NORTON FACTORY SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY 2023( NOC INVITE)

Vernon240 said:

Agree FE, it is what it is. Would have been interesting to go, but I’m not looking any deeper into it other than I got an email that I was unlucky and taking that at face value. Not that interested in conspiracy theories...and even if there was one, what could I do? My view, they could accommodate a certain number, I was unlucky, move on. What is great is that it looks like a few will get to go and can have an interesting day and report back. I’ll take that as an overal positive, the way I see it!

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Thanks Vernon (and FE) for repeating exactly what I said in my previous post, using different words! .

We may wish to ocassionally point out rampant negativity and blatant misinformed conjecture when we read it though, just in case we want a balanced forum. My thoughts only.

It looks like people took my post as seriousness. If that’s actually a word. I guess my New Year’s resolution is to stop doing that.

Stephen_Spencer said:

Thanks Vernon (and FE) for repeating exactly what I said in my previous post, using different words! .

We may wish to ocassionally point out rampant negativity and blatant misinformed conjecture when we read it though, just in case we want a balanced forum. My thoughts only.

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Errr…
It was actually your post I woz replying to.
It was rather obvious to me that Voodoo was having a larf…
I was trying to avoid you getting drawn in.
Looks like I failed… again…
I’ll get me coat…

Fast Eddie said:

Errr…
It was actually your post I woz replying to.
It was rather obvious to me that Voodoo was having a larf…
I was trying to avoid you getting drawn in.
Looks like I failed… again…
I’ll get me coat…

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Oh, lets not be so hasty to discount what V2D2 has suggested here.
It's not so outrageous to suspect a dark motive to Norton suggesting that there were exactly 420 applicants.
We all know that the values of 419 and 421 are prime numbers, and therefore pure.
However 420 is not a prime, and clearly is hiding another ominous fact.
If you subtract 420 from 666, the sign of the devil, you are left with a special stepped series value 246.
Where each subsequent number in the series is 2 higher than the previous number.
Obviously, indicative or malevolent intent, and moreover, a complete fraud, and waste of time.

Now that's how you over think something.

Happy New Year to all.
Happy Pre-April Fools.

Factory Visit..... anagram of: A Victory Fist.

Subliminal messages indeed

EstuaryBoy said:

Factory Visit..... anagram of: A Victory Fist.

Subliminal messages indeed

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Ah ha!
Now it's all becoming quite clear, the true agenda.

TonyA said:

I hope they will have something new to report . What would be awesome is if they could supply 5 or 10 running bikes to ride and let them all have their turn after you sign the waiver paper of course. Like say HD did for the Rev Max platform . This would be very good for business in my opinion.

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I best put my lid and boots in the car ready then

Priceless and very well done Sir!

2160 ‘Negatron‘ posts and quickly whip out a fez to match yer cape and it’s Negatron does (very subtle) comedy - ”just like that”! Pure genius!!

You‘ve just been joking all of these years? Well now I feel really foolish !

I love this site - long may it continue

‘Optimus’

Afternote - Voodoo my friend, you keep removing posts which can throw others after it out of context - that’s just not cricket mate!

OH oh. Black hole time. I was just minding m business and got sucked in.
All I know is I have a old Commando and I do occasionally read the New Norton comments. Saw one in the flesh once and was seriously attracted. Didn't fall prey to the lovely face and comments seem to indicate the old bike is better than the new one.
So at this point I am interested in what some member of the list who gets to visit the factory has to report.
Other than that, what on earth has this thread been about? eeeeeek! run away!

Stephen_Spencer said:

Priceless and very well done Sir!

2160 ‘Negatron‘ posts and quickly whip out a fez to match yer cape and it’s Negatron does (very subtle) comedy - ”just like that”! Pure genius!!

You‘ve just been joking all of these years? Well now I feel really foolish !

I love this site - long may it continue

‘Optimus’

Afternote - Voodoo my friend, you keep removing posts which can throw others after it out of context - that’s just not cricket mate!

View attachment 102457

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I'm with you Stephen on all this negativity and sh

Stephen_Spencer said:

Priceless and very well done Sir!

2160 ‘Negatron‘ posts and quickly whip out a fez to match yer cape and it’s Negatron does (very subtle) comedy - ”just like that”! Pure genius!!

You‘ve just been joking all of these years? Well now I feel really foolish !

I love this site - long may it continue

‘Optimus’

Afternote - Voodoo my friend, you keep removing posts which can throw others after it out of context - that’s just not cricket mate!

View attachment 102457

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I'm with you Stephen I'm just here to learn about Nortons. The rest is just shittalk.

well, only 4 days to go. Any serious suggestions of questions you’d like some sort of answer to would be useful to those of us attending......( we will be having a factory tour in sub-groups, a general intro, and lunch ( Norton Estate wine anyone?). No mention yet of test rides, but I want to hear one of the new 961s running, at least!

jan nelder said:

well, only 4 days to go. Any serious suggestions of questions you’d like some sort of answer to would be useful to those of us attending......( we will be having a factory tour in sub-groups, a general intro, and lunch ( Norton Estate wine anyone?). No mention yet of test rides, but I want to hear one of the new 961s running, at least!

