961 is back !

Stu Bodycote said:
My explanation would be that they don't want to sell parts to Donington bike owners. So, price them to the point that they don't have to sell them. According to my last stock check record, they owed Norton around £30 painted each.
Click to expand...
That was my second thought, after that must be a mistake! Just can’t really work out why? Clearly spares and accessories are normally a significant income stream. Or do they foresee us becoming an admin burden in some way? There being more questions about parts compatability etc than benefit in the selling of them?

I’ll ask - diplomatically of course.
 
Last edited:
Stu Bodycote said:
I'd probably say hold out until the dealers...sorry...sales partners are more settled and actually have the ability to order parts. See what prices people get then.
Click to expand...
Yep, ok. Makes sense. The dealer orders it, in the UK of course, Norton are also not gonna know whether it’s for a Donington or Solihull 961. A parts enquiry from Aus is a bit of a giveaway.

Goes without saying, I’m not gonna buy the cowl or the seat. I’m looking at having a carbon fibre single seat unit made. Found a firm in Brisbane. Should look ‘the dogs‘ and cost not a lot more than Norton prices for standard plastic parts - go figure!
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Well there’s not a lot positive to find in this information, other than the responsiveness of the Norton spares department. I requested a quote for a duel seat cowl and a dual seat pad (rider). These components:

View attachment 107943

Geoff (Aftersales Advisor) was great - prompt and efficient. But I cannot explain the (beyond) extortionate cost of these items. In particular the Dual Seat Cowl @ GBP 961.89 (USD -1220):oops:!! The plastic cowl alone, no fittings or bum stop pad - GBP 616!

View attachment 107944

My initial thought was that this may be a mistake. I’ll request a clarification from Geoff, but his comment “Not cheap” may indicate otherwise.

How have others found the spares they have received, price wise? Unless someone can explain why a relatively small, plain (albeit painted) plastic cowl should be priced so highly?
Click to expand...
You keep saying the 961 is a PREMIUM BIKE. Well, expect to pay a PREMIUM PRICE.
I can’t believe you’re shocked by the price of 961 GBP. ITS such a fitting number.
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
That was my second thought, after that must be a mistake! Just can’t really work out why? Clearly spares and accessories are normally a significant income stream. Or do they foresee us becoming an admin burden in some way? There being more questions about parts compatability etc than benefit in the selling of them?

I’ll ask - diplomatically of course.
Click to expand...
I can’t believe you literally have an issue here.
At least they offered to sell you the parts you requested.

In case you forgot, I tried for 3 years and I was willing to get my wallet molested. Still, they refused to sell me the parts. I love doing business with TVS. They really know how to run and operate a business.

I’m pretty sure they have a good reason and explanation for why they do this.
They’ll just never tell you.
 
Voodooo said:
You keep saying the 961 is a PREMIUM BIKE. Well, expect to pay a PREMIUM PRICE.
I can’t believe you’re shocked by the price of 961 GBP. ITS such a fitting number.
Click to expand...

Voodooo said:
I can’t believe you literally have an issue here.

At least they offered to sell you the parts you requested.

In case you forgot, I tried for 3 years and I was willing to get my wallet molested. Still, they refused to sell me the parts. I love doing business with TVS. They really know how to run and operate a business.

I’m pretty sure they have a good reason and explanation for why they do this.
They’ll just never tell you.
Click to expand...
Ah V2D3, maybe you could dial down the latent angst just a tad - did you display a little of that whilst trying to obtain parts - did you (just maybe) get your card marked? Parts seem to be freely available for everyone else.

The price for the cowl however is clearly inappropriate, by anyone’s measure. I’m hoping Stu’s guess about not wanting to sell to Donington owners is not accurate. That would be both short sighted and counter productive. My guess is there’s something wrong with the pricing of that item - I’ll report back.
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Ah V2D3, maybe you could dial down the latent angst just a tad - did you display a little of that whilst trying to obtain parts - did you (just maybe) get your card marked? Parts seem to be freely available for everyone else.

The price for the cowl however is clearly inappropriate, by anyone’s measure. I’m hoping Stu’s guess about not wanting to sell to Donington owners is not accurate. That would be both short sighted and counter productive. My guess is there’s something wrong with the pricing of that item - I’ll report back.
Click to expand...
Awwww I’m terribly sorry I upset you by the comments I made.
I can see that the price point of the seat is a bit out of your price range.

