Grey Flashes were all fitted finned drums finished in black enamel. These are the same as fitted to Black Shadow and Black Lightning models: two per hub, front and rear.
The rear hub is drilled for 10 bolts as per Black Shadow and Black Lightning models. Only 5 bolts are present – perhaps they were omitted in the quest for lightness? The road-going 1,000cc Rapide and Comet and Meteor single cylinder models made do with 5 bolt rear hubs. The finned drums went missing before Peter Johnson acquired the bike – they were an object of some envy to owners of plain drum Vincent models and may have been purloined by someone who came to look at the bike when it was in a disassembled state. Peter did mention that some parts had vanished this way. Anyway, Peter sourced some finned drums and had them painted grey to match the rest of the bike.
All the above depicted drilled arms appear to be of the factory racing pattern and finished in dull chromium plate.
All of these arms will be removed and carefully inspected to determine whether they are original racing components, original to 2751, or modified/manufactured standard parts.
When the wheels and brake plates are removed we will see whether the special lightened brake cams are still in place.
These feature a large and chamfered hole…
Lastly the front brake balance beam arrangement and outrigger plate. This appears thus:
This feature of racing Vincents was often adjusted to the preferences of racers and tuners and will most likely be left as-is as homage to Peter Johnson’s tenure.
Any comments much appreciated.
