Description
Vincent Black Lightning saddles were specially designed and built by Feridax, the maker of all post-war seats fitted to Vincents. The usual saddle, the "dualseat" number PR 1, was not deemed suitable as it was too large and heavy for racing purposes. In addition, the PR 1 added more weight with the steel tool tray fitted on its underside.

Two patterns of genuine Black Lightning saddles were produced, both by Feridax. Most interestingly, the covering of all genuine Feridax Vincent Black Lightnings differs from that used on the regular street saddles. This racing saddle covering is thinner and more like cloth than the leather grained vinyl specified by Vincent on the street dualseat. Accordingly, recovered or reproduced Black Lightning saddles which have the vinyl are incorrect and are a sign of the non-genuine item. I imagine that the genuine cloth was torn easily or quickly wore out due to its thin gauge material. No matter, it is very distinctive and I have seen no copy that closely duplicates the original cover material.

In the views of the rear, you can easily see the genuine and original " FERIDAX" brass tag, now commonly copied on many saddles. This is the real item. Notice the underside where the tacking and covering is intact. There are no rips of damage other than age patina on this, probably the last new old stock Vincent Black Lightning saddle.

Two shapes of genuine Lightning saddles exist. One, shaped somewhat like a violin, is exemplified by the offered item. The other, less often sen is somewhat thicker a shaped like a wedge.

Condition
HVG has only one saddle and it appears to be unused. The decades have added patina to this saddle and a close look at the photos will show only a slight need for touch up and that to the underside. Some of the underside covering is loose, but can be easily put right.

The covering material is original and undamaged except as noted. There is a stain barely noticeable on the forward top portion which may well clean off. Since HVG has owned this saddle, it has been given regular preservative treatments and kept in a cool environment to preserve it.

Underneath, you will notice the original iron framework, with its original factory paint work. The plywood base in original and in excellent condition. The tacking and tacks on the underside is correct and original. Foam insides seems to be lively and incredibly is very serviceable. All the correct mounting bracketry is straight making this a true bolt on item to your Black Lightning.

The last NEW genuine and unmolested Black Lightning saddle on the planet? Probably so. We don't expect to see anymore and will not allow copies to be made of this one. When this one is gone...

History
This example came from the former USA parts inventory for Vincent, the Indian Sales Corp. After they ceased operations, they sold their parts and bikes to Mr. Harry Bellville of Ohio who later sold to a Mr. C. Benson of Mass. He in turn sold out to a collector in New York who sold his entire Vincent motorcycle and parts inventory to HVG three years ago. This is believed by knowledgeable collectors, to be the largest inventory of genuine original Black Lightning spares is this country.

Pricing
COntact Us for pricing

Documentation
As no title documents exist for saddles, HVG will sell this item on a bill of sale which will include the terms of the description and history stated above.

This item cannot be purchased from the website. Please contact Harris Vincent Gallery to make purchase arrangements.