With the imminent introduction of the Black Shadow, PEI recalls on p.365 of his autobiography the need for a 150mph speedo with a 5 inch dial.
#Hrd motorcycle series#
Note above the Smiths logo.we call this the shield logo and it was used up until the mid 1946, when the circular "MA" was removed and the text became SmithS with the "S" at either end in capitals.įrom the mid 1950's, but more likely 1959 on, the logo was SMITHS.įollowing WW2 the Vincent-HRD company used the following for the series B and series C Comet and Rapide. I don't have evidence for the single 500cc Meteor, but would be inclined to think it used the 85mph/140kph speedo.Īfter WW2 the trend for 85mph speedos continued up until around 1949 with many manufacturers, but Vincent-HRD, then just Vincent used the 120mph trip chronometric with side exit trip as the speedo was mounted in the open. But some did use 120mph, such as the Rudge Ulster, the BSA Gold Star, Brough Superior and the Vincent "A" twin. In the 1930's most of the chronometric speedometers supplied to the motorcycle trade were 80mm ( 3") diameter 85mph often Non trip, but otherwise trip and 140kph for metric areas of the world. Interesting the use of metric threads.but the chronometric is a French Jaeger instrument and thus totally metric. The threaded fitting came during WW2 and used a 12mm x 1mm thread. Prewar the cable fitting attached to the speedo via what is called in the instrument trade "a Jaeger fitting". So perhaps this is the time to post some data of the Smith's instruments and ancillaries used on the Vincent motorcycle.Īll the Vincent speedometers used on the 500cc and 1000cc models were Smith's chronometric instruments, including the tachometer on the Black Lightning and Grey Flash racers.
Throughout my various earlier blogs there are references to chronometric speedometers and tachometers and of course I have showcased Phil Irving's involvement with The Vincent Motorcycle.
The Vincent speedometer by Denis Quinlan the velobanjogent.