Having chronicled the known history and listed the parts unique to the Grey Flash model, and this bike in particular, I will shortly start publishing, on this blog, posts detailing the restoration process. Since I acquired the bike in 2008 I have diligently researched what parts fitted were original and not, what parts I needed …
When I acquired 2751 it was fitted with a BT-H BKH1 magneto. Nearly all Grey Flashes were fitted with BT-H TT magnetos so I knew this was not correct to the bike. Also, the retard fitting was for the opposite rotation. I wasn’t expecting to be able to find a BT-H TT magneto very easily …
All racing Vincents were fitted with a blanking plate; none of them needed a dynamo as there was nothing for a dynamo to run. These plates were machined from light alloy to a pattern – drawings are held by the VOC. Two are required and held in place with a 1/4″ BSF bolt.
Grey Flashes were all fitted with 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 …
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, …
Grey Flash 2751 