Solihull is back in business?

Reminds me of Hewlett Parkard's takeover of Autonomy, bought Autonomy for $11Bn, in an effort to cast off its drab image, 12 months later wrote off $8.8Bn once they realised they had been duped. HP's own fault as due diligence would have shown the dubious practises Autonomy was using which were common in the software industry. Not blatant rip off like Garner but just the right side of accountancy in the UK but all faltering to the published accounts, a 2 week comprehensive audit would have flushed the practises out. TVS wanted a big name for their foray into the large bike sector and will now have to pay out all over again.
 
I gotta say, as a person who bought a 961, and as a person (sucker?) who still has an order in for a SL and / or has an interest in the possibility of a naked V4… I am beginning to seriously doubt if I’d buy another bike from these folks.

It’s not ‘sulking’ I just feel that despite all their meaningless statements and BS, their actions in terms of looking out for customers seems to be about as bad as it could reasonably be.

Just how difficult would it be to get a parts dept up and running? Answer, in case you’re wondering, it’s f*cking easy!!

Seriously, if they can’t do it or won’t do it, then at least allow and support someone else to.

I cannot believe I’m thinking like this, let alone about to say it out loud, but as already mentioned by others, I’ve started thinking that although SG went off the rails. at least he had a vision, at least he tried, at least he put bikes in customers hands…
 
Fast Eddie said:
I’ve started thinking that although SG went off the rails. at least he had a vision, at least he tried, at least he put bikes in customers hands…
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As bad as TVS seem, they could never undertake criminal endeavours to keep themselves afloat or steal the initial investment. Garner deserves to have the key thrown away. TVS will either finally do something or sell Norton on at a huge loss, hopefully to someone who would do a better job.

They have only so long left to get it right, then if nothing is being made they best dispose of the remains.
 
If thats the final styling of the new V4...then I'm quite surprised. Surprised they didnt update it, and separate it from its past. 2016 was when the first mock up of that was shown to the public at the NEC....thats half a decade ago. Things have moved on since curves.
 
Stu Bodycote said:
If thats the final styling of the new V4...then I'm quite surprised. Surprised they didnt update it, and separate it from its past. 2016 was when the first mock up of that was shown to the public at the NEC....thats half a decade ago. Things have moved on since curves.
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It least it doesn’t have ‘wings’. I like it. However, that’s probably just my age showing through!

Norton have a stand at the NMM Open Days this coming weekend. Wonder if they’ll have one there to show off? I trust Vernon will pop around to check it out for us.
 
Vernon240 said:
looks like a web site update:

www.nortonmotorcycles.com

Norton Motorcycles | Iconic British Motorcycle Manufacturer

Explore Norton Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer. Discover our range of high-performance motorbikes blending classic design and modern technology.
www.nortonmotorcycles.com www.nortonmotorcycles.com

Video is not exactly informative!
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Vernon,
Norton have a stand at the NMM Open Days this coming weekend. would you pop across the road and check them out for us?
 
What a piss take, 961 owners can't get spares, but the museum has one of the last special batch as a prize.
Two days ago they didn't have a plan but show a bike on the website. If someone is in charge of that shambles at Solihull they need sacking. We don't want pretty pictures, we want dates or is that to much to ask for.
As for the history, they could have done better reading Wikipedia.
 
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185 BHP is interesting when the previous one was claimed at over 200. Hopefully that’s a sign of a little common sense kicking in, de-tuning for practicality and reliability?
 
Fast Eddie said:
185 BHP is interesting when the previous one was claimed at over 200. Hopefully that’s a sign of a little common sense kicking in, de-tuning for practicality and reliability?
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Well, an SG claimed 200HP anyway.
185HP seems reasonable.
Now, a hooligan version please.
The video seems to suggest that the bike should be ridden on roads at illegal speeds, no?
Alert, PC police on the way.
 
BritTwit said:
Well, an SG claimed 200HP anyway.
185HP seems reasonable.
Now, a hooligan version please.
The video seems to suggest that the bike should be ridden on roads at illegal speeds, no?
Alert, PC police on the way.
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Indeed. We need the 1200cc naked version, that must be called the ‘Combat’. That’ll do nicely !
 
That re-engineered bike looks very nice, I assume the website will keep getting updated over the coming days. However, although not their legal obligation, I think they would be shooting themselves in their foot big time if they don't support the modern era Nortons with spares. Well put it this way, I wouldn't buy a new Norton if they didn't.
 
Welshrugby said:
That re-engineered bike looks very nice, I assume the website will keep getting updated over the coming days. However, although not their legal obligation, I think they would be shooting themselves in their foot big time if they don't support the modern era Nortons with spares. Well put it this way, I wouldn't buy a new Norton if they didn't.
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Considering most other manufacturers don't support their products beyond 5 years, I really don't see them supporting the 961 now or in the future. They could at least help others to enable spares to sourced or alternatives found.
 
Madnorton said:
Considering most other manufacturers don't support their products beyond 5 years, I really don't see them supporting the 961 now or in the future. They could at least help others to enable spares to sourced or alternatives found.
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But they are making the 961 now with this ‘final 40’ batch. Even that insinuates the ‘final batch’ of an ongoing run. So the 5 years you mention only starts from the day they make number 40, as I see it at least.

Thats why I was so surprised they did this. For the sake of a relatively tiny, basically insignificant amount of revenue, they’ve thrown away the chance to disassociate themselves from the 961 and all its troubles !

I’d have walked away completely, allowed the after market sector to cater for spares, and moved forward from a ‘clean slate’. Either that OR fix the thing properly and produce some decent volumes.

For me, irrespective of the engineering issues and marketing hype BS, THE biggest issue is that TVS have shown their absolute willingness to disrespect customers and mess them around big style.

Thats what will stop me buying from them more than anything else, because buying a bike from them today, however flashy and expensive, seems to give little or no confidence you’ll get support tomorrow.
 
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