Series B vs Series C Rapide

[Buzz Kanter]

I am still looking to buy my first Vincent and have located a decent Series B and a nicer looking Series C Rapide. Both have mismatched numbers and both are decent runners.

Since I am fairly new to the world of Vincents I am curious how other, more experienced Vincentistas (is there such a word?) would compare the two.

The B is a bit worn looking but getting the engine freshened up. The C is stunning and a strong runner. Both are selling for about the same price here in the US.

Pointers and tips for a newby please.

 

[Albervin]

I am still looking to buy my first Vincent and have located a decent Series B and a nicer looking Series C Rapide. Both have mismatched numbers and both are decent runners.

Since I am fairly new to the world of Vincents I am curious how other, more experienced Vincentistas (is there such a word?) would compare the two.

The B is a bit worn looking but getting the engine freshened up. The C is stunning and a strong runner. Both are selling for about the same price here in the US.

Pointers and tips for a newby please.

As I said in a post on another channel, "and then the fight started" ha ha. Given equal condition a B will always sell for more than a C because of rarity. Most of us with both will say the B will ride & steer
sweeter but without hydraulic dampers at each end can be a bit of hard work on rough roads.
If the B has a B UFM & RFM but not matching then I would go in that direction. If it has a C UFM & RFM then at least you can easily fit a rear damper. Parts are a bit harder to find for earlier Bs (gear change lever, kick start lever, 8" headlight etc.) but C stuff still works until you track the elusive part down (if that is what you want). Check the Brampton forks on the B (if that is what is fitted) as the tubes may be bent & while they can be repaired it is a specialist job & can take a while.
It can be likened to saying is an XK120 a better machine than an XK150..... it is what you like that counts. If the bank is willing buy both then sell the one you don't like.. Yup, there are plenty of answers & opinions out there but maybe first you should get someone who knows his A,B,C & D Vincents to have a look for you. Depending on how far north of NYC you are there should be a willing hand.
Oh, we are Vincenteers by the way........ like grown up mouseketeers.

 

[timetraveller]

Oh Dear! This is where Buzz now starts to get different advice. Consider the following and ask yourself a question. Do you believe that Vincents knew what they were doing? If so then it follows that the 'C' was an improved bike over the 'B'. (I will come to the 'D' later.) If you want to use the bike rather than treat it as an investment then of course the 'C' is the better bike. Otherwise you would have to assume that Vincents were making the bikes worse rather than better. It sounds as though the 'C' is already in better condition than the 'B' so why would you not go for it. The number of developments over the years was rather large; much larger than just the obvious things like forks and headlight size and Vincents were trying to improve what at the time was the best bike in the world. Go to a Vincent rally and look at the number of modified bikes or if you are totally new to Vincents go with a Vincent savvy friend and get them to point out the modifications. In general, these modifications have been made to try to make the bikes more user friendly. Now just to further muddy the water consider the 'D's. The 'D' was developed after much feedback from members of the VOC, and other users, at the time. Vincents were trying quite hard to improve the bikes and the problem has always been that at the same time they were in financial trouble. I would not pretend that every change from 'C' to 'D' was perfect but just look at the number of earlier bikes which have now got a fully sprung seat for more comfort. That was a desired change by users 56 years ago. Spark plugs on the same side, carbs on the same side, more power from the dynamo. This is not going to turn into advice to go for a 'D' but the 'C' should be the more usable bike on the road and more comfortable than the 'B'. Good luck.

 

[Buzz Kanter]

Thanks for the information. I knew this would not be a simple or clear and unified response. Having been involved with the classic motorcycle world for so long I didn't expect that.

I leave next week on the Motorcycle Cannonball run on my 1915 Harley twin. We ride 3300 miles coast to coast across the US with 50 or so pre-1916 motorcycles. The event is scheduled to last 17 days, which is quite a lot of time and distance for such old machines (and riders).

If I am still able to consider riding another motorcycle after that I can then turn more attention to my hunt for a Vincent twin. Thanks to all.

 

[b'knighted]

Most of us just have to go with whatever is available at the same time as we have the cash. I agree with Albervin that if the bank is willing buy both then (intend to) sell the one you don't like. If the bank isn't willing try starting/riding both bikes. One of them may instantly feel more to your liking than the other. Whichever you buy will become a big part of your life.
Here we get to the controversy. I really cannot agree with everything Albervin says. We are Vincenteers but to say we are grown up he must have forgotten that we are the Very Old Children. Growing old is mandatory………
Can the spares company stock club badges that stick on helmets like Mouse ears?

 

[passenger0_0]

Selecting what Vincent-HRD is for you is like choosing the way you dress. From the sound of things Buzz, you like pre-war (pick either one) machines and out of the affordable post war selection, the Series B certainly looks more vintage but is still fully functional. I also agree with all the earlier comments. I have a very early and unrestored Series B which may be clouding my vision just a little .......... Whatever way you go you're onto a winner if you like riding. Why not borrow someones bike and try before you buy??

 

[Buzz Kanter]

Thanks for the info. Actually I seem to fall in love with many years and styles of motorcycles. I love riding and learning more about them all. Will see if I can borrow and try out a few different years and models if I can - not too easy here in the US.

 

[Black Flash]

I have ridden my brothers B Rapide quite a few miles and C Comets. The "B" despite being alot heavier than the "C" Comet feels easier handling while riding, you hardly have to touch the bars, you move your head and the bike corners. The C Comet despite the smaller frontwheel ( 19" compared to 21") always felt a bit more reluctant.
Maybe my view is rosetinted as I have a soft spot for that prewar look.

 

[Buzz Kanter]

Thanks. While I had my sights on a twin, I might consider a single for my entry point into the world of Vincent ownership. We here in the US have longer roads and rides and bigger veicles in general. But I still cherish the handling of a well prepped small displacement motorcycle too.