1939 Vincent HRD Series A Rapide - Jay Leno's Garage

[@tenashus63]

Thanks for getting a new generation of kid, intrested in mechanics and the beauty of motos. Not all of us had dads, to pass it on to us. Thank you Jay.

[@ac9110]

Coming from Stevenage in England, it makes me proud to see Jay talking in such revered tones about the Vincent.

[@davehoward22]

The factory was on the A1

[@markgraham1736]

am from the 'nidge to.. the factory was at the end of the 'old town' on the small one way system.. it's blue plagued..

[@gordonmanley529]

I was lucky man i had a 1935 Vincent Comet it was a wonderful bike i miss the days when i was riding it

[@scottmunsey7075]

you ARE a very lucky man. No past tense with a fact like that. i'd love to hear some tales of your time with the Vincent...

[@nicetna2010]

+gordon manley Very cool, we're listening...

[@Samosapapa]

+gordon manley I heard he passed away

[@MrDaiseymay]

+gordon manley Were you still able to father children ?

[@jeffwilliams8464]

gordon manley I'd really like to get my hands on an old Norton . I'm sure it's not even close to the same but I'd still like one

[@Firecracker387]

Mr Leno's delivery is superb. Mr Leno certainly has an in-depth knowledge which is enlightening and informative...a true piston head, a subject matter expert. Keep it coming Jay.

[@BPantherPink]

Freddy MacFaol Yessss... remembering all the details of all of his collection !! That's remarkable 👏👏👏 Well done Jay !!

[@grahambridges9020]

Mongo gerry

[@BuzzLOLOL]

110 MPH and 25 HP 9:15 ??? ... No, you're talking at least 35-40 HP... edit: OK, said 45 HP twice earlier, didn't watch that part...

[@leehaelters6182]

BuzzLOLOL, I heard 45 horsepower, not 25. Play it again, Sam.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@leehaelters6182 - At 9:15 he says 25 HP... but he said 45 twice earlier, but I didn't watch that part...

[@DavidMartin-jz1je]

A work of art Jay.

[@BassOutcast]

Thanks, Jay. Not only for the information and free videos, but for actually letting that magnificent beast spread it's wings and take it out on a ride. That's what bikes are made for.

[@peterherrington3300]

As a rider of many decades and countless bikes from many manufacturers my absolute dream is to ride a big Vincent. Greetings from England

[@lancepattinson4790]

only ride? how much would you pay to own one? anyone know a recent price on the market for 2021..? i saw an ad on ebay for $1.1m....surely that is wishful thinking? it's not yours is it Jay?

[@peterherrington3300]

@@lancepattinson4790 I dont want to own one. I have many motorcycles and simply riding a good example on a sunny day through leafy southern England lanes would fulfill my wish. It's not about the value or the status symbol (unlike Americans) Its purely about the experience. Not many will understand (or need to)

[@siamsasean]

Absolutely Lovely! Thank you, Mr. Leno. As a musician, I'm in firm agreement on using it "with a bit of care" rather than keeping it on the shelf and never touching. Instruments are the same way. My sweetie has a 1920 Gibson mandolin/banjo that she asks me to play all the time cuz she just wants to listen to it.

[@Paul-899cc]

Wow, wow, wow, wow ! What a bike. An engineering masterpiece, decades before it's time. 150 on the salt lakes, under 12s 1/4 mile is utterly bonkers in the 1940/50's ! Utterly beautiful (it's the simple but, beautiful engineering that does it). The Brits of that era knew how to build bikes. I'm not jealous of anyone or anything normally but, on this occasion I'll make a exception. Your a lucky man JL & what I like most is that you use it & share it. Best wishes from the UK. Ps, seen a later one in the skin at the Sammy Miller Museum in Dorset 👌.

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Another gorgeous machine preserved by Jay Leno. Marvelous stuff.

[@laurieharper1526]

Absolutely and he's dead right about using and enjoying it, rather than treating it as a museum exhibit. The firm that supplies parts and spares for Vincents was round the corner from where I used to live. A pal had a Comet. Lovely machine.

