Restoration of 1951 Vincent Rapide - Part 55 - front end (Part 1) removing wheel and axle

I'm calling this the"front-end project"!

This is a follow-up effort after the 100 mile "shakedown" ride a couple of weeks ago when I noticed that the front end was very firm. I'm going to tackle this through a process of elimination, hopefully starting with the simpler jobs.

For example:

Remove the excessive weights off the spokes
Remove the three rim locks
Add a new rim band/Strip
Check the inner tube
Fit the new 20 inch tire ordered from the UK
Balancing the wheel and fitting new weights if needed

Inspecting and lubricating the speedo gear drive

Refitting the axle assembly, including shims for the bearings and spindle
Refitting the outer brake plates
Refitting the wheels with new tire to the forks

Then moving onto other items including:

Checking out the hydraulic damper
Checking the position of the front springs while set on the bike
Removing and inspecting the springs from the spring cases/boxes

Checking all the fasters that are part of the Girdraulic front-end assembly, just to make sure that nothing is binding

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[rscaryrsc]

An old motorcycle is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. 🙂 I’m sure you’ll get it sorted out though. Another very interesting video. Thanks Mike.

[vincentjohnston]

Coventry Spares on the East Coast US also have the tires available for front and rear vincent wheels.

[sushantkumar]

Hello sir, I m fan of u.... I love vintage motorcycles....

[macdog]

I hope you have got to the bottom of the handling issues, Mike. Some interesting surprises in there - all those shims! Are you expecting to substantially restore that hub; I can't imagine those shims being anything like a good idea.

[abcdefg]

I am really pleased to see you have the correct size front rim, so many Vincents get a 19" rim fitted to them, not a good idea, the number of shims is very strange, I would have a look at the bearings, the speedo drive should be no problem, just take it all apart and free it up, it looks like a previous person was not as thorough as you in making up the wheel orientation ! Have you got the speedo head yet ? (a Shadow one would be nice).

[jimh.]

I'm wondering if the suspension is stiff because maybe there are shims causing too much spring pre-load..although, I hasten to add, I know absolutely nothing about Vincents so don't listen to me!

[tadpoles]

Mmm, interesting that you found so many issues from the start Mike. Rather strange the wheel was back to front?
Good luck with the reassembling & getting the speedo drive in good working order.
I imagine a genuine 'speedo clock' is a sizable lump of money these days or maybe you will opt for a 'look alike' substitute?
atvb t ..