As you keep saying in other post, you seem to forget yourself saying, it is a premium brand.
Pay up or shut up.

That’s the price of the seat and it’s not a mistake. If you want it, purchase it.
If you can’t afford it, or don’t want to pay the piper, then don’t. It’s very simple.

I find it a bit humorous that now, as you want or need something for your beloved Donington Norton, you are experiencing a little of TVS Norton yourself for the first time.
Cheer up ole Chap! They obviously have a reason for the price point.

If you think that buying from a dealer is going to be cheaper, guess again mate. Dealers are in business to make money also, and they do this by selling with a mark up.

Did I get angry at the parts guy at TVS? No.
Did I treat him with any disrespect? No.
Did I constantly get different answers from different people? Yes
Did I get prices and agree to purchase? Yes
Did I purchase the items I needed? No
Why you may ask? Because when it came down to it all, they said like they always say…..the same excuse as always.
They didn’t feel comfortable selling to a Donington made bike.

If you would like proof of all of this, I’m sure I still have all the old emails to back up my claims.

You on the other hand have received an item pricing and are complaining of its price on a “premium” Norton product.
You know, they have to recoup some of their money back from sales and to pay for that “multi million dollar state of the art factory”.
 
The price falls inline with other prices that Donington owners have had to pay TVS Norton for parts.....Clive for example with what they charged him for a set of rockers.
Unfortunately the parts are not hand crafted premium parts, so in my opinion there is little justification for the prices quoted.
 
The world economy and the supply and demand.
I don’t see why these prices are such a shock. Everything in the world has cost more, it’s not a surprise parts for a motorcycle wouldn’t follow suit.

Food, clothing, building materials and supplies, raw materials, even eggs and milk have gone up.
Don’t think for a second that a low production motorcycle seat is going to be bought at a discount price.
Doesn’t matter if it’s made from the highest quality leather or cheap vinyl and plastic.
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Ah V2D3, maybe you could dial down the latent angst just a tad - did you display a little of that whilst trying to obtain parts - did you (just maybe) get your card marked? Parts seem to be freely available for everyone else.

The price for the cowl however is clearly inappropriate, by anyone’s measure. I’m hoping Stu’s guess about not wanting to sell to Donington owners is not accurate. That would be both short sighted and counter productive. My guess is there’s something wrong with the pricing of that item - I’ll report back.
Click to expand...
Hello , I also bought parts for my 961 from Birmingham Norton although these are internal engine parts . I have experienced that body work parts usually very expensive. I thought my prices charged were tolerable in USD :

Order summary​

5140023_R2 Tensioner cam chain block × 1
$98.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M8 X 20 X 1.25, DIN 912, 12.9 × 2
$4.00​
WASHER, M8 X 17 X 1.6, DIN 125A × 2
$4.00​
5140027_R3 tensioner cam chain lower × 1
$107.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M6 X 16 X 1.0, DIN 912, 12.9 × 2
$4.00​
WASHER, M6, 6.4 X 12 X 1.6 × 2
Free​
5150012_R2 PIN DOWEL 6.00 x 12.0 DIN7 SS × 4
$60.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M8 X 30 X 1.25, DIN 912, 12.9 × 4
$8.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M8 X 35 X 1.25, DIN 912, 12.9 × 4
$8.00​
CHAIN, CAM, 54 LINK × 1
$102.00​
SPRING, BACKLASH × 1
$39.00​
CIRCLIP, EXTERNAL, 40.0 MM, DIN 471 × 1
$3.00​
9700510_R1 PIN DOWEL 5.0 x 10.00mm solid DIN 6325 H&G × 1
$6.00​
9700508_R1 PIN DOWEL 5.0 x 8.0mm Solid DIN 6325 H&G × 1
$5.00​
SPACER, BACKLASH, ID 63 X 45.5 OD X 2.0 × 1
$4.00​
Subtotal
$452.00​
Shipping
$55.52​
VAT
$0.00​
Total
$507.52 USD​
 
TonyA said:
Hello , I also bought parts for my 961 from Birmingham Norton although these are internal engine parts . I have experienced that body work parts usually very expensive. I thought my prices charged were tolerable in USD :

