Any ideas what happened to this guy? He purchased rights to the Vincent marque, built prototypes, invested in marketing, etc., and then just dissapeared.
https://www.vincentmotors.com/
https://www.vincentmotors.com/
Vincent Motors
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Rogue
Well-known member
Don't know, Try E-Mailing him and ask.
From the Vincent site, History section:
"In the summer of 1955, at a Vincent Owner's Club dinner, Phil Vincent announced that the company would not longer manufacture motorcycles. The board of Vincent had decided that the company could no longer function under the continued heavy losses and that production would cease almost immediately. Rather than abandon company tradition of uncompromised quality, it was decided to discontinue the complete range of Vincent motorcycles. The week before Christmas, 1955 the last of these ingenious machines came off the production line and was labeled "The Last." Phil Vincent promised that parts for his motorcycles would always be available. To this day, parts are made and sold worldwide by Harper Engineering, who bought the company out of receivership."
Best wishes
Actually, I was wondering if anyone knew anything about Bernard Li's efforts to bring back the marque. From MotorCycle Daily, October 02.
https://www.motorcycledaily.com/15october02vincentmotors.html
The gallant V-Twin is far from forgotten. It is back, as a matter of fact.
Enter Bernard Li, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, who acquired the Vincent trademark in 1994 and is the president of Vincent Motors, which is based in San Diego. A design and engineering team has given form to Mr. Li's idea of the modern Vincent and with the help of Roush Industries, four running prototypes were unveiled at his house in Ranch Santa Fe in early October. With a styling blend giving a nod to the early days of the Vincent, form is uniquely combined with modern design and components. Carbon fiber gas tank, fenders, fairing and chain guard, LCD instrumentation, USD forks, a cantilever-style monoshock rear suspension with multi-adjustable shock and Brembo brakes all say that the new Vincent is ready for the modern world. A black, round tube, triangulated frame holds not only the motor, but the oil as well.
Now, about the motor. It is easy to tell that it isn't an original Vincent motor, or even a knock-off of a Vincent motor. Nor is it a homemade special. This v-twin motor comes straight from Honda, a significant element in this motorcycle's makeup. Honda typically is not a company to piecemeal its motorcycle parts out to startup companies. The last time this happened was when Mondial recently produced a sportbike and needed a motor. Honda agreed to supply the motor, remembering when Mondial did the same for Soichiro Honda when he was getting his start with the two-wheelers. Apparently, Vincent, and Mr Li, have no such history with Honda, and that makes this partnership all the more unusual and speaks well of the project as a whole.
Design of the bike is not yet final. More prototypes are being created and tested since the unveiling of the first prototypes. Use of computer aided design will speed the process, which is set as a two year phase before production begins. Mr. Li is not concerned over sales wars with Harley Davidson, Indian, or any of the Big Four. His only concern is to produce a modern performer that carries the spirit of the original Vincent motorcycle. We offer our best wishes for success in this endeavor. For more information about the new Vincent, Vincent merchandise and a design contest, visit the Vincent Motors website.
Web updates stopped in 2004 - and my email requesting information has gone unanswered.
In 1970 I rode on a 1953 Lightning - and while there is no way I could afford a restored Lighting, I could certainly consider one of these -
https://www.motorcycledaily.com/15october02vincentmotors.html
The gallant V-Twin is far from forgotten. It is back, as a matter of fact.
Enter Bernard Li, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, who acquired the Vincent trademark in 1994 and is the president of Vincent Motors, which is based in San Diego. A design and engineering team has given form to Mr. Li's idea of the modern Vincent and with the help of Roush Industries, four running prototypes were unveiled at his house in Ranch Santa Fe in early October. With a styling blend giving a nod to the early days of the Vincent, form is uniquely combined with modern design and components. Carbon fiber gas tank, fenders, fairing and chain guard, LCD instrumentation, USD forks, a cantilever-style monoshock rear suspension with multi-adjustable shock and Brembo brakes all say that the new Vincent is ready for the modern world. A black, round tube, triangulated frame holds not only the motor, but the oil as well.
Now, about the motor. It is easy to tell that it isn't an original Vincent motor, or even a knock-off of a Vincent motor. Nor is it a homemade special. This v-twin motor comes straight from Honda, a significant element in this motorcycle's makeup. Honda typically is not a company to piecemeal its motorcycle parts out to startup companies. The last time this happened was when Mondial recently produced a sportbike and needed a motor. Honda agreed to supply the motor, remembering when Mondial did the same for Soichiro Honda when he was getting his start with the two-wheelers. Apparently, Vincent, and Mr Li, have no such history with Honda, and that makes this partnership all the more unusual and speaks well of the project as a whole.
Design of the bike is not yet final. More prototypes are being created and tested since the unveiling of the first prototypes. Use of computer aided design will speed the process, which is set as a two year phase before production begins. Mr. Li is not concerned over sales wars with Harley Davidson, Indian, or any of the Big Four. His only concern is to produce a modern performer that carries the spirit of the original Vincent motorcycle. We offer our best wishes for success in this endeavor. For more information about the new Vincent, Vincent merchandise and a design contest, visit the Vincent Motors website.
Web updates stopped in 2004 - and my email requesting information has gone unanswered.
In 1970 I rode on a 1953 Lightning - and while there is no way I could afford a restored Lighting, I could certainly consider one of these -
galxy5
galxy5
Vincent touring
a beautiful dream!!
a beautiful dream!!
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throttlejockeyTJ
throttlejockeyTJ
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I wouldn't be surprised if it's not a 'Money Thing'.
Investers needed or 'Dreams' don't come true.
Investers needed or 'Dreams' don't come true.
twowheelnut
R.I.P. Our Motorcycling Friend
IIRC, he was self funded (read: filthy, stinkin' rich)... And, he was close to releasing it for sale, no?
galxy5
galxy5
the web site is up but does not state any prices or ordering info ,, when he was featured on American Thunder he was close to production ,, they mentioned that the first bikes would be on an order only basis and the price would be around $30,000 ,, he made a deal with Honda to use their engines ,,
wish I could spend 50 million on my dream !!!
wish I could spend 50 million on my dream !!!
Gee - I hope he wasn't heavily invested into Enron or MCI ......
madmike2
Shtirrenuppenmeister
Both versions are "sexy". The 2 into 1 trumpet on the ST is cool. The CF on the naked version is waaayyyy kewel.....braggin' rights at an intersecion with a Guzzi and a Duc?
redgum
Member
Price point is expected to start at $US20,000, probably more when/if they get to market given this expectation is maybe a couple of years old.
The company announced its intention to be in production for year 2004. Last article I saw on the machine was a 2005 publication which maintained the view that the machine would be build.
The likely engine is a 1000cc 130hp Honda and the frame does not look overly complex. The "gestation" period has been considerable and the concpet appears well developed, so delays in manufacture are unlikely to be for technical reasons.
For my part I am begining to doubt that the bike will see production.
The company announced its intention to be in production for year 2004. Last article I saw on the machine was a 2005 publication which maintained the view that the machine would be build.
The likely engine is a 1000cc 130hp Honda and the frame does not look overly complex. The "gestation" period has been considerable and the concpet appears well developed, so delays in manufacture are unlikely to be for technical reasons.
For my part I am begining to doubt that the bike will see production.
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