The next new Norton...

I've only seen one other 955 Daytona in Western North America , not that it would matter much to me if I saw a few of them. I must be missing that ladies fashion gene :)
That other Daytona 955i was sitting at a Dealership about 10 years ago. I measured it up for the Egli build as the Daytona was the only Sportbike that was comfortable for me to sit on. That got me thinking I should look for a pristine used one as it might be a sportbike that an old guy could ride in reasonable comfort.
The GSXRs, R1s and Fireblades are made for small, flexible young people.

I like the look of the bike too. It might be the British design effect, but somehow they managed to build a fully faired sportbike that isn't all Transformers looking with the sharp pointy bits all the others go for.
The shapes are all nicely rounded. The earlier T595 had even a bit more curvature, but it's down about 30 bhp and up about 20 lbs on the 02-06 Daytona.
Quite a number of 955i Daytonas were sold in the UK.


I do see 961s now and then as there are a couple in the Washington Vintage club. Also, my friend Jim ( Bushman) has one.
Same with Thruxton Rs , I have convinced two friends to buy them so I see those now and then. Other than that I've not seen another, although they must be out there somewhere.
Now Vincent twins, those things are a dime a dozen. Nearly every ride out I see half a dozen of those. By that measure I need to get rid of the Vincent!

Glen
 
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worntorn said:
I've only seen one other 955 Daytona in Western North America , not that it would matter much to me if I saw a few of them. I must be missing that ladies fashion gene :)
That other Daytona 955i was sitting at a Dealership about 10 years ago. I measured it up for the Egli build as the Daytona was the only Sportbike that was comfortable for me to sit on. That got me thinking I should look for a pristine used one as it might be a sportbike that an old guy could ride in reasonable comfort.
The GSXRs, R1s and Fireblades are made for small, flexible young people.

I like the look of the bike too. It might be the British design effect, but somehow they managed to build a fully faired sportbike that isn't all Transformers looking with the sharp pointy bits all the others go for.
The shapes are all nicely rounded. The earlier T595 had even a bit more curvature, but it's down about 30 bhp and up about 20 lbs on the 02-06 Daytona.
Quite a number of 955i Daytonas were sold in the UK.


I do see 961s now and then as there are a couple in the Washington Vintage club. Also, my friend Jim ( Bushman) has one.
Same with Thruxton Rs , I have convinced two friends to buy them so I see those now and then. Other than that I've not seen another, although they must be out there somewhere.
Now Vincent twins, those things are a dime a dozen. Nearly every ride out I see half a dozen of those. By that measure I need to get rid of the Vincent!

Glen
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I’m hoping the Vincent comment is sarcasm.
 
Irony, I hope. I tend to see more Vincent twins closeup than any other model. There is a good sized group of us here in Vancouver. Next up would be original Norton Commandos, those are a favourite with my peer group.
I won't be selling either just because I see quite a few of them on rides. It's good to hang out with people who have that shared interest.
So for me that exclusivity need isn't there, or particularly desirable.

As far as the most common make rolling by, around here Harley wins that contest hands down. In talking with Harley owners, those bikes are very reliable .The Harley riders seem to really get out there and ride the machines. I have a lot of respect for that. If they ever build a light, nimble bike that isn't feet forward, I would be interested in owning one. None so far!

One of these days it would be nice to see another Daytona 955i out there. In the meantime full parts support is still there, which is the most important concern for any of these bikes. Same with the original Commandos and Vincents, full parts availability there.




Glen
 
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worntorn said:
Irony, I hope. I tend to see more Vincent twins closeup than any other model. There is a good sized group of us here in Vancouver. Next up would be original Norton Commandos, those are a favourite with my peer group.
I won't be selling either just because I see quite a few of them on rides. It's good to hang out with people who have that shared interest.
So for me that exclusivity need isn't there, or particularly desirable.