Order summary​

5140023_R2 Tensioner cam chain block × 1
$98.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M8 X 20 X 1.25, DIN 912, 12.9 × 2
$4.00​
WASHER, M8 X 17 X 1.6, DIN 125A × 2
$4.00​
5140027_R3 tensioner cam chain lower × 1
$107.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M6 X 16 X 1.0, DIN 912, 12.9 × 2
$4.00​
WASHER, M6, 6.4 X 12 X 1.6 × 2
Free​
5150012_R2 PIN DOWEL 6.00 x 12.0 DIN7 SS × 4
$60.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M8 X 30 X 1.25, DIN 912, 12.9 × 4
$8.00​
BOLT, CAP HD, M8 X 35 X 1.25, DIN 912, 12.9 × 4
$8.00​
CHAIN, CAM, 54 LINK × 1
$102.00​
SPRING, BACKLASH × 1
$39.00​
CIRCLIP, EXTERNAL, 40.0 MM, DIN 471 × 1
$3.00​
9700510_R1 PIN DOWEL 5.0 x 10.00mm solid DIN 6325 H&G × 1
$6.00​
9700508_R1 PIN DOWEL 5.0 x 8.0mm Solid DIN 6325 H&G × 1
$5.00​
SPACER, BACKLASH, ID 63 X 45.5 OD X 2.0 × 1
$4.00​
Subtotal
$452.00​
Shipping
$55.52​
VAT
$0.00​
Total
$507.52 USD​
Click to expand...
Some bits and bobs I bought from TVS-Norton via a mate a while back before Maria left. I was fortunate in that I knew they wouldn't question the request, as some parts were part of a sub-assembly, so shouldn't have been sold to me. But I knew if I gave the part number, they'd just go from that and work out a price based on a set format using the buy in price. Mega lucky as that retaining plate was going to cost me around £500 as a one off 🙈 They're too on the ball now tbf to them.
 

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Stu Bodycote said:
Some bits and bobs I bought from TVS-Norton via a mate a while back before Maria left. I was fortunate in that I knew they wouldn't question the request, as some parts were part of a sub-assembly, so shouldn't have been sold to me. But I knew if I gave the part number, they'd just go from that and work out a price based on a set format using the buy in price. Mega lucky as that retaining plate was going to cost me around £500 as a one off 🙈 They're too on the ball now tbf to them.
Click to expand...
Stu , WOW , those prices you paid are super low !
 
I think the only part that had a retail price on the system would have been the Domi carbon hugger. The rest was something odd like double the bill of materials price plus 10%....so worked out mega cheap. I had a couple of orders placed via other people, as I knew back then that there would have been people at Norton who would have been awkward with me. To be honest I figured most of those would have quit or been fired by now.....but a couple remain 😆
 
Stu Bodycote said:
Norton sent out a blanket email via British Dealer News, inviting people to become "sales partners" (a ridiculous term).
The whole thing reads to me as though the 650 engine required too much work, so they had to scrap the project. They then needed something to sell....after all some time had already past and they had nothing to put up on Facebook....so had a rummage around in the old cupboard and found a dusty 961 sat there. Promptly this reappeared on the website and they back tracked on their initial statement of it having ran its course with no future left for the 961 (which was Garners opinon, hence flogging off rights whilst it was still worth something), updating a few parts, claiming it to be totally redesigned (no Norton, an example of a total redesign is a Ford mk5 Escort v the mk4 Escort) and then flooding social media with it being the new bestest thing available. Sale's obviously weren't as forthcoming as they had hoped, well, why would it be?....its out of date and the market now has much better options available than it did in 2010 for much less (Garners timing there was pretty spot on)....and the used market is also now full of seemingly the same bikes for much less. Brummie Norton tried to devalue the Donington bikes, and to some extent did so....but in the same stroke they made theirs look more of a rip off. So they invite every man and his dog to apply to be "Sale's partners"....and as long as they cleared the back ground checks, paid upfront a nice little sum and also bought a few bikes...they could hang the Norton sign above their door. Norton gets a bit of revenue, and more importantly they get to shift some bikes out the tradesmans back door (not the front door, as that'll be reserved for when they finally sell that out of date V4 to the general public) and let them deal with flogging them.
Of course, you could read into this as just coming from someone very bitter after having his morning wasted by being told he's not allowed on site at Norton to road test their "totally redesigned bike"...and to be honest you could be right. I tried my best to fly the flag for them, in the hope some sort of bridge may be built....but instead they set fire to it. In return, I've lowered their flag at home, set fire to that and pissed on the ashes. If they want me back on side again, they all know where I am....but they need to bring the wood and put some effort in as Ive not got time to build much as present. As far as corporate arrogance goes, they're trying to walk in shoes far to big for them. They talk as though they're exclusive as Brough and as big as Ducati....they're a long way off both.
Click to expand...
Well that makes sense....
 