[@chrish5791]

Thanks Jay, I’m glad that you use your money in ways that makes you happy and that you’re sharing that joy with the rest of us. Your enthusiasm for your machines is infectious and I look forward to seeing your next acquisition.

[@boston7704]

These bikes are just stunning, and remarkably fast. One of them paced me on my GPZ 1100 on 93 up to Laconia NH, and did so easily at 100-105 mph. Very impressive.

[@paulstandeven8572]

The Series A HRD twins were definitely good for 110 mph. A new one was ridden to Brooklands pre WW2, and made 108 mph with all road equipment, on the banking. It would do a bit more on level ground

[@mikecartlidge5355]

Have said this before and I will say it again, Jay is a true gent and loves old motorcycles for what they are, as opposed to how much they are worth.

[@darryldyke1264]

What a cracking bike. Saw a guy racing an Egli Vincent a couple of years back. These bikes need to be ridden.

[@johnmcclain3887]

I've built a couple hundred custom bikes in my day, always wanted any one of your old bikes, watch and drool, and truly enjoy the sight and sounds. Nothing in the world like the sound of a Vincent, or Brough, or any of the other unique, and as you say, "mostly museum bikes" you bring out to ride. Thanks for the show, it's always a pleasure.

[@sanjeevdm]

From old India. An old biker and someone who loves tinkering around (yechh for the new machines). Love you Jay (no misinterpretations, please) for what you show us. Thanks.

[@TheNostorian]

HA!! GAAAAAAY

[@Mister_Fancypants]

@@TheNostorian takes one to know one

[@SandeepSingh-fq6pu]

Where are you based in India?

[@sanjeevdm]

@@SandeepSingh-fq6pu Bangalore.

[@aanunkitch2426]

Im British and love British bikes and i love that jay does too. Yay UK !

[@danoweston6185]

Wow a lot of features that are new on bikes of today!1

[@CathyC454]

I love listening to Mr. Leno, no matter which car or bike he's talking about. I also love the comments...Jay Leno's garage is the best channel on youtube. My daughter was crazy about Jay Leno as a child, because the babysitter let her stay up late to watch him. When she was 4 she wrote him a letter about when he rode a tricycle on Sesame Street. He sent her an autographed photo, which she had hanging on her wall. Nice guy, great show.

[@RB747domme]

Freaking gorgeous. It's jaw-droppingly beautiful, and really one of the most incredible bikes ever made. Jay is so lucky to own one of these classic bikes. They are changing hands now for ridiculous amounts of money, especially in mint condition - or 'show' condition as they say. I was never lucky enough to ride a Vincent, it's on my bucket list though. I fulfilled my dream of riding a Brough Superior a few years back, on a classic bike open weekend at Donington Park in England.. and it was a truly unforgettable experience. One day I'll get to ride one of these idols. Jay Leno, you lucky, lucky man.

[@roberthartman7536]

I have seen lots of pictures over the years. I have seen 1 in a museum. That's the first time I ever seen someone ride one. Respect for that!

[@bareknuckles2u]

What a motorcycle...that thing is just stunning!

[@harris16709]

Buy royal Enfield c5 same design

[@inspirality]

+faiz fazal sayed Not in a month of sundays.

[@caduceus4496]

Well done,Mr. Leno. How lucky for those dear old motorcycles to be in such good hands! I thoroughly enjoy watching you riding them on the open road. Thank you for providing such informative videos with the endearment you display so genuinely.

[@philipjanes]

Wow, that really is beautiful.

[@66crowie]

Such a beautiful machine!! Such a shame we failed to invest in our bike industry. From world leaders to has beens in fifty years!! Love the channel Jay, you are the best kind of petrol head, one that rides and drives his treasures!!

[@JohnJones-cp4wh]

The biggest problem was that the price and availability of cars like the mini changed the mindset of the customer.

[@petejulie1000]

Jay, I just love to hear you describe machinery. You are much more than a comedian. Should'a been a design engineer.

