1939 Vincent HRD Series A Rapide – Jay Leno’s Garage
1939 Vincent HRD Series A Rapide. According to legend, British flyboy Howard Raymond Davies spent his captivity in a German prison camp dreaming of …
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I think there were a couple of steam trains that were faster in the 30s. but not by much
Throw some tension on that chain
I know that Bike !….A friend of mine owned it!…
Awesome Vincent!!!
I had a 1952 Rapide in San Diego in 1955-56. Never had a problem starting it. Impossible to do a 'wheelie' due to the front suspension – the tank would just come up and say 'hello' to you. Very comfortable ride, front or back. The Back Shadow had aluminum fenders that detracted from the Rapide's cool, all black machine look with just a small name decal on each side of the tank. Only problem was the clutch-actuating lever that the clutch cable pulled against a spinning rod wore down quickly, requiring frequent cable adjusting. That was solved by having the heel portion of the lever case-hardened. Only problem was unreliable Lucas electrical system. Even though biking today is extremely dangerous, I wish I had it back!
No full face is the way to go… how much is your lower jaw worth… unless you're one of those people who'd like to see their teeth rolling down the road like Chiclets
This motorcycle is indeed far better looking than the Black Shadow. The fuel tank and engine look quite gorgeous. Better looking than Brough Superior SS110.
Truely enjoying lenos garage.
Beautiful bike. Though dont the tires look like they could use a bit more sidewall height ? They kept drawing my eye to how thin they looked…other than that…its pure mechanical beauty
chain tensioner?
I have seen lots of pictures over the years. I have seen 1 in a museum. That's the first time I ever seen someone ride one. Respect for that!
For WWII Vincent tried to get a government contract for drone engines which found their way into the ML Aviation U120D target drone. The resulting Picador engine looked more advanced than this engine (Black Shadow?). The story I found said Vincent did not get the contract. But an earlier story I heard said they did make drones for Australia and many were shot down over a target range in Australia and some Vincent engines were found there and restored.
Should cut it up and put a hayabusa motor in it … you know like all these "Amazing" restomods.
come on Jay, leather hat and aviation goggles, keep it authentic, the riders of these bikes had the heart of Bruce.
A colleague told me that he had buried two Vincent's for the insurance money, but that was forty years ago.
Thank you Jay, for all the great motorcycle videos. I love the fact that he has such a great selection of cool bikes, and the history to go with them. I know the guy who sold you a Vincents years ago, from Montrose Minnesota. Bob & Sid wring a bell. You are a true gentleman motorcyclist. Thanks again for all the video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Niuve Helden the Dutch trio
Nieuve helden
THIS LIKE YOU SAY SOMETIME ,ITS THE KIND OF ENGINE U SEAT HAVE A BIERE OR 2 N SMOKE A GOOD DOBIE,I AM 58 I NO INTERNET 4 ABOUT 4 YEARS ONLY,I JUST REGRET I DID NOT COME ON THE INTERNET B4,THIS A VERY NICE MOTORCYCLE MECANIC,I LIKE SUSPENTION SEAT ,THE FRONT SUPENTION LOOK OK 2,GOOD SHOW AGAIN JAH LENO.SERVANT OF GOD.I LIKE CAR,BUT I LOVE MTORCYCLE,I LEARN SPEED WITH BIKES MUCH MORE B4 CAR.
im also drunk..
Theres not an Vincent owner who can start their bikes.Funny that i kickstart my BSA Goildstar with comp 2 gearbox anydayt.l.
My dream bike.