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There were around 1850 B Rapides made.
Is that rare or not rare? How many matching numbers B Rapides exist today in any condition? For someone who wants to restore such a bike, how many matching numbers B Rapides exist with difficult to find original parts that you can see from the photos. The correctly numbered Smiths Chronometric speedometer. Correct Miller ammeter. The 8" Miller headlight shell and rim. Pressed steel brake drums (don’t work very well but original). Correct brake, valve lifter, and choke levers. Series B cylinder heads. Two-piece cylinder studs (probably should switch those out – the factory did). The original 3-1/2″ Miller generator (try to find one of those). Bakelite Champion sparkplug caps. Articulated shifter lever. The beautifully curved kickstart lever. The one-piece taillight and license plate holder. The short-arm float bowl Amal 276 carburetors. The correct chain adjusters. Most of these parts are not available from the Spares Co. One item that may be very hard to find is a correct fluted headlamp lens, I know somebody that have this part. You can crash and break yours or you can break one trying to get to fit it in the chromed rim. There are knackered bikes from every place Vincent sent them.
It has all original paint, except on the gas tank. The bike is running on coils as the magneto needs repair (photo). It comes with the original muffler, rims, magneto, magneto cover, toolbox, tire pump and the original Registration. Complete history: who was the importer, the dealership and the original owner; according to VOC bike was made in June 1948 sold in early 1949. I only clean the gas tank, carburetors, change the oil, put a new battery and the bike starts right away. Original fenders were polished (look interior of rear fender) with no dents, gas tank has some dents, excellent front fork with no repairs and that is rare. Runs well but needs tune up, a new front tire (the back one is new), new lights switch, connect the lights/horn, check suspension, brakes and clutch. In my opinion it doesn't need restoration, just some work and parts. Front and rear forks are R2667, correct 1990 numbers apart from the engine on early Series B. Inspection is welcome.