I can't think of another motorcycle or automobile that attempted such a grassroots start-up of a product in this corporate era, initially with limited funds (Dreer) and later with ill gotten ones (Garner). I applaud the effort. The only thing TVS lacks is the actual motivation to continue the line as they are a company looking for a future with a respected brand name but little else involving Norton history.
What does TVS actually mean to Norton? Or better question, what does Norton mean to TVS? The original Norton dominated the race circuits. Today it’s just a brand name that’s hardly known to even exist
What does TVS actually mean to Norton? Money - to enable relaunch of the marque.
Do you honestly believe that the world knows that Norton is back in business?
Better stop talking about Rotary Nortons and start calling them Shenstone Nortons…..The detail of what was made when, where and by whom will no doubt be the subject of the latest Norton History books……in the meantime I am content that my 2013 Sport has a sticker on the top yoke stating, ‘Norton hand built at Donington Park’
What you say is all true. Motorcycle riders who weren't even around in the 70s , especially those with strong brand loyalties and identities, are unlikely to know what a Norton is, or care for that matter. If they read magazines like Cycle world they would have read about the 961, and if they have read it recently they would know it's current unstable status. Otherwise it is not common knowledge in the states that Norton has been selling motorcycles again for over a decade. I think it's fair to call the 961 a true Norton since it's design evolves from people very involved in Norton history and craftsmanship. It even looks like a Norton and has many of the same types of flaws.
Well, your very last statement just backs up the Donington Nortons bit
Just a shame that not all models had plaques. 
Add it to the list.
Can’t fault the logic…..just off on my Shenstone!!Well, your very last statement just backs up the Donington Nortons bit
Donington Norton's as a phrase covers everything from the Stuart Garner era....no if's or but's. Was it built in Donington (park or Hall)...if so...its a Donington Norton.
Stu I reckon we need to meet up in the new year and chat this over a pint or two!? All the bestWell, your very last statement just backs up the Donington Nortons bit
Donington Norton's as a phrase covers everything from the Stuart Garner era....no if's or but's. Was it built in Donington (park or Hall)...if so...its a Donington Norton.
Ah V2V3 my friend,
cos it always makes me laugh! I also know that we are polar opposites on the optimism spectrum - my superhero name would be ‘Optimus,’ where yours would clearly be ‘Negatron’!
)
!I know you misinterpreted my post and that’s ok.Ah V2V3 my friend,
I know that you only completely misrepresent what I say as a vague antagonism, at least I hope so anyway
I wrote:
“………..There would’nt be a biker ‘alive and upright’ in the UK that doesn’t know of Norton Motorcycles, and it’s recent relaunch. Noting that is Birmingham Norton’s target audience ATM. Birmingham Norton are hardly gonna be marketing to the bike lovin‘ folks of Birmingham Alabama, until Nortons are available in the US. I’d say that Norton as a historical marque would be well known by close to 100% of those bikers likely to buy one.
To which you replied:
‘Do you honestly believe that the world knows that Norton is back in business? ….. ask the millions of bikers in the world, or even just in one country, and I’ll wager to say, more don’t know of Nortons existence”. Before going on to describe ‘the world’ in terms of America (we’ll leave that one alone I think LOL
It‘s blindingly obvious that: there would be little knowledge of Norton‘s relaunch in countries where they are yet to advertise/export; Triumph are much better known cos they sell bikes in the US; Older people are more likely to have heard of Norton; that its easier for an American to buy a motorcycle that’s available for sale.
It’s not blindingly obvious that Birmingham Norton will “….never have even in the future”….a…“..wide range of products”…and a “…dealer network.“
Optimus prefers to look at the possibility that Birmingham Norton may have a future and may actually do what they say they intend to do. I enjoy our warm chats Negatron, I just wish that you lived a little closer so that I could give you the occasional hug, pat you on the back and tell you that everything’s gonna be OK! Jeez, I’m chokin’ up here
View attachment 101258
Well, at the risk of antagonising the Norton Owners Club (
heaven forbid) and because I have way too much time on my hands, I blatantly stole Frank‘s idea and had some decals made up.
You really want to display where your bike was assembled?Well, at the risk of antagonising the Norton Owners Club (
View attachment 101373
Undecided where to put it/them (if anywhere). Maybe discretely on the frame tube, or chain guard. Couple on those shiny carbon wheels may look good. Whichever way you look at it though, that’s a three beer proposition. Make sure bike is shiny; ponder positioning; fix decal, screw it up, fix another one! Simples!
Where would you put them? And don’t say wedge em up yer clacker!!
Want heritage? Buy a Triumph.
But a lot of that Triumph is not made in England either . Probably comes from Pacific Rim , which includes Thailand etc. We know the Norton is built in England with some British content. I am just happy that they are making it at all.
