Vincent Motors USA®, a San Diego company are bringing back the legendary Vincent motorcycle. Five prototypes were unveiled to the media and investors at a gala event held at the end of last year at the home of Vincent Motors founder and president, Bernard Li.

In its day, "The Vincent" was the world's most exclusive and technologically advanced motorcycle. The Vincent Black Shadow™ set a land speed record in 1948 of 150.313 mph. Throughout its history, the Vincent set the standards by which modern motorcycles have been judged.

"Since the earliest days of working on the new Vincent project, I have been constantly amazed by the responsiveness in the marketplace in terms of both volume and intensity," said Li. "The turnout at our invitation-only event was twice what we expected. The people were extremely excited about the motorcycles."

The event marked the first time the public could view the new designs. In addition to the Phase I prototype, based on the 1955 Black Lightning, Vincent Motors unveiled four modern prototypes to rave reviews, including the Black Shadow™, Black Lightning "S"™, Black Lightning "ST"™ and the Black Eagle™.

Beginning in 1994, Mr. Li, a San Diego entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast, began acquiring the trademarks to the Vincent name. In 1998 Mr. Li sold Eagle One®, his high-end car care business, to Valvoline and began working full-time to bring back the Vincent brand. Vincent Motors USA was formally launched in 1998 and by summer 2002 the company had completed five prototypes.

 

About Vincent Motors USA

Vincent Motors USA is focused on designing, manufacturing, and marketing a modern Vincent motorcycle, consistent with its tradition of legendary performance. James Parker and Detroit's Roush Industries® were contracted to design and engineer the new motorcycles. In September 2001, Vincent and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. signed a letter of intent relating to Honda's supply of drivetrains based on Honda's RC51 platform. Vincent and Honda are currently in negotiations for a formal supply agreement for the purchase and sale of Honda's 1000cc, V-Twin, water cooled, dual cam, four valve, fuel injected 130 hp RC51-based engine."

Vincent Motors, now have plans to launce the first model of the new range - the Black Lightning at the end of 2003 or early in 2004. The new Vincents, which are targeted at "the experienced, affluent motorcyclist," will feature a tubular monocoque chassis with a single rear shock assembly, carbon-fiber bodywork and will be powered by Honda's 130-hp RC-51 high-performance V-twin. Four models are eventually planned: Black Shadow, Black Lightning S, Black Lightning ST and Black Eagle. Pricing has not been set yet but is expected to be in the region of $20,000 for the Black Lightning.

Vincent Prototype Specifications for Black Lightning S

Wheel Base 62.5"
Steering Angle 25_
Trail 97.0mm
Front/Rear Weight Ratio 51 / 49%
Fuel Capacity 5.0 gallon
Seat Height 31"
Rims / Tires Front: Forged 3.5 x 17" / Dunlop 120 / 70 ZR17
Rear: Forged 5.5 x 17" / Dunlop 190 / 50 ZR17

Brakes Front: 320mm Brembo / 4 Piston Caliper
Rear: 220mm Brembo / 2 Piston Caliper

Inverted Front Forks 43mm Showa
Rear Shocks Fox "Twin Clicker"
Frame Box doubles as 22 Ltr Airbox
Patent pending shift linkage design
"Piranha" LED Tail Lights and Turn Signals
"PIAA" Halogen Lamps / Multiple Array
Honda RC51 Engine and Calibration with 55mm Throttle Bodies