Hey V2D3,
It was known pretty early in the game that the Garner 961’s had technical difficulties - word of this was apparent through dealer networks, with lots of internet talk from bloggers, on forums and FB etc. This would no doubt have put many off. If Norton can produce a reliable re-engineered 961, advertise the bike as such and re-establish a dealer network then I believe they will sell plenty. Way more than the (44k) V4 I suspect.
This bike has never been aimed at younger riders whether they crave speed or not - it is well outside of their financial reach. It’s aimed at old farts like you and I with the means to purchase, likely with a connection to the marque and/or who want a real British modern classic - history, heritage and patriotism for many (certainly in the UK).
The 961 does’nt compare to the vast majority of other modern classics. It isn’t a mass produced (overseas) bike with acres of plastic, brushed metal, feu components and hidden technology. Nor, obviously, is it a budget classic. It sits pretty much on its own in my opinion, using an air cooled, parallel twin push rod motor - as close to the original tech as you can get in a modern classic and giving the rider an authentic classic bike feel. Quality components and finishes at a given price point. A bit of prestige? Certainly, without paying a gazillion dollars for a modern Brough.
Given that it’s also drop dead gorgeous I suspect that it will sell. People spending that amount of money are doubtless capable of differentiating between a Garner 961 and a re-engineered model.