[@Dahliaman1]

The Rapide what a fantastic bike, work of art. However, for sheer 'presence' I think the Vincent motorcycle that has to take that crown is the Black Shadow Series C, as it looks so beautiful yet utterly menacing. Jay Leno is a superb commentator on these videos with a mix of informative and detailed comment and a few jokes (and why not). He obviously loves these motorcycles and seems almost in awe of the old ones. Is it me or does his stance appear almost bowing to the Vincent like he's in the presence of motorcycle royalty? I come from UK and am delighted that Jay Leno talks about the British motorcycles as well. Nice one. PAUL

[@crieff1sand2s]

One of the things I like about Jay Leno is his mantra about getting these bikes of the blocks and get them out on the road and use then... Amen to that 🏍️

[@1911gnr]

It makes me happy to see a guy with something like this, and treats ot the way it was built to be treated.

[@bustjanzupan1074]

Amen 🙂

[@aeronwilliams94]

Nice to see these ol beauties still being used and not retired . Good job old bean .

[@ExBRBuckeyemanCJB]

Well Jay, I have to say that I love your sarcasm and your enthusiasm for old mechanical vehicles. It's really fantastic that keep these old birds going. All the best to you.

[@jackwilson8651]

Bravo, Jay. I’ve been watching this channel for years now and you are at your absolute finest doing this series. From one rev-head to another, thanks.

[@rogerwhite9484]

TY Mr. Leno for sharing another iconic motorcycle vv/us & for preserving so many historic vehicles & shovving all of them the dedication & love that they deserve. Its alvvays enjoyable to see you riding/driving all these classics as too many collectors take them off the roads permenantly. I hope one day you'll consider running some of them @ a classics race & make video of it. TY again & vvishing you many years of safe & fun riding/driving .

[@fatso5131]

Wow...! That is a beautiful machine. I love vintage bikes, but that one is truly special. Thanks Jay great video...

[@stevenmarns4661]

There is a small museum in Jurien Bay, a small fishing town in Western Australian, that has 40+ Vincent bikes. The owner actually has his house built around the gallery displaying his collection. Very cool to visit.

[@jeffgross866]

Just love that Jay rides and drives and wrenches on his collection.

[@Mickdrives4fun]

that is a stunning piece of Art

[@kwells5]

So nice to see something automotive/motorcycle related that doesn't insult my intelligence and isn't afraid to present numbers and mechanical facts of the vehicles. I'm starved for quality content like this as opposed to material directed to adolescents and the less mechanically inclined such as US Top Gear. Thanks so much Jay!

[@tonyr111]

Thank you Jay, for all the great motorcycle videos. I love the fact that he has such a great selection of cool bikes, and the history to go with them. I know the guy who sold you a Vincents years ago, from Montrose Minnesota. Bob & Sid wring a bell. You are a true gentleman motorcyclist. Thanks again for all the video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danburby7936]

Jay,I rode a Vincent gunga din at Bonneville in the early sixties,it was scary fasr

[@newbornlogg]

so much awesome stuff and what makes most of it awesome is you were able to hold on to alot of it for Longer than I've been alive

[@Sean_Coyne]

Still got my signed copy of Phil Irving's Tuning for Speed. What a fabulous engineer he was it was a pleasure to meet him. Never owned a Vincent, sadly. I missed out on a factory built Vincent kneeler sidecar outfit with a black shadow motor by ten minutes. Dammit! Sold in Wolverhampton by a friend of my fathers at his motorcycle shop. It went to an American couple, back in 1973.

[@falconoilcompany]

I was well impressed by Mr Leno,s concise and knowledgeable presentation. He knows his subject and was very informative. I never knew he was interested in this kind of subject. Great job.

[@therainforest4314]

I remember reading about and admiring these beautiful British motorcycles. Mechanical works of functioning art. :)

[@gettrivialstuffed4620]

I love every kind of motorcycle there is scooters, supersports, American cruisers, Italian bikes, Japanese bikes, German bikes, name it and I'll show my uttermost enthusiasm towards them. The thing is though, there is something about the way brits design them that makes them so special, in my personal opinion this is the most beautiful bike ever built...

[@canadaeast8358]

Love this bike only for jay I would never get to see bikes like this and learn so much about them . Thanks for sharing your machines and knowledge jay

[@ChrisPage68]

A piece of Hertfordshire heritage. Made a few miles away from me.

[@promerops]

PageMonster I was (am?) a Brocket Baby.

