I was initially worried that I might have to try and source a correct carburettor for 2751. This is what came fitted to the bike: This appeared to be of the correct clip-fitting configuration. The float bowl angle should be 15 degrees. Note the film case cap – photographer Peter Johnson’s touch no doubt! I …
Here is a shot of what the handlebars and controls looked like when I acquired 2751: Peter Johnson commented that the tachometer and tacho’ drive gearbox were not the ones that the bike left Australia fitted with. The alloy twist grip/front brake and clutch levers are of a more recent type, possibly manufactured by Doherty. …
As acquired 2751 had a tacho’ fitted, perfectly functional but of the incorrect type. First port of call was Franco, again! He included the correct parts together with the other items that he let me have. The tachometer I also thought that I needed was one of the striking Smiths instruments of the racing pattern …
Gearchange As acquired, the foot controls of 2751 were as set up and adapted by Peter Johnson for his racing use. Firstly, the drilled footrest support plate appears to be non standard. I managed to acquire an accurately reproduced pair of plates that I may employ in the restoration. I do not want to write-off …
The gearbox fitted to 2751 is an Albion No. 16 close ratio racing item. The casing seems to be magnesium though it needs to be removed and examined closely. It is believed to be the original gearbox that 2751 left The Works with.
The UFM The Vincent Upper Frame Member (UFM) utilises the engine as a stressed member and also acts as the oil tank. It is attached securely to the cylinder head by a bracket (1). The rear of the UFM is attached similarly to the rear cylinder head on 1,000cc vee-twin models. The single cylinder Comet, …
Externally I can see that a considerable amount of the original motor remains. Certainly the cylinder head was replaced. As mentioned earlier in in a comment by Bill Hoddinott: “The original cylinder head of the GF was an unpainted Black Lightning/Shadow front head with standard size but polished valves and the inlet port opened to …
When I acquired 2751, it had fitted to it a very smart looking painted petrol tank that has been signed by John Surtees at an event in Japan (see pic in the ‘History’ section of this blog). This tank looked splendid but as I dug into the original specification of 2751 I realised that the …
When I acquired 2751 I noted that the wheel rims fitted were 21″ for the front and 19″ to the rear – both Borrani. Bill Hoddinott commented: “I have the impression that the Works used both Borrani and Dunlop 20 (rear) and 21 inch alloy (front) rims on GFs and BLs interchangeably from ’49 through …
When I acquired 2751 from Mr. K , he let me have an NOS Vincent racing seat that he had. This was a real plus as these seats are almost impossible to come by. And indeed when I unwrapped the packaging, a very rare item in fine condition presented itself. Perfect, or so I thought… …
Grey Flash 2751 