Before setting up his own business in Australia, Terry Prince used to work for Fritz Egli in Switzerland where he was manufacturing the famous Egli frames. For many years, TPV will focus on the assembly of motorcycles using his own design and pre-owned modified Vincent engines along with a successful motorcycle parts and restoration business focused on the Vincent brand.

In 1996, Terry met Ron Slender and they formed RTV with the purpose to build modern Vincent from scratch including the engines with casing. Two models were developed, a classic 1000 and stroked 1200cc. Only 4 bikes were built along with 8 incomplete chassis that were sold subsequently.

Today Terry’s focus now is purely the manufacturing frame for Vincent beside performance parts supply and service for Vincent. In 2015 TPV came with a new concept close to the original Vincent frame with separate UFM (oil tank) and RFM (cantilever) both made of milled billet.

Philippe Guyony © 2013-2016

This is the second bike that Terry Prince made in 1983 with the mono shock frame. He used Egli forks as he was the agent for Egli products. The owner wanted everything Red. It was sold a couple of times, and was re-built with carbon fibre. The last owner was Arthur Farrell in the U.K.
This is the second bike that Terry Prince. Made in 1983 with the mono shock frame. Terry used Egli forks as he was the agent for Egli products. The owner wanted everything Red. It was sold a couple of times and is not rebuilt with a ultra-modern carbon fiber outfit.
An early Terry Prince Vincent as she has conventional shocks rather than the subsequent cantilever. This bike resides currently in Australia and is maintained by the local Vincent workshop Ken Phelps. Ken has assembled numerous Norvin too.
Rear shocks on this machine were fitted at the request of the customer. The regular TPVs always had a cantilever. Two of these kind were made only
TPV 1000 with a Ducati 900 SS Imola fuel tank and the cantilever. Just behind is one of the 4 RTV assembled between 1996 and 1998. This bike belongs to Keesecker which bought this Prince’s frames directly in Australia some 10 years ago, and decided it was the perfect foundation for all the Vincent parts he’d been accumulating. So the bike was built up as the perfect Bitsa: the front hub is off a Benelli Tornado, and the rear came from a Laverda 750. Handlebars are from a BMW R90S, the monoshock started life on a Suzuki and is attached to a modified Vincent swingarm, and the front forks are Ceriani. A Matchless fender covers the rear tire and a Laverda fender the front, while the instruments are authentic Vincent Black Lightning units. Source: www.motorcycleclassics.com
TPV 1000 with a Ducati 900 SS Imola fuel tank and the cantilever. Not that the anchorage of the swinging arm is different from the very first TPV (photo 1). Just behind is another TPV in a different style. Both bike belongs to Vincent enthusiast Dale Keesecker. Source: http://www.motorcycleclassics.com
Brochure that I inquired in 1998 from the UK dealer, Ron Kemp. Quite rare as only 4 were made.
RTV Brochure from 1998. The RTV intended to be the modern Vincent but only 4 were made.
Terry Prince shared this picture of the scale model frame made by David Dunfey and presented to him at the north U.S rally some year ago in recognition of Terry's outstanding contribution and efforts to fulfill the vision of Fritz Egli. Fritz Egli also received one and so was Patrick Godet. The piston in front of it is from Terry's record bike when it broke a valve the same year!
Terry Prince shared this picture of a scale model frame made by David Dunfey and presented to him at the north U.S rally some year ago in recognition of Terry’s outstanding contribution and efforts to fulfill the vision of Fritz Egli. Fritz Egli also received one and so was Patrick Godet. The piston in front of it is from Terry’s record bike when it broke a valve the same year!
Terry Prince at Bonneville talking about his Vincent passion. Terry bought the bike which is behind him at age of 16 and he was 70 during this interview. From a road bike, it was transformed successively in Hill Climb, Side car and now Salt bike. "This is my baby, I think I'll be buried with it!"
Terry Prince at Bonneville talking about his Vincent passion. Terry bought the bike which is behind him at age of 16 and he was 70 during this interview. From a road bike, it was transformed successively in Hill Climb, Side car and now Salt bike. “This is my baby, I think I’ll be buried with it!”
3/30/2014 Update One of the latest creation of Terry Prince which says: “This frame has been designed with Fritz Egli’s son. I have constructed it to use all modern Jap components with provision for up to a 180mm rear tyre. There is no welding on the frame or swing arm, stress test have been done and it is very strong.” | Document TPV
3/30/2014 Update
One of the latest creation of Terry Prince which says: “This frame has been designed with Fritz Egli’s son. I have constructed it to use all modern Jap components with provision for up to a 180mm rear tyre. There is no welding on the frame or swing arm, stress test have been done and it is very strong.” | Document TPV

Sources:

www.ozebook.com/rtw.htm
www.classicmotorbikes.com.au/Default.htm

7 thoughts

  2. You have no idea how i’m feeling right now. Just like the bloke who just saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen while realizing he would never have her. A strange combination of passion, disappointment, joy and sorrow. Love your work.

    Reply

  3. Hi Terry,
    Email me an address for possible sidecar body delivery. I’ll check with interstate freight companies this week and get a quote.

    Reply

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