Voodooo said:
Awwww I’m terribly sorry I upset you by the comments I made.
I can see that the price point of the seat is a bit out of your price range.

As you keep saying in other post, you seem to forget yourself saying, it is a premium brand.
Pay up or shut up.

That’s the price of the seat and it’s not a mistake. If you want it, purchase it.
If you can’t afford it, or don’t want to pay the piper, then don’t. It’s very simple.

I find it a bit humorous that now, as you want or need something for your beloved Donington Norton, you are experiencing a little of TVS Norton yourself for the first time.
Cheer up ole Chap! They obviously have a reason for the price point.

If you think that buying from a dealer is going to be cheaper, guess again mate. Dealers are in business to make money also, and they do this by selling with a mark up.

Did I get angry at the parts guy at TVS? No.
Did I treat him with any disrespect? No.
Did I constantly get different answers from different people? Yes
Did I get prices and agree to purchase? Yes
Did I purchase the items I needed? No
Why you may ask? Because when it came down to it all, they said like they always say…..the same excuse as always.
They didn’t feel comfortable selling to a Donington made bike.

If you would like proof of all of this, I’m sure I still have all the old emails to back up my claims.

You on the other hand have received an item pricing and are complaining of its price on a “premium” Norton product.
You know, they have to recoup some of their money back from sales and to pay for that “multi million dollar state of the art factory”.
Click to expand...
Go on Voodoo, let it all out mate…..…..…………. and now …………. breath! All good? Lovely.

—————————————————————————————————————

Ok that clarifies a little I guesss - engine/internal/hard part prices seem reasonable/acceptable, but bodywork is gonna be super expensive. Stiil, great news that parts are flowing and they are selling engine internals etc, despite potential compatability issues - pretty much as they notified - they will supply all parts they have sourced and tested; for certain components, no guarantee of compatability.

FOMO on spares over it appears. Maybe the theory of not wanting to sell to Donington owners is not quite accurate then - which again is good news.

If we require bodywork, I guess we’ve just gotta ‘pay the piper’ or find an alternative. Personal choice. I’ve been looking for a single seat unit for years with no luck - I much prefer the aesthetic and have a damaged rear cowl; gotta love those good vibrations!

Makes no sense to pay £900+ for a new dual seat cowl for a look I like less, when it appears I can have an entire single seat unit made in carbon for less (minus the cost of the mould) and end up with the rear end I was looking for. Result!

I’ve engaged with this firm in Brisbane who do some really nice work; meeting the main man in Brisbane later today. He believes he can make a mould without destroying the original dual seat unit and cowl. I’m not so sure - don’t know enough about the process. If I go ahead and am happy with the finished item, I’ll throw it open for anyone interested.

Those of us waiting for TAB to get back in business have just received an email saying that they are ready to start making 961 ally tanks again, which is awesome. Thanks in no small part to Stu apparently, for providing advice and the loan of a donor frame - good on yer Stu 👍! TAB are great to deal with.

IMG_7827.jpeg

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Geez, not gonna recognise my own bike shortly - it may even end up looking ‘properly premium’😆!

Now, off to make beans on toast for tea!
 
Stu Bodycote said:
Some bits and bobs I bought from TVS-Norton via a mate a while back before Maria left. I was fortunate in that I knew they wouldn't question the request, as some parts were part of a sub-assembly, so shouldn't have been sold to me. But I knew if I gave the part number, they'd just go from that and work out a price based on a set format using the buy in price. Mega lucky as that retaining plate was going to cost me around £500 as a one off 🙈 They're too on the ball now tbf to them.
Click to expand...
Well you got a really good deal !
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Go on Voodoo, let it all out mate…..…..…………. and now …………. breath! All good? Lovely.

—————————————————————————————————————

Ok that clarifies a little I guesss - engine/internal/hard part prices seem reasonable/acceptable, but bodywork is gonna be super expensive. Stiil, great news that parts are flowing and they are selling engine internals etc, despite potential compatability issues - pretty much as they notified - they will supply all parts they have sourced and tested; for certain components, no guarantee of compatability.

