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I have just been informed that South Bay Norton is the new US distributor!!!

What happened to Van Epps?
 
Wow!
I wonder what happened to Van Epps?
Maybe not enough Norton sales in the US to support his business.
 
They need to expand the dealer base to promote the brand. Maybe Van Epps couldn't or wouldn't. In any case I think this is great news!
 
Having personal experience with SBN and MC, my hopefulness is there, but my optimism is somewhat tempered! This is a wait and see moment for me.
 
I had a long talk with Matt Capri of South Bay yesterday. I called him about performance issues on the 961 pertaining to our upcoming race season. I will be working with Matt to improve performance on the race bike.

The talk turned to Norton representation. Matt did confirm that he is taking over as the US distributor for Norton UK

Matt is also very interested in developing performance kits for the 961. His exhaust systems are just the beginning. I have also sent some info to Matt about our manufacturing abilities, the work we have done for CNW, and there may be a chance we will work with South Bay on some projects. I also made him aware of the 961 / One-07 tools that are advertised on CNW. I suggested he download Richard's manuals, as he was unaware of these fine additions to the Norton factory manual.

He also said that announcements are coming soon as to new dealers in the US. There should be an announcement very soon about a dealer in Tampa.

John
 
BPHORSEGUY said:
They need to expand the dealer base to promote the brand. Maybe Van Epps couldn't or wouldn't. In any case I think this is great news!

This is my take on it. Dealers don't want any trouble from the brands they carry, first . Second , they need the bikes to sell so they can make some money . Finally , A dealer can't rely on Norton to keep them afloat on its own because so few bikes are sold. The dealer already has to be doing a good business with other brands preferably an exotic brand like Ducati etc.. The reason Matt Capri makes sense is because he already has South Bay to feed him and he can open his belt another couple of notches for the US Distributorship ( He was the first distributor anyway). Norton distribution will only enhance his business. The reason he had trouble in the beginning with Norton is because he couldn't get bikes shipped fast enough from Norton (huskyfreak comes to mind) . Now that the demand has slowed (if it has slowed) , If he only distributes 12 bikes this year no big deal he lives on South Bay business in the meantime. Van Epps probably couldn't earn a living on the distribution proceeds , that is all .. Once the word gets out how special these Norton's are , easy to work on , good handling , good performance and that pride of ownership they will succeed ...!
 
Here's to South Bay distributing 50 Norton motorcycles this year !!!! I hope or more ...
 
TonyA said:
This is my take on it. Dealers don't want any trouble from the brands they carry, first . Second , they need the bikes to sell so they can make some money . Finally , A dealer can't rely on Norton to keep them afloat on its own because so few bikes are sold. The dealer already has to be doing a good business with other brands preferably an exotic brand like Ducati etc.. The reason Matt Capri makes sense is because he already has South Bay to feed him and he can open his belt another couple of notches for the US Distributorship ( He was the first distributor anyway). Norton distribution will only enhance his business. The reason he had trouble in the beginning with Norton is because he couldn't get bikes shipped fast enough from Norton (huskyfreak comes to mind) . Now that the demand has slowed (if it has slowed) , If he only distributes 12 bikes this year no big deal he lives on South Bay business in the meantime. Van Epps probably couldn't earn a living on the distribution proceeds , that is all .. Once the word gets out how special these Norton's are , easy to work on , good handling , good performance and that pride of ownership they will succeed ...!

Tony I think you're reasoning is correct.
Plus don't forget that there has been a relationship of some type between Matt and Garner since 2009. Matt assisted the Norton 961 speed run at Bonneville. Garner selected him because he was impressed with what SBN had done with the New Bonneville twin engines like the 1087 Magnum. Also, From SBN's point of view, Norton will shorty be producing a new V4 bike. It will be very exclusive, and of course, very expensive. SBN will be the US distributor of it.
When you add possible SBN performance components being developed for the 961, this is not a bad position to be in.
 
I think Van Epps had trouble dealing with a start up company instead of a mass producing established one. SBN shows enthusiasm and an opportunity for growth along with there upgrade components. I think its a good move, but I hope us little people on the East Coast don't get forgotten about. There has to be a fair distribution of bikes AND parts. Time will tell.
 
I think the problem has several variables. First Norton needs more dealers to increase sales. Dealers will be hesitant to sign on based on the last years horror stories of support.

Norton UK seems to understand that they must step up and support the product in the US market. If they do this, then dealers will be willing to handle the line. I understand a new dealer has signed on in Tampa, and another is in consideration in Daytona. Every big city in the US has a dealer that deals with "exotics" (Ducati, Aprilla, BMW, ect) These dealers are prime candidates for Norton to recruit. But, unless the problems on support are solved, no dealer will take on this line.

Matt Capri is a dealer and understands the problems. I do not know his deal with Norton, but I assume that the payoff for SBN is to get dealers up and produce a higher volume of sales. So there is incentive for him to do so. I hope Matt can perform the way the Canadian distributor has performed for Norton owners in Canada (Richard 7 has told me some incredible stories about things the Canadian distributor has done)
 
Peter (CDN DISTRIBUTOR) is soooooo passionate about the BRAND it is truly amazing. He put in a a lot of thought when bringing the bikes in. Some things to make his job easier and some to make the owners really happy. I wont give examples but you can call him if you want more info. If there is a problem with a bike, Norton UK WILL take care of it. Lets help keep the brand alive and stay positive. Imagine this was your company and how hard it must be to take care of everything.... but eventually it is taken care of. Every customers issue is the most important to them at that time. Anyone in manufacturing will understand this the most.

Lets hope that there are many discussions and investigations and meetings first before selecting dealers. Make sure these dealers are up to the task or this will fail miserably.
 
richard-7 said:
Peter (CDN DISTRIBUTOR) is soooooo passionate about the BRAND it is truly amazing. He put in a a lot of thought when bringing the bikes in. Some things to make his job easier and some to make the owners really happy. I wont give examples but you can call him if you want more info. If there is a problem with a bike, Norton UK WILL take care of it. Lets help keep the brand alive and stay positive. Imagine this was your company and how hard it must be to take care of everything.... but eventually it is taken care of. Every customers issue is the most important to them at that time. Anyone in manufacturing will understand this the most.

Lets hope that there are many discussions and investigations and meetings first before selecting dealers. Make sure these dealers are up to the task or this will fail miserably.

I agree Richard. All of my experience shows that Norton UK does care, and is willing to step up. My opinion is that the US launch and support was flawed.
 
I agree to the flawed launch and to the lack of passion involved thus far. Passion and communication are keys to success. Things are looking a little brighter.
 
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