[@ienjoy8008s]

that chain slap though! amazing bike

[@javierortiz82]

Those vintage bikes are beautiful. Damn!

[@larrychambers4407]

Thanks Jay !! Showing your fans machines like this is very nice. What a great bike. Really enjoy all you do !

[@DA-ou7hv]

I read somewhere Bhonams auctioned one around $375k is back in 2015. That article said around 65 left in the world at that point. Very rare in condition as Jay has shown and very beautiful too. Great videos Jay, thank you.

[@bearone7777]

Great comment, and I also LOVE older vehs. and he is doing a great job at restoring these fantastic older vehs.!!!!!!

[@MonteOlsen]

Wow, what a great bike, and Jay Leon's love for 'kinetic' art really makes watching this episode fun. Thank you.

[@MrMambott]

Simply Amazing though certainly not being anywhere near simple ,, pure art ,,how amazing to be able to own such a beautiful piece of history

[@sunflowerrose1317]

This bike is an absolute work of art, you are a lucky man.

[@scruttles]

Many thanks for this from an ex '49 Series C Norvin, and '47 Series B (no 63) owner..

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Thank you for sharing Mr Leno. Glad this motorcycle is in your care. Had to watch the video hehe. Cheers 🇦🇺

[@earlchrysler5998]

I had a 1952 Rapide in San Diego in 1955-56. Never had a problem starting it. Impossible to do a 'wheelie' due to the front suspension - the tank would just come up and say 'hello' to you. Very comfortable ride, front or back. The Back Shadow had aluminum fenders that detracted from the Rapide's cool, all black machine look with just a small name decal on each side of the tank. Only problem was the clutch-actuating lever that the clutch cable pulled against a spinning rod wore down quickly, requiring frequent cable adjusting. That was solved by having the heel portion of the lever case-hardened. Only problem was unreliable Lucas electrical system. Even though biking today is extremely dangerous, I wish I had it back!

[@exb.r.buckeyeman845]

Hello Earl, I thought a small ball bearing was placed at the end of the clutch push rod to ease wear, and the electrics were Miller, except the magneto which was BTH.

[@earlchrysler5998]

@@exb.r.buckeyeman845 Hi Buckeye Man - I chatted with Jay about this problem with his Black Shadow and he said his mechanics replaced the stock system with a home-made solution. I still prefer leaving the system logic alone and just case-hardening the heel of the lever the spinning rod rotates against. I had a problem with my generator and a mechanic said he did the best he could, but it was a Lucas product and Lucas seemed to have a built-in unreliability problem. Perhaps they used various generator manufacturers, trying to find a highly reliable one.

[@Anticommunism99]

This channel is pure gold

[@1961kickboxer]

That vincents a work of art mechanically steve uk.

[@retromod7525]

Phil Irving was a true genius, not only for his work on Vincents, but also the Brabham 3l RB620 V8 race engines and the truly remarkable 12-port aluminium cylinder head for the Holden 6cyl engine. These are much sought after and as rare as chicken dentures. A true genius, and the author of many books on classic motorcycles and tuning.

[@jeffwilliams8464]

Jay Leno just amazes me. he is the epitome of what every boy wanted to be when they grew up

[@garyoneill8868]

The fact that Jay even knew about Phil Irving is impressive. A brilliant Aussie engineer/engine man; he's only known in relatively closed circles.

[@jasperellery4947]

+Gary O'Neill A great Australian engineer before he passed he was still tinkering with engines and bikes in Central Victoria in the back of a Bike Shop - amazing man and gentleman and he just had such a general common sense approach to it all - one of his books that he wrote 'Tuning for Speed' is a great read!!! - there is a company in Australia that are producing and racing Vincents off Irving's designs, and they have been winning around the world !!! Fantastic that these guys are keeping it going - and what a great presentation of not only the bike by Mr. Leno - but also his knowledge is outstanding

[@garyoneill8868]

+Jasper Ellery Yes, a workmate loaned me that book; I got some good tips from it. And yes; common sense things that we (me) tend to overlook.

[@bensummers5287]

+Gary O'Neill Except Phil Irving did not own Vincent any time.