As far as the most common make rolling by, around here Harley wins that contest hands down. In talking with Harley owners, those bikes are very reliable .The Harley riders seem to really get out there and ride the machines. I have a lot of respect for that. If they ever build a light, nimble bike that isn't feet forward, I would be interested in owning one. None so far!

One of these days it would be nice to see another Daytona 955i out there. In the meantime full parts support is still there, which is the most important concern for any of these bikes. Same with the original Commandos and Vincents, full parts availability there.




Glen
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I agree with all you said.
 
Not sure how long this has been on their homepage...


The next new Norton...
 
How about a Platinum Jubilee Commando 961 to kick things off…..still believe that retro’s are where the money is. RE Interceptors outsold the ubiquitous GS in the UK recently.
A noisy clutch/primaries/ balancer shaft setup, poor tolerance/designed rocker and out of date ecu is not enough to kill what is still one of the most characterful, non-plastic transformer-like retros with decent suspension out there.
 
worntorn said:
As far as the most common make rolling by, around here Harley wins that contest hands down. In talking with Harley owners, those bikes are very reliable .The Harley riders seem to really get out there and ride the machines. I have a lot of respect for that. If they ever build a light, nimble bike that isn't feet forward, I would be interested in owning one. None so far!

Glen
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Must be some mix up somewhere.

 
Fredvincent said:
How about a Platinum Jubilee Commando 961 to kick things off…..still believe that retro’s are where the money is. RE Interceptors outsold the ubiquitous GS in the UK recently.
A noisy clutch/primaries/ balancer shaft setup, poor tolerance/designed rocker and out of date ecu is not enough to kill what is still one of the most characterful, non-plastic transformer-like retros with decent suspension out there.
Click to expand...
Do you have a 961?
How do you like it?
 
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worntorn said:
Thats not light and nimble!
600 lbs curb weight is a heavy cruiser or about 2 lightweight 920 Nortons.
Even my 1947 touring bike with rack, top box and large panniers is about 100 lbs lighter than the Harley.
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You forgot about the foot forward part lol, I remember well the days Harley meant nothing to me, i hope you don't miss (i'm assuming) at least checking it out.
 
Didn't forget, the requirements are "light and nimble and not feet forward".
Just moving the pegs back on a 600 pound bike doesn't make it fit the above requirement! In fact, not even close.

Glen
 
Voodooo said:
What does a 600+ pound pig / hog have to do with the next new Norton?
Nothing about any Harley is nimble, quick, or appealing when it comes to sporty or performance.
In fact, Harley should change their mascot from HOG to SLOTH.
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Why don't you ask the folks who talked about harley prior? I can't be bothered
 
worntorn said:
The Harley riders seem to really get out there and ride the machines. I have a lot of respect for that. If they ever build a light, nimble bike that isn't feet forward, I would be interested in owning one. None so far!

Glen
Click to expand...

They almost did, back in 2018 the streetfighter (unfortunate name) was supposed to be in the 2020 lineup, but was cancelled. I think it was a scream from Harley for young customers. Hope it makes it to the 2023 lineup.

The next new Norton...
 
XR1200 Specs :

Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.50 x 18 in.
Rear: Cast 5.50 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR18
Rear: 180/55-ZR17
Wet Weight: 580 lbs.
Load Capacity: 420 lbs.
GVWR: 1,000 lbs.

Harley-Davidson XR1200 dyno chart
PERFORMANCE
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gals., warning light on last 0.5 gals.
MPG: 91 octane required, (high/avg/low) 48/42.2/40.5
Estimated Range: 148 miles
Indicated rpm at 60 mph: 3,400
 
BritTwit said:
They almost did, back in 2018 the streetfighter (unfortunate name) was supposed to be in the 2020 lineup, but was cancelled. I think it was a scream from Harley for young customers. Hope it makes it to the 2023 lineup.

View attachment 83862
Click to expand...
Anyone know why they canned it?

It’s the engine (and I assume) frame from the adventure bike, it therefore wouldn’t have cost much to produce.
 
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