Vincent Black Shadow
|
Make Model |
Vincent Black Shadow |
|
Engine |
Air cooled, four stroke, V-Twin cylinder. OHV |
|
Capacity |
998 |
| Bore x Stroke | 84 x 90 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 7.3;1 |
|
Induction |
2 x 1.125 inch type 29 Amals |
|
Ignition / Starting |
Lucas Magneto ('55 models had Kettering ignition) |
|
Max Power |
55 hp @ 5500 rpm |
|
Max Torque |
|
|
Transmission / Drive |
4 Speed / chain |
| Frame | Brazed lug duplex tubular cradle. Cantilever rear springing |
|
Front Suspension |
Vincent Girdraulic forks, 3" wheel travel. |
|
Front Brakes |
2x 178mm drum |
|
Rear Brakes |
Single 180mm drum |
|
Front Tyre |
3.00 -20 |
|
Rear Tyre |
3.50 -19 |
| Seat Hieght | 826mm |
|
Dry-Weight |
227 kg |
|
Fuel Capacity |
16 Litres |
| Top Speed | 125 mp/h / 201 km/h |
| Reviews | Motorcycle-USA / Cycle World |
The Black Shadow was a "Stressed Frame" design. The engine, instead of being cradled in a set of frame rails, was suspended from above becoming an integral part of the structure. The Black Shadow as well as the other post Second World War Vincents featured several new technological innovations such as a unique and original alternative to the primitive telescopic front forks of the day, a sprung rear sub-frame, the extensive use of aluminium alloy and a unit construction stressed engine. It weighed in at a relatively light 458 lb[1] (207 kg) which was about the weight of a pre-war 500 cc bike.
The inspiration for the Black Shadow was Royal Air Force pilots flying over
the factory, and soldiers serving in the war. The designers created a
motorcycle that could be operated and maintained by men who had been injured
in combat. The clutch could be operated with just two fingers, and
maintenance was made far easier than anything previously available.[citation
needed]
The reason for its name "Black" Shadow was due to the entire bike (including
the engine) being coated with black paint. The reason for the black paint on
the cylinder block is still disputed to this day. Some claim that the black
paint was for looks, others claim that it had something to do with heat
transfer and dissipation. Whatever the original reason behind the painting
of the engine, it was very different from anything else at a time when
everything was polished and chromed."