Sad Silver CR owner checking in from Texas

Joined
Oct 14, 2014
Messages
21
Hello all . I've lurked around here off and on for a year or more. I'm on tonight looking for hope I guess. It appears my bike is one plagued with little problems, some big, some common to new motorcycles and so on. These problems would be normal enough if Norton cared at all for their US customers but apparently they do not. I really loved this bike. I waited three years after deposit to get it only to turn it over to the dealer for warranty work back in September 2015 with roughly 1000 miles after a long sit over winter. I haven't seen it since. I'm not the only one with these troubles and I'm pretty sure the others have been on this site. I don't make the "Norton doesn't care" statement litely but I have no other proof otherwise.I really didn't think it was possible for such disregard and trouble from a manufacturer. Normally all signs would point to such a company going under but it seems it's the opposite. If the factory supported the dealers it wouldn't be a problem. Sadly if I get get my bike back it will be for sale. Things have changed in my life and I won't be able to afford the bike and pay for the problems and tweaks that I'm sure will remain or arise nor would I want to, I'm just fed up. Almost half my warranty period will be used up sitting at a dealer. I'd love to keep it but it's just not practical with Nortons problems and changes in my life. I really wish it was different but I think it's time to pass it on after I know the issues are fixed.
Besides the sob story, is there any idea of how many bikes are in the US now? And, is the build number in the last for digits of the VIN or is that only relavint to SE models? I couldn't find anything on search.
 
I feel for you. Mine has been with the dealer since early April. Starter motor bolt snapped and jammed gear shifter. No idea when the dealer will get parts. Don't know where in the supply chain the problem lies but it been into the dealer with other problems.
Good news the Thruxton R is fantastic. Mine is also going up for sale when it comes back, cutting my loses.
Skiddy
 
They are making strides lately in customer service. I had to bitch and moan quite a lot, but am finally receiving attention. Believe me, buddy. I feel your pain, but maybe you can hang in there just a little longer.
 
Hello Foster 961

Very sorry to hear you are having difficulties, please can you PM me your details (name, bike, VIN, dealer etc) with a description of what is actually the problem so that we can look into this as a matter of urgency.

Alternatively feel free to email stephen.green@nortonmotorcycles.com who is our man looking after Warranty and Parts.

Believe me when I say that we at Norton do care about our customers and are doing our up most to look after each and everyone as best as we can, a point I think some on the forum have witnessed first hand. Unfortunately we can't help anyone that doesn't let us know they are having a problem. As I have said before your first point of contact is the dealer, however you also have the options above if you feel you need to progress the matter further.

I look forward to your contact.

Kind Regards

Simon
 
Rust on swing arm(blistering paint/powder coat)*repaired
Same on chassis
Broken o ring in chain (no big deal) *repaired
Tank warped and blistered paint *repaired for now
Sticky throttle
Idle was inconsistent and would not maintain *suposedly repaired
Sudden revving *supposedly repaired
Very hard start like a poorly tuned carbureted bike in the winter(very embarrassing)*supposedly repaired
Uses oil,not as bad as others so I was giving that a chance due to break in but I know it probably won't get better
Broken tab on exhaust (cat)*part no longer exists due to new manufacturing,no estimate of time frame
I noticed oil creeping from the engine case so I'm worried about that in the future but when I took it in for the creeping oil it was similar to my Buell so it didn't care me to bad as the Buell never got worse than the damp markings.

That's the short list as I remember it. Thanks for the encouragement that Norton is getting better. I have noticed that over the last 4-5 months. There is actually communication between Norton and the dealer now. That is a large improvement because they use to dodge everyone. It was like the company didn't exist. So, it gives me hope that there are improvements. Because of this post Norton has reached out so I'm grateful for that and I'll be communicating with them. I'll see how they can make it rite. I was asked about the dealer but I'd like to keep that off the public forum if you guys don't mind. They have their faults but their hands have been tied as far as I know. I thought about this a lot and I don't want to get in emotionally charged rant about the situation like some have and I DO NOT blame the ones that have done that,believe me I've considered it. I'm just trying to state the facts of my situation, hopefully get some help from you guys and maybe just a good pat on the back sort of speek. It's all happened already so I thank you guys For the private messages and advice. Thanks also to Norton for reaching out.
 
Simon. I'm glad you put Stephen Green's name on the forum. I did that PM, but Stephen was and is instrumental in getting my bike fixed in a timely matter through excellent communication between Norton, the dealership and myself. I still have a few niggles being currently worked out, but thanks to Stephen, they are just that.....being worked out. There you go, Mr. Foster. Have at it and all the best.
 
I communicate frequently with Steve Green to ensure tie-out between myself and Southbay Norton since Dallas does not have a dealer any longer. Sometimes there's disconnects, so group communication is essential. I would suppose after we get the other outstanding warranty items sorted, the bike will be a consistent performer and I'll be able to ride it regularly. Right now, my 961 is down awaiting a new rear hub and wheel assembly. It was headed to INOA in California in July, but now that's off the table.

If foster961's bike is in the Dallas area, I've seen this bike at the dealer as late as two weeks ago. I was rather shocked to learn how long it has been sitting there when I asked someone familiar with the owner.
 
I would think that as a public relations move to improve Norton's credibility and product backing, they would calculate 961 owner's warranties based on TIME IN OWNER'S POSSESSION, up to wherever they may seem to have generally reliable bikes without the new model teething issues. A second move would be to extend the full warranty period to any second owners (if not already so).

Yes, it will cost them. But as it stands, NOT doing so is costing them plenty.
 
grandpaul said:
I would think that as a public relations move to improve Norton's credibility and product backing, they would calculate 961 owner's warranties based on TIME IN OWNER'S POSSESSION, up to wherever they may seem to have generally reliable bikes without the new model teething issues. A second move would be to extend the full warranty period to any second owners (if not already so).

Yes, it will cost them. But as it stands, NOT doing so is costing them plenty.

I agree with extending the warranty for any bike that is down for an extended period of time for a warranty issue. Risk is low and reward is high for Norton and their brand.
 
Norton961 said:
I communicate frequently with Steve Green to ensure tie-out between myself and Southbay Norton since Dallas does not have a dealer any longer. Sometimes there's disconnects, so group communication is essential. I would suppose after we get the other outstanding warranty items sorted, the bike will be a consistent performer and I'll be able to ride it regularly. Right now, my 961 is down awaiting a new rear hub and wheel assembly. It was headed to INOA in California in July, but now that's off the table.

If foster961's bike is in the Dallas area, I've seen this bike at the dealer as late as two weeks ago. I was rather shocked to learn how long it has been sitting there when I asked someone familiar with the owner.

I too have seen this bike in question. It's very unfortunate that it has come to this point with a dealer and manufacturer. As few as there are Norton dealers in the US, there has to be better relationship between the two for the benefit of loyal customers. Norton owners are savvy yet loyal customers. We realize there are other manufacturers who will bend over backwards to support their dealers who in turn provide seemless support to their customers in times of trouble. It may be that because we didn't have a US rep before. Hopefully things will change...
 
Back
Top