost arrogantly – in racing until the mid-1970s, against modern bikes. No other motorcycle in the world can claim this kind of achievement.
Following the premature ending of Vincent production, Fritz Egli’s 1967 Egli-Vincent was the first chassis completely redesigned for a Vincent in 21 years. Egli’s machine inspired numerous builders for several generations and this book traces, holistically, the story of all those motorcycles in the broad context of the classic and modern history of the Vincent.
Understand how the flame of passion still burns brightly today.
Understand how the Vincent 998cc V-twin became a ‘living legend’
Discusses why and how the brand declined intor bankruptcy, despite engineering excellence
Read how and why the 1000 Vincent inspired – and continues ot inspire – generations of mechanics and engineers
Explains why the 1000 Vincent gave birth to so many specials over a 70 year period
See how Fritz Egli tranformed the Vincent, and his effect on the Japanese motorcycle industry
Unravels the imbroglio of the Egli-Vincent production model and replicas over a 45 year period: the most copied bike ever
Reveals why the design is still capable and competitive today, on track and on the road
Discover the Vincent racers that proudly and successfully stood-up to modern motorcycles until the late 1970s
Presents a comprehensive view of Vincent derivatives up to the present day, including café racers, choppers, and bobbers
