Author Topic: Has anyone seen one of the new ones in traffic???? (Read 3697 times)

Daytona · « **on:** June 24, 2006, 12:36:45 PM »

Norton? I haven't seen one on the road lately! But they are still here i see. Not bad and still keeps that look. I had one in the late 60s i got in a box. Got it together and running for 3 days before the eng started making more noise! Got rid of it on a trade for a Dune Buggy. Lost my a$$ on any H.D. or Brit bike i tried to turn a Buck on. Come to think of it M/C & females are about the same! They can be costly even if you don't get to ride em much! (i was inebriated while doing this post)

Daytona · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2006, 12:45:01 PM »

Are they going to make a come back? Not with a lame ad like this!!!

(Dial uper's beware)
http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/sight/sight_av.asp?movieFile=webreel_sm.flv&movieSize=1

jimmym1296 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2006, 05:44:41 PM »

I think I read somewhere recently they were closing up shop. Need something like 10 million in additional funding and couldn't come up with more backers.

BlkJello · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2006, 04:00:58 PM »

Quote from: jimmym1296

I think I read somewhere recently they were closing up shop. Need something like 10 million in additional funding and couldn't come up with more backers.

+1

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2006, 10:05:15 AM »

Seen the 880 version at the Cycle World/International Motorcycle Show a few years ago... but I'm not sure if any 960's ever made it out the door to customers' hands and if they did, the number would be very small.

There's a couple of guys here @ work that have original Norton 750/850 twins and they ride them in once in a while.

solman · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2006, 10:19:55 AM »

Quote from: jimmym1296

I think I read somewhere recently they were closing up shop. Need something like 10 million in additional funding and couldn't come up with more backers.

You are correct on the lack of backing issue. Even though the bike has received excellent reviews, it is unfortunate that the lack of money closed them down. I recall that they are still wanting to make a comeback and it is still on the burner, but they are closed for the time being.

tacoman · « **Reply #6 on:** June 27, 2006, 01:38:55 PM »

Sad to hear about the Nortons. The guy was just south of me in Portland. I think its real tough to sell these "boutique" bikes as there's not enough of a market for them. I know a lot of people who liked them but weren't going to drop over $20k for them. Guys that spend that kind of money go for the West Coast Chopper bikes.

Red01 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2006, 04:24:31 PM »

Yeah, but couldn't you buy a couple (or more) of $20K Nortons for the price of one West Coast Chopper? You might be able to get something like a Big Dog or Titan chopper for $20K - if you go for one of their base models.

solman · « **Reply #8 on:** June 27, 2006, 11:43:38 PM »

Quote

These signature edition Kenny Dreer 952 Commandos are a special run and will sell for $19,995. As Kenny says, ?They?ll have all the gingerbread we can afford to put on them.? Special options will include Ohlins suspension components, Brembo brakes, custom wheels and special paint treatment.

We?ve made these bikes to be ridden. Sure they?re collectibles, but we believe the reintroduction of the Norton Commando should be on the road. These bikes will be the most rideable and collectable bikes around.

Target MSRP for the production 952 Commando is $14,995. Production bikes are scheduled for release in 2005.

So the standard was $15K and the special edition was $20K.

gyrogearcrunch · « **Reply #9 on:** July 22, 2006, 11:38:14 PM »

Quote from: solman

Quote
These signature edition Kenny Dreer 952 Commandos are a special run and will sell for $19,995. As Kenny says, ?They?ll have all the gingerbread we can afford to put on them.? Special options will include Ohlins suspension components, Brembo brakes, custom wheels and special paint treatment.

We?ve made these bikes to be ridden. Sure they?re collectibles, but we believe the reintroduction of the Norton Commando should be on the road. These bikes will be the most rideable and collectable bikes around.

Target MSRP for the production 952 Commando is $14,995. Production bikes are scheduled for release in 2005.

So the standard was $15K and the special edition was $20K.

Org! My first house (two-family, brick) cost me $35,000. What kind of nut-case has the cojones to ask that amount for a BIKE! ? I think the cost of a
used B12 Bandit is just about right ($5K), but I recall that the T-120 Triumph went for only $1,200 new. I'd rather have the Bandit over the Triumph any day.

Herb 0

solman · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2006, 12:25:25 AM »

There are many Harleys that are over $20K. As well as Ducati's, Aprillia's, MV Augusta, etc. Heck a new GSXR1000 is around $11K to $12K for a new one. So the Norton wasn't that much more and it almost had Ohlins front and rear suspension on it too. That would account for the higher cost as well.

smooth operator · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2006, 07:55:03 AM »

At the bike shop that my buddy owns,KK Speed &Sport,he restores Nortons,Triumphs,BSA. He just finished his supercharged Norton to take to Mid Ohio Vintage days. 2 piolot buddys of mine also restoerd their Nortons there,(Brian) put all new isolastics in his and in the future want to switch the primary to a dry belt drive. I want to get him to do a track school on it Sept 18th, but he never knows when he has to fly. A couple from Colorado joins us @ Mid Ohio Vintage days for festivities and they have a Buss that there son took over(Colorado Norton Works) and he builds 1 or 2 a yr. We all have vending sites in the swap meet.But unfortunatly it doesn't look like I can join them this yr.I'll be tiling a new McDs outside Buffalo during the week,and my wife wants me home for a day or 2 while her Mom is here from Vegas for 12 delightfull days.(thank God I'm working out of town during the week anyhow). Dan