1949 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide. 998cc V-Twin.

This fabulous Series B Rapide was completely restored in the early 1990s and was sold shortly thereafter, in 1994, to the last owner. He has enjoyed it sparingly for the last 30 years. The speedo reads just 4511 Miles.

Recently the B Rapide had a service carried out; the dynamo was rebuild as it was not charging properly (it is now) and a few other smaller issues were rectified.

There is a lovely 5inch Smiths Black Shadow Speedo fitted and ribbed Black Shadow brake drums at the front. Subtle upgrades include a modern self generating BTH magneto for ease of starting and the original Miller dynamo being converted to 12V. The original Miller rear light is present as is the original 19inch Dunlop rear rim. The original toolbox is also present however not fitted on the photos.

The B Rapide is a very good runner and starts first kick. Very good compression. Gears select and engage smoothly.  

When the Rapide was sold in 1994 it was sold as a matching numbers Rapide. This was backed up by a Factory Certificate from the Vincent Owners Club and the fact that the original brown log book confirming all numbers was (and still is) present with the bike. Sure enough, the frame numbers are 1900 apart from the engine number as they should be. However it has since transpired that the frame numbers are indeed stampings made when the Rapide was restored in the early 1990s and prior to it being sold on. The numbers look very original and are a very near match to original Vincent stampings of the time. Only one digit is slightly more compressed compared to an original stamping.

We have learned that it is not unusual for Vincents with “replaced" numbers to have been issued with factory certificates in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Thankfully the VOC Records Officers are now much more alert.

So, while the Series B Rapide is a very good and correct example, while the original brown log book is present and while there is a VOC Certificate present, the frame numbers are not genuine and it must be considered as a non matching numbers Series B Rapide.

The Rapide is registered with a UK V5 and has the original brown log book.