What do you do when an ordinary '55 Vincent just isn't doing it for you anymore? You could slot the motor in a Terry Prince frame, bolt up some trick Cerrani forks add some other unique parts and make yourself one stunning café bike.
That just what Dale Keesecker did, who took first place in the British class at the Café Racer Bike Show at the Motohead Café at this year's AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
Keesecker says the genesis for the project was the frame itself.
"I just wanted to build something with a Terry Prince frame," Keesecker says. "I finished this project about two years ago, and about 15 years ago started collecting parts."
The bike is dripping with other unique parts from a range of European marques, such as a Benelli front hub, a Laverda rear hub, a Laverda front fender and a Matchless Typhoon rear fender. Keesecker machined several parts, such as the rear sets, the shifter and brake lever, out of T7 aluminum or stainless steel. Actual Vincent Black Lighting gauges sit on the triple clamps.
"I had these parts, and I like Italian bikes," Keesecker says. "They're functional and they're cool."
The tank is a special piece. Originally a custom part for a Ducati, Keesecker was intrigued by the lines, bought it and remanufactured it to fit the frame.
The engine is from a Vincent D series Black Shadow with 8:1 pistons, two front heads, a dual plugged ignition and 34mm intakes. The bike has a three-quarter-inch exhaust and a Terry Prince five-speed tranny.
Keesecker, who had a second Vincent in the show, is a big fan of the café style.
"They're just fun bikes," he says.