The History of Vincent HRD

December 30, 2009 · Posted in Motorcycles · 1 Comment 

1948 RapidePhillip Vincent was a determined man with firm ideas on how a motorcycle should perform, and more importantly, how a motorcycle should be built.

He had studied mechanical science at Cambridge University and had a poor opinion of many features of the contemporary machines.

In the 1920s, he built his first motorcycle.  Like all others, it had rear suspension with a triangulated pivoted fork and the springs were mounted beneath the saddle to work against the upper frame.  It had a Swiss Mag engine, a Moss gearbox, Webb forks and Enfield hubs.

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The History of Moto Guzzi

December 12, 2009 · Posted in Motorcycles · 8 Comments 

moto guzziMoto-Guzzi is an Italian manufacturer that has endured from the industry’s infancy to its place today as the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production.  It is now one of seven brands owned by Piaggio.

The company was conceived by two aircraft pilots and their mechanic serving in the Corpo Aeronautico Militare during World War 1.  The trio, Carlo Guzzi, Giovanni Ravelli and Giorgi Parodi envisioned creating a motorcycle company after the war.  Guzzi and Parodi formed Moto Guzzi in 1921, Ravelli unfortunately died just days after the war had ended in an aircraft crash and is commemorated by the eagle’s wings that form the Moto Guzzi logo.

In the 50s, the company along with other Italian factories led the world of Grand Prix Motorcycle racing.  With durable and lightweight 250cc and 350cc bikes, the firm dominated the middleweight classes.  The factory won five consecutive 350cc championships between 1953 and 1957.

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