Series A Rapide

1938 Vincent HRD Series A Rapide Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1938 Vincent HRD Series A Rapide allround motorcycle, Vincent HRD pairs a 998 cc (60.9 cu in) v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 45 HP (32.8 kW) at 5,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 45.1 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the Series A Rapide measures 206.4 kg (455 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.22 HP/kg (4.59 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,410 mm (55.5 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry.

Within MotoLibrary's Vincent HRD archive, this model family spans 7 indexed model years from 1936 to 1946, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.