Editor’s Note: Tom Wacker is back sharing cool finds on Bike-urious, and this time around he’s got a bit of a birthday wish…
The 1951 Vincent Black Shadow was widely considered the fastest production motorcycle of it’s day. Powered by a 998 cc (60.3 CID) 50 degree V twin this bike made a stunning 55hp right from the factory. The first motorcycle built that was almost all black, including the engine case.
American journalist Hunter S. Thompson mentioned the Vincent several times including the famous “If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for any length of time, you would almost certainly die.”
This particular Black Shadow is available from a dealer in San Diego on Cycle Trader for $100,000. Price is probably a little high, but you have to know that a mere 1,700 Black Shadows were made from 1948 to 1973.
The reason for this bike on this day? I was born this week in 1951, so I just happen to know how old the bike is. In the words of Neil Young “Long may you run”.