This 1953 Vincent Black Shadow Rapide was acquired by the current owner in 1998.  According to the previous owner, he had the bike for 30 years. This motorcycle appears to be a 3-owner motorcycle. During that time period the bike was maintained at Manx Motors in Sebastopol, CA. According to the information provided by the previous owner, it had a genuine Shadow engine (VIN = late 1953) with an earlier Rapide frame (VIN = 1949). The bike had been partly “lightningized” by a previous owner. The bike had alloy rims and a “Lightning” tachometer.

Prior to purchase, the current owner had the bike inspected by an expert who confirmed that it was not an original Black Shadow, but a Black Shadow engine installed in a Rapide chassis. Though not having original matching numbers or set up to standard specification, it was in good mechanical condition and in good running order. The cosmetic condition was fair. In particular, the gas tank and seat were in poor condition. The bike had been set up to Black Lightning specifications with the installation of two front cylinder heads and TT carburetors. Dunlop alloy wheel rims, alloy Amal GP competition style clutch and brake levers and an alloy Amal dual throttle were also fitted to the bike.

After the current owner acquired this bike, it was initially serviced by Dick Busby, a well-known Vincent restoration specialist. Dick performed all necessary mechanical adjustments to the bike and replaced the TT carburetors since it was very difficult to keep the bike running with those racing carburetors. Those have since been sold. The tank was sent out to be done to original specifications, as was the seat. Those are presently in excellent condition. Most recently, the bike was serviced by Classic Cycles in Orange, CA. This Vincent is of original parts and it is a road machine. It is ready to ride and has serviced regularity.