Vincent Rapide comes at a steep price

Dec 12, 2008

Special to the Star

Gifts for me, under $50

Revell model kit for a Vincent Black Lightning

This 1/12 scale kit of the classic motorcycle has been out of production for several years but some judicious searching will show one on eBay from time to time for about 40 bucks. I found mine a month ago in a small hobby shop in Whitby. Seeing as real Vincents go for more than $50,000, this is my only chance to own one.

www.ebay.ca

Sportbike Suspension Tuning

Andrew Trevitt's comprehensive guide ($25) details how motorcycle suspension works and how properly set up, your motorcycle will work better under all conditions. Trevitt, formerly with Cycle Canada magazine, lives in California and is an editor at Sport Rider. Recently, a car made an illegal u-turn in front of Trevitt, putting him in hospital with severe injuries. He faces a long, tough battle and needs support.

www.amazon.ca

www.themotorbookstore.com

Gifts to give, under $100

Subaru cargo net and mat

My wife loves her 2005 Subaru Forester, so a few convenience items are in order. Subaru makes a rear cargo net and anti-slip mat for the cargo area, which should be handy for containing wandering groceries and wayward plants. Both items list for under $40 each.

www.subaru.ca

Gifts for me, unlimited

Bike racing team

Moto GP motorcycles are simply not for sale. You can, however, lease a bike from many manufacturers for the reasonable sum of $5.7 million per season. That includes two motorcycles and a couple of spare engines. Figure on another $2 million for mechanics, technicians, tires and travelling and you've got yourself a team. Oh, and if you're not riding the bike yourself, another million will get you a second-rate, whiny, prima-donna rider.

www.motogp.com

Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School

Freddie Spencer's riding school closed this year and the only other school I know where you can get personalized riding instruction from a former World Champion is the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School at Road Atlanta. The two-day course goes for $1,800 and the three-day World Champion's Package – including more track time, video training and Schwantz himself running a traditional Texas barbecue – is $2,900. Price includes use of the school's Suzukis.

www.schwantzschool.com

Vincent Series motorcycle

I recently rode a 1953 Vincent Series C Rapide owned by Supershow's Bar Hodgson and think a Rapide or even the high-performance Black Shadow would look nice in my garage. The big Vincent is easy to ride, torquey, exceedingly comfortable and suitable for day trips and touring.

A Black Shadow recently sold at auction for a cool $92,000, but if you looked around and drove a hard bargain, you could probably get a runner for a mere 50 or 60 thousand. Hey, spend 50 on a Vincent and in five years it'd be worth 90 or more. How are your RRSPs doing right now?

Toronto Star