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Thanks for asking Jan. So from me..

• When can we expect some positive news about spares for the Donington bikes.
• If they are not going to support them, will they unlock access to their sub contractor suppliers so we can buy direct from them.
• How are they getting on setting up dealer networks at home and abroad, and which markets they will concentrate on?

If you are lucky enough to get a test ride or hear one running, obviously mechanical noise comparison is high on everyone's mind. Most reports also say the gear changes are slicker. I wonder if that improved pawl can be retrofitted to the older bikes. Obviuosly fit, finish and delivery times.

Hopefully it will be a very enjoyable day!

jan nelder said:

well, only 4 days to go. Any serious suggestions of questions you’d like some sort of answer to would be useful to those of us attending......( we will be having a factory tour in sub-groups, a general intro, and lunch ( Norton Estate wine anyone?). No mention yet of test rides, but I want to hear one of the new 961s running, at least!

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I would like to know if Norton plan on an alloy mag wheel option for the 961, as opposed to the BST, and standard laced wheels.

One more sleep to go , this time tomorrow I hope to update along with other guys/girls from the NOC to my access norton chums with positive reviews

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:

One more sleep to go , this time tomorrow I hope to update along with other guys/girls from the NOC to my access norton chums with positive reviewsView attachment 102839

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Do you have any questions or expectations?

Voodooo said:

Do you have any questions or expectations?

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Yes Voodoo, the “ elephant in the room “ question s that have been mentioned already, & yep expectations , open minded atm , I am expecting a good food spread as I’m doing a 400 mile round trip for the privilege , I’ve been to the factory b4 last July so I’m expecting it to be more kitted out & the factory being more vocal bout Norton today & its future, this pic is from the SG era , sign is made of wood painted black , so a business without a proper professional sign is a sign of no business,& we all know how that ended

BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:

Yes Voodoo, the “ elephant in the room “ question s that have been mentioned already, & yep expectations , open minded atm , I am expecting a good food spread as I’m doing a 400 mile round trip for the privilege , I’ve been to the factory b4 last July so I’m expecting it to be more kitted out & the factory being more vocal bout Norton today & its future, this pic is from the SG era , sign is made of wood painted black , so a business without a proper professional sign is a sign of no business,& we all know how that ended View attachment 102853

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Good luck. Hope the outcome is worthwhile.

well, fascinating visit. A good turnout from the Owners Club. Intro by the PR guy John Hogan, who is an experienced bike journalist and had ridden up from London that morning ( 120 miles in cold weather)
Key points:
1. there are 3/4 completely new models being developed ( no other info yet) on site ( hidden away).Typically takes 3/4 years to bring to production, but we don’t when they started this process.
2. Plans for a Norton ‘heritage’ race team this year. ( no other info given).
3. Plans for a heritage service dept. in the future. (no other details)
4. Plan
for a 961 spares scheme due to be announced in the next 4-6 weeks.
5. They are legally investigating whether the sale of 961 engine rights to Chinese can be nullified, since the sale was made at a point when the company was allegedly insolvent, which is not permitted.
6. Latest 961 they are making now: one was run and people could sit on it outside. Nice and quiet primary, as quiet as the best previous ones. The starter ring gear is tougher, they said. The steering lock is slightly increased. The rear hugger is now satin black plastic. All 961 bikes on site are black.
An improved side stand is being sorted at the moment for future production.
7. The single production line ( no room for more, I was told) has max capacity of 7000 per year. Mix of models easily done as it is hand assembly. ( so about 140 a day)
The 961 can be made compliant with US and Australian regs.
Currently about 3 months waiting list.
8. The engine assembly walled space in middle of unit: it has a ‘ dishwasher’ the size of a small room which cleans components before assembly. Also and 8x5 foot pressing facility for inserting bearings/ bushes etc into engine components.( no hammers!!) There were about 8 961 and two V four units in there. Also a sign saying no cardboard allowed ( dust). All motors are pressure tested within that area.
9. It has taken significantly longer to get to where they are now than was expected.
10 . Staff numbers: October 2022: 158. Xmas: 219. And 250 expected soon. This includes several top designers etc from other European bike brands already on staff.

Generally, it was emphasised that they are being deliberately cautious with announcements to help ensure they keep their word ( which I approve of, by the way).

That sounds really good Jan the heritage service dept an race team sound interesting. Same as everyone I'm hoping it really works out. Good to hear they are pressing the bearings and bushings in now!

If they get a single cylinder light Adv Norton out to market an its not stupidly priced and not full of tech I reckon they could steal a few sales from the other brands which will then lead onto riders my age an younger adding the more premium stuff in. The Himalayan i got yesterday has really surprised me so would be a good basis say with another 10hp or bump it to a 650 big four single for those that like to go quicker.

Anyone get any piccies? from the day

Thanks Jan, good detail - sounds like it was a great day out. Confirmation of a much quieter engine will please a lot of people. Plans for the spares scheme in the next month or so is also great news, as is 3 or 4 new models in the pipeline. Full steam ahead for Birmingham Norton it would seem, despite the delay in getting out of the station!

Long live Norton