Unscathed by German bombing, Vincent was the first company to start producing motorcycles at the end of the war. For its return to civilian production after WW II, Vincent HRD offered the Series B Rapide, a 998cc V-twin. The Series B was a dramatically new motorcycle, shattering engineering concepts with its frameless or "monocoque" design. The front and rear suspension bolted directly to the oil tank which was concealed by an all-encompassing gas tank. Gone were all the external oil pipes that had caused Vincent engines to be dubbed by some "The Plumbers Nightmare." Being suspended from the oil tank, the engine appeared, by conventional standards, to be hanging in mid-air.

The Series B introduction greatly added to the Vincent's reputation and popularity. Twin carburetors and unusual forward-facing rear exhaust V-twin, gave Vincent-HRD an exciting, new identity among motorcycle manufacturers, one that did not go unnoticed in America.

Vincent dealerships began springing up in the US in 1944. The first opened in Philadelphia and was owned by Eugene Aucott. Soon after dealers opened in Florida, New Jersey, Michigan, California and Texas. The Vincent rush was on, not necessarily as a primary source of dealer income, but simply because the dealers liked the machine. Comparisons to America's Harley-Davidsons began at once, but there was, of course, no comparison. One Vincent that became known as the "Rumplecrankshaft," endured a 100,000-mile test without a single bearing failure. Unfortunately, early gearbox problems cooled American enthusiasm. By 1953 a new shifter was designed but Vincent's reputation for problems could not be offset by the ease with which it could be repaired.

Vincent continued to develop other unique features such as a handlebar mounted brake adjuster. A hydraulic unit replaced twin springs and damper and the rear seat was supported by a sub-frame down to the rear frame pivot point, providing a fully spring seat with 6 inches of suspension. The rear wheel moved independently of the seat, resulting in a configuration that would be utilized on most motorcycles in the 1980's. The oil tank contained a check valve so the oil lines could be disconnected without loss of oil. Wiring could be disconnected by hand, the battery was held by a hand-spun wheel. It pioneered the "buddy seat", a novelty in 1946, but within a few years had almost completely replaced the mattress seat throughout the motorcycle industry. Screen oil and gas filters were a first, and all control levers were fully adjustable.The famous Black Shadow first built in 1948, was easily recognized by the all black finish of the engine and gearbox and the big 5-inch, 150 mph Smith speedometer. It could cruise at 100 mph per hour, and would top out at 125 mph. Based on the Rapide, internal engine components were polished and the gearshift mechanism was lightened.

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