[@jasperellery4947]

+Ben Summers No one is saying he did - so why denigrate a man with such a statement!

[@bensummers5287]

+Jasper Ellery I was referring to Jay Leno's comment at 2:29 when he states (incorrectly) that Phil Irving bought HRD. It was obviously a mistake on his part.

[@markbarber7839]

Thanks J, I agree this is one beautiful machine. Thanks again for sharing !

[@vmat1000]

This is why i love Jay's channel. Already expressed love for Triumphs amd Nortons but this Vincent is a jewel!! dang, i just knew of these from the song Vincent Black Lightning by Richard Thompson. Late for that even, '06!!

[@stevenlamphear1945]

thank you for riding that bike, Jay.

[@stewartw.9151]

Jay Leno certainly loves his machinery! I remember a guy in my biking days who always had to be pushed down the road by his buddys to start the Vincent he rode, which was a 1000cc engine and I think either a Black Lightning or Black Shadow. I always assumed that the reason for the push was that it was a big, tall and heavy bike and he was a little guy but maybe like we saw on this video, kicking it over against compression was not advisable!

[@Paufit]

although jays had a compression release

[@alanshaw6379]

Superb bike.Superb bike knowledge Jay.You should write a History of the motorcycle.

[@nicetna2010]

+Alan Shaw Agreed. Jay really knows his stuff with cars, he's off the chart with bikes.

[@e.p.t.2358]

Jay, I am amazed at your fantastic motorcycle collection.

[@jonathanland2218]

Fantastic video - I’ve learned lots about HRD/ Vincent - thank you.

[@Simon-hf3lw]

Safety first Jay great looking monocycle another beautiful piece on your collection I remember when I was a kid my uncle's his friends they all had monocycles specially on our summer house all the monocycles park on our backyard it was a beautiful sight 👍💕

[@writehandman2833]

Perhaps the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Beautiful bike! Keep 'em coming, Jay!

[@gmlipp]

thanks for all the motorcycle videos. I really enjoy seeing all the awesome bikes. There's not many places where you can see running examples of these bikes.

[@Splitscreen83]

That's just outstanding. 1930's! 😳

[@randalbedard687]

One of the coolest bikes ever.definitely beautiful

[@formegolf]

Jay you are a great commentator. Your words are flawless and effortless. I don't know how many takes it took but there can't be many. Great job! Take care!

[@MrSmileworks]

Awesome motorcycle, Jay! A work of art that was way ahead of its time!

[@Walnut7Man555]

Hay Jay I herd you say you like motorcycles that you can see through. Now whenever I look at one I get down and look through it thanks Jay lol.

[@DarthVader1977]

heard*

[@SetApartDisciples]

I agree that stainless steel exhaust is awesome and stands to the chrome and wrapped ones we so commonly see today. Another beaut... 11:55 AWAYYYYY...............

[@Conz-geo]

lol

[@royalblue2043]

I hope these bikes will be cared for forty years from now by enthusiastic owners like yourself Jay. I miss my 850 Commando but love my Harley softail. Kind regards from Canada

[@srhintz]

Ermagerd that thing is gorgeous. I'm glad it's being ridden and enjoyed.

[@JeffGR4]

The brilliant Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have developed engineering near-perfection, but I'm fascinated by these glorious bikes of the 1930s & '40s which were the result of British ingenuity. Jay's analysis is on target (as usual) when he calls the mechanics of the 1939 Vincent HRD "kinetic art." I love how Jay discusses the swagger vibe one gets when riding these rugged, yet stunningly beautiful machines from an era of British exceptionalism in motorcycle production.

[@AnnoyingName999]

tryarunm You're an idiot.

[@ChrisPage68]

Richard Rowe Using the R-word is no better than what he said.

[@ivanjulian2532]

The bike you want to get - while you still can - is a post 2002 non USA Honda VTR 1000. I say "non USA" because the VTR's made after 2002 had a 19 litre tank, but for some reason the USA bikes kept the 16 litre tank. What a bike... a 1000cc V twin but with all the modern goodies and Honda reliability. Every time I ride mine I think to myself "Ahhhh so this is what a modern Black Shadow would be like."

