1965 Vincent Drag Bike

1965 Vincent Drag Bike

In 1962, a 29 y.o. Milwaukee boiler operator by the name of Gene Schille (pronounced ‘shill-ee’) designed and built a fire-breathing 1600cc nitro-methane Vincent powered drag bike. Ear shattering performances of this awesome creation are well documented, as are its insane 1960’s ¼ mile results of mid 9 second passes at over 240khp (150mph)!!

During its life Schille developed a friendship with legendry Australian Engineer, and father of the Vincent engine, Phil Irving. Irving assisted with the bike’s development and designed a quick-shift mechanism decades before the idea was employed in modern road racing.

In 1967 Schille was doing a test pass when the bike developed death-wobbles. Wearing nothing but shorts he had a horrific crash at over 225kph (140mph), sustaining major injuries that would plague him to this day. The bike was sold as-crashed and remained lost for 47 years, but fate brought the two back together.

Completely rebuilt to its former glory by its original creator, this frightening piece of drag-racing history is for sale with mountains of documentation such as the original sketch designs, original trophies, magazines and photos of the bike’s initial test run (performed on Milwaukee Interstate 43), letters to and from Phil Irving, Clem Johnson (frame builder who oversaw & assisted Gene with the build) and the many other notable engineers and suppliers that helped along the way; even Gene Shille’s original helmet.  Unfortunately when Gene sold the bike after his crash, the original engine was removed and has not be recovered, so to make this bike complete it requires another Vincent or Godet engine.

The current owner purchased this bike from Gene himself (now in his 80’s). Gene, a former Marine, said riding this bike was still to this day, the most frightening thing he’s ever done.

Owning this is a rare window into a completely different time period, one we’ll never see again. You are buying a piece of genuinely unique history, especially with the extensive amount of documentation included.

Click the links to read an interview with Gene Shille & Bill Hoddinott, of the Vincent HRD Owners Club.

 Story part 1: http://www.voc.uk.com/net/docs/19.6/19-699-16.pdf

Story part 2: http://www.voc.uk.com/net/docs/19.6/19-702-20.pdf

For further information, more or better resolution photos, shipping, price or provenance inquiry, please feel welcome to contact RaiderMoto.com during office hours on +61 2 66512405, cell +61 423 559656, email mybike@raidermoto.com, or find us on Facebook RaiderMoto.com

IMPORTANT!!Advertised price may have been converted from a foreign currency and therefore be subject to exchange rate fluctuation. The price may also include shipping concessions so please contact RaiderMoto.com to confirm the location of this item and establish the price relative to the current exchange-rate.

Need finance? – RaiderMoto.com can provide on the spot approval at better than bank rates to approved Australian customers (Mon – Fri)

International Buyer? – RaiderMoto.com has offices & agents in six Countries

Need shipping? – RaiderMoto.com ships worldwide by air-sea-road & provides full import/export, Customs & Quarantine services for every country

Stock No: MM-Vincent