FOMO on spares over it appears. Maybe the theory of not wanting to sell to Donington owners is not quite accurate then - which again is good news.

If we require bodywork, I guess we’ve just gotta ‘pay the piper’ or find an alternative. Personal choice. I’ve been looking for a single seat unit for years with no luck - I much prefer the aesthetic and have a damaged rear cowl; gotta love those good vibrations!

Makes no sense to pay £900+ for a new dual seat cowl for a look I like less, when it appears I can have an entire single seat unit made in carbon for less (minus the cost of the mould) and end up with the rear end I was looking for. Result!

I’ve engaged with this firm in Brisbane who do some really nice work; meeting the main man in Brisbane later today. He believes he can make a mould without destroying the original dual seat unit and cowl. I’m not so sure - don’t know enough about the process. If I go ahead and am happy with the finished item, I’ll throw it open for anyone interested.

Those of us waiting for TAB to get back in business have just received an email saying that they are ready to start making 961 ally tanks again, which is awesome. Thanks in no small part to Stu apparently, for providing advice and the loan of a donor frame - good on yer Stu 👍! TAB are great to deal with.

View attachment 107959

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Enhanced Composites offers a large selection of Carbon Fibre Fabrics, Fiberglass and Carbon fibre products and services at the best price. Contact Us Now!
enhancedcomposites.com.au enhancedcomposites.com.au

Geez, not gonna recognise my own bike shortly - it may even end up looking ‘properly premium’😆!

Now, off to make beans on toast for tea!
Click to expand...
Hi Stephen , Are you still going for the TAB2 aluminum gas tank ? I would buy again if TAB makes a Long Range high capacity version for us ! As it stands the current one I have is 4.5 USG .
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Go on Voodoo, let it all out mate…..…..…………. and now …………. breath! All good? Lovely.

—————————————————————————————————————

Ok that clarifies a little I guesss - engine/internal/hard part prices seem reasonable/acceptable, but bodywork is gonna be super expensive. Stiil, great news that parts are flowing and they are selling engine internals etc, despite potential compatability issues - pretty much as they notified - they will supply all parts they have sourced and tested; for certain components, no guarantee of compatability.

FOMO on spares over it appears. Maybe the theory of not wanting to sell to Donington owners is not quite accurate then - which again is good news.

If we require bodywork, I guess we’ve just gotta ‘pay the piper’ or find an alternative. Personal choice. I’ve been looking for a single seat unit for years with no luck - I much prefer the aesthetic and have a damaged rear cowl; gotta love those good vibrations!

Makes no sense to pay £900+ for a new dual seat cowl for a look I like less, when it appears I can have an entire single seat unit made in carbon for less (minus the cost of the mould) and end up with the rear end I was looking for. Result!

I’ve engaged with this firm in Brisbane who do some really nice work; meeting the main man in Brisbane later today. He believes he can make a mould without destroying the original dual seat unit and cowl. I’m not so sure - don’t know enough about the process. If I go ahead and am happy with the finished item, I’ll throw it open for anyone interested.

Those of us waiting for TAB to get back in business have just received an email saying that they are ready to start making 961 ally tanks again, which is awesome. Thanks in no small part to Stu apparently, for providing advice and the loan of a donor frame - good on yer Stu 👍! TAB are great to deal with.

View attachment 107959

Carbon Fibre Fabrics & Carbon Fibre Products - Enhanced Composites

Enhanced Composites offers a large selection of Carbon Fibre Fabrics, Fiberglass and Carbon fibre products and services at the best price. Contact Us Now!
enhancedcomposites.com.au enhancedcomposites.com.au

Geez, not gonna recognise my own bike shortly - it may even end up looking ‘properly premium’😆!

Now, off to make beans on toast for tea!
Click to expand...
Except it wasn’t me complaining about the price. That was clearly you.
It’s just a bit humorous to me that you support TVS and all of their business choices, yet you won’t pay the piper.
That’s not my idea of support.

I was in need of “body” parts. Not internal engine or mechanical parts.
I’m more than happy to pay the price if the parts are available.

You had sticker shock for a seat in which you asked and received a price for. My question is, if you knew you didn’t want a 2 up seat, why the sticker shock? You already knew you didn’t want it.

The one in need of a deep breath is you. Hopefully now after the prices, your heart rate has settled.
 

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