need help with a vincent twin

Roslyn

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
I have done every thing in the book and tried every thing you guys have suggested thank you and more yet I cannot get the bike to start so it is sitting there doing nothing and the options are breaking it up for spares, selling as it is, scarping it or just let it rot away in a damp shed as it is no use to me as a none runner I like to ride the bike and not polish it as a investment so is there any one local to me willing to help me get the bike going please? if not then there is a 1951 black shadow sold as none runner for around 50k that needs some tlc
So it there any one local to me who knows about Vincent Twins who are able help me get the bike going please other wise the bike is not going to be ridden and left to rust as I need the space to work on my reliable Triumph.
 

Sakura

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
The kickstarter on a Vincent only turns the engine over once. My Rapide will not start unless I use the right technique, over the two close compressions, and really throw my weight on the kickstarter. Then it will start first or second kick. I weigh the best part of 15 stone. A half hearted kick will not start it. How hard are you able to get it turned over?
 

vibrac

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Check the date of the annual rally a lot of guys bring vans and trailers for the weekend it's not far from you bring it along and the queue to help you will be as long as to the bar. Starting a new bike can be a frustrating time but be assured once you get to know each other it's worth it.
I admit I have a mains electricity set of rollers for recalcitrant starters it saves my knees in the spring starting season once any bike is running the reasons for poor starting become obvious
 

Martyn Goodwin

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
The kickstarter on a Vincent only turns the engine over once. My Rapide will not start unless I use the right technique, over the two close compressions, and really throw my weight on the kickstarter. Then it will start first or second kick. I weigh the best part of 15 stone. A half hearted kick will not start it. How hard are you able to get it turned over?
You are using the decompression lever? And it is set up correctly so it decompresses BOTH cylinders?

Just wondering........ also be sure NOT to use a heavy oil; 20W-30 should be fine
 

pkrich

Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Had same problem with mine it turned out to be mag not sparking under compression
Had mag rebuilt never looked back
What county do you live in?
Pete
 

Roslyn

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
It is the mag and the timing I am in Sunny Somerset and I had it sorted by some one who knows his stuff in Bristol by Martin Dreyer I may have misspelled his last name and he has been doing for over 20 years and had done mags in the past for my late dad and I did see it run on the test bed rig with blue sparks about 1/4 long.
I am hoping to have it sorted this weekend fingers crossed as I do really miss riding the bike.
 

Little Honda

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Hi, Roslyn, if u know, how to adjust, u hv to take care, that the cone, which keeps the ATD to the magneto
shaft, fits nicely. If scratched or dirty, it will spoil yr ignition adjustment first kick and never be reliable for
a nice ride. Fine valve grinding paste will do the job.
 

pkrich

Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Just as you say happened to me big blue spark but still would not start had mag rechecked it was found not to spark under compression fyg rebuilt it in Sheffield
Refitted started 2nd kick after, it’s only a idea after my experience

pete
 
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