In the Fall of 2001, I ordered a dual disc conversion kit and front wheel assembly from Dave Lambert. Mr. Lambert's craftsmanship, preparaton and finish is to both race and show quality. Indeed it looks like Irving designed it for a modern Black Lightning so elegant in every detail that it really thrills you to examine it closely. All hardware custom designed and of matchless quality. It is all precision fit, installation requiring only the drilling of two holes on the bridge plate (FF32) to mount a tube connecting the brake lines to both discs.

Disc/Wheel conversion components bound for Ye Ol' Editor's White Shadow

Once installation had been accomplished, we removed the bike from a nifty front stand that was made by Lex, my Shadow's previous owner, and she was ready for the first test ride. Unfortunately it has been raining pretty much constantly for the last few days here in Louisville, and we were greeted by a light drizzle when we hoisted the garage door. Despite the conditions, I set off for a quick jaunt around the neighborhood just to see how the brakes worked, and to get a feel for the bike's new front end, its tracking, etc. I was thrilled and relieved by the experience. Everything functioned perfectly: the engine was smooth and responsive. Idle and carb action was fine as was shifting through the gears. The suspension felt fine and the bike was tracking true and was very nimble and responsive during turns.

I should mention that we had decided to depart from the standard Vincent front rim (a size 20) in favor of a 19 inch British chrome custom rim from Central Wheel Components (Birmingham UK). We opted for a more modern wheel size and tire choice because we doubted the wisdom of retaining the old rim size and period Avon tire due to its tiny footprint. I went with a modern Avon Venom tire . And of course bright heavy duty spokes. I have laid in a mate for this rim and spokes of 18 inch size later to go on the rear wheel.

Once on the road, the rain seemed irrelevant and I was ready to go on a long ride, but I decided to return after perhaps 5 miles in order to look over everything and go over the hardware.

The front brakes worked very well both alone and in tandem with the rear set. The pucks have yet to be broken in of course, and it was raining, but the stopping power they offered was still very impressive--progressive and firm. For the first time perhaps, I came to complete stops on my Shadow at stop signs without arresting that last bit of motion with my feet.

So far Sid and I have ridden my Shadow thrice and are very pleased with Dave's work. It was amusing to watch Sid's first use of the brake. After pulling out of our driveway, he puttered toward the stop sign at the corner and upon grabbing a handful, he came to stop at least two car lengths prior to the sign! Upon his return, Sid told me that the experience had come as something of a shock, the stopping power so immense as to instill the fear that he might lock the wheel.

Mr. Lambert's instructions suggest bleeding the brakes twice, and I think that after I put in a few more rides, I will bleed them for a second time. After I cover more miles, I will give fuller impressions.

PRODUCT INFO:

Total price varies depending on the wheel components selected and used. Disc brake components run app. $800.

Available from

Dave Lambert

132 Beaufort St.

Derby DE21 6BB

UK

Phone

011-441-332-369-047