Bushman's Rebuild Update

My official answer is no, Rob won't be chiming in.

The 961 range of bikes was first sold in 2010. It has been under constant development since then and even now has a small team of people constantly refining and developing the bike. These developments are predominantly down to constant drive for quality control as volumes grow and the need for tighter legislation. As you know we have just gone through Euro 4, 5 is next. Anyone that has seen a current Euro 4 bike versus an older one can see the differences. As such it is impossible for ANY Norton employee to know and keep on top of all the changes on the bike.

Thanks

Simon
 
That is good to know that the 961 Commando is continually being developed and refined. I for one want to see it going for many years to come. Also , it is reassuring that my older (Nov 2014) can be brought along and NOT be obsoleted . I visited the factory last Sept. and it would have been great to speak to you . Being out here in the Midwest USA our roads are mostly long and flat , so the reduction of NVH (noise vibration harshness) is near and dear to my heart. Thank you and all of Norton Motorcycles UK for your good and hard work !
 
Most manufacturers track changes made by identifying the vin number where a change or changes were introduced...... common practice in the industry and not too hard to implement
 
skinthespin said:
Hi,

What is there to acknowledge on this thread? What started off as something that may be a helpful and interesting blueprinting thread (by bushmans own admittance) for everyone has degenerated into personals, mild threats about exposing issues from 2 people, saying we wont support a customer despite 45 years of spanner usage, spotty teenagers, zero support from Norton, claiming we wont supply you parts (of course we will, you know this - Peter was an official dealer, you are not so the terms are different) and then saying its personal and I don't like you.

No one is saying you didn't help Rich, but the reality is Canada hasn't had a bike for years and the game has changed.

Bearing all this in mind why would I (or any of the staff here) want to get involved in this nonsense?

Simon
Click to expand...

good bet folks that are looking over the new nortons are like minded, i doubt this is going away
 
Re: Euro 5. Love my air cooled, but it seems to keep a balance btw performance and acceptable specs is becoming a hassle. Screw it. Watercool it, raise the HP, keep the looks vintage with the use of the high quality components and get on with it. You could kill the Thruxton with it.
 
That's what the 650 is going to do ! Keep the Commando air cooled with hydraulic low maintenance lifters I say.
 
That's why some time ago I said that a new 750 Commando II (bored out 650) could be done by Norton.
Classic sand casting finish on the cases/barrels/head, restyled valve covers and engine covers.
Really, just a dress-up outside.
Inside, same whirling bits as the the 650.
Viola! A new modern classic is born for very little invested.
 
skinthespin said:
Hi,

What is there to acknowledge on this thread? What started off as something that may be a helpful and interesting blueprinting thread (by bushmans own admittance) for everyone has degenerated into personals, mild threats about exposing issues from 2 people, saying we wont support a customer despite 45 years of spanner usage, spotty teenagers, zero support from Norton, claiming we wont supply you parts (of course we will, you know this - Peter was an official dealer, you are not so the terms are different) and then saying its personal and I don't like you.

No one is saying you didn't help Rich, but the reality is Canada hasn't had a bike for years and the game has changed.

Bearing all this in mind why would I (or any of the staff here) want to get involved in this nonsense?

Simon
Click to expand...


It is nice to know where Canada stands on Norton's radar... 60 bikes I have heard were sold here... now we have no Distributor ...words on the website say contact Norton UK.... how is that going to work when I want to order my new Dominator (now that they are all perfectly fixed)?

A simple reply from Norton UK to my emails to go deal with the then Distributor would have gone a long way to know that at least the issues I was experiencing were something Norton were aware of. I don't know how many 2010-2013 owner's are out there wondering how good their engine is. For a 1500mile bike to have such failures doesn't deserve to be shoved off into silence. All the support I received from Norton Canada was offered out of their own volition and pocket, nothing sanctioned by Norton UK as far as I am aware of. Maybe some input or comments early on from "skinthespin" Simon could have helped alleviate the level of frustration and provided some positive ground.

I was in our local dealer's shop in Vancouver yesterday, looking at what what stock he might have to pass along as he is closing down in June.... 5 oil filters, a few different clutch levers, some indicators... and a whole pile of clothing...mmm, things he said needed to fix when the bike falls over...Of the 9 bikes he has sold, my one probably has the highest mileage at 2900mls... they don't get ridden, and they haven't had to do any major mechanical repairs. He still has a 2015 on the floor he can't give away.

I am moving on now that my efforts have paid off and I can look forward to the summer riding my 961.

My intentions were simply to report what I had found and give some insight into the internals of the Norton engine. Typically this work is handled by a dealer and we never to get to see first hand what is on the inside of all that shiny aluminum. So at least I hope this exercise has been informative.
 
skinthespin said:
No one is saying you didn't help Rich, but the reality is Canada hasn't had a bike for years and the game has changed.

Bearing all this in mind why would I (or any of the staff here) want to get involved in this nonsense?

Simon
Click to expand...

might ask yourself why new potential customers would be interested in a product, where there is plenty of evidence showing 'nonsense' from the top, including a sorry history of a new model introduction, that is all blatant to todays market, who have easy access to info,

not to mention easy available options with other brands, that includes a history of full & established support
 
Last edited:
Bushman's Rebuild Update


Simples
 
Very, very well said and totally, totally true. Norton's attitude has now totally ruined all good customer relations they ever had. All on this forum have ever tried to do is help Norton improve their products and have all tried to promote sales for Norton only to be ridiculed back in effect in public and told we do not know what we are talking about and we should not touch their products as we have not been trained by them even although in essence our experience in this industry internationally is greater than theirs. After all does our continued purchases not pay their wages? Every other small or large vehicle manufacturer knows what vin number changes were made to all their products. It seems strange that Norton does not.
 
this is the best part so far
zero support from Norton, claiming we wont supply you parts (of course we will, you know this)
Click to expand...

looks like the plan is everything will be wonderful with the new models coming out, despite evident prior history to the contrary, putting to rest years of ongoing support issues & a bad rap all over the net, to say the least,

strange ...looks like a house of cards to me

yes the game has changed from the 961, however, i expect nothing less than a solid wait & see from consumers, regardless of what new stuff comes out,

the game of consumer awareness has also changed..

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/norton-sales-and-marketing-in-us.24975/

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/norton-dealer-network.24661/

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/norton-service-sydney-australia.24775/

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/norton-canada-gone.24331/
 

Similar threads

W
Norton self service update
Replies
12
Views
503
Wardude
W
Jerry Doe
BSA A10 - Hansen Dam Update
Replies
2
Views
156
Jerry Doe
Jerry Doe
Anvill
MKIII starter rebuild--bushing or needle bearing?
Replies
5
Views
261
slimslowslider
S
S
Help Required-Rear Hub Rebuild!!
Replies
10
Views
616
Shelby-Right
Shelby-Right
Q
Update on my '73 Hi-Rider acquisition.
2
Replies
38
Views
1,576
marshg246
marshg246
Back
Top