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The Rapide Project

British Iron

This is a friend's Vincent Rapide. It has been his project since he last rode it in 1960; he dismantled it later that year. Fast forward to 2023; after a year of occasional conversations about the bike, it became clear he needed assistance building it, so I offered to help. I began work in October 2023; it was ready to ride in late April, 2024.

To be clear, this is not a restoration; it is largely a mechanical rebuild with some minor paint and polish. Toward the end of the project, I decided to paint the fuel tank as standard from the factory including the 23 carat gold leaf lines.

In this photo, the bolt does not align through the rear of the oil tank/upper frame member. It was later re-aligned.

Here is the UFM. It had sustained damage in its time. This was later re-aligned.

Early on, I noticed the frame RC number had been filled with paint; since it will need to be registered again with the Motor Vehicle Department, I used the bead blaster to clear the paint off the steering yoke and repainted it so the number is very clear. Right photo: The missing transfer was replaced (shown) and later clearcoated.

During assembly a broken bolt serving the dynamo cover was found in the primary chain case. It could not be removed using "EZ out" tools. I was able to drill it out to the edge of the bolt threads and carefully lever them out saving the original thread in the case. RFM: The front bolt for the chain guard was also found broken flush and was removed in the same fashion.

The engine components are in remarkably good condition as the engine has not been subjected to botched repairs over time. For all intents and purposes, this engine is about ten years old. The fits in the cases are good. The following is a photo from my friend's shop building where the Rapide is being built.

Here is the progress as of January 4, 2024.

Here it is as of February 29, 2024.

Here is the tank just after applying the finish clearcoat.

Here is the Rapide at the AMCofA show and swap in Dixon California in June, 2024.

Fior thus build, Mikuni Carburetors were chosen in favor of the original Amals. The original Amals drool fuel which is a fire hazard, and fires have happened. Safety is the goal.

This Rapide motor required a different pilot jet than my Black Shadow. The carburetors are set up as follows:

Throttle slide: 3.0

Needle: 6DH2

Needle Clip in the middle position

Needle jet 159-P4

Pilot jet #45

Air Correction jet 1.0

Main jet: 300