Some well made specials look like the engine belongs in the frame, your Indian/BSA is one of them Ron The Vincent engine does look good as a cafe race bike, so much so that a company called JMC are building brand new Norvin's will electric start for only £40,000

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/NORTON-NORVIN-VINCENT-New-Cafe-Racer/282243216527?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&_trksid=p2050601.c100103.m2451&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D37140%26meid%3D0f3223dfcc4445a4996bc0f6b5be9c46%26pid%3D100103%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D282243216527%26clkid%3D327439825689719026&_qi=RTM2065550

email (option): horror@blueyonder.co.uk

I just love the 'business' of a Vincent twin engine, but I've never really cottoned on to the look of a Vincent with it's strange rear suspension. To my mind there is nothing prettier than a featherbed Norvin. Hats off to the bloke who built the one off home build that I've seen around over the last few years. I'll try and remember to take my camera in future. Ron

PS I just found a picture of my favourite 'Norvin'. It's completely un-WD related...But what the heck!

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

I love specials..They have been built from the very outset of motorcycling by people who were attempting to build their 'perfect' machine as they envisaged it and to express their own ideas...

Some display the application of incredible skills...Take, for example, the number of people who have built their own engines, frames etc...

It is the nature of the game that for every really nice, competently constructed special there will be scores of 'lash ups' and unfinished projects as well...

Not everyone has the skills, budget, application or facilities to realise their 'dream machine' after all, even though they think they have at the outset...

It is also probable that the people who produce the specials that are desirable didn't manage that from day one!!....

These attitudes and skills etc. have to be learned...

Personally I think a world without specials is a world without ideas and IMO that can't be a good thing...

Some of the companies,such as Vincent, wouldn't even exist if someone didn't have the dream and the idea to start it..

There is a place for specials just as much as there is for 'standard' bikes..and don't forget not all of those are well rebuilt either!!

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com