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Stu Bodycote said:

I think I may be Stephen_Spencer's opposite...Stephen is pretty positive with Norton and what they're doing/planning, whilst I think they're a bunch of mismanaged arseholes that are dulling down a once exciting brand...most of the biking world has simply lost interest now

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I’ve certainly been painted that way Stu over time, repeatedly! Repeat something often enough as they say !

In reality, I just don’t subscribe to that most human of instincts; to look for the most negative likely scenario or outcome (especially when information is scarse). Bad news sells of course - we humans are hardwired to be attracted to it. Something to do with cave man instincts for survival!

I, like most, am very sceptical about the prestige approach - I’ve said so many times. I can understand elements of why they’ve chosen that route but am not at all sure that it makes business sense when volume is required for success. Maybe that’s where Honsur comes in.

Norton is far from perfect however, the marque was dead for all money, with a severely damaged reputation - potentially never to reappear. They now have a production facility, well equipped and funded, staffed by British people building British bikes in Norton heartland. Whilst we wait for several new model lines to be introduced.

‘Dulling down a once exciting brand’ or potentially providing the last best chance of survival?

I'm only pulling your leg

For me though, it's 100% personal. There's a couple of senior management members at that warehouse in Solihull with a huge chip on their shoulders over me, carried over from Donington days. As such, they're trying their utmost to restrict my business's growth....a business that puts food on the table for a family. For you guys it's an inconvenience of waiting on parts....for me it's periods of low/no income, when I've got a workshop full of bikes waiting on what is required to get them back on the road and invoiced off.
If I had guaranteed direct parts support, I'd be out there buying a commercial property to expand into instead of still working from the bottom of my garden. They could literally divert all Donington parts enquiries to me to deal with, leaving them with the new stuff to concentrate on.
Eventually I will buy some premises (I'm against renting) and I will expand, with or without them. It just means I'd need to take on another brand. I've got a local Ducati specialist who wants to join forces with me, which would be a nice brand alongside the Nortons...but I'd also want to take on board something like BSA or Enfield, for the regular bread and butter work.

They can't compete with Triumph or RE since they are built in low cost countries on a much larger scale than Norton, who have stated they hope to build 5000 to 7000 in the Solihull factory. I hope they build a middleweight twin or single, with a high end spec which will be compared to the 900 Triumphs at least cost wise. Along with a water cooled replacement Commando, which will have a few models.. Sport, touring, adventure. These bikes will be comparable to the likes of the Guzzi V100 range and slightly above the Triumph Twin range. The V4s may soldier on as a halo model, but I doubt it'll be around long term.

Stu Bodycote said:

I'm only pulling your leg

For me though, it's 100% personal. There's a couple of senior management members at that warehouse in Solihull with a huge chip on their shoulders over me, carried over from Donington days. As such, they're trying their utmost to restrict my business's growth....a business that puts food on the table for a family. For you guys it's an inconvenience of waiting on parts....for me it's periods of low/no income, when I've got a workshop full of bikes waiting on what is required to get them back on the road and invoiced off.
If I had guaranteed direct parts support, I'd be out there buying a commercial property to expand into instead of still working from the bottom of my garden. They could literally divert all Donington parts enquiries to me to deal with, leaving them with the new stuff to concentrate on.
Eventually I will buy some premises (I'm against renting) and I will expand, with or without them. It just means I'd need to take on another brand. I've got a local Ducati specialist who wants to join forces with me, which would be a nice brand alongside the Nortons...but I'd also want to take on board something like BSA or Enfield, for the regular bread and butter work.

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That’s an absolute nightmare mate, it’s shocking what’s going on for you it’s a shame you can’t get hold of someone from TVS via linked in in India bet they wouldn’t be happy to hear about that. Especially with the huge losses they are posting, I wonder if there’s any trading standards laws against what they are doing. I personally now won’t be buying a TVs Norton with the way they operate a what they’ve done to people especially after reading this.

Have a look at unconscionable conduct an compete law might be the slightest wrong term on the 2nd one as it’s been a while since I read up on nothing about that saw it on google on on legal vision an black belt barrister he gives advice for from I saw quickly on YouTube

Even though I could afford two next year an initially thought I’d give them another look dependant on what came out. I only spend with companies that treat people right so after reading this it’s older Commandos A/N an maybe a Triumph again for me I think companies like TVs Norton need to learn a bit of humility an stuff like this doesn't help that image especially with the lack of trust over past image. Treat others how you wish to be treated especially with Indian belief an culture.

Thanks for taking the time to share Stu.

Cheering you on mate an if I ever get anything that I can send your way bike wise I will

The big announcement on fb was a new dealer for anyone wondering just had a look

Stu Bodycote said:

I'm only pulling your leg

For me though, it's 100% personal. There's a couple of senior management members at that warehouse in Solihull with a huge chip on their shoulders over me, carried over from Donington days. As such, they're trying their utmost to restrict my business's growth....a business that puts food on the table for a family. For you guys it's an inconvenience of waiting on parts....for me it's periods of low/no income, when I've got a workshop full of bikes waiting on what is required to get them back on the road and invoiced off.
If I had guaranteed direct parts support, I'd be out there buying a commercial property to expand into instead of still working from the bottom of my garden. They could literally divert all Donington parts enquiries to me to deal with, leaving them with the new stuff to concentrate on.
Eventually I will buy some premises (I'm against renting) and I will expand, with or without them. It just means I'd need to take on another brand. I've got a local Ducati specialist who wants to join forces with me, which would be a nice brand alongside the Nortons...but I'd also want to take on board something like BSA or Enfield, for the regular bread and butter work.

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That situation sux Stu, no doubt. Your future plans sound really positive though.

Wonder if along with the politics involving your previous work colleagues there might also be a commercial angle; a business decision. You are after all keeping lots of owners happy with their Donny 961’s that may otherwise be potential Solihull 961 buyers. They might view that your business is bad for their business.

I doubt it though. I think to be honest that it’s indifference to the legacy bikes that is the main issue. They’re not sat around looking for ways to disadvantage us; too busy moving forward. I doubt we rate a mention. If we were part of ongoing activity (on any level), the path for spares for us would be unambiguous. In short, they changed the spares procedure (which was working after a fashion) and impact on legacy owners did not reach the agenda.

In my opinion we need to tread lightly here and try and re-establish the original agreement, through the dealers. Or one main dealer a least. We’ll likely need Nortons help with this. A good start point would be a UK member phoning a few spares departments to find out what’s actually happening, as suggested earlier. Maybe not you though eh!

Stephen_Spencer said:

What can this be? Most of the FB responses are as you would predict them to be!

Lots of encouraging talk of what’s to come. Some substance at the NEC this year is pretty essential!

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Spot on with the guess Cliff! ‘Exciting’ might be over stating it just a tad! Unless you own a 961 SP and live within a cabers toss; then you’d be pretty chuffed I guess!

Cheers guys,
Yes it's difficult, but I'm one of the most stubborn people you could meet....so their attitude just fuels me more than anything.
I did contemplate emailing Sudashan Venu directly, but I've been told that I usually come across as very aggressive when I write stuff....so I may need some help with that

Stu Bodycote said:

Cheers guys,
Yes it's difficult, but I'm one of the most stubborn people you could meet....so their attitude just fuels me more than anything.
I did contemplate emailing Sudashan Venu directly, but I've been told that I usually come across as very aggressive when I write stuff....so I may need some help with that

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Stu,
sounds like you need a stint at corporate charm school.

BritTwit said:

Stu,
sounds like you need a stint at corporate charm school.

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Sorry, I wouldn't fit in with dirt under my nails

A no brainer really, high end fully adjustable suspension still on factory settings from new? ‘Got to sort that out’ I’ve been telling myself……. for 8 years!

In my defence, the original handling was a bit ponderous, bike slow(ish) to turn in so I planned to have it professionally setup. In the interim, I fitted carbon wheels which transformed the handling so I never bothered.

Same applies though - the bike is still on standard (Chris Walker) settings, which makes no sense. Gonna book in with MPE and get it setup propertly, as ‘Jack Son’ from FB has just done. Gotta be money well spent right!

Some valid points - some not so. Nothing we haven't heard before except a few left of field ideas.

Norton is TVS CEO’s vanity project? I don’t think so - a publicly traded company, he has shareholders to consider. Doubt there’s much room for pet projects!

Comparing Norton to Hesketh and Brough is not really valid. Worth a watch? I’ll let you decide.

Stu Bodycote said:

Sorry, I wouldn't fit in with dirt under my nails

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Stu, don't underestimate yourself. Your knowledge and opinions are valued here and you can bet they are being valued elsewhere. You offer the premium back up service they can only dream of, the combined knowledge and experience of all their UK suppliers is at most one tenth of yours.
In my time in the Royal Navy one comment I came across in many meetings was 'I'm asking the Warrant' and that usually came from senior officers, the lower ranked officers around the table were always trying to sugar coat it, and senior officers rarely wanted to hear that version.

Madnorton said:

Stu, don't underestimate yourself. Your knowledge and opinions are valued here and you can bet they are being valued elsewhere. You offer the premium back up service they can only dream of, the combined knowledge and experience of all their UK suppliers is at most one tenth of yours.
In my time in the Royal Navy one comment I came across in many meetings was 'I'm asking the Warrant' and that usually came from senior officers, the lower ranked officers around the table were always trying to sugar coat it, and senior officers rarely wanted to hear that version.

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Cheers, appreciated....but I really am just a grumpy mechanic. I just so happened to have worked for Norton, enjoyed it, and decided to carry on with it. I know these bikes are fickle, they always will be....but I have a strange affection for them. I suppose their issues make them seem more alive...as we all have problems of some sort. Japanese bikes by comparison seem a little too clinical.

Just cos it’s a cool pic……… of a Norton……..givin it rice! Very IOMesque.

Here’s hoping they eventually make it back to the island. Just don’t ask McPint to ride it! He hasn’t been paid for the last one yet!!

Short’n’sweet - he gets what it’s all about. Putting a smile on yer dial!

Courtesy of Mick from the FB site. Parts required to convert the original Solihull 961 SP pegs to the upgraded items. I thought the SP would have been modified before release, but apparently not. He ordered these parts through Judd Racing.

It’s not clear to me whether the same parts would convert a Donny 961 - frame mounting points? Anybody done this already or have additional info?

Stephen_Spencer said:

Courtesy of Mick from the FB site. Parts required to convert the original Solihull 961 SP pegs to the upgraded items. I thought the SP would have been modified before release, but apparently not. He ordered these parts through Judd Racing.

It’s not clear to me whether the same parts would convert a Donny 961 - frame mounting points? Anybody done this already or have additional info?

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Yes this works on Donnie 961’s. I have this kit from earlier this year , when Norton were shipping parts to me . On my last order I was told I should go to Judd Racing for parts moving forward. Then I read that Judd told someone they couldn’t sell to Donington machines. Was this ever cleared up or not , Because the above guy has a TVS SP ?

Stu Bodycote said:

I'm only pulling your leg

For me though, it's 100% personal. There's a couple of senior management members at that warehouse in Solihull with a huge chip on their shoulders over me, carried over from Donington days. As such, they're trying their utmost to restrict my business's growth....a business that puts food on the table for a family. For you guys it's an inconvenience of waiting on parts....for me it's periods of low/no income, when I've got a workshop full of bikes waiting on what is required to get them back on the road and invoiced off.
If I had guaranteed direct parts support, I'd be out there buying a commercial property to expand into instead of still working from the bottom of my garden. They could literally divert all Donington parts enquiries to me to deal with, leaving them with the new stuff to concentrate on.
Eventually I will buy some premises (I'm against renting) and I will expand, with or without them. It just means I'd need to take on another brand. I've got a local Ducati specialist who wants to join forces with me, which would be a nice brand alongside the Nortons...but I'd also want to take on board something like BSA or Enfield, for the regular bread and butter work.

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Rotaries!!
All the older experts are now getting on a bit, got to be a market there!!

TonyA said:

Yes this works on Donnie 961’s. I have this kit from earlier this year , when Norton were shipping parts to me . On my last order I was told I should go to Judd Racing for parts moving forward. Then I read that Judd told someone they couldn’t sell to Donington machines. Was this ever cleared up or not , Because the above guy has a TVS SP ?

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That was me. They said it was "difficult". There was a way but it would take a looooong time with no guarantee of getting parts.

TonyA said:

Yes this works on Donnie 961’s. I have this kit from earlier this year , when Norton were shipping parts to me . On my last order I was told I should go to Judd Racing for parts moving forward. Then I read that Judd told someone they couldn’t sell to Donington machines. Was this ever cleared up or not , Because the above guy has a TVS SP ?

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That’s good to know, thanks Tony.

I suggested a UK based member do a quick ring around the dealers to establish how each are dealing with Donny owner spares requests and (discreetly) what direction they may have been given by Norton (if any). I undertook to call myself I think, if nobody stepped up, before contacting Norton directly. Didn’t get anyone volunteering nor, from memory, any feedback on this approach whatsoever. Still think it’s the way forward though.

My guess would be that we do not figure on Norton’s agenda when they’re planning. As such, when centralised Solihull spares provision was devolved to the dealers, we likely didn’t rate a mention. Bye bye previously agreed spares access. Each dealer likely dealing with Donny owner spares requests as they see fit.

I’ll order the footpeg kit through a dealer and report back how I get on.