Vehicle: Vincent Black Lightning 2005 [Archive]

AndyStaples

Apr 2nd, '05, 06:45 AM

Over in the Pulp Hero section, I've been posting some of the early Vincent and HRD motorbikes (http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30079) (and cheated a little by including the awesome Vincent Black Lightning, which was produced from 1948 to 1952).

But the story doesn't end with the closure of Vincent HRD Motors in 1955.

Back in 1991, Californian entrepreneur and biking enthusiast Bernard Li bought the Vincent name and set out to produce a new Vincent machine.

He wanted something that had the look and feel of a big powerbike, but a more comfortable riding position. Years of development - and a deal with Honda to supply an engine - have resulted in new prototype machines. Li hopes to have production machines running by the end of 2005.

There are four proposed models: The standard Black Shadow, the sporty Black Lightning S, the Black Lightning ST sports tourer, and the Black Eagle cruiser. They're expected to retail for between $20,000 and $25,000.

Since only prototypes exit, it's not easy to put these bikes in Hero terms. But I'll have a go at the new Black Lightning S - the perfect motorbike for your Dark Champion to ride.

The new Black Lightning used an eight-valve 999cc Honda V-Twin, as used in the Honda SP-2 (known as the Honda RC51 in the USA). It produces 136bhp, and estimates are that it'll take the Black Lightning S to speeds of around 165mph.

Like the Harley V-Rod, the Black Lightning is a retro-modern bike. It keeps the old, upright Vincent riding position, distinctive black motor and lots of other touches. But it uses modern materials and 21st-century lines.

For more information, visit Vincent Motors (http://www.vincentmotors.com).

Vincent Black Lightning S

<table cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td align="right">Val  </td><td>Char   </td><td>Cost</td></tr><tr><td align="right">15  </td><td>STR</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td align="right">15  </td><td>DEX</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td align="right">11  </td><td>BODY</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td></td><td> </td><td></td></tr><tr><td align="right">4  </td><td>SPD</td><td>15</td></tr><td></td><td> </td><td></td></tr><tr><td align="right">27"  </td><td>RUN</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td align="right">0"  </td><td>SWIM</td><td>-2</td></tr><tr><td align="right">0"  </td><td>LEAP</td><td>0</td></tr></table>Characteristics Cost: 33

<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td align="right">Cost  </td><td>Power</td><td align="right">END</td></tr><tr><td align="right" valign="top">12  </td><td>Motorized Two-Wheeled Vehicle: Ground Movement +21" (27" total), x4 Noncombat (47 Active Points); OAF Bulky (Standard tires; -1 1/2), 1 Continuing Fuel Charge lasting 1 Extra Phase (Easily obtainable fuel; -1 1/4), Only On Appropriate Terrain (-1/4) </td><td valign="top" align="right"></td></tr><tr><td align="right" valign="top">0  </td><td>Ground Vehicle: Swimming 0" (0" total) </td><td valign="top" align="right"></td></tr></table>Powers Cost: 12

<table cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td align="right">Cost  </td><td>Skill</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="right">4  </td><td>+2 with ground movement </td></tr></table>Skills Cost: 4

Total Character Cost: 49

<table cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td align="right">Val  </td><td>Disadvantages</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="right">10  </td><td>Distinctive Features: Valuable motorcycle (Concealable wit difficulty; Noticed and Recognizable; Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses) </td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="right">5  </td><td>Physical Limitation: Two-wheeled (Infrequently, Slightly Impairing) </td></tr></table>
Disadvantage Points: 15

Total Cost: 34/5 = 7