Click on image for the eBay link What: "Norceptor"
Why: I got nothin'
Where: Dallas, Texas
Price: $3600 opening bid
With full appreciation that our Honda V4s are great engines and relatively unique in the classic moto world, this build is still a head-scratcher.
The practice of swapping Triumph/Norton/Vincent engines and frames was popular back in the day for one good reason: the sum could be made better than its parts. The Norton "Featherbed" frame, for example, was considered the gold standard of the 60's era production bikes so it kind of made sense and was a fun (and relatively easy) exercise.
But this collection of parts is none of that. Based upon what appears to be a '73 Norton frame, complete with a single Lockheed disc squeezer up front (barely better than the drum it replaced), ancient drum out back, along with spindly tires and suspension, this bike will transport the rider back to the bad old days of British "dominance."
Lest one assume I know not from whence I speak, I should mention that my first crankshaft-up restoration was a '72 Norton Commando roadster. I loved much about that machine (on a good day) but its performance was greatly derived from its relatively light weight, giving a good power-to-weight ratio (for the time) and helping to mask the weak suspension, brakes, and flexible frame.
Inserting a heavy 80 HP V4, plus its cooling system, into a 1950's-derived chassis is the definition of going backwards in moto evolution. I really do appreciate folks who think outside the box and have the determination, time and skills to make it a reality, but some ideas just make more sense than others. I can't even imagine this thing going down the road at any speed ("frame welds need attention for riding again") but with an opening bid of $3600 and no title provided, that likely won't happen in any case.
Why: I got nothin'
Where: Dallas, Texas
Price: $3600 opening bid
With full appreciation that our Honda V4s are great engines and relatively unique in the classic moto world, this build is still a head-scratcher.
The practice of swapping Triumph/Norton/Vincent engines and frames was popular back in the day for one good reason: the sum could be made better than its parts. The Norton "Featherbed" frame, for example, was considered the gold standard of the 60's era production bikes so it kind of made sense and was a fun (and relatively easy) exercise.
But this collection of parts is none of that. Based upon what appears to be a '73 Norton frame, complete with a single Lockheed disc squeezer up front (barely better than the drum it replaced), ancient drum out back, along with spindly tires and suspension, this bike will transport the rider back to the bad old days of British "dominance."
Lest one assume I know not from whence I speak, I should mention that my first crankshaft-up restoration was a '72 Norton Commando roadster. I loved much about that machine (on a good day) but its performance was greatly derived from its relatively light weight, giving a good power-to-weight ratio (for the time) and helping to mask the weak suspension, brakes, and flexible frame.
Inserting a heavy 80 HP V4, plus its cooling system, into a 1950's-derived chassis is the definition of going backwards in moto evolution. I really do appreciate folks who think outside the box and have the determination, time and skills to make it a reality, but some ideas just make more sense than others. I can't even imagine this thing going down the road at any speed ("frame welds need attention for riding again") but with an opening bid of $3600 and no title provided, that likely won't happen in any case.
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