Most machines are equipped with the well working Girdraulic front fork by the Vincent company. It dampens the uneven parts of the road in an excellent way and has a built in anti-dive. The rear springs can be considered wholly modern. Due to an extremely stable crankshaft and heavy balances, the engine is surprisingly free from vibrations and runs very smooth. The brakes were the most effective motorcycle brakes during the forties and fifties, but are not up to today's standards. Many solutions exist to solve this problem, some use newly manufactured shields, others use disc brakes. The VOC has developed a new 8-inch brake drum with a new shield that seems very promising.
Most bikes is/were equipped with a Lucas magneto. If this is maintained properly, it will serve for many miles without any problems. The Lucas magneto is much better than its reputation. What usually causes trouble is the generator. A worn 55W Miller often cannot power dipped headlights and rear light, and charge the battery at the same time. Those who can afford it replace the generator and charging relay with a newly made AC-generator (alternator) for about 455 £. This generator fit both twins and single cylinder bikes without modification. Those who, for various reasons, cannot start a large twin by kicking, can benefit from an electric starter motor that is now available.

The 500 model Comet or Meteor, has close to identical chassis to the 1000 model. The rear cylinder is replaced with a frame tie and the model is equipped with a Burman gearbox. The cruising speed for a Comet is usually 105 to 115 km/h. Apart from that, most cycle parts are the same. The Comet is an excellent bike for those who would like to enter into the Vincent world.

To discover that barn find that all veteran nuts dream about, will pretty much remain a dream when it comes to Vincents. Yet one can, of course, keep the dream alive. The Vincent machines have always been much sought after and are relatively more expensive than other motorcycles. To find a reasonably priced machine in England or the USA is today impossible.

To really prove that all spare parts are available for a Vincent 1000cc, some members of the VOC set out in 2007 to assemble a complete Vincent Black Shadow with newly manufactured parts! This machine was later auctioned out to VOC members. Read about this bike here: www.realclassic.co.uk
How many other motorcycle brands can offer this kind of spare part range, some 60 years after ceasing production? Link to information on the Spares Company.

For those who dream about a classic machine, there was Godet Vincent. Patrick Godet made so called Egli Vincents with a finish and touch that was in a league of its own. He had also developed the engine further. I have had the joy of testing one of those machines myself. It produced 99 hp on the rear wheel, weighed only 172 kg (without fuel, but with oil) and had a remarkably stiff frame with the markets best shocks and chassis components. This ride is no less than a projectile in the hands of a compentent rider. Patrick died in November 2018. Hes activities have ceased, but his french website still seem to be there: https://www.godet-motorcycles.fr

In Germany, Ernst Hegeler makes very nice parts. Link to Ernst?s website http://vinsparesgermany.com. Ernst with his wife Karin are frequent and appreciated guests at our Scandinavian meetings.

British Only Austria also have a lot for Vincent. Link to their website: www.vintage-motorcycle.com.

There is also a local Spare Parts Supplier here in Sweden. Åke Sjöqvist in Jönköping, phone +46-705-161342, bought all remaining stock from Sören Skoog?s store.

For those who are in a real hurry, there are so called Irving Vincents. Have a look a www.irvingvincent.com
There are more nice stuff from Australia, Terry Prince has some performance parts for Vincent: www.classicmotorbikes.com.au

From 1924 - 1949, the machines were called HRD after Howard Raymond Davies. In 1949, the machines were renamed Vincent after the American general agent had suggested so in order not to cause confusion with another motorcycle brand from Milwaukee, USA ?