A Very Interesting Phone Call Today

G81 Can Cycle

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I am sitting at my desk answering a customer's email, when my receptionist calls my extension. I answer and she says she a has a "Dan Vanepps" from Norton USA on the phone, and wants to know if I want to take the call. I tell her "Well hell yes"

What ensued was a 30 minute phone call on all things modern Norton. We discussed everything from parts availability, to remaps, to Dommies coming to US, to dealers, to a new dealer (hopefully) coming on board in the Southeast US at the first of the year.

It seems that Norton US and Norton UK realize there has been a communication problem, along with other situations that they wish to correct.

Dan also asked me to put together a list of parts needed to support the 961 race effort next year, and he would make sure I was supported WaHooooo

Anyway, I am a much happier camper than before. Thanks Dan
 
Alright!

Now that sounds like the re-start of a beautiful relationship.
 
Who ever buys the most bikes wins. Sounds promising. Can't wait for dealerships to carry parts. My dealership didn't order any more bikes and discounted a 2014 CR to 18K. Thin ice. Hopefully he'll sell the two he has and reconsider.
 
So could you share about parts, Dommies and re-maps or PM?
And did he get your contact info from this forum?
 
That's the reality of it isn't it ? If he can't sell Nortons , stocking parts will be a no show. Most dealers will not stock parts , you have to order them first. Unless its a fast moving item of course , but you all know this. I don't mind ordering my parts , if I can get them in a couple of weeks I am good. Maybe it would have been better for Norton to hold back on the USA market and not come here until supply could keep up with the demand. Most people are very fickle when it comes to this aspect of it. Lets be honest , how many are out there that will/can buy an expensive British roadster ? MCC said when the Nortons first got to them they could have sold more than 20 bikes right away. But then there was the long wait and you know the rest. Most buyers go elsewhere or just forget about it. I hope they get their act together , because I like my bike , need parts and want to keep driving it.
 
John, Real good news, thanks for sharing. I tried to meet up with you at Barber. Went to the Norton tent and also talked to Matt from CNW, but couldn't manage to cross paths with you. Missed you at both places. Maybe one day I'll meet another 961 owner in person if this is not all a myth. Good luck with your racing efforts. Charlie.
 
cehenard said:
John, Real good news, thanks for sharing. I tried to meet up with you at Barber. Went to the Norton tent and also talked to Matt from CNW, but couldn't manage to cross paths with you. Missed you at both places. Maybe one day I'll meet another 961 owner in person if this is not all a myth. Good luck with your racing efforts. Charlie.

Charlie

Sorry I missed you at Barber. I had a trailer at the other end of the parking lot. I had several online meetings I had to attend, so I was in and out of the CNW display

Where is home for you?

John
 
John I'm in Indiana southwest of Indianapolis where the roads get hilly and curvy. I waited a few years and bought the first of the two 2014 961 SF Nortons that Falcone Powersports in Indy sold before they dropped their Norton dealership. Love the bike but I didn't ride it to Barber. I'd taken almost two weeks off work so I rode my truck (2013 HD Road Glide Ultra). I saw the collaboration you and Matt have put together on the electric start conversion for older Commandos and it's more impressive in person than the pictures. Also saw your new black CNW Commando ( real sweet). We'll meet up sometime on the road I hope. Ride safe, Charlie.
 
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