Why hasn't this sold?

If I'm going to drop that kind of money I don't want a Knight. Yes, they were unusual but they are also ugly.
 
I had a stiffey for a Vincent, but have since realized it is not my cup of tea, I enjoy riding fast, in modern traffic. Commando 850 is much better suited.
I do, very much appreciate the engineering & craftsmanship.
A strong engine in anything makes me smile.
 
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concours said:
I had a stiffey for a Vincent, but have since realized it is not my cup of tea, I enjoy riding fast, in modern traffic. Commando 850 is much better suited.
I do, very much appreciate the engineering & craftsmanship.
A strong engine in anything makes me smile.
Click to expand...
You rode a Vincent in traffic?
 
swooshdave said:
The only reason I ask is the Vincents that I ride with are no slouches. But you're right, the drum brakes are not ideal for modern traffic.
Click to expand...
Would really like to the see some pics of you riding with the various Vincents you speak of....maybe owner letting you ride his bike? Said owner sharing his thought on the value/nuance's of his/her Vincent?
Sharing your insight and expertise of said Vincents would really be insightful and helpful to me.
I have been taking a hard look at one specific Vincent for a while now. Lotta' money.
Are the Vincent owners you are riding with riding their Vincent's in traffic?
 
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Lineslinger said:
Would really like to the see some pics of you riding with the various Vincents you speak of....maybe owner letting you ride his bike? Said owner sharing his thought on the value/nuance's of his/her Vincent?
Sharing your insight and expertise of said Vincents would really be insightful and helpful to me.
I have been taking a hard look at one specific Vincent for a while now. Lotta' money.
Are the Vincent owners you are riding with riding their Vincent's in traffic?
Click to expand...
A well set up Vincent is a very nice bike to ride indeed. Actually, the light weight, instant torque, and small physical size, makes them great in traffic.

Because they are physically small, other road users often think it’s a very small bike, and treat you accordingly, so upgraded electrics to allow constant use of the brightest lights are a good idea.

There are many proven mods available, EI, E start, Mikuni carb kits, suspension upgrades, etc, etc. So they can easily be made into a very useable and very fast classic.

I have personally never ridden one with standard brakes. Those who have claim they are good when set up properly, but I cannot comment on that. Mine had a 4LS drum in the front which was excellent. And only half a rear brake, which was shite !

Set up right, they are a first kick starter, handle well, go fast, and easily handle high mileages.

Bottom line is, if you want one, and can afford one, you‘re highly unlikely to be disappointed.

Getting a good one, rather that a shiny money pit, is probably the hardest part.

Restoring one is very involved indeed. They are totally different to any other Brit bike. And many did very high mileages over the decades and are utterly worn out inside !

If you genuinely want one to ride, I would highly recommend an Egli Vincent Godet.
 
I rode mine diagonally thru Manchester UK, population 2.8 million (metro), two up plus luggage. This was also the very first time driving on the left for me. The bike worked beautifully.
I've also ridden it , mostly fully laden, thru countless Canadian and US cities without a hiccup. It starts out under load on an uphiil grade better than the 850 Commando somehow.
The stock brakes are excellent, far superior to the stock Commando brakes.
They saved us when a pickup truck pulled out of a hidden driveway. The driver saw us coming at 70 mph too late then did the worst possible thing. She froze and stopped the truck with it sitting right across the lane. With heavy traffic in the oncoming lane all I could do is brake hard and prepare for impact. The bike came to a halt about ten feet from her truck door. I was sitting on the gas tank while my wife had slid forward into the rider position.
We were fine.
What a great set of binders!

Glen
 
Read through this thread and went back to the advert. Plead guilty to wanting a Vin, a D model and a Knight at that. So here is what appears to be one that can be used as well as gawked at. So would I drop the close to 70k USD? That is why it hasn't sold. Yes, I see he says 'will talk'. So what would be the magic number for me? No matter how motivated both of us are for a sale, he has a floor and I suspect several stories higher than mine.
Remember, if it is in the USA, there will be shipping and VAT to stump up and there may be some relief on the duties as a re-import, don't know. Then there is insurance once here.
You can see how the Vin crowd, on the whole, is likely to be on the other side of the street as most of us. And Knight owners are without a doubt going to be off in a corner by themselves at the Vin rally. :cool:
 
Onder said:
Read through this thread and went back to the advert. Plead guilty to wanting a Vin, a D model and a Knight at that. So here is what appears to be one that can be used as well as gawked at. So would I drop the close to 70k USD? That is why it hasn't sold. Yes, I see he says 'will talk'. So what would be the magic number for me? No matter how motivated both of us are for a sale, he has a floor and I suspect several stories higher than mine.
Remember, if it is in the USA, there will be shipping and VAT to stump up and there may be some relief on the duties as a re-import, don't know. Then there is insurance once here.
You can see how the Vin crowd, on the whole, is likely to be on the other side of the street as most of us. And Knight owners are without a doubt going to be off in a corner by themselves at the Vin rally. :cool:
Click to expand...
It’s the wrong time to be buying an expensive bike in that direction (US-U.K.) unfortunately…

But, worth an email surely…?

Patrick Godet’s own bike was a Knight. He reckoned it was the best of the Vins.

I like them. But the problem is a ‘normal’ Vin is simply SO beautiful. Covering all that beauty up jus’ don’t seem right !
 
Kinda wish I’d not sold this one, but needs must at the time…

Why hasn't this sold?
 
That price equates to the sum of 8 of my bikes (not including the Nortons)

Not even mildly interested in owning a Vincent, much as a Rolls Royce.
 
I wonder how many here have ever seen a series D in the flesh...
They just look great, ahead of their time by decades and obviously designed for touring.
As Glen, I'm lucky enough to own a Commando and a Vincent. I'm Triumph Trident owner as well.
I love my Norton and my Trident, they are great bikes but for fast touring, the Vincent is in another league.
"This is a fact not a slogan".;)
 

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