[quote="mattthomas4444"]. I am most definitely interested in a vintage bike rather than a modern one - its just hard to find what I'm looking for.

The main problem is that the old or vintage bike prices are now pretty high, but you can still buy a cheap Jap one. The next problem is spare parts, which might not be made any more for obsolete bikes, unless they are remanufactured.
Getting a bike with the gearchange on the same side as your Norton will make things smother for you on changeover.
I would seek out the local papers that allow you to put a free advert in the wanted section in shop windows e.t.c.