[@jonisonvespa]

jay, your a special person, thanks for sharing all your lovely toys

[@jimilite]

Thanks for sharing that beautiful bike and for riding as it was meant to be. Love is use not abuse

[@BavonWW]

Friend of mine owned one. Rode it myself quite often. Loved it, but never got around to buying in my own. Unique engineering and design

[@Nebulax123]

That horn is adjustable , it has a nut and screw in the middle and it is probably just out of adjustment. Just loosen the locknut, hold down the horn button and screw the adjuster in and out untl it is at it's loudest and tighten down the lock nut. It should get a lot louder than that.

[@MrDaiseymay]

+Nebulax123 Quite right---question---did that design of Horn EVER get upgraded ? It always looked so cheap and basic, from the 40's right through the 80's, by my own experience.

[@fossy4321]

My 1950 BSA Golden Flash has exactly the same horn which I rebuilt (as well as the rest of the bike) and it makes a beautiful loud throaty sound.

[@Martin_Schorr]

Lucas Altette, I think. On my Matchless and AJS they works well. But I dont need they, if engines are running 😆

[@JimiHendrix998]

The Altette was fine. I have 4 on bikes. Adjust them correctly What a total hooray henry this guy is!

[@ericrounce8181]

So that may what happens when you have more money than brains. Obviously Jay had something going for him.

[@rexjaru]

I'm way more of a car guy than a motorcycle fan. But Jay Leno usually knows enough of the tech and the interesting back-stories on these machines to keep anyone engaged.

[@hotwheel6663]

Awesome Vincent!

[@ericgeorge5483]

What a wonderful motorcycle. Stunning.

[@jimkalfakis9893]

That’s the most beautiful motorbike I’ve ever seen. It’s gorgeous

[@mattgibbs73]

Great final summing up on this video, yes, they are quite rare, yes they are expensive, but just keeping one under wraps in the garage is no good, they need and should be ridden, as Jay says, with respect! :) Lovely motorcycle, my Grandfather saw these being raced at the Isle of Man, he used to ride to the TT every year with a bike club from the late 20s until WW2. ;)

[@Rahhhhhnman]

thumbs up to you Jay Leno, you are the man.

[@BadEddieB1]

My brother is getting his '51 Rapide back running after sitting for 14 years. Ought to be fun. Keith Code (Calif Superbike school) and I are going to fire it up. excited.

[@kellykonoske91]

Some of the most beautiful bikes ever

[@RB747domme]

Kelly Konoske one of*

[@a-skepticalman6984]

"These tend to mark their territory" Best excuse for an oil leak I ever heard.

[@RB747domme]

a-SkepticalMan not really. The oil drop, was a common oiling system used on bikes back in that era, that would drop on the floor from the tap. That is how you knew the drop rate, simply by seeing how many drops per minute come out the bottom of your bike onto the tarmac while you are getting your leathers on.

[@keithsage7258]

Sounds like a BSA..

[@terryjackson4538]

My boss years ago had a 54 Rapide. We replaced gaskets, used sealant. Still had to put a drip tray beneath it when parked. He's a very intelligent bloke and his research had come up with the fact that post war British cast metal was quite porous. The seals were fine, the oil was soaking slowly through the casing. He has both a Comet and a Rapide that I had the pleasure of riding and working on. Even in the late 90's these were bringing big money.

[@davehoward22]

@@terryjackson4538 Thats true,close up the casings look like pummice stone

[@splodge57]

They just liked to breathe.

[@snowflakezzonPC]

THAT is a BEAUTIFUL bike!!!

[@richardbraley7774]

Pretty great. I can't believe these old brit bikes. They made motorcycles that looked the way motorcycles should look. So cool.

[@aserta]

Really nice motorcycle. It has it's quirks and bumps but i think that's what makes it special. And that engine is such a distinct sound. Very interesting.

[@willdon.1279]

In the 1950s I was lucky to own two - HOL876 a series B which was modified for sprint racing, with cams, pistons and carbs to Lightening standard in 1947 60 BHP, followed by a C shadow, LNC***? An unbelievable thrill to ride, still remembered. Sold for under $250 each...! Wish I hadn't 😞