Norton in trouble?

We have to remember that today that with the internet and the proliferation of news reporting sites and blogs of all types, there is a rush to be the first to report breaking news. The need to be seen as the leading news reporting agency is a priority. Most of these blogs receive revenue from advertisers. The more hits on your site by internet traffic results in more advertising revenue for the site. Simply put, the more churn on their site translates to more income generated.

In this environment, rushing to be the first to report the “facts” has a real advantage.
Being accurate, not so much.
Fake news is an inevitability.

This is why they used to teach skepticism, and critical thinking skills in school.
It's need more today than ever before.
 
John,

I think many prospective Norton buyers are bothered by the lack of a US distributor, and the few dealers available.
The less than glowing reports of 961 problems, and owners issues probably contributed to the early US dealers dropping their dealerships.
My dealer packed it in because he was loosing money with the 961.

However, I believe the new V4 and 650 twins will be very different animals.
New sheet of paper designs, created with the assistance of established engineering/design groups will mean that Norton is determined not to repeat the kind of errors they made with the 961.
If these machines are as good as I expect, once they get certified here in the US, dealerships will spring up soon enough.

I would think that Norton should have the dealerships up and running so that customers can go down, look and buy their bikes right then and not wait till Norton gets it's dealer network up and running. We read all these glowing reports and want to look and get a test drive and then have to wait for months or maybe a year if not longer. Who wants to do that? Just saying.
John in Texas
 
I would think that Norton should have the dealerships up and running so that customers can go down, look and buy their bikes right then and not wait till Norton gets it's dealer network up and running.

The early 961 experience left a bad taste in the mouths of many US dealers who left the brand.
What I'm saying is that it will take new product in the Norton inventory to get US dealers to sign on again.
Product that has a far better reputation than the one that the 961 acquired.

To achieve this, Norton's new models will have to change the perceptions of dealers and customers alike.
Once dealers hear good things about the V4 and 650 twins, they will know that they can make money selling and servicing Nortons again.
Then you will have a dealer close to you.
But this is not going to happen tomorrow.
The dealer nearest to me is now 1,100 miles away.

Today, only US dealers who personally like the quirky, uniqueness of the 961 remain.
 
If there are no American dealers, where is the V4 going to sell, the carbon one looks good but that chrome thing is a classless abortion that only rappers and pimps would buy. the Atlas looks like a Hipster has designed it and their bikes look like they do because they don't have any money, so I don't see a market for that either.

The 961 street looks good but why only 50?
 
If there are no American dealers, where is the V4 going to sell, the carbon one looks good but that chrome thing is a classless abortion that only rappers and pimps would buy. the Atlas looks like a Hipster has designed it and their bikes look like they do because they don't have any money, so I don't see a market for that either.

The 961 street looks good but why only 50?
So basically what you’re saying is Norton design team sucks and they are broke.
And us Americans have no taste?
Not to mention you’re also saying only America has pimps, rappers, and hipsters.

Oh! and Norton didn’t design the 961 street.

I’d love to get my hands on a V4 carbon or polished aluminum. You need to stop calling it “chrome” chrome is a plating process.

The Atlas is a nice bike. I prefer the Nomad.

But what do I know? I’m an American with no taste!
I love steak, cold drinks and beautiful woman.
 
the carbon one looks good but that chrome thing is a classless abortion that only rappers and pimps would buy

Err, I don’t think you’re supposed to say that (but I agree with you whole heartedly)!

Don’t agree about the Atlas though, at least the Ranger version, I think that’s a nice looking bike.
 
Last edited:
But what do I know? I’m an American with no taste!
I love steak, cold drinks and beautiful woman.

It’s not your fault Voodoo, and we do try and make allowences.

Cold drinks are fine if you’re talking Coke, Sprite, water etc... but you chaps over there really must learn to drink proper beer at the proper temperature one day...
 
And when you’ve mastered proper beer, your bar tenders REALLY need to learn how to make a decent G&T, I mean, come one, that’s just uncivilised..
 
It’s not your fault Voodoo, and we do try and make allowences.

Cold drinks are fine if you’re talking Coke, Sprite, water etc... but you chaps over there really must learn to drink proper beer at the proper temperature one day...
All I drink is water or Arnold Palmers.
The pop and beer is all yours.
I don’t drink, but the thought of a warm beer seems like piss to me.
 
What exactly happened to this discussion? Went from the possibilities of problems with or at Norton to attacking peoples choice in adult beverages!

Looking at pictures of the new Norton motorcycles I will be honest in that I don't like them. I would prefer a bike that is comfortable to ride 2 up long distance not just down to the local bar by myself. A model with a comfortable saddle and an option for bags / panniers would be nice, just saying what would get me interested. That and a local dealer.
John in Texas
 
The new bikes are fine.
I would have preferred different model names but, hey I'm not running the company.

Norton still has a way to go before they achieve their destiny.
SG has to bring the Nemesis to life.
Resurrect the vision of Al Melling in the form of his fuel injected V8 1500cc monster motorcycle from the 1990’s, with current engineering, and styling.

With 220-230HP, monocoque chassis with active suspension, and lots of magnesium bits to save weight, it would make the Hayabusa appear anemic.
The very definition of wretched excess.

There’s even enough room between the cylinder banks for a supercharger.
Anyone else ready for the first 350HP street legal motorcycle?

 
Norton in trouble?
IF ONLY
 
What exactly happened to this discussion? Went from the possibilities of problems with or at Norton to attacking peoples choice in adult beverages!

Looking at pictures of the new Norton motorcycles I will be honest in that I don't like them. I would prefer a bike that is comfortable to ride 2 up long distance not just down to the local bar by myself. A model with a comfortable saddle and an option for bags / panniers would be nice, just saying what would get me interested. That and a local dealer.
John in Texas
Well for one, Norton isn’t in trouble!
Second, if you don’t like the Atlas choices, dont buy one.
I’ll tell you this...if you want a comfortable saddle or long distance cruiser a Dominator isn’t your choice!
And if you want a 2 up comfortable cruiser a commando isn’t your choice either.
Best you look at other brands.
 
We saw the Nemesis when we were at the museum in England. I get a bigger smile when I see the rotaries , and these bikes were actually manufactured in some numbers and won races. The Nemesis should stay in the museum/history books . When the Atlas finally gets to the dealer and tested by the media I can get closer to my decision. If you look at the seat , footpegs , handlebar relationship , there is a lot going for it. As far as making it a nice little tourer I mean . The footpegs look like they give good leg room and the seats can be re-made if need be. Givi make good bolt on wind screens. The side bags are a different story with the mono shock setup. If it were twin shock like the commando easier to find frames to fit it. Hopefully Norton will step in and have some accessories made for it. Also a optional center stand will be a good idea especially for chain maintenance and tire repair on the road .

What may be the equivalent of the Nemesis is currently being made : Its called the V4RR . Step right up folks , put down a deposit !
 
Last edited:
All I drink is water or Arnold Palmers.
The pop and beer is all yours.
I don’t drink, but the thought of a warm beer seems like piss to me.
You guys are killin' me. I haven't had such a good laugh in quite awhile! Voodoo and Fast Eddie need to take their act on the road. I'm thinking straight to the Strip in Vegas..sort of a modern day Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy for the aging motorcycle crowd.
 
Back
Top