I ran across these postings on a 961 Sport up for auction on BAT. I recognize that some of the comments might be controversial, but thought some of you might find them interesting.
"Sluggo503 This author's likes: 457
Nice bike & good price. I might be able to offer some clarification on a few issues. First, the frames for these bikes is the same as the prototypes that came from here in Oregon-Norton America. Kenny Dreer worked with Jeff Cole of the famous C&J frames to create these, Jeff is now retired but still does small batches of frames for all kinds of bikes, Of note, He has made a number of custom frames for Matt
@ CNW but I have spoke to Jeff and while I have several prototype Nortons and the original CAD files, new frames are not inexpensive. I have spoke to many of the Norton UK vendors and many are operating on rev1 CAD prints so, the claim that Stuart Garner made of revamping the entire bikes is not entirely true.
For clarification, When Garner bought Norton from Norton America the chassis was 100% production, Shovel ready. The motor was at 90% and while they knew what it needed, lacked the funds to go into production, Hence the venture capitalist who funded Norton Americas decision to sell. Garner employed a well known midlands company to refine the motors and build all the early ones. Based on this bikes date, This bike SHOULD have one of those motors. However there was a dispute over funds and eventually that company severed ties with Garner/Norton. When they had them built by a new vendor and some inhouse, they had some issues. All of which if you search on the net you can read about. I have several of these early motors and they are excellent.
As to Spondon, thats a different topic, and post liquidation seems there was some issues with the purchase of Spondon and its assets. Again well chronicled on many sites, including AccessNorton. If true, & the reports are credible, Its an unfortunate outcome for what was once a reputable company.
TVS has allegedly targeted another 40 bikes of the 961 series, But after that the future of this model is uncertain as well as spares, But most are hopeful that they support the owners and hopefully continue making them. But fear not… other than crankcases and cyls and heads, ALL components can be sourced. I dont want to go too far into that topic, but many of the parts on these are also in production for other applications.
For example, The trans is the same as a Harley Sportster or Buell. In fact, wishing a 6 speed you can buy them from Baker drivetrain and Norton America had some and planned to offer them as an option.
The Alternator and clutch can be found on some Suzuki models. And the Starter? Thats history repeating itself from the days of the Norton 850 when Norton bought rejected starters for Harley ironheads and fitted to 850s. Norton owners refuse to acknowledge this and pay 2x too much for starter upgrades from Norton suppliers, while the same upgrade from a Harley source is a fraction of the cost. The Starters on the 961 series bikes are a common starter, again found on Sportsters, Buells and even some cars. My Kubota and Yanmar tractors with the 3 cyl diesels also use this starter.
I have discussed this with 961 owners and even the forum admin at In-AccessableNorton and they dont believe it but, yes, you CAN fix your Norton from parts at the local Lawn-Garden & tractor shop.
As for TVS, TATA and the others,, I can confirm they were looking at Norton for purchase for many years. At one point even Harley considered a purchase as well as some Chinese manufacturers. There was a matrix for buyers, Some, Dreer called “All hat, No cattle”
But they ranked the buyers based on several factors and one was preserving the brand identity and legacy.
Later, after Garner bought the brand it was on shaky ground for some time and many entities were looking at it should the opportunity arise. I took a friend over to meet Dreer as he lived a short distance from me, (Now retired and out of state). In discussion Kenny revealed that at that time he had been contacted and asked about his interest if a sale happened, WOULD he be interested in returning to a role in the new Norton company? My friend Dave, who has spent a lot of time in Asia and India immediately knew who he was talking about and Kenny was shocked, We kept it quiet at the time, But yes,, for many years Norton was being looked at. I have not spoken to Kenny for some time and no idea if he is in contact with the current owner, but last we spoke, he said,,, “Im happy to talk boats or fishing but dont want to discuss motorcycles anymore”.
I am a big Norton enthusiast and confident that Norton has a bright future, I can 100% say this bike is a future collectible bike and a good investment. Should you have any issues, questions or need tech help there is a lot of passionate people to support you and assist.
As to this model, actual production numbers are fuzzy and hard to figure out but not many were built in this configuration, those forks and wheels are IMHO the nicest set up, most used USD forks and the spoked rims just connect it to the heritage of the bike.
Also wheel hubs produced by the same company, never seen one of those crack, whereas the UK made Talon hubs have to be inspected closely, and regularly